Ontario Investing in Renovations to Thunder Bay Francophone Centre
Province Supporting Cultural Development
Ontario is providing $119,458 to renovate the Thunder Bay Francophone Centre, creating five jobs and fostering economic, cultural and artistic growth for the francophone community in Northwestern Ontario.
With this investment from the province's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), the Coopérative du regroupement des organismes francophones de Thunder Bay (ROFTB) is renovating the Centre francophone. Upgrades to the facility include new flooring, insulation,
plumbing, heating and wiring for computers and telecommunications. Centre francophone provides a central location for the area's French-speaking population to gather and celebrate their culture and access programs and training.
Investing in community infrastructure is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan
includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Quick Facts
Since 2013, Ontario has invested more than $423 million through the NOHFC in over 2,730 projects, leveraging more than $1.3 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining over 9,830 jobs in Northern Ontario.
The NOHFC’s investments in community infrastructure are part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario
The ROFTB was incorporated in 2000 and includes six francophone organizations in Thunder Bay.
Quotes
“By investing in improvements to the Centre francophone, our government is reaffirming its commitment to the francophone community in Northern Ontario. The province’s NOHFC funding for the Centre francophone will help to create a modern space where members of Thunder Bay’s
francophone community can promote, celebrate and participate in their vibrant culture.”
Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC
“The renovation of the Centre francophone de Thunder Bay will promote a greater sense of belonging. This investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to the development and the vitality of the francophone community in Northern Ontario. I am proud the Ontario government is a partner in this much-needed project.”
Marie-France Lalonde
Minister of Government and Consumer Services and Francophone Affairs
“I am pleased with our province’s investment in Centre francophone in Thunder Bay. The francophone Community is a key piece of the rich cultural fabric of Thunder Bay and the region and is a key reason why Thunder Bay is a great place to live and raise a family.”
Bill Mauro
MPP Thunder Bay-Atikokan
“We thank the province for partnering with us through the NOFHC to invest in the future of Thunder Bay’s francophone community. Our renovated Centre francophone will offer a modern gathering place and contribute to the development of social, educational and socioeconomic activities for our members and partners.”
Claudette Gleeson
Project coordinator, ROFTB
