By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal
Red Lake is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of gold in the area, and to help commemorate the occasion, the Ontario government is investing $30,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
George Pirie, minister of northern economic development and growth, told The Chronicle-Journal that the money will help Red Lake attract tourists and residents to the celebratory events, while promoting local economic growth and recognizing Canada’s history.
“This investment will help bring tourists, mining and aviation enthusiasts to Red Lake at a time when so many families are looking for made-in-Canada experiences,” Pirie said.
“Now more than ever, we need to protect Ontario by helping northern communities increase local tourism and celebrate the rich mining history, and its economic benefits, found right here in Northern Ontario.”
The $30,000 will be divided equally among the Municipality of Red Lake and the Highway 105 Tourism and Marketing Board to support their commemorative events, which include the 100th Anniversary of Mining Celebrations and the Red Lake Norseman Festival 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Gold.
Fred Mota, mayor of the Municipality of Red Lake, says the money will be used to cover the costs of entertainment, equipment and venue rentals. The Norseman Festival, which is one of the few aviation-focused festivals in the region, will use the funding to cover the costs for the air show and live performers, allowing access for a wider audience.
Mota called the anniversary a “milestone” for the municipality that is not just a reflection of its past, but a “commemoration of the people, resilience and community spirit
that have shaped Red Lake over the last century.”
“With this funding, we can host inclusive, memorable events that honour our history and bring residents and visitors together to celebrate all that makes our community unique,” Mota said.
Duane Riddell, chairman of the Norseman Festival, added, “The funding is essential to our festival budget, enabling us to offer quality, community-wide entertainment. This supports a healthy society, aids local worker retention and recruitment and boosts tourism. Each year, the festival contributes $750,000 to Northwestern Ontario’s GDP, all made possible by (the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation).”
Last month, the Ontario government announced that it is refocusing the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. Emphasis will be on prioritizing investments that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigating the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and securing new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario.
This is in addition to the province’s recent investment of an additional $30 million over the next three years, which will bring the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. These initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
