TIMMINS – The Ontario government is providing $330,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the South Porcupine Arena Association for upgrades to the Carlo Cattarello Arena. This investment in community infrastructure will increase recreational opportunities and improve physical activity and quality of life in Northeastern Ontario.

 

“Thanks to our government’s $330,000 NOHFC investment, we are upgrading the Carlo Cattarello Arena in South Porcupine. This arena is close to the hearts of so many people in our community and is the place most of us learned how to skate or play hockey,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “I also want to thank mining companies in the region for partnering to make this project possible. Together, we are ensuring the community stays active and can spend quality time together doing the things we love in a safe and reliable venue for years to come.”

 

The South Porcupine Arena Association will use NOHFC funding to replace the arena’s refrigeration equipment, including two compressors, one condenser and two dehumidifiers, and renovate the locker rooms and washrooms in the facility’s basement. The project will ensure continued availability of popular hockey and ice programming in the City of Timmins, lower the risk of facility failure, reduce maintenance costs, increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and extend the life of the arena.

 

“We are thankful to the NOHFC for their funding support towards the Carlo Cattarello Arena that will help us with upgrades to our facility,” said Burt St. Amour, Manager, Carlo Cattarello Arena. “The arena holds a special place in the hearts of our community, and the impact will be felt for years to come.”

 

“Our government is focused on investing in communities and creating recreational facilities that promote wellness in the Northeast,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Through targeted investments through the NOHFC, we are helping communities like Timmins improve their facilities and enhance quality of life for northerners.”

 

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 $762 million in 6,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,750 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.

 

 

Media Contacts

 

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office 437-240-7317 curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

 

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