SMOOTH ROCK FALLS – The Ontario government is providing $779,238 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Town of Smooth Rock Falls for four community enhancement projects. This investment will support critical infrastructure upgrades and improve quality of life for northerners.

“Our government is committed to advancing community development here in Smooth Rock Falls and throughout Northern Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We are keeping the North competitive and current, and creating real opportunities for the people who live here.”

The Town of Smooth Rock Falls is receiving NOHFC funding for the following projects:

• $294,731 to revamp the Smooth Rock Falls Community Hall, which includes upgrading the washrooms and replacing the roof and two HVAC units
• $201,394 to renovate the Reg Lamy Cultural Centre, which includes upgrading flooring, installing a dehumidifier and replacing the boiler and a radiant heater
• $194,296 to update the Smooth Rock Falls Municipal Pool, which includes replacing the pool liner and upgrading the changerooms
• $88,817 to refurbish the historic Mattagami Railroad Company steam locomotive attraction, which includes painting and patching, track repairs and the installation of lighting and a wrought-iron fence.

“The Town of Smooth Rock Falls is very grateful for the financial support received from the Ontario government through the NOHFC,” said Patrick Roberts, Mayor of Smooth Rock Falls. “We look forward to finishing the projects in the upcoming year.”

“The Ontario government’s financial support has been key to the successful completion of municipal projects,” said Shannon Michaud, Economic Development Officer, Town of Smooth Rock Falls. “We are forever thankful for the ongoing support throughout the years.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $575 million in 4,835 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.86 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,770 jobs.

Quick Fact

• In 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson – Minister’s Office – 416-450-1309 – Erika.Robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk – Communications Branch – mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca