Muskoka included in eligibility for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund

From the Ontario government

The Ontario government announced today that it is expanding the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) programming eligibility to include the District of Muskoka.

To meet the programming demand across the North, the government is also increasing the annual NOHFC funding allocation by $30 million over the next three years.

“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.”

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 address the impacts of inflation.

The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses, and other stakeholders and partners in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.

“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,” said District Chair Jeff Lehman.

“With Muskoka joining the NOHFC, this will allow for… 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,” added Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock.

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