RED ROCK – The Ontario government is providing more than $152,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to three economic development projects in Red Rock. This investment will support community growth, improve municipal infrastructure, and foster career development in the Northwest.

“These supportive investments to Superior Country and the Township of Red Rock will help bolster existing processes and facilities,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development, Greg Rickford. “It will also stimulate tourism and aid in sustainability to the region for years to come.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $87,702 for the Township of Red Rock to upgrade the ice plant in the Red Rock Recreation Centre to ensure a safe and efficient arena ice-surfacing system

• $35,000 for Superior Country – a destination marketing organization that promotes the North of Superior region as a tourism destination – to hire a Marketing Coordinator Intern

• $29,541 for the Township of Red Rock to develop a 10-year Community Strategic Plan and Community Profile, which will serve as the guiding document regarding priority initiatives and provide information for investors, developers and industry.

“Through targeted NOHFC investments, our government is helping ensure the North remains competitive, innovative and current, and that northerners have just as many opportunities as anywhere else in Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Today’s funding is making that happen, while creating good jobs and bringing investment to the people and communities of Northern Ontario.”

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 $717 million in 5,875 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,260 jobs.

Quick Fact

• 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.

• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

• The NOHFC’s People and Talent Program supports a wide variety of internships, including skilled trades, and addresses the unique needs of other in-demand jobs.

Quotes

“Superior Country would like to thank the Ontario government for providing funding for our Marketing Coordinator Intern position. Superior Country has over 190 members, which include businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits in the North of Superior region. We work to promote the region as a world-class tourism destination. We are a small but devoted team, who have welcomed the support for this new position in our organization.” – Dan Bevilacqua, Executive Director, Superior Country

“The Township of Red Rock would like to thank the Province of Ontario for assisting with funding for much needed upgrades to the Red Rock Recreation Centre ice plant. During 2022, the Township had to close the facility due to safety concerns. Upgrades will include the replacement of valves and sections of piping for the coolant delivery system to ensure the safe operation of the ice plant and provide ice for the arena. Work has begun and the Township is looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors back into the arena in the near future.” – Darquise Robinson, Mayor, Township of Red Rock

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office

437-240-7317

curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch

mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca