Ontario commits $1.47 million through NOHFC for Timmins boat launch, arena work and Porcupine park project

The Ontario government will provide $1,474,125 to the City of Timmins through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for three projects: work at the Mattagami Boat Launch, renovations at four municipal arenas, and the transformation of Porcupine Melview Park into Porcupine Commons. The funding was announced July 14 by George Pirie, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.

The money is split across facilities used for boating, indoor ice sports and a city park. For residents, the announcement outlines what work is planned and which locations in Timmins are included.

The province said $663,119 is slated to restore and expand the Mattagami Boat Launch. The province said it is the only municipal boat launch that provides access to the Mattagami River.

Another $601,006 is allocated to renovate four municipal arenas: the Archie Dillon Sportsplex Arena, McIntyre Community Centre Arena, Mountjoy Arena and Whitney Arena.

The remaining $210,000 is for transforming Porcupine Melview Park into Porcupine Commons. The province said the project includes an accessible pathway and parking lot, new play structures and a sensory garden.

Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau said the funding will support upgrades at the boat launch and the park project.

The province also said it is adding $30 million to the NOHFC over three years, bringing the agency’s annual budget to $110 million. The NOHFC is a provincial agency that funds economic development projects across northern Ontario.

The province said that since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,600 projects in northern Ontario.