| The Ontario government is investing in the success of Northern Ontario communities and businesses by increasing its annual funding allocation to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) by an additional $30 million over the next three years. This sustained funding increase will support continued economic development in the North, including the expansion of NOHFC programming eligibility to the District of Muskoka.
“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 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. 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. “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. This has long been asked for by local businesses, community organizations and municipal governments,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “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.” “It is terrific news that the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is including the District of Muskoka – and in turn the Town of Gravenhurst – within its fold. The NOHFC has a long history, going back to 1988, of providing economic development funding to regions in the north, helping to foster jobs and prosperity. I want to thank Premier Doug Ford and our MPP, Graydon Smith, for supporting the addition of our community within the NOHFC’s territory. Premier Ford and MPP Smith understand the unique needs of Muskoka and we are grateful for their commitment. I know our business community looks forward to learning more about how they can access NOHFC investment funding,” says Gravenhurst Mayor Heidi Lorenz.
“Rejoining the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is a major step forward for Muskoka. Our businesses and community organizations face many of the same challenges as other northern communities, with seasonal economies, higher costs for infrastructure, and fewer services. Joining NOHFC has been an objective of the District’s for many years, and we look forward to working with our business and local communities to help encourage investment in Muskoka’s towns and townships,” adds District Chair Jeff Lehman.
“With Muskoka joining the NOHFC, this will allow for have access to extra funds for development projects, and address rural priority needs including incremental improvements, repairs, and/or renovations to improve and extend the useful life of capital assets. We are thrilled about this opportunity and thank the provincial government for moving this initiative forward,” says Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock.
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Muskoka is being added to the $110 Million Northern Ontario Heritage Fund
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