FORT FRANCES – The Ontario government is providing more than $890,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to five economic development projects in the Rainy River District. This investment will improve municipal and recreational infrastructure, expand company operations, and create employment in Northwestern Ontario.

“Our government understands the unique needs in the Northwest, and we are proud to support partners in Rainy River,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “The projects we are recognizing today promote tourism, economic and community development opportunities, and improves quality of life in Indigenous and northern communities.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $500,000 for Rainy River First Nations to renovate and modernize the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung (Manitou Mounds) Visitors Centre
• $263,091 for Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing First Nation to build a boat and recreational equipment storage rental facility
• $83,639 for Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship Inc. to purchase a new portable stage
• $28,051 for Manitou Weather Station – a fishing and hunting lodge – to winterize its facilities and purchase equipment
• $15,610 for Emo Feed Service to purchase a flatbed delivery truck.

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 $646 million in 5,633 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 8,930 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

“Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung would like to say Chi Miigwech for the generosity and support of the NOHFC. With NOHFC funding, we are able to complete massive renovations to our visitors centre, safeguarding a space of historical importance to the Treaty 3 community and enhancing the education and knowledge experience for generations to come.” – Jessie Richard, Manager, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung

“Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing First Nation, as well as the community of Morson and local tourism industry, certainly appreciated NOHFC assistance in funding the marine storage rental facility. Because of NOHFC assistance, this project became a reality. Thank you.” – John Amundsen, Economic Development Officer, Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing First Nation

“Representatives of the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship send their heartfelt appreciation to the NOHFC for their continued support of this exciting community event. Without such assistance, the purchase of a new stage would not have been possible.”

– Jeannette Cawston, Board of Directors, Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship

“On behalf of the staff and ownership of Manitou Weather Station, we are thankful for the ongoing partnership we have with the province through the NOHFC. With our application approved, we were able to keep our key staff employed during the COVID-19 pandemic and come out the other side with the need for more full-time, part-time and student staff.” – Duane Cridland, Owner, Manitou Weather Station

“With the contribution from the NOHFC, we were able to expand our business through the COVID-19 pandemic, which helped us to continue servicing our clients through this unprecedented time. We are glad to see the Ontario government investing in the Rainy River District and the agriculture sector.” – John Sawatzky, Owner, Emo Feed Service

Media Contacts

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

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