Ontario to provide $1.47M for Timmins boat launch, arena renovations and Porcupine park plans

Ontario is providing $1,474,125 to the City of Timmins through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for three projects tied to recreation and tourism, including work at the Mattagami boat launch, renovations at four city arenas, and planning for changes at Porcupine Melview Park, the province said July 14, 2026.

The funding targets several well-used public facilities across Timmins and Porcupine, including access to the Mattagami River, four municipal arenas, and a park project described as “Porcupine Commons.”

According to the province, $663,119 will go to the restoration and expansion of the Mattagami boat launch. The province describes the Mattagami boat launch as Timmins’ only municipal boat launch with access to the Mattagami River.

Another $601,006 is set aside for renovations at four municipal arenas: Archie Dillon Sportsplex, McIntyre Community Centre, Mountjoy Arena and Whitney Arena, the province said.

The remaining $210,000 is for plans to transform Porcupine Melview Park into “Porcupine Commons.” The province said the plan includes an accessible trail and parking area, new playground structures and a sensory garden.

The funding announcement was made by Timmins MPP George Pirie, who is also Ontario’s minister of northern economic development and growth.

The province also said it added $30 million over three years to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s budget, bringing its annual budget to $110 million.

In the announcement, Timmins Mayor Michelle Boileau said the funding would support work at the Mattagami boat launch and the Porcupine Melview Park project, and she thanked the province for its support.