SIOUX NARROWS – The Ontario government is providing $242,521 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to Crawford’s Camp in Sioux Narrows. This investment will attract more tourists, expand company operations and create employment in the Northwest.

“Northern Ontario is an incredibly scenic region, with limitless potential for tourism,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Today’s investment is helping Crawford’s Camp expand its offerings, create jobs and showcase this beautiful part of Ontario to visitors from across the province and around the world.”

Crawford’s Camp is a family-run, all-season fishing and hunting outfitter and resort located on Lake of the Woods. The business is using NOHFC funding to build a new lodge.

“In Northern Ontario, small communities face challenges with employment, year-round services and economic expansion,” said Matt and Karly Rydberg, Owners, Crawford’s Camp. “But with the help of the NOHFC, Crawford’s Camp is able to build a new lodge, employ more staff and increase tourist traffic in our community. Our family could not be more thankful to our provincial government for helping the business take the next leap forward.”

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 $717 million in 5,875 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,260 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 Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Media Contacts

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

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