SAULT STE. MARIE – The Ontario government is providing $162,750 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to Sault Lock Tours in Sault Ste. Marie. This investment is helping establish a new company, create employment and boost tourism in Northeastern Ontario.

“This investment of $162,750 in the purchase of the Miss Marie boat by Sault Lock Tours leverages a total of investment of $425,000,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie. “I am excited for the re-launch of our boat tour. I am proud to see our government making investments in the local tourism sector.”

Sault Lock Tours received $162,750 to purchase the Miss Marie – a 100-passenger vessel – and establish a tour boat business. The company offers both a morning and afternoon hour-and-a-half cruise on the waters of Lake Superior and the St Mary’s River. The boat can also be chartered in the evenings for private events, such as weddings and corporate meetings.

“On behalf of the crew aboard the Miss Marie, Sault Lock Tours Inc. appreciates the generous support from the NOHFC. The Miss Marie’s three full-time and 18 part-time crew provide waterside tours, including lockage through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site,” said Sheila Purvis, Owner, Sault Lock Tours Inc. “We are pleased with the response from locals and tourists, as the vessel is a welcome addition to Sault Ste. Marie’s waterfront.”

“Our government is proud to support job creation and expand opportunities for locals and tourists alike to enjoy Sault Ste. Marie’s beautiful waterfront,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “This NOHFC investment directly contributes to the sustainability, prosperity and growth of the North’s tourism industry, ensuring the region remains an attractive place to live, work, play and do business.”

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 $685 million in 5,656 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,000 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 Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — erika.robson@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca