$2 Million in New Municipal Support
February 4, 2022Strategic investments help strengthen regional economy
NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, has announced a strategic investment of $2,197,620 into 7 area community development projects, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
“Supporting municipal projects, like the ones we’re announcing today, helps make our communities stronger”, said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Ontario is committed to investing in the North and creating jobs to support our local economy.”
The following funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC):
- $548,360 for the Municipality of East Ferris to renovate and upgrade the East Ferris Community Centre and Arena.
- $495,480 for the Township of Bonfield to develop parkland for recreational use.
- $447,428 for the Town of Mattawa to renovate and expand the Mattawa Museum.
- $272,217 for the Nipissing First Nation to purchase and install three cold-climate greenhouses.
- $172,923 for the Temagami First Nation to install fibre optic-based broadband infrastructure for improved internet access.
- $171,212 for the Anishinabek Nation to develop an economic blueprint to support its capacity building and development initiatives.
- $90,000 for the Canadian Ecology Centre – a non-profit outdoor environmental education and conference centre – to renovate and upgrade its facilities.
“We are delighted to receive this funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for our Community Centre. These funds will enable us to repair the roof truss system, improve the safety of the kitchen, and convert ice surface lighting to LED,” said Pauline Rochefort, Mayor of East Ferris. “This investment will prolong the life of the East Ferris Community Centre and provide a venue for the municipality and local groups to host events for the betterment of East Ferris. We thank the NOHFC and our local MPP Vic Fedeli for investing in East Ferris.”
“Thanks to the support provided by the NOHFC program, Nipissing First Nation (NFN) is one step closer to our cold climate greenhouse becoming operational,” said Chief Scott McLeod. “This production scale facility will operate year-round and be self-sustaining while generating an additional revenue stream, as well as employment and training opportunities. Most importantly, the greenhouse will contribute to food security by providing a healthy, sustainable food source for NFN members and the surrounding area.”
“On behalf of the citizens of Bonfield, I wish to express our appreciation and excitement related to this funding,” said Randy McLaren, Mayor of Bonfield. “The enhancements to our waterfront that it provides will be enjoyed by all ages and create a very active community location.”
“The Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint was produced in 2008, providing our member First Nations with a framework for economic development; a path toward a responsive, well-structured, and self-sufficient economy,” said Jason Laronde, Land and Resource Director of the Anishinabek Nation. “With immense shifts in economic landscapes and societal values there is a marked need for a renewed strategy for our 39 member First Nations; a strategy that is future facing – cognizant of the intergenerational impacts of economic development and sustainable solutions – and also outward forcing – with consideration given to what the Anishinabek people and our values and creations can offer the world.”
“The Mattawa Museum is a historical flagship organization, and the Mayor and Council of the Town of Mattawa are so grateful to the Ontario government through the NOHFC grant to be able to ensure the safety of its historical artefacts and longevity of its structure,” said Francine Desormeau, CAO and Treasurer of Mattawa. “This funding will also enable the community to support events and educational opportunities outdoors with a new pergola situated on the historic Explorer’s Point where the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers meet.”
“The Canadian Ecology Centre, and environmental education centre will benefit from this renovation grant. particularly earmarked for the replacement of roof and upgrading wheelchair accessibility,” said Bill Steer, General Manager of the Canadian Ecology Centre. “Transitioning out of the pandemic it will be better positioned to once again cater to schools and other related education organizations.”
The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate recovery, growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $432 million in 4,025 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 6,200 jobs.
Quick Facts
- In February 2021, 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 ResourcesOntario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19