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NEWS |
July 28, 2023 |
NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing $30,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for two annual music and culture festivals in Northeastern Ontario. This investment will help showcase northern talent, boost local tourism and raise the profile of the music industry in Northern Ontario.
“By investing in festivals and events, our government is increasing our community profile and promoting economic development in Nipissing,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Mattawa Voyageur Days and the Capitol Centre’s Bluesfest are annual events that many people travel to our region to experience, and we are looking forward to some excellent shows.”
The North Bay Theatre and Community Arts Centre is receiving $15,000 in NOHFC funding to support the Capitol Centre Bluesfest 2023, an annual festival centered around the blues music genre that focuses on local and regional musicians and artists. Bluesfest encourages community building and is offered at an accessible price point, with free events available throughout the week.
The Town of Mattawa is receiving $15,000 in NOHFC funding to support the 2023 Mattawa Voyageur Days Festival. The annual festival features performances by Canadian musicians, along with family friendly activities, artisans and street buskers. New additions to the festival this year include a rock climbing wall, midway rides, a kids fun zone and lazer tag in the local arena. The festival will end with a large display of fireworks at Explorer’s Point.
“With funding from the province, the Town is able to add new and exciting activities for families, such as midway rides and diverse entertainment, to ensure that the festival is growing each year and is inclusive for all,” said Raymond Belanger, Mayor of the Town of Mattawa. “The planning committee has been hard at work to make this festival a great time for everyone and we look forward to seeing familiar and new faces there this weekend!”
“With investments like the ones we are celebrating today, we are putting a spotlight on Northern Ontario’s vibrant music and culture industries,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Our government is committed to strengthening these important sectors in support of our northern economy.”
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 Facts
- 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.
- The NOHFC’s Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and TV series.
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.
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Media Contacts |
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Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office
437-240-7317
Media Desk, Communications Branch
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Disponible en français |
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