IROQUOIS FALLS – The Ontario government is providing more than $6.5 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to 25 economic development projects in the Timiskaming-Cochrane region. This investment will improve municipal infrastructure, promote tourism and recreation, expand company operations and create jobs in Northeastern Ontario.

“Today’s announcement reflects the tangible impacts that our modernized NOHFC programming has on businesses and community organizations, as well as the local offerings in the Timiskaming-Cochrane region,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Since June 2018, our government has proudly invested in over 500 NOHFC projects for this region alone, creating pathways for northern and First Nation communities to strengthen economic development and improve recreational infrastructure for all ages.”

Projects receiving NOHFC funding include:

• $2 million for Taykwa Tagamou Nation to renovate the common and cultural space of the former Wade Lake Junior Ranger Camp to create an all-season facility that provides post-detox mental health and addictions programming to Indigenous individuals
• $500,000 for the Town of Kirkland Lake to convert the Joe Mavrinac Community Complex into a facility that will provide a space to serve the public for special events and as an emergency evacuation centre
• $269,438 for the City of Temiskaming Shores to improve three recreational facilities by resurfacing tennis and basketball courts, installing lighting, planting trees, painting an outdoor rink and replacing outfield fencing
• $195,750 for the Haileybury Country Club to build a new maintenance building to help modernize the club and provide a safer work environment for staff
• $180,000 for the Township of Larder Lake to revitalize the township’s outdoor basketball court, outdoor skating rink and baseball fields
• $146,800 for Nor-Arc Steel Fabricators to add new manufacturing equipment and to upgrade existing equipment that introduces new precision fabrication capabilities, reduces production costs and wait times, and improves product quality
• $103,950 for the Township of James to revitalize and expand the Elk Lake Heritage Museum to properly preserve and display artifacts and attract more visitors
• $75,000 for the Lee Golf Club to modernize its clubhouse, which will allow it to operate year-round and add new revenue streams
• $34,316 for Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum to add an outdoor display and storage building, allowing the museum to exhibit larger pieces of antique farming equipment.

The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $864 million in 7,028 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,932 jobs.

Quick Facts

 The Ontario government’s enhanced NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addresses 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.
• Full list of the 25 Timiskaming-Cochrane region economic development projects receiving NOHFC funding.

Quotes

“With the support of the Ontario government, Taykwa Tagamou Nation built the Veronica S. Archibald Healing and Cultural Lodge to address the critical lack of culturally relevant mental health and addiction aftercare services in northern communities. This land-based, Indigenous-led facility will provide much needed healing programs for communities in the region. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation played a key role in supporting the construction and infrastructure development needed to make this project a reality for our community. Miigwech.”

• Connor Crawford, Project manager, Taykwa Tagamou Nation

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from NOHFC, which had a significant impact on our project. The funding enabled us to achieve our fundraising goal and build a much-needed display and storage facility beside the museum – an important step toward our continued growth. This initiative drives interest in the Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum and Northern Ontario, attracting more tourists to Temiskaming Shores and supporting local economic development.” – Wayne Miller, President, Little Claybelt Homesteaders Museum.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to extend our gratitude to NOHFC for their generous contribution. This grant will be instrumental in revitalizing our parks, including resurfacing the Haileybury Tennis Court, adding a full-size basketball court at Farr Park, and upgrading various ball diamonds, fencing and trail lighting. Investing in recreational spaces is key to promoting an active community, and funding support for these projects will make a lasting positive impact in our city. Thank you NOHFC for helping us enhance our outdoor opportunities for all to enjoy.” – Jeff Laferriere, Mayor, City of Temiskaming Shores

“As president of the Haileybury Golf Course, I cannot say how important it is to get financial help from the NOHFC. As a nine-hole course, we depend on our members for the operation of the course and without the help of NOHFC it would be impossible to do any upgrades. I would like to take this opportunity to thank NOHFC for helping us realize another important project.” – Denis Lacroix, President, Haileybury Golf Course

“With the help of NOHFC’s funding, the Township of Larder Lake was able to revitalize recreational areas in our community. The financial contribution allowed us to encourage and renew active living through enhancements to our basketball court, baseball field and ice-skating area. These types of community enhancements contribute to opportunities for economic growth and the well-being and active living for our community. Without NOHFC’s funding contributions, a project of this scale would not be possible for our community.” – Crystal Labbe, CAO and Treasurer, Township of Larder Lake.

“Built in 1909, the Elk Lake Heritage Museum, originally a school and church, is one of the oldest buildings in Elk Lake. In 1978, residents decided there was a need for a museum to hold precious artifacts, and now it holds the collective memories of our town and surrounding communities. The support from NOHFC has been crucial to renovating the building to keep history alive in our small but mighty community.” – Teri-Lynn Jibb, Deputy Clerk, Township of James.

“NOHFC’s contribution to the Lee Golf Club has enabled members and guests alike to enjoy a renovated clubhouse and immaculate course conditions. Furthermore, the installation of the indoor golf simulator allows our community the opportunity to golf year-round, right here in Cochrane. LGC members and executives would like to thank the NOHFC for their continued support.” -Serge Denis, Greens Chairman, Lee Golf Club

“The Town of Kirkland Lake is appreciative for the funding from NOHFC, which will transform the old pool into a versatile, multi-purpose space that will greatly benefit our community. This project will help to foster a healthier and more vibrant community by unlocking the full potential of our facility for years to come.”

– Kim Klockars, Director of Community Services, Town of Kirkland Lake

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office
erika.robson@ontario.ca

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