MPP Holland's July 2026 Community Update
- Aug 5
- 6 min read
Monthly Recap | July 2026
Featured News
Fire Update
The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to respond to multiple active wildland fires across Northwestern Ontario. I understand that many residents are eager to return to their camps and properties, but I ask everyone to remain patient and continue following all evacuation orders, restricted access notices and fire bans.
These measures must remain in place until it is safe for residents, municipal firefighters and wildland fire crews. An evacuation order was lifted on Saturday for parts of Fort France 14 fire , and the fires in Neebing were extinguished the previous week. These are positive developments, but conditions can change quickly and several fires remain active across the region. Please check the Ontario fire map for continued updates.
Residents whose properties have been affected by the fires can call 211 for information and assistance accessing insurance-related supports.
While the heavy smoke has eased, everyone must continue to respect the current fire ban and take every precaution to prevent new fires from starting.
I will continue meeting with ministry officials and receiving updates on the regional fire situation.
Thank you to our municipal and wildland firefighters, emergency personnel and community partners for their continued work. I would also like to thank the more than 100 wildland firefighters from Mexico who have come forward to support Ontario during this challenging fire season. The Hon. Kevin Holland Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products
MPP for Thunder Bay - Atikokan
Dad Joke of the Month
“What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? One you see later and the other you see after a while."
What's New! - Announcements & Investments
Ontario Investing $262,500 to Advance Lithium Processing in Northwestern Ontario
I was pleased to announce a $262,500 investment through Ontario’s Critical Minerals Innovation Fund to support Rock Tech Lithium.
The project will explore whether crude tall oil, a byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, can help make lithium processing cleaner and more cost-effective.
As Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products, it is great to see this project bringing our forestry and mining sectors together. Finding new uses for forestry byproducts can help strengthen local supply chains, support innovation and create new opportunities for Ontario’s forest sector.
Thank you to Minister Stephen Lecce , Rock Tech Lithium, Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper , and everyone helping move this project forward.
Grand Reopening of Mills Block Conservation Area
I joined the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority for the grand reopening of the Mills Block Conservation Area, which now includes an accessible looping trail system and boardwalk, a new washroom, parking lot upgrades, and new signage.
Supported by $320,090 through the NOHFC, these upgrades will help more residents and visitors enjoy this beautiful conservation area!
City of Thunder Bay Receives $709,280 to Support Building Housing Faster
I had the pleasure of joining Minister Graydon Smith to announce that Ontario is providing $709,280 through the Building Faster Fund after the City of Thunder Bay exceeded its 2025 housing target by 10%.
This funding will help support the infrastructure needed to build more homes and prepare Thunder Bay for continued growth.
Thank you to Mayor Boshcoff, Minister Graydon Smith, Minister Flack, city staff, builders, and everyone helping move our community forward.
Community Spotlight - Local Events, Awards
Upsala Seniors Luncheon
Thank you to everyone in Upsala for inviting me to another wonderful seniors luncheon!
It was great to connect with members of the community and provide an update on the important work our government is doing across the riding.
A special thank you to the amazing staff and volunteers who organize these luncheons. A lot of work goes into making community events like this possible, and I am always grateful for being invited.
Premier Ford Tour of Emergency Response Resources
I had the pleasure of joining Premier Ford, Minister Dunlop, and Minister Harris on a tour of the Ministry of Natural Resources office in Thunder Bay and the evacuation centre established in Fort William Gardens.
Thank you to the hardworking men and women helping coordinate our wildfire response and ensuring that resources are being deployed where they’re needed most.
Tour of Kakabeka OPG Construction
Thank you to Ontario Power Generation and Bird Construction Inc. for having me on-site to see the progress of the Kakabeka Falls OPG Station revitalization.
This important project is upgrading key parts of the 100-year-old facility to support reliable power generation for decades to come. In some of the photos, we are down at bedrock level where the previous four turbines were located.
It was incredible to see the engineering that went into building this facility more than a century ago, and just as impressive to see the work being done today to carry that legacy forward.
I look forward to seeing the station fully completed and ready to support another 100 years of power generation for Northwestern Ontario!
Meetings
Meeting with Minister Smith and Mayor Boshcoff
It was great to meet with the City of Thunder Bay and Minister Graydon Smith to discuss housing opportunities now and into the future.
Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and shared their insight on how we can continue supporting new housing, infrastructure, and responsible growth in Thunder Bay.
