Heritage Fund helps with new roof at Masonic Lodge in Fort Frances

The Masonic Lodge in Fort Frances has a new roof.

The lodge was aided by a grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund of $101,250.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford toured the lodge with members who explained rainwater was leaking into their Grand Hall.

Rickford says changes to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund that took place when he was Minister of Northern Development are allowing Masonic temples, churches and other organizations access to the funding program.

“Because their buildings, not only do they contribute significantly to the community, but the space is actually used for community functions, and that’s where the Heritage Fund really started to get interested,” says Rickford.

The lodge, located above NCDS on Scott Street, was opened in 1921.

Space is often provided to the employment agency for training purposes.

“When spaces that are premium and an organization provides space for them, it allows them to keep some of their equipment here and things like that. We have to get in on that,” says Rickford.

Rickford says he has seen a number of similar projects helped by the Heritage Fund.

One of the most recent was support for a new roof on the library in Keewatin.