October 21, 2026

Funding will support repairs to vital community recreation centre for residents and visitors to enjoy

THESSALON — The Ontario government is investing $199,998 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Town of Thessalon make improvements to its municipal marina. This funding delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario through strategic investments in local infrastructure that supports tourism and recreation while improving quality of life across northern Ontario.

“Our government is pleased to support the improvement of this important recreational asset so it can serve the surrounding communities and boost local tourism for years to come,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This investment demonstrates the broad and impactful role the NOHFC continues to play, supporting communities across northern Ontario.”

The Town of Thessalon owns and operates the Thessalon Marina. The marina offers slip and kayak rentals, fueling, a pump-out station, boat launch and access to Lake Huron’s North Channel – a prime destination for recreational boaters. With the NOHFC’s support, the township will install six new docks, two new ramps and an improved outdoor gazebo. This will increase the marina’s useful life, functionality and appeal as a must-stop destination. Modernizing key infrastructure and enhancing the user experience will create opportunities for increased economic activity and small business growth.

“The Council of the Town of Thessalon is pleased to have secured funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) Rural Enhancement Funding Stream to support important investments in the future of the Thessalon Marina,” said Debbie Rydall Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Thessalon. “The replacement of the aging docks and construction of a new, fully accessible gazebo will enhance safety, improve accessibility, and provide a more enjoyable experience for both seasonal and visiting boaters. The Thessalon Marina is a valuable asset to our community, and these improvements will help strengthen Thessalon’s position as an attractive destination along the North Channel. By encouraging more boaters to stop, explore our community, and experience what Thessalon has to offer, this project will also support local businesses, promote tourism, and contribute to the long-term vitality of our community.”

“On behalf of the Province of Ontario, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Town of Thessalon on the approval of your NOHFC funding for the Marina Upgrades and new outdoor gazebo,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of PP for Algoma-Manitoulin. “The marina project provides new dockage and ramp improvements for boaters while the gazebo provides an open-air location to host activities for the community and visitors to the area.  Please accept my best wishes for continued success and I hope visitors and community members enjoy the improvements at this beautiful location.”

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 increased investment, 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 approved more than $1.1 billion for over 9,011 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment, creating over 11,580 new jobs and sustaining over 2,345 jobs.

Additional Resources

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