SPANISH – The Ontario government is investing more than $169,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in three projects supporting Royal Canadian Legion branches in Algoma–Manitoulin. This investment will modernize communitity infrastructure and enhance quality of life in Northeastern Ontario.

“Our government recognizes that Royal Canadian Legion branches are the heart of many Northern communities, providing important social services and a place for veterans and community members to come together,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “By working hand-in-hand with our northern partners, we continue to make Northern Ontario an attractive place to live, work, play, and raise a family.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $115,200 for the Spanish Royal Canadian Legion Branch 576 to complete structural upgrades and kitchen and bathroom renovations at the hall, enhancing safety and accessibility for veterans, residents and visitors attending community events and services
• $37,936 for the Elliot Lake Royal Canadian Legion Branch 561 to make improvements to the hall, including installing a new lift chair for better accessibility and a hot water and furnace heating combination system, that will help the facility remain a focal point for community activities and events
• $16,500 to the Wawa Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 for renovations, which will allow the Legion to continue hosting activities and events for members and the community

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.

• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

Quotes

“Words cannot describe how much this grant means. We can now switch to propane and upgrade our furnace, and purchase a new propane stove and LED lights. In the event of an emergency in the community, we will now be able to provide assistance by offering warm meals. We are thankful that this support will also enable our branch to save money on utilities.” – France Smith, President, Spanish Royal Canadian Legion Branch 576

“Support from the NOHFC for clubroom renovations will provide a more pleasant atmosphere and a safer environment for our patrons and staff. The clubroom provides a location for a variety of social functions in our town for tourists, visitors and locals to gather, and the upgrades will enhance the experience.” – Mary Anne Pearson, President, Wawa Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429

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Media Contacts

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

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