City Receives Substantial Provincial Funding for Multiple Infrastructure Projects

The City is excited to announce the approval of six funding applications from the Provincial Government, which will add enhancements to the City’s infrastructure, improving the overall experience for both residents and visitors.  

Recently, Honourable Greg Rickford, MPP, officially announced the City would receive $3,225,000 in financial support from applications the City submitted to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). 

The successful NOHFC applications are for the following infrastructure projects: 

• Harbourfront Detailed Design - $325,000 allows the detailed design and the development of tender ready drawings to be completed. The project will be instrumental in supporting the City’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Lake of the Woods Museum Roof Project – $400,000 for a roof replacement which compliments the other capital works committed by Council for the facility such as a new air conditioning unit, fencing, concrete refurbishment of the steps, fire alarm replacement, and accessibility improvements to the washroom. 

• Norman Park - $450,000 to build an interpretive play area for young children. This investment is in addition to the $410,000 committed by Council for the playground project. 

• Docking Project - $500,000 to add additional docking and refurbishing existing docking at Coney Island, the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre, Keewatin Beach, Norman Beach, and Garrow Beach. 

• Kenora Parks - $500,000 for improvements to Keewatin Beach including trees, a retaining wall, covered picnic area expansion and a sunshade as well as a playground at Central Park. 

• Keewatin Memorial Arena - $480,000 to replace the flooring, add concession enhancements, and an accessible lift to the second floor viewing area.

• Baseball Diamond Enhancement Project - $500,000 to support the addition of lighting at the ball diamonds that does not have existing lighting. 

“Recreational green space enhancements, docking and beach improvements have been occurring over the last number of years within the City of Kenora. This funding allows the City to accelerate project plans and enhance the user experience for residents, summer residents, and visitors. Kenora is a great place to live and visit and these improvements will demonstrate community investment in our assets. I cannot express how excited we are about these projects.” states City of Kenora Mayor Daniel Reynard. 

Each of these projects have significant meaning to the respective areas of work. It means that the City can continue to invest and enhance in our existing infrastructure and facilities and provide an enhanced experience for our residents and visitors. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, Community Investment Program, is designed to help build strong and resilient Northern communities through infrastructure investments. These significant investments in Kenora demonstrates the importance and commitment to the north and the City of Kenora.  

The City plans to complete these projects in 2022.