News

$795,000 for Upgrades at the East Ferris Community Centre

EAST FERRIS – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government is investing $795,000 in the East Ferris Community Centre to support upgrades to the facility, making the building safer and more accessible. Funding is being delivered through both the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). This investment supports the government’s plan to protect Ontario by helping communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living.

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

Infrastructure projects at the East Ferris Community Centre include the following:

• $479,325 through NOHFC’s Capital Improvement Project for the Nosbonsing Curling Club to replace the roof, heating systems, and vapour barrier over the ice pads, increase the lounge and bar areas, and make the area more accessible.
• $314,056 through CSRIF for the Municipality of East Ferris, to replace the Community Centre elevator which will improve programming and the usability of the space.

“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. This project, in partnership with the municipality and with support from the NOHFC Enhancing Communities Program, 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.” – Kevin Morphet – President, Nosbonsing Curling Club

“On behalf of the Municipality and the citizens of East Ferris, I would like to thank the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Ministry of Sport, as well as the continued support from MPP Vic Fedeli for this funding. Funding from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund will be used to replace the elevator at the Community Centre and funding from the Community Enhancement Program will provide much needed facility renovations in our curling rink. These funds 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. Both projects have only been made possible with financial assistance from the Province of Ontario.”- Rick Champagne, Mayor of East Ferris.

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.

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, enhancing 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

• The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program providing a $200 million investment over two years. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces, and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
• Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
• Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good paying jobs in every corner of the province.

• 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.