TERRACE BAY – The Ontario government is providing more than $3.7 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to seven economic development projects in the Thunder Bay-Superior North region. This investment will improve municipal and recreational infrastructure, expand business operations, and create employment in Northwestern Ontario.

“These substantial investments through NOHFC will not only support businesses in the Northwest, and acquire assets needed, it will also improve the quality and sustainability of local service offerings,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development. “We are committed to supporting the efforts of local businesses and promoting growth in Northwestern Ontario.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $1,737,330 for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (formerly known as Pic River First Nation) to build an all-season outdoor covered rink for sports and cultural events
• $1,509,200 for Biigtigong Nishnaabeg to expand the existing community centre to include the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Lifestyle Centre – a physical fitness, mental health and cultural events facility
• $198,000 for the Local Services Board of Rossport to renovate and modernize the Rossport Community Hall
• $115,016 for Aguasabon Golf Club Terrace Bay – a not-for-profit nine-hole golf course – to replace its irrigation system
• $109,183 for Stop Along The Way to establish a tent, trailer and recreational vehicle campground in Schreiber
• $45,330 for the Marathon Rod and Gun Club – an organization that promotes outdoor conservation, hunting and angling activities – to refurbish its log clubhouse
• $11,178 for the Nakina Heritage Corporation – a not-for-profit that promotes social, economic, cultural and historical development in Nakina and the surrounding area – to replace the roof of its building.

“By funding important infrastructure projects, our government is building strong, resilient and prosperous communities across the Northwest,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We are also boosting economic growth and attracting more investment to the region by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.”

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.

Quotes

“The NOHFC grant Rossport received last year enabled us to conduct a much-needed renovation of our community hall. Improvements included insulation, siding, new windows, an expanded electrical capacity, and two redesigned washrooms. The result is a modernized public building which is both more efficient and more accessible. Without this grant, such work is impossible for the community to do on its own.” – Rob Stewart, Chair, Local Services Board of Rossport

“The NOHFC funding allowed the Marathon Rod and Gun Club to restore their historic lodge to a level where the club could once again host community events for the surrounding area’s population. The newly rehabilitated lodge, which was out of commission just five years ago, is now ready and regularly used by the membership. The lodge will serve the community of Marathon for many years to come.” – Colin Reid, President, Marathon Rod and Gun Club

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for its support of the Nakina Heritage Corporation’s ‘Our House’ roof project. Our House is our local museum that provides an opportunity for past and present residents to gather and share the rich history of our community with visitors. Without NOHFC’s support, projects such as ours would not be possible. It has allowed us to protect our heritage, culture, and history.” – Brian Downey, President, Nakina Heritage Corporation

Media Contacts

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

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