August 31, 2026

Funding will support repairs to vital community hub in Mindemoya

MINDEMOYA — The Ontario government is investing $157,219 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Municipality of Central Manitoulin make critical structural repairs to the J.H. Burt Memorial Arena and ensure it remains safe for residents to enjoy. This funding delivers on the province’s plan to protect Ontario through strategic investments to help northern municipalities build and repair important local infrastructure, helping communities connect and lead healthier, more active lives.

“Access to quality sport and recreation spaces helps bring people together and strengthens communities across the North,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By supporting improvements to the J.H. Burt Memorial Arena, our government is investing in a valued community asset that will continue to provide opportunities for recreation, events and social gatherings for residents and visitors throughout the year.”

The Municipality of Central Manitoulin will use the NOHFC funding to repair the west wall of the arena, which buckled under heavy snow and rain, forcing the facility to close. In addition to the rehabilitation of the wall, the project includes removal and reinstallation of the ceiling and replacement of a valve in the refrigeration plant. This work will ensure the facility remains safe and fully operational for the upcoming hockey season and can continue to serve as a vital, year-round hub for community recreation, events and social connection.

“The Municipality of Central Manitoulin is sincerely grateful to the NOHFC for its contribution of $157,219 toward improvements to the J.H. Burt Memorial Arena in Mindemoya,” said Denise Deforge, CAO/Clerk for the Municipality of Central Manitoulin. “With this funding support, along with contributions from our community, we were able to complete several essential upgrades, including the reconstruction of the west wall, structural repairs, the removal and reinstallation of the low-e ceiling, the replacement of a valve within the refrigeration plant and the required engineering work. These upgrades will help ensure the arena remains a safe and welcoming facility for our residents and visitors. We greatly appreciate the Province of Ontario’s investment in our community and look forward to continuing this valuable partnership on future projects.”

“Congratulations to the Municipality of Central Manitoulin on bringing the wall repair project at the J. H. Burt Memorial Arena to fruition for the benefit of the residents of Mindemoya and Manitoulin Island,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin. “With the valued support of the NOHFC, these important improvements will help ensure that the arena remains a safe, welcoming and vibrant community facility for residents and visitors for many years to come. This investment stands as a strong example of how provincial support, in partnership with local initiative and leadership, can deliver lasting benefits and strengthen our communities.”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in over 8,600 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,400 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.