“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.”
Parry-Sound Muskoka MPP Graydon smith is praising the Ontario government’s announcement that it is increasing its annual funding allocation to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) by an additional $30 million over the next three years.
A news release stated that this sustained funding increase will support continued economic development in the North, including the expansion of NOHFC programming eligibility to the District of Muskoka. East and West Parry Sound will have access to an additional $10M per year over the next three years. Currently, for the NOHFC, Northern Ontario is defined as all areas north of, and including, the Districts of Parry Sound and Nipissing.
“This has long been asked for by local businesses, community organizations and municipal governments,” Smith says. “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.”
The fund supports a variety of organizations in numerous fields, including for profit and nonprofit entities, and has already supported Parry Sound. On May 31st, 2024, Smith’s office issued a news release announcing that the Ontario government was providing $349,238 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to Parry Sound’s Dr. Erin L. Axt Optometry Professional Corporation to expand company operations and improve access to optometry services in Parry Sound.
Other 2024 investments in the Parry Sound region totalling $1.9 million included:
- $500,000 for Wickensburg Film Studios Inc. to produce, in the Parry Sound area, the fantasy film Secrets of Wickensburg
- $396,677 for Crofters Food Ltd., located in Seguin, to purchase equipment to meet client handling, food safety and packaging requirements for fresh strawberries
- $244,750 for Shawanaga First Nation to renovate its outdoor rink by adding a roof structure and upgrading the concrete pad
- $199,150 for Dock Kings Inc. to purchase equipment and build a new manufacturing facility in Carling, as well as $4,950 to purchase equipment to expand its production capabilities and begin manufacturing 24-foot floating pontoon docks for commercial clients such as marinas
$187,500 for Camp Koinonia Inc., located in Seguin, to build accessible facilities adjacent to its main lodge, including a shower house, washroom and laundry area
- $170,706 for the Gurd and Area Historical Corporation to modernize the Commanda General Store Museum by doing repairs and renovations, making the facilities accessible, and building a teepee, washroom, shed, garage, stage, patio, BBQ area and fence
- $159,348 for Great North Homes Inc. and Cedarland Holdings Inc., located in McDougall, to purchase a building and equipment to expand their production capacity
- $77,600 for Aqua-Cage Fisheries Ltd., located in Parry Sound, to purchase aquaculture farming equipment to replace damaged equipment
- $23,293 for Learn to Kayak Inc., located in Parry Sound and owner of Georgian Bay Tours, to purchase equipment and a boat for passengers and cargo to provide new and expanded tours.
Traditionally, 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.
“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 news release states that 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.
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.
