DRYDEN – The Ontario government is investing more than $190,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for renovations to the Conservation Club in Dryden and the Woodland Arena in Vermilion Bay. This funding will help ensure these facilities can continue to offer a variety of services, events and programming.
“Our government is pleased to support the upgrades to the Dryden District Conservation Club and the Woodland Arena, two hubs that provide recreational facilities for residents and offer a gamut of indoor and outdoor activities, keeping people active and healthy,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “These improvements will reduce maintenance and energy costs—money that can be reinvested into programming to better serve clients. Extending the useful life of buildings such as these is another way we are building strong, vibrant communities and improving the overall quality of life for Northern Ontarians.”
The Dryden District Conservation Club is receiving $107,353 to improve the clubhouse building through foundation repairs, roof replacement and upgrades to the plumbing, electrical and heating systems. These improvements will allow the club to provide more programming and events, attracting more visitors from surrounding communities.
“The Dryden District Conservation Club is grateful to be awarded funding from the Ontario government,” said Larry Perkins, Club President, Dryden District Conservation Club. “Thanks to this support, we will be able to make improvements to our building including new doors and windows, a heating system, roofing and many other renovations, some of which will make the clubhouse accessible. This is a huge boost for our club which all members will enjoy for many years, and it wouldn’t be possible without the government’s support.”
The Municipality of Machin is receiving $90,317 to renovate the Woodland Arena in Vermilion Bay, with a focus on replacing worn infrastructure and equipment with more effective and efficient items. New flooring, puck board, lighting and a REALice system will enhance the experience for arena users, allowing the municipality to offer better services to its residents.
“The Ontario government’s support allows us to move forward with these important initiatives that we could not afford to do alone as a municipality,” said Mayor Gord Griffiths, Municipality of Machin. “This funding will help us reduce costs at our arena and improve ice conditions while working on improving overall safety in the facility.”
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 $432 million in 4,025 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 6,200 jobs.
Quick Facts
- In February 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, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people, and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.