Ontario Investing over $1,671,000 to Protect and Support Northern Communities in the Thunder Bay Region
- May 6
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
Annual funding will help 144 northern municipalities repair roads, bridges and build long-term resilience
News Release | May 6th, 2026
THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $15 million in ongoing funding through the Northern Ontario Resource Development Support (NORDS) Fund to help northern municipalities continue to improve local infrastructure and support responsible economic growth in the North. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, this funding is one more way the province is supporting good-paying jobs and building stronger northern communities and a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy.
In 2025-26, the Ontario government provided $1,671,757.76 through the NORDS Fund to 15 municipalities across Thunder Bay-Atikokan and Thunder Bay-Superior North to support investments in local infrastructure
“This funding will provide meaningful support for infrastructure projects across Northern communities,” said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay - Atikokan. “Roads and infrastructure across our riding have taken a beating from the significant snowfall we received this winter, and I am pleased to see the province supporting municipalities with their rehabilitation and resurfacing projects.”
The NORDS Fund helps municipalities across northern Ontario invest in vital infrastructure such as roads and bridges, access new economic opportunities through resource development and help mitigate the impacts of resource development on local infrastructure. Resource development operations, such as mining, forestry and agriculture, are an important part of the provincial economy, yet they can also disproportionately impact northern municipal infrastructure. NORDS helps these municipalities strengthen local infrastructure, invest in long-term community growth and support sustainable development.
“Ontario’s northern communities are an essential part of our province,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Making NORDS an ongoing fund means northern municipalities can plan, invest with confidence and maintain the critical infrastructure that resource development operations rely on and ensure benefits are shared close to home.”
All 144 northern Ontario municipalities, as defined under the Places to Grow Act, 2005, are eligible to receive NORDS funding. Municipalities will have an opportunity to submit projects through Transfer Payment Ontario later this summer. The Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth will contact municipalities about next steps and provide assistance and funding details.
Since its inception in 2021, NORDS has provided $75 million to fund municipal infrastructure projects across the north. Project approved this year include:
$62,721.52 to the Township of Atikokan for a mercury culvert replacement
$56,347.65 to the Township of Dorion for road, concrete infrastructure and energy efficiency
$57,898.50 to the Township of Gillies for the Hymers Fair Drive - paving
$156,070.75 to the Municipality of Greenstone for Main Road rehabilitation of the Geraldton ward.
$110,194.52 to the Township of Marathon for road resurfacing - How Street
$93,640.12 to the Municipality of Neebing for the Cloud Lake Road repair
$80,259.56 to the Township of Nipigon for the STP RBC overhaul
$60,675.60 to the Township of O’Connor to resurface Loghrin Road / Municipal Road resurfacing
$136,414.66 to the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge for the rehabilitation of Twin City, Crossroad and Arthur Street
$67,095.39 to the Township of Red Rock for the Trout Creek Bridge repair
$73,370.91 to the Township of Schreiber for the Lakeshore Drive rehabilitation project
$82,351.40 to the Township of Terrace Bay for the firehall roof and public works roof
$400,000 to the City of Thunder Bay for Arthur Street Improvements
Quick Facts
All 144 northern Ontario municipalities, as defined under the Places to Grow Act, 2005, are eligible to receive NORDS funding.
Funding allocations are determined using household counts in each municipality.
The NORDS program will fund infrastructure projects related to resource development such as roads rehabilitation or bridge improvements related to mining, forestry or agriculture.
The NORDS Fund was initially created as a five-year program ending in 2026.
Since 2021, our government has invested $675 million through combined programs, such as NORDS, the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, to help revitalise infrastructure in northern Ontario
Quotes:
“The continuation of the NORDS program for the next three years is a critical investment in the future of Northern Ontario. NORDS has proven to be a highly impactful tool for our municipalities, helping to unlock local economic opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and support sustainable growth across the North. We thank Minister Pirie for his leadership and the Government of Ontario for recognizing the importance of this program and responding to the needs of Northern communities.” - Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) President, Rick Dumas
“FONOM is very pleased to see the NORDS program is continuing, as it has been a priority we have long advanced with the province. This program plays a key role in helping northern municipalities address longstanding infrastructure gaps while supporting communities experiencing growth tied to resource development. The ability to stack funding over multiple years is particularly important, as it allows municipalities to move forward with larger infrastructure projects that would otherwise be out of reach. This flexibility strengthens municipal financial planning and ensures communities are better positioned to support economic development and future growth.” - Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) President, Dave Plourde
“This investment is about working hand in hand with our municipal partners to get more shovels in the ground for housing and the infrastructure that supports growth. By strengthening roads, bridges, and water systems across Northern Ontario, we’re creating the right conditions to build new homes, grow local industries, support good-paying jobs, and build a stronger economy today while setting the province up for long-term success.” - Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“Our government is supporting northern communities with historic infrastructure investments delivered through initiatives including the annual NORDS Fund, the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. As part of our capital plan, we are continuing to build and renew critical infrastructure to strengthen communities, keep workers on the job and protect Ontario.” - Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure
