Ontario Investing $88,350 to Upgrade Local Ski Hill in Kenora

January 7, 2026

Funding for new equipment supporting ongoing operation of Mount Evergreen Ski Club

KENORA — The Ontario government is investing $88,350 through the Northern Ontario
Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Mount Evergreen Ski Club replace and
upgrade operational equipment on its ski hill. As part of the government’s plan to protect
Ontario, this funding will revitalize municipal infrastructure, supporting safe and inclusive
outdoor activities and enhancing quality of life and community engagement.

“Our government’s NOHFC investment will ensure the Mount Evergreen Ski and
Recreation Area continues to operate as a key recreational hub in Northwestern Ontario,”
said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
“Infrastructure upgrades will maintain safe, reliable lift operations for the 2025-26 season
and many more seasons to come.”

The Mount Evergreen Ski Club operates the Mount Evergreen Ski and Recreation Area,
which offers winter activities, such as cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding,
tubing and snowshoeing. It serves a wide regional population and attracts visitors from
across the region, including Manitoba and the U.S.

“On behalf of the entire Mt. Evergreen Ski Club community, we extend our sincere thanks
to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their generous funding support from
the Community Rural Enhancement Program,” said Thomas Nabb, President, Mount
Evergreen Board of Directors. “This investment is critical to maintaining and upgrading our
lift infrastructure, ensuring safe, reliable operations and helping us continue to serve skiers
and families across our region for years to come.”

The not-for-profit organization is using NOHFC funding to replace the wire ropes and bull
wheel liners on its ski hill’s two T-bar lifts, the Colin Myles Lift and the Skyline Lift. Lift
upgrades will reduce downtime, improve service reliability and enable the club to focus on
expanding programming, including alpine racing, freestyle skiing and future summer
activities like mountain biking.

“Through the NOHFC, our government proudly supports equipment upgrades for the Mt. Evergreen Ski and Recreation Area, ensuring Northwesterners can continue to stay active and enjoy the outdoors,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Investments in safe and reliable equipment enable Mt. Evergreen Ski Club to focus on what matters most – the operation and expansion of programming enjoyed by families, community members, and visitors.”

The Ontario government is committed to prioritizing investments through the NOHFC 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 boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s 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.

“This investment will help ensure Mount Evergreen Ski Club remains a safe, reliable and welcoming destination for outdoor recreation in Northern Ontario,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “By upgrading critical equipment, the club can continue expanding programming for athletes and families from across the region. Our government is proud to support recreation infrastructure improvements that strengthen local communities, attract visitors and promote healthy, active lifestyles.”

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 $1 billion in 8,079 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 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.