EAST FERRIS — The Ontario government is investing $479,325 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Nosbonsing Curling Club make necessary upgrades to its local arena in the Municipality of East Ferris. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is helping northern communities upgrade and revitalize local facilities that help strengthen the local economy, protect jobs and provide a safe space for residents to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.

“Our government is making strategic investments to strengthen northern communities by ensuring their local recreational facilities can continue to give people a welcoming space to stay healthy and active,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “The Nosbonsing Curling Club has been an integral part of the community since 1982 and these renovations will ensure the club can continue to serve its members and community for years to come.”

“The East Ferris Community Centre is an important hub that services many people and activities within the district,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Our government is proud to invest in this facility to make the building safer, increase accessibility and ensure it’s here for years to come.”

The Nosbonsing Curling Club is receiving funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to renovate the curling club section of the East Ferris arena facility, which includes replacing the roof and vapour barrier over the ice pads, installing dehumidifier and heating systems, enlarging the lounge and bar areas and making the facility more accessible. The project will preserve the integrity of the arena, improve the on-ice curling experience and expand the potential revenue opportunities for the facility.

“The Nosbonsing Curling Club is an integral part of the East Ferris community, founded in the 1980s by a dedicated group of community curling enthusiasts,” said Kevin Morphet, President, Nosbonsing Curling Club. “This project, in partnership with the Municipality of East Ferris and with support from the NOHFC, will allow the curling club to preserve and modernize the facility. This will enable enhancement to our curling programs and expansion of our recreational and community events.”

“On behalf of the municipality and the citizens of East Ferris, I would like to thank the Ontario government for this funding,” said Rick Champagne, Mayor, Municipality of East Ferris. “NOHFC funding will increase access to our recreation programs and remove barriers for those with disabilities so that we can foster healthier, more active lifestyles for our user groups and residents.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is driving prosperity, boosting competitiveness, securing new opportunities and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.

• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.