KENORA – The Ontario government is providing more than $1.3 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for two economic development projects in Kenora. This investment will help revamp a golf course and establish an aggregate screening business.

“Through the NOHFC, our government is investing in projects that make a real difference for businesses and communities in the Northwest,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “We are proud to support business expansions and community economic development opportunities that keep Northern Ontario competitive and current.”

D. Lafreniere Developments Ltd. is receiving $842,375 in NOHFC funding to establish Lake of the Woods Sand and Stone, an aggregate screening facility on Highway 17, near Kenora. Funding will be used to build the facility on a 173-acre lot and purchase equipment.

Aggregate screening is the process of separating crushed material into different products. D. Lafreniere Developments Ltd. will haul rough aggregate from a sand and gravel pit it owns in Vermillion Bay to its new Kenora facility for screening into a variety of products that are not currently available in the Kenora area. The materials will be used for a number of purposes, including road construction and landscaping.

“With the grant money provided by the NOHFC, we have been able to expand our equipment base as well as hire five full-time employees,” said Doug Lafreniere, Owner and Operator, D. Lafreniere Developments Ltd. “This aggregate screening operation will increase the ability of the construction industry to source materials locally. We thank the NOHFC for their support in this project and plan on serving Kenora and area for many years to come.”

The Kenora Golf & Country Club, a not-for-profit 18-hole golf course, is receiving $499,221 in NOHFC funding to renovate and upgrade the clubhouse, fairways and driving range. Funding will be used to install an automatic irrigation system, lay asphalt on paths and parking areas, and replace and extend the clubhouse deck.

Celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year, the Kenora Golf & Country Club is open to all ages and members of the public and offers a variety of programing for beginners to experts. The club also serves as a venue for weddings and other events, helping support its growth and long-term sustainability.

“The Kenora Golf & Country Club is excited to announce extensive upgrades that not only enhance the overall golf experience but also the social experience for weddings, business gatherings and meetings,” said Jamie Minor, President, Kenora Golf & Country Club. “The project is primarily funded by the NOHFC and will be a great benefit to membership, City of Kenora residents and visitors alike.”

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 $639 million in 5,265 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,420 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.

Media Contacts

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

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