September 11, 2026

Funding will promote local tourism and create accessible campground sites to attract visitors

IGNACE — The Ontario government is investing $81,300 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for two tourism projects in Ignace. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to support regional economic opportunities and local tourism across northern Ontario that attract visitors, increase tourism spending and boost local economies.

“Our government’s investment is helping Davy Lake Campground welcome more guests and the Township of Ignace expand its annual White Otter Days Festival, attracting more tourists to the area,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This funding will promote tourism and economic growth in the northwest for years to come.

Davy Lake R&RV Campground and Resort, a full-service campground that offers a welcoming getaway for families, is receiving $66,300 to create new camp sites on its existing property, add a new wheelchair accessible bathroom, develop a mapped and marked trail system, build a new docking system and train employees to properly guide customers on trails marked with Indigenous displays. The project will allow the property to accommodate more vehicles, improve accessibility and increase the recreational activities and experiences offered on site.

“Davy Lake Campground received funding through the NOHFC to develop accessible bathrooms and showers and accessible camping spots,” said, Stephanie Morin, Co-Owner of Davy Lake Campground. “The new additions to the campground have been highly welcomed by many of our guests that have mobility difficulties but still want to experience the outdoors and camping experience. We have received countless compliments and thanks from guests and this has helped the campground become more inclusive. Guests that may not have been able or comfortable enough to stay with us, now patronize our establishment, helping us grow both our clientele and our presence in a new community of people. Thank you very much to Minister Rickford and the NOHFC for their support in our endeavor to become more inclusive and to help grow a new sector of our business.”

The Township of Ignace, located approximately 300 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, received $15,000 to expand activities and programs offered during White Otter Days 2026. This annual event brings together current and former residents of Ignace and surrounding communities by providing inclusive activities that encourage participation, connections and local pride. NOHFC funding allowed organizers to add a minor baseball tournament, beach Olympics activities, a beach bonfire for families, a Touch a Truck event, a golf tournament and 10 days of camping for children, attracting even more visitors to the festival.

“We are so thrilled to receive funding for our White Otter Days in Ignace,” said Kim Baigrie, Mayor of Ignace. “As it is a municipal event that brings together not only our community residents, but friends and family of those who lived in Ignace, visitors and tourists alike, to celebrate our heritage and culture in a meaningful way.”

“We’re investing in the kinds of spaces and activities that make Ignace so special,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. “With funding for the Davy Lake R&RV Campground and Resort, and the White Otter Days, we’re enhancing opportunities for families to enjoy the traditions and natural beauty of the Northwest.”

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 increased investment, 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 $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Officesand Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.