RED LAKE — Red Lake is commemorating its 100th anniversary since gold was discovered in Howey Bay this weekend.
The Ontario government has invested $30,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support Red Lake’s celebrations, according to a provincial news release issued on Friday.
“This investment will help bring tourists, mining and aviation enthusiasts to Red Lake at a time when so many families are looking for made-in-Canada experiences,” said George Pirie, the Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, in the release.
“Now more than ever, we need to protect Ontario by helping northern communities increase local tourism and celebrate the rich mining history – and its economic benefits – found right here in Northern Ontario.”
Of this funding, the municipality of Red Lake has received $15,000 to cover the costs of entertainment, equipment and venue rentals for its 100th anniversary of mining celebrations.
“We are incredibly grateful for the funding support we’ve received from NOHFC for our 100th anniversary events,” the release quoted Fred Mota, the municipality’s mayor, saying.
“This milestone is not just a reflection of our past, but a commemoration of the people, resilience and community spirit that have shaped Red Lake over the last century.”
With this funding, he added that they can host inclusive and memorable events that honour their history, as well as bring residents and visitors together to celebrate all that makes their community “unique.”
In addition to the municipality, the Hwy 105 Tourism and Marketing Board has also received $15,000 in support of the annual Norseman Festival, which celebrated 100 years of aviation gold mining history in 2025 and is one of the region’s few aviation-focused festivals.
Festival organizers used the funding to cover the expenses for the festival’s airshow and live performers, which allowed access for a wider audience.
“The Red Lake Norseman Festival Committee sincerely thanks NOHFC for its ongoing support,” Duane Riddell, the festival’s chairman, was quoted as saying.
“Their funding is essential to our festival budget, enabling us to offer quality, community-wide entertainment. This supports a healthy society, aids local worker retention and recruitment and boosts tourism.”
Each year, Riddell said, the festival contributes $750,000 to Northwestern Ontario’s GDP, which is all made possible by NOHFC.
For residents looking to participate in the festivities, many events are scheduled to continue on Sunday, including a West End Mining Boat Tour at the West Red Lake Mining Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
