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Ontario Investing $2 Million to Help Build New Sport Facility in Thunder Bay

  • 7 days ago
  • 2 min read

Provincial funding will support job creation and sports tourism

News Release | May 19th, 2026

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the City of Thunder Bay build the Tbaytel Multiplex, a state-of-the-art indoor turf facility. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province is supporting community enhancement and infrastructure projects across the North that promote active living, improve quality of life and strengthen local economies.


“Having access to modern and accessible recreational amenities are essential to building healthy, prosperous communities,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Thunder Bay’s new sport facility will become am integral part of the city, and help residents of all ages create new memories while staying active.”

The City of Thunder Bay is using NOHFC funding to support the 120,000-square-foot recreational facility that will have FIFA-standard turf installed with automatic dividers able to split the field in half and quarters. The Tbaytel Multiplex will be open throughout the year and include 500 seats for spectators, eight changerooms for players, two referee changerooms and a multi-purpose room. The sports hub will create accessible recreation opportunities and give athletes a place to practice, compete and grow. The project will also help create good-paying jobs and empower the city to host more sporting events, boosting tourism and driving economic opportunities.


“Sports and recreation have always played an important role in communities across Northwestern Ontario, bringing people together and giving young people opportunities to stay active, build confidence and make lasting connections." said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay - Atikokan." Investments like the Tbaytel Multiplex help create spaces where families can come together year-round, while supporting the next generation of athletes and strengthening community life across Thunder Bay,”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities


Quick Facts


  • Through its funding  programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.

  • Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in more than 8,400 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,000 jobs.


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