KENORA – The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is receiving more funding from the Ontario government to upgrade local infrastructure and community recreation facilities.
"Our government is committed to promoting a high quality of life in communities across Ontario," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, "these investments will improve community infrastructure in Kenora, strengthening community ties and supporting economic development."
In 2021, the Ontario government launched a new Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation program that supports projects in rural and urban northern communities, making it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging projects, providing more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addressing the skilled labour shortage in the North.
Since June 2018, the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has invested more than $519 million in 4,496 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.77 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,000 jobs.
“Recreational green space, docking and beach improvements have been occurring over the last number of years. This funding allows the city to accelerate project plans and enhance the user experience for residents, summer residents, and tourists”, said Daniel Reynard, Mayor of Kenora, “Kenora is a great place to live and visit. These improvements will make things that much better for all. We are excited about these improvements.”
Projects receiving Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation funding include:
- $500,000 to the City of Kenora to improve infrastructure and accessibility at four city parks.
- $500,000 to the City of Kenora to upgrade six baseball diamonds at three locations in the city.
- $500,000 to the City of Kenora to complete upgrades and repairs to the Keewatin Arena.
- $480,000 to the City of Kenora to upgrade and repair existing docks and build new docks.
- $450,000 to the City of Kenora to build a fully accessible playground and interpretive area at Norman Park.
- $325,000 to the City of Kenora to hire a design consultant for the Harbourfront Business Development Plan.
- $75,000 to the Keewatin Curling Club to renovate its facility.
