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Greg Rickford at Masonic lodge Feb 11 2026 (5)

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

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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.

Greg Rickford

Province pledges $360,000 for rec facilities in Indigenous community

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Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation #37 is moving forward with two new projects to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities in the community.

Home to two distinct communities, Animakee Wa Zhing #37 spans Windigo Island on Lake of the Woods’ western side and Regina Bay near Sioux Narrows.

The province of Ontario is contributing $360,000 towards these projects through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

Half of that funding will go towards construction of a new picnic and barbeque area. Once complete, this project will become a free and accessible gathering space available to all community members.

The other half will go towards major renovations for a local hockey rink. Project highlights include engineering designs for the new rink, ground structure and roof, landscaping, new siding and roofing, light installation and upgrading the walkway from the parking area. The NOHFC says the project aims to transform the rink from a winter-only amenity to a year-round venue that can be used for various community recreational activities and cultural gatherings.

“We have been working on a vision to address child and family wellbeing in both of our communities, and the funding provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will significantly improve the quality of life for our residents at Regina Bay,” said Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation #37 Chief Linda McVicar. “This support aligns perfectly with our broader vision for community wellbeing.”

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford stands in the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 hockey rink about to receive a makeover (via Greg Rickford)

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was on site at Regina Bay Monday to make the announcement.

“The NOHFC’s partnership with Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation is supporting the community vision of improved quality of life and well-being,” Rickford said. “Through this funding, we are taking our cue from First Nation leadership to ensure that dedicated gathering and recreational spaces are available to children, families, and all community members.”

Central Ave Lift Station Feb 11 2026 (1)

Fort Frances receives provincial funds for lift station upgrades

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The provincial government is providing Fort Frances with more than $3.5 million.

The money will be used for upgrades to sewage lift stations near Central Avenue and the former White Pine Inn.

The Central Lift Station was constructed in 1963 and underwent partial reconstruction in 1992.

The White Pine Lift Station was put into operation in 1992.

A 2024 assessment of the town’s six lift stations found much of the mechanical equipment at the two stations to be in good condition, but was well beyond their life expectancy.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says the funding will improve the stations and help them meet Ministry of Environment guidelines.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford speaks with Fort Frances town officials at the Central Ave. Lift Station, February 11, 2026. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting

“So it made perfect sense that the province was a significant partner to help Fort Francis meet the province’s own standard,” says Rickford.

He adds that the funding came through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Infrastructure Program and its Health and Safety Water Stream, of which several communities in his riding were recipients.

Mayor Andrew Hallikas says the improvements to the lift stations will also aid in future development.

“As well as rehabilitating the Central and White Pine lift stations, this is going to position the town economically, and it’s going to allow the development of the Shevlin Woodyard,” says Hallikas.

“This type of critical infrastructure investment is not something that can be funded by property taxes alone.”

The town has been eying plans for as many as 210 residential living units on the former wood yard.

Greg Rickford

Ontario funds septic upgrades in Indigenous community

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Ontario is investing over $2.1 million towards the replacement of 60 septic fields in Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation #37.

Animakee Wa Zhing #37 is a remote First Nation with two communities: Windigo Island on the west side of Lake of the Woods and Regina Bay near Sioux Narrows

A septic field is a network of underground pipes that filtrate wastewater from homes not connected to a municipal sewer system.

Funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream, which has encompasses 120 projects across 127 municipalities and First Nations to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.

“This support will allow us to address critical wastewater infrastructure needs in our two communities,” said Animakee Wa Zhing #37 Chief Linda McVicar. “Meeting the infrastructure requirements of our citizens is an important step toward our development and prosperity.”

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was on site at Regina Bay Monday to make the announcement.

“This expanded funding for critical water infrastructure will contribute to strengthening the safety and reliability of water services for Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation,” Rickford said. “The Health and Safety Water Stream is ensuring the safety, functionality and longevity of treatment plants that community members rely on, today and well into the future.”

