Northern Ontario Heritage Fund expands to cover the Muskoka district
Province is investing $30M into the fund, bringing its annual budget to $110M
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) will expand its coverage to the Muskoka district following a $30-million investment from the province on Tuesday.
The heritage fund supports investments in economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the north.
The $30 million brings the NOHFC's annual budget to $110 million beginning this fiscal year.
"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, in a news release.
Parry Sound–Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith said in a news release that he was "thrilled" the fund will now cover the Muskoka region.
"This is a huge moment that unifies the region when it comes to economic development funding and opportunities," he said.
"This has long been asked for by local businesses, community organizations and municipal governments."
The province will also expand the NOHFC's programming eligibility to support additional projects across northern Ontario and address the impacts of inflation.
Election timing?
The change is not sitting well with everyone.
The Independent MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, Michael Mantha, said the timing of the announcement is questionable with an election being called.
"This government has a way of bringing out rainbows and great announcements just before an election," he said.
"This is one of many announcements that they have been making just before an election is triggered."
Mantha said he doesn't think the Muskoka region doesn't deserve an economic fund, but questions it being wrapped into a northern Ontario program.
"But it shouldn't come at the detriment of northern Ontario communities," he said.
"We've lost some big employers like Domtar in Espanola. The Terrace Bay [pulp mill] has been shut down. These are important things that we need to focus investments in the north."
Rick Maloney, mayor of Bracebridge, said it makes sense for his community to be able to apply for grants through the program.
"We live on the Canadian Shield and the challenges of health care, the challenges of economic growth and sustainability, the challenges of transportation, the challenges of ensuring that our young persons have good opportunities to stay in our communities — these are the same challenges that are struggles of everyone in the north," he said.
"We share those same challenges as the north does. Those same challenges that you're experiencing that everyone experiences in the north, we experience here in Muskoka."