Meeting with Neebing Council and Fire Cheif
Thank you to the Municipality of Neebing Council and Fire Chief for meeting with me today to discuss fire operations across the township and the recent fires that have now been extinguished.
Roundtable with Minister Tibollo
I joined Minister Michael Tibollo and Mayor Boshcoff for a roundtable with representatives from victim services organizations in Thunder Bay to discuss the challenges facing our communities and how the province can strengthen support for the organizations providing these essential services.
The discussions were very insightful, and I appreciated hearing from those working on the front lines to support victims and their families.
Ministry Events - Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products
Investing to Expand Made-in-Ontario Wood Manufacturing
Guided by our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, we’re investing over $3.3 million to help Ontario Truss & Wall expand production in Belleville.
This investment in Advanced Wood Construction will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our forestry supply chain, and help deliver more high-quality, made-in-Ontario wood products to build homes and businesses faster.
$425,000 to Protect Forestry Workers in Huntsville
Minister Graydon Smith I announced an additional $425,000 investment through the Forest Biomass Program to help Daiken North America accelerate production of its first-of-its-kind laminated wood panel in Huntsville.
Building on our previous $10 million investment supporting Daiken’s $70 million modernization project, this funding will help protect and create good-paying jobs and strengthen Ontario’s position as a G7 leader in innovative forest products.
Ontario Investing more than $7.2 million to support over 500 workers
I joined Minister Piccini in Sault Ste. Marie to announce more than $7.2 million to help over 500 Northern Ontario workers, including in Thunder Bay, upgrade their skills, transition into in-demand careers and seize new opportunities.
This investment supports pillar one, objective one of our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector by defending forest businesses and workers from the impacts of changing markets and unjustified U.S. duties and tariffs.
Sault Ste. Marie Tour with Minister Quinn and Piccini
I joined Ministers David Piccini and Nolan Quinn in Sault Ste. Marie to meet with students, employers and industry leaders about building the skilled workforce Northern Ontario needs.
From touring Total Precision Surveying to discussing youth retention and workforce development at our regional roundtable, today’s conversations reinforced the importance of investing in the next generation.
Through our Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, our government is investing in people and businesses to ensure we remain a G7 leader in forestry.
Provincial Initiatives
Ontario Strengthening Accessibility Across Canada
We're supporting the next generation of youth accessibility leaders!
Ontario is investing up to $400,000 to support the Rick Hansen Foundation's 2027 Youth Leadership Summit, giving young people the skills, confidence and opportunities to make a real difference in their communities.
Breaking down interprovincial trade barriers
As President Trump’s tariffs continue to threaten our economy, Team Canada is taking action.
Ontario is leading the way by helping remove another major trade barrier within Canada, making it easier for Ontario breweries, wineries and distilleries to reach new customers while giving consumers more choice.
Ontario Supporting Royal Canadian Legions in Thunder Bay - Atikokan
Ontario is helping nearly 400 eligible Royal Canadian Legion branches reduce operating costs by providing full rebates on liquor sales licence fees.
Rebates will save eligible Legion branches almost $250,000 over 5 years, helping them continue serving veterans across Ontario.
Ontario Unveils Proposed Route for Northern Shield Energy Corridor
We’re taking action to protect Canadian jobs and Canadian families.
The Northern Shield Energy Corridor is a critical next step in building the most resilient and self-reliant economy in the G7. This nation-building project will connect Alberta oil and gas to new and expanded refineries in southern Ontario, supporting thousands of jobs along the entire route.
Built with Canadian steel. Built by Canadian workers. Built for Canada's future.
Increasing Capacity in Ontario's Shipbuilding Industry
Ontario is investing over $90 million to support shipbuilding capacity.
This investment will help meet the growing demand for Ontario-made vessels, help Ontario shipbuilders support Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and boost the economic competitiveness of Ontario’s shipbuilding and its supply chain while creating thousands of good-paying jobs across the marine sector.
Proteting Ontario from Forest Fires
Northern Ontario's wildland firefighters, pilots and emergency responders are working around the clock to protect people and communities from active forest fires.
Several hundred highly trained Ontario wildland firefighters, supported by nearly 50 helicopters and waterbombers, are working alongside partners from Alberta, Yukon and the federal government.
Thank you to every firefighter, pilot, support staff, emergency responder and municipality supporting evacuees.