Webequie agreement Oct 29 2025

Ring of Fire road agreement signed

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The provincial government has signed an agreement with Webequie First Nation that will move forward plans for much needed road access to the Ring of Fire mining area.

Webequie is receiving $39.5 million as part of the agreement.

Some of the money will be immediately released.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford says $10.5 million will be for supplies and materials necessary for early work on the all-season Webequie Supply Road.

“It’s worth noting that this community has led the environmental assessment to be submitted to the government of Ontario in early January, set for approval by spring and then right into construction,” says Rickford.

Another $3 million is being committed for Webequie to lead a study into the potential of a secondary access road that would run east to west.

Such a link had been advocated by a coalition that included the municipality of Sioux Lookout and First Nations communities of Lac Seul, Cat Lake, Slate Falls, and Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.

As part of the agreement, the province is providing funding for a new airport terminal, replacing one that was destroyed by fire, along with other improvements at the community’s airport.

Funding is also being earmarked for a new community centre with an arena and mental health and other community supports.

“One-point-five million of this, thanks….one of the negotiators, ensure mental health supports for community members and community well-being activities as they rally their community members for probably one of the biggest economic surges I would think, in their history,” says Rickford.

Webequie Chief Cornelius Wabasse says it is an important agreement for his community.

“It means working with the government, moving forward on our aspirations from the community,” says Wabasse.

“The secondary road is our winter road. It will be developed in a way that will be more usable than what it is now. It will be able to bring more equipment to our community and also bring new things to our community, so it will be more secure and have a good, solid foundation.”

Premier Doug Ford says development of the new supply road will be a game-changer for Ontario and Webequie.

“And with today’s agreement, which includes investments in infrastructure and local priorities in the Webequie community, we’re ready to get shovels in the ground, building the road as soon as the ground thaws next spring,” says Ford.

person using MacBook Pro

Funding opens up more internet access at First Nations Libraries

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More First Nations libraries in Ontario will soon be able to provide free internet access to the public.

The Ontario government announced it is making a $78,000 increase to the Internet Connectivity Grant program, which helps reimburse rural, northern and First Nations Public Libraries for their connectivity costs.

The province says that additional amount of funds will allow 30 public libraries in Ontario the ability to join the program.

“Accessible and reliable internet elevates education, economic opportunities, and community connection,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation in a news release.

“In expanding the Internet Connectivity Grant, we are ensuring that all First Nation public libraries can continue providing this critical service at no cost to their communities.”

Since 2018, the Internet Connectivity Grant program has provided the province’s public libraries with more than $4.3 million to ensure communities have reliable internet access.

According to a recent report, nearly one in three northern Ontarians without home internet rely on public libraries for online access to remote education, job searches and other services.

ford housing

Province’s ‘special economic zone’ legislation takes step forward

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The province has released its draft criteria for designating special economic zones that will fast-track approvals of major projects.

First introduced under Premier Doug Ford’s Bill 5, also known as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, in response to economic threats from U.S. tariffs, the Special Economic Zones Act is aimed at supporting the advancement of job-creating investments and projects that are deemed critical to the province’s economic stability.

According to a release from the Ontario government, the draft regulation was created after consultations with Indigenous communities in the province, which are ongoing.

“Our government continues to facilitate hearty political participation and engagement with Indigenous communities across the province, with increasingly positive feedback, as we build out the regulations for Special Economic Zones,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships in a statement.

As part of its consultations, Ontario has engaged with more than 130 Indigenous communities regarding the proposed draft regulation and the development of a new regulatory framework.

That includes five regional sessions carried out across Ontario, including in Thunder Bay with the province saying it will continue to consult with Indigenous communities to support and advance economic stability through development and ensure proposed regulation incorporates ongoing feedback.

However, Bill 5 and the proposal of special economic zones has not been met without its critics.

“The Bill’s ‘special economic zones’ are just a cheat code for this government to do whatever they want, wherever they want,” Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP previously stated.

“No consent. No consultations. No laws – this is the playbook that this government is selling.”