KENORA: The Ontario government is providing more than $1.4 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to three projects in Kenora.
These investments will help boost economic growth, improve quality of life and build strong, healthy communities not just in Kenora but across Northwestern Ontario.
Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, said: “This investment supports economic development and provides tailored supports that encourage growth and prosperity.”
Projects receiving NOHFC funding include:
• $495,000 to Grand Treaty Council #3 to construct an all-season roundhouse lodge that will serve as a healing, training, ceremonial and event space to support the Gamikaan Bimaadiziwin healing centre at Bug Lake.
• $490,000 to the Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club to build three kms of permanently lit trail to allow for safe night skiing.
• $476,833 to Kenora Chiefs Advisory Inc. (KCA) to build a commercial kitchen, dining area, laundry room, bathrooms and showers for future youth camp, recreation programs and special events held at the KCA Youth and Family Wellness Camp.
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 $559 million in 4,748 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.82 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,500 jobs.
In 2021, 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. Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaug ,Grand Chief, Grand Council Treaty #3, said:”Gamikaan Bimaadiziwin honours and preserves healing processes rooted in our Anishinaabe way of life. The Roundhouse is the first phase of this development and it provides an alternative healing opportunity to what we know is not currently working for our people.
For those who struggle with finding their way we will offer teachings for renewed self-determination and alternative healing that can help those who were previously were unable to move beyond their trauma and mental health challenges within the current western justice system and treatment options.”
Joe Barnes, Executive Director, Kenora Chiefs Advisory, said “We are very grateful for the chance to continue the work we are doing out at the Ogimaawabiitong Youth and Family Wellness Camp and continue to grow the partnerships that have helped us get to this point. This property has already made an impact within its first few years of operation, in terms of accessibility to programs and service delivery.”