Ontario Supports Year-round Sports Tourism Sector in Thunder Bay

Province strengthens regional economy and creates jobs

THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is providing more than $3.3 million to help promote year-round sports tourism in the City of Thunder Bay. The funding will support five local projects and create jobs and economic growth in the Northwest.

“Northwestern Ontario is home to a dynamic, vibrant tourism sector that attracts tourists from across Canada and the United States,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “However, to keep our sports tourism sector competitive, it’s critical that we continue to support local businesses and communities. Today’s investment directly contributes to our northern tourism industry’s sustainability, prosperity and growth.”

The following funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC:)

• $1 million for the Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre to install a year-round air-supported dome over six courts

• $934,875 for Mount Baldy Ski Area to renovate facilities and turn its family-run ski hill into a year-round tourist destination

• $760,000 for Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club to develop a year-round mountain bike trail network in Trowbridge Forest

• $551,276 for the City of Thunder Bay to renovate and modernize Fort William Gardens and Fort William Curling Club in order to host the 2022 Canadian women’s curling championships – the Scotties Tournament of Hearts

• $57,671 for Lappe Ski Centre – a world-class cross-country ski facility – to build an accessible commercial kitchen to host year-round events

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $374 million in 3,713 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 5,500 jobs.

“Our government is committed to supporting Ontario’s tourism industry, including sports tourism facilities such as these five projects in Thunder Bay that build a sense of community, attract visitors and boost regional employment,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “These investments contribute to the province’s economic and social well-being, helping Ontario emerge from the pandemic as a global destination of choice for sport and recreation enthusiasts and tourists from around the world.”

Quick Facts

• On February 11, 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

• The Ontario government recently launched the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program, a $100 million grant program to support established Ontario-based tourism businesses in the attractions, accommodations and transportation sectors. Applications are due by November 10, 2021.

Source Province of Ontario