Communities in northwestern Ontario are about to benefit from a federal investment of $39 million aimed at improving and repairing local community centres.
This funding is part of Canada’s Build Communities Strong fund and will be managed by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (Fed Nor). While the funds haven’t been distributed yet, municipalities and Indigenous organizations can now apply online to access some of this funding.
“These are important places for our residents to gather, exercise, and celebrate community events, and that’s worth saving,” said Thunder Bay MP and Fed Nor Minister Patty Hajdu. “We often talk about the importance of jobs, but if there’s nothing to do in our communities, if libraries and rec centres and community halls aren’t kept strong, then it becomes less viable to stay in these communities.”
Fed Nor plans to distribute the $39 million over the next four years.
Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff shared some fond memories from the 45-year history of the Canada Games Complex (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / June 30 2026)
“This fund is designed to be delivered by economic development agencies who have that really grassroots understanding of communities and can shepherd applicants through the process. Fed Nor is very good at making sure applicants have the support they need to have a successful response,” Hajdu said.
Hajdu notes that this funding arrives during a time when loneliness is rising and social disconnection is increasing-often linked to social media. She emphasizes that these gathering spaces can help communities flourish again by providing chances for meaningful face-to-face interaction.
“For example, a new mom sitting in a pool with a number of other new moms, connecting over shared experiences and learning from each other. I also think about the many seniors that use [community spaces] every single day to get exercise, then get in the sauna afterwards and share stories about their lives. I think about the birthday parties and gatherings of all kinds,” she said.
“As we face these very challenging times, coming together is a big part of how we move forward with resiliency.”
The announcement took place Tuesday morning at the Canada Games Complex in Thunder Bay, which is a multipurpose community centre featuring a swimming pool, indoor fitness areas, a fitness testing area, and an indoor running track.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how important this space is to the community,” said Jessy Bogacki, Acting Supervisor at the Canada Games Complex. “We have a thousand people walk through the door every day. Children, families, adults, seniors-we support everybody. It would be such a huge loss if we couldn’t offer what we offer.”
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