NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT AND MINES
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Funding Part of Largest Infrastructure Investment in Province’s History
Ontario is investing in two sports facilities in Kirkland Lake and Cochrane that will help attract major events and strengthen tourism in the Northeast.
Through the province's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), $1,325,000 will be provided to two projects:
- The Town of Kirkland Lake will receive $1 million to construct a six-lane indoor pool with bleachers and a viewing platform. The new aquatic facility will help to attract regional, provincial and international swim meets.
- The Town of Cochrane will receive $325,000 to improve sports and community facilities at the Tim Horton Events Centre to accommodate the Cochrane Crunch junior "A" hockey club. The upgrades will increase the arena's seating capacity and convention space and also improve the venue's broadcasting capabilities.
This funding is part of the largest infrastructure investment in Ontario's history -- more than $130 billion over 10 years, which will support more than 110,000 jobs per year on average with projects such as roads, bridges, transit systems, schools and hospitals across the province.
The government's plan to build Ontario up is supported by a number of initiatives, including broadening the ownership of Hydro One -- an approach that raises billions for infrastructure while ensuring consumers are protected.
Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan will help connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for Ontarians by supporting critical infrastructure projects in cities, towns, and rural and remote communities all across the province.
Investing in sports infrastructure is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up.
The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
"I am very pleased that the province is supporting the construction of a new aquatic facility in Kirkland Lake. This investment will allow our community to host more competitive swimming events, which will help support local tourism," said Tony Antoniazzi , Mayor of the Town of Kirkland Lake.
"Investing in sports facilities will not only attract tourism opportunities, but also give residents a great local sports experience. By improving the Tim Horton Events Centre, we can position the facility as a regional convention centre that will attract even larger tourism opportunities, benefitting several communities including Cochrane. We’re proud to continue to work with the NOHFC to grow our community’s local economy and strengthen its social fabric," said Peter Politis, Mayor of the Town of Cochrane.
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in 6,871 projects in Northern Ontario, creating or sustaining more than 25,819 jobs.
- Research shows that every $100 million of public infrastructure investment in Ontario boosts GDP by $114 million, particularly in construction and manufacturing sectors.
- The NOHFC’s investments in sports infrastructure are part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.
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