Ontario Investing in Northern Communities and Businesses
KENORA – The Ontario government is investing in the success of Northern Ontario communities and businesses by increasing its annual funding allocation to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) by an additional $30 million over the next three years. This sustained funding increase will support continued economic development in the North, including the expansion of NOHFC programming eligibility to the District of Muskoka.
“We are listening to our northern partners, which is why we are increasing the annual NOHFC funding allocation and expanding programming eligibility. This investment reinforces our government’s commitment to build strong, prosperous northern communities and businesses, as well as create real opportunities for the people who choose the North to live, work and do business,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Since 2018, we’ve strengthened the NOHFC’s integral role in advancing local priorities, from skilled training opportunities to major community infrastructure projects, and look forward to our continued partnerships that lead to a better quality of life in the North.”
The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. The $30 million funding increase will bring the NOHFC’s annual budget to $110 million beginning in 2025-26, enabling the corporation to support additional projects across Northern Ontario and to address the impacts of inflation.
Expanding the NOHFC’s programming eligibility will help realize priorities in the government’s “Building a Better Ontario” plan of attracting better jobs with bigger pay cheques, keeping costs down for families and businesses, and investing in key infrastructure.
“I’m thrilled that Muskoka is joining the NOHFC service area. This is a huge moment that unifies the region when it comes to economic development funding and opportunities. This has long been asked for by local businesses, community organizations and municipal governments,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “With Muskoka now onboard, and the entire NOHFC area receiving more dollars to work with, amazing things will follow in Parry Sound–Muskoka and Northern Ontario.”
Quick Facts
- The Ontario government’s improved NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addresses the skilled labour shortage in the North.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $864 million in 7,028 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,932 jobs
- Currently, for the NOHFC, Northern Ontario is defined as all areas north of, and including, the Districts of Parry Sound and Nipissing.
Additional Resources