A number of infrastructure projects across northeastern Ontario will share more than $5 million in funding provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), including those in Elliot Lake, Espanola, and Manitoulin.
“Over half of our member communities have a population of fewer than 1,000 people, so the annual funding we get from the NOHFC helps us be a voice for all of our members,” says Danny Whalen, president, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, in a news release issued by NOHFC.
The funded projects are:
- $275,420 for the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands for the purchase, delivery and installation of a new 306-foot floating dock system to upgrade the Spider Bay Marina; and $246,694 to revitalize the Manitoulin East Municipal Airport with upgrades to their fuel systems
- $500,000 for the City of Elliot Lake to make upgrades to the Ruben Yli-Juuti Aquatic Centre such as replacing the HVAC system, boiler, dehumidifier and air conditioning
- $500,000 for the Township of Laird to rehabilitate the Bar River Hall, with capital improvements to the community centre, including a new concrete foundation and interior and exterior renovations
- $375,000 for the Town of Espanola to replace the arena dehumidifier (HVAC system) and to complete roof remediation at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex
- $300,000 for the Town of Blind River to complete refrigeration plant upgrades and equipment changes to its Community Centre/Arena, including a new electrical panel, chiller, compressors and dasher boards
- $288,750 for the Town of Thessalon to upgrade the Thessalon Coastal Trail (TCT) to improve accessibility and function of the trail for users of all abilities
- $250,430 for Kap Nordic Skiers – a non-profit recreational cross-country ski and snowshoe club – to purchase a new groomer to improve the club’s ability to groom and maintain its trail network
- $223,125 for the Township of Johnson to rehabilitate the arena and community centre to ensure the building meets the safety and accessibility requirements
- $200,000 for the Incorporated Village of Hilton Beach to renovate and repair the Hilton Beach Marina building to serve local residents and enhance the tourism industry
- $199,200 for the Town of Gore Bay to improve the overall condition, safety and accessibility of the Harbour Centre and waterfront boardwalk
- $180,000 for the Township of Plummer Additional to structurally improve, update and diversify the Bruce Station Hall, which operates as the community centre and municipal hub
- $180,000 for the Municipality of Temagami to revitalize the municipal outdoor public walking and biking track
- $173,366 for the Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional to make capital improvements to the Echo Bay Sportsplex that will allow the facility to host progrmaming and events in the township year-round
- $167,500 for the Township of Tehkummah for upgrades to four-kilometre Bowerman Nature Trail and John Budd Park Outdoor Pavilion area that will allow both the trail and pavilion to better serve residents and tourists
- $167,400 for the Aweres Local Services Board to make structural improvements and renovate the Fire Hall Station to improve safety, accessibility and efficiency and help firefighters provide quality emergency services
- $159,750 for the Township of St. Joseph to upgrade and rehabilitate the Children’s Library provide a caring and safe environment for local and visiting children to develop a sense of community and a love of reading
- $152,102 for the Municipality of St. Charles to renovate and upgrade their community centre to ensure that the building is up to code, more efficient and can host a variety of community events
- $150,000 for the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) for economic development initiatives, travel to enhance northeastern representation at government consultations and for the annual FONOM conference
- $83,591 for the Municipality of Huron Shores to extend the lifespan of the historic Sowerby Hall – a unique four-season hall used for special events and activities – with facility upgrades and renovations
- $67,500 to the Town of Blind River for a new ice re-surfacer at the Blind River Community Centre to enhance rink safety and accessibility and contribute to the active lifestyle of residents and neighbouring communities
- $66,870 for the Township of Cockburn Island to make structural improvements and interior upgrades to its community hall, a heritage building that hosts community and special events for local residents and tourists
- $58,500 for The Echo Bay Elks Lodge No. 535, to make capital improvements to the Elk Lodge, which functions as a community centre and provides recreational opportunities for Echo Bay and communities nearby
- $44,218 for Local Services Board of Wharncliffe and Kynoch to make upgrades to the Fire Hall and adjacent Community Hall, including replacing the heating systems and air conditioning, to improve operating costs and energy efficiency
- $22,050 for the Township of Prince to replace the heating system at the Fire Hall to improve operating efficiency and reduce costs to the municipality; and $15,255 to install eight roll-up doors at the municipal pavilion to protect the building from outside elements; and
- $20,900 for the Blind River Curling Club to finish replacing a 30-year-old ice plant compressor to ensure safe operation and to and to improve the mechanical efficiency and lifespan of the ice plant.