Provincial Funding Aims to Boost Tourism, Upgrade Recreation Facilities and Support Youth Athletics
The Ontario government is investing more than $3 million in sports and recreation projects in Sault Ste. Marie, including funding to support the 2028 Ontario Winter Games and major upgrades to the John Rhodes Community Centre.
The announcement, made Thursday by the Ministry of Sport, includes $1.3 million toward hosting the provincial multi-sport event and an additional $2 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to modernize one of the city’s key recreation facilities.
Provincial officials say the investments are intended to strengthen Northern Ontario’s sports infrastructure, stimulate local economic activity and support long-term community development.
Ontario Winter Games Expected to Deliver Economic Benefits
The 2028 Ontario Winter Games are projected to generate more than $5 million in economic impact for the Sault Ste. Marie region. The event is expected to attract up to 2,800 athletes between the ages of 12 and 18, along with coaches, families and visitors from across Ontario.
Participants will compete in nearly 20 sports, including curling, ringette and cross-country skiing.
“Our government is proud to support the 2028 Ontario Winter Games in Sault Ste. Marie, and give Ontario’s athletes the opportunity to compete with their peers from across the province,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “These Games will bring lasting benefits to Northern Ontario by building stronger communities and creating opportunities for visitors and participants to experience everything this remarkable region has to offer.”
The provincial funding will assist the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Games Organizing Committee in preparing and delivering the event.
Youth Sports Continue to Drive Regional Tourism
Ontario officials view the Games as both a sporting and economic development opportunity, particularly for Northern communities seeking to attract tourism and increase regional spending.
Held every two years, the Ontario Games represent the province’s largest amateur multi-sport event for youth athletes. The competition is designed to help athletes prepare for higher levels of competition, including the Canada Games and future Olympic and Paralympic participation.
The Ministry of Sport oversees a competitive bidding process to determine host municipalities for the province’s multi-sport events, which include both youth and senior competitions.
John Rhodes Community Centre to Receive Major Upgrades
Alongside support for the Games, the province is investing $2 million through the NOHFC to redevelop the John Rhodes Community Centre, which will serve as one of the event’s primary venues.
The revitalization project includes replacing the facility’s roof and installing a new HVAC system. Provincial officials say the upgrades are intended to improve the building’s long-term reliability while increasing the city’s ability to host large-scale sporting events in the future.
“Our investment to redevelop the John Rhodes Community Centre will provide a training ground for the next generation of the region’s athletes,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This NOHFC funding will ensure the John Rhodes Community Centre continues to be a critical part of the Sault Ste. Marie community.”
Infrastructure Spending Part of Broader Provincial Strategy
The funding announcement builds on Ontario’s previously announced $500 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, aimed at supporting construction and upgrades to recreation facilities across the province.
Provincial officials have increasingly emphasized infrastructure investment as a way to improve quality of life, encourage active living and support regional economic growth.
According to the province, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion into 8,423 projects across Northern Ontario since June 2018. Those projects have leveraged more than $3 billion in additional investment and helped create or sustain more than 13,000 jobs.
Local Leaders Welcome Provincial Support
Municipal leaders in Sault Ste. Marie praised the province’s investment and highlighted the economic and community impact expected from the projects.
“We are grateful for the province’s investment in both the 2028 Ontario Winter Games and the renewal of the John Rhodes Community Centre. I want to recognize the outstanding efforts of the City’s tourism team in securing this opportunity through a highly competitive process. We are fully committed to delivering an exceptional experience for athletes, visitors and residents.”
- Matthew Shoemaker, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie
Local MPP Bill Rosenberg also welcomed the funding announcement.
“I am thrilled to see the 2028 Ontario Winter Games coming to Sault Ste. Marie – this is great news for our region, and I am proud that our government is helping to bring big events like this to Northern Ontario. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the approval of this NOHFC funding to renovate and enhance the John Rhodes Community Centre. This Community Centre is the hub for events and gatherings for locals and visitors alike and this support is a testament to the dedication, effort and commitment you and your team have demonstrated in advancing your goals and serving your community. Please accept my best wishes for continued success and congratulations to everyone involved in this project.”
- Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma—Manitoulin
Province Continues Focus on Northern Ontario Development
The investment reflects the Ontario government’s continued focus on economic development and infrastructure renewal in Northern Ontario communities.
With preparations now underway for the 2028 Ontario Winter Games, provincial and municipal officials say the funding will help strengthen Sault Ste. Marie’s role as a regional sports and tourism destination while providing long-term benefits for residents and local athletes.