Province Funds First-Ever Playground and Basketball Court
The Ontario government is allocating $173,091 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to Northwest Angle #33 First Nation for the construction of a new playground and basketball court. This investment aims to improve community life and boost outdoor recreation in Northwestern Ontario.
“Today’s investment in Northwest Angle #33 First Nation’s playground and basketball court underscores our government’s commitment to enhancing amenities for families and improving community wellness in the North,” stated Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, and MPP for Kenora–Rainy River. “With the support of the NOHFC and the leadership of Chief Darlene Comegan, we are making a tangible difference close to home.”
Project Details
The funding will be used to purchase and install playground equipment and a basketball court. This project marks the community’s first playground and will significantly increase outdoor recreation opportunities for children. The basketball court will provide a healthy activity option for both children and adults, fostering a vibrant community spirit.
“It is well known that playgrounds contribute positively to a child’s social, cognitive, and physical development, leading to healthier children in our schools,” said Diane Sandy, Councillor of Northwest Angle #33 First Nation. “This project will not only foster healthy children in our community but also create a strong sense of community and encourage members to return to NWA33A.”
About NOHFC
The NOHFC promotes economic growth, job creation, and workforce development across Northern Ontario, benefiting both large and small, rural and urban communities, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $790 million in 6,464 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging over $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,930 jobs.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario government has launched new and improved NOHFC programs to support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. These programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people, and address the skilled labor shortage in the North.