THUNDER BAY – The province is spending $250,000 to expand the Kenora Sportsplex.
The project will increase the second-floor viewing area, improve accessibility and maximize the playing field to regulation size in hopes of attracting regional sporting events while accommodating more spectators.
"This investment encourages sports tourism in Kenora," said Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Greg Rickford, also the Conservative MP for the Northern Ontario community, in a release issued on Thursday.
"We are building strong, vibrant communities across Northern Ontario together and creating real opportunities for the people who live here and the companies that want to invest, sending a signal to the world that Northern Ontario is open for business and open for jobs."
Kenora Mayor Daniel Reynard said the facility is a unique amenity in the community, one that provides a diverse range of opportunity and one that boasts vast potential beyond its current use.
"This funding will allow us to expand the use of the facility by adding access to the second-floor mezzanine and attracting new and expanded programming. The viewing area expansion will add economic benefit to our community with visitors attending an array of additional events,” Reynard said.
The money is being spent through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.
