Iroquois Falls mayor welcomes provincial funding for community projects

The Mayor of Iroquois Falls welcomed Minister of Northern Development Greg Rickford for a funding announcement Wednesday that will have a major impact on the town’s bottom line.

The community’s Jus Jordan Arena building also houses a swimming pool and sports complex. It was built in 1955 and at that time, Tory Delaurie said it was the nation’s biggest volunteer project.

Tory Delaurier, mayor of Iroquois Falls thanks Greg Rickford, minister of Northern Development for $580,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

Over the summer, its roof was replaced and nearly $430,000 from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC) will pay for the repair.

"We had a leaking roof, so that had to be addressed," said Delaurier.

"If we didn't fix it, it’s like I say, you fix your roof or you lose your house? The arena, you got to fix the roof or you lose your arena, right?"

The mayor said thanks to the NOHFC funds, the community has funding that can be used on other projects, such as attracting major industries.

"We have no major industry at this time," he said.

"We're still working on that and there's some announcements coming hopefully before Christmas. So I don't make promises, but it looks very promising."

The Abitibi Golf Club was another recipient of NOHFC funding in the amount of around $68,000. The volunteer-run operation needed some new equipment.

"We bought a commercial refrigerator and stove for the clubhouse we bought and some new chairs as well," said Rolly Cote, a member of the golf club.

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"A greens mower to be able to look after the course itself and we're doing some flooring, as well."

And the Porquis Recreation Association will now have a backup power system thanks to the nearly $21,000 cheque it received.

Delaurier said these investments are good for residents' mental health. He said the updated infrastructure gives people opportunities to get out and be active.