Ontario Supporting Recreation and Tourism Development in Kenora

KENORA – The Ontario government is providing more than $946,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to two economic development projects in Kenora. This investment will boost tourism and recreation opportunities and enhance quality of life in the Northwest.

“Through the NOHFC, our government is improving quality of life for those who live, work, and play in the North by providing support for local tourism partners like the Mount Evergreen Ski Club and the City of Kenora,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “The projects we are supporting today benefit the northern economy and promote healthy and vibrant communities in the Northwest.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

$496,500 for the Mount Evergreen Ski Club – a not-for-profit downhill ski club – to make facility upgrades and purchase equipment to ensure long-term sustainability and continued growth of family-oriented activities
$450,000 for the City of Kenora to complete the second phase of a rehabilitation project at McLeod Park along the Kenora Harbourfront, which includes restoring the James McMillan tugboat and building an accessible wooden ramp

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $759 million in 6,233 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,590 jobs.

Quick Fact

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 Resources

The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.
The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

Quotes

“Funding from the NOHFC will go towards updating our snow groomer, hill lighting, snow making equipment and small infrastructure projects around the facility. The support from the Ontario government will allow us to continue to provide an exciting environment for locals and tourists to enjoy.” – Thomas Nabb, Treasurer, Mount Evergreen Ski Club Board of Directors

“The City of Kenora is grateful to the NOHFC for support that will allow the municipality to deliver additional improvements at McLeod Park. Previous funding from the NOHFC for the park enabled the development of a vibrant picnic and play area for residents and visitors, and this second phase will complete renovations and include the construction of additional elements such as an accessible ramp, shade structure and tiered seating. We are excited to receive this funding from the NOHFC to continue to improve McLeod Park, the gateway to the Harbourtown Centre and the Harbourfront area.” – Andrew Poirier, Mayor, City of Kenora