Fund REACH facility development

AI summary

Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to fund the REACH facility in Red Lake, Ontario, as an events, arts, recreation and emergency evacuation hub. The government responds that the Build Communities Strong Fund is available.

AI summaries describe petitioners’ requests and claims. Consult the official record for the full text.

Official petition

Petition to the Government of Canada the residents of Red Lake, Ontario, rely on the Cochenour Arena – one of the oldest continuously operating arenas in Northern Ontario – as a central gathering place in a growing gold-mining community and as a regional hub for seven (7) First Nation communities; the arena, built in 1962, has helped shape dreams for generations, producing four (4) NHL hockey players and a three-time Olympic medallist in figure skating; the proposed REACH facility (Regional Events, Arts and Cultural Hub) would provide a modern, expanded space for recreation, cultural programming, and the arts – inspiring future athletes and emerging Woodland artists while supporting critical infrastructure renewal and regional economic development; the REACH facility could also serve as a safe, modern host evacuation centre for northern First Nation communities, who are frequently displaced during severe wildfire seasons and would strengthen opportunities for future partnerships; and despite numerous funding applications over many years, our community has not yet secured the investment needed for this essential project. We, the undersigned, residents of Red Lake, Ontario,, call upon the Government of Canada to provide assistance in funding for the development of the REACH facility – a project recognized as a priority by the local government and the small northern community it would serve.

Government response

Response by the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Signed by Jennifer McKelvie, M.P. The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns regarding the Cochenour Arena in Red Lake, Ontario, and recognizes the importance of facilities for recreation and cultural programming in communities. Budget 2025 introduced a plan to support public infrastructure projects, including community facilities, across Canada through the new Build Communities Strong Fund (the Fund), which was formally launched on April 7, 2026. The Fund provides $51 billion over ten years, starting in 2026-2027, and $3 billion per year ongoing, to support a wide range of infrastructure priorities related to economic prosperity, housing, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation, including infrastructure supporting sports and recreation. The Provincial and Territorial stream of the Fund makes available $17.2 billion to support infrastructure projects, including community assets. This stream will be delivered through bilateral agreements between the federal government and the provinces and territories, who in turn can provide funding to municipalities and other eligible recipients. The Direct Delivery stream of the Fund provides $6 billion over ten years, starting in 2026-2027, to support regionally significant projects, climate adaptation, and community infrastructure, including recreational spaces. Proponents of regionally significant projects would be required to seek private sector investment, including private investment leveraged through Canada Infrastructure Bank financing. Proponents who are responsible for a project's implementation and who own, or will own, the asset(s) can submit an application for projects that are ready to start in 2026, have Class C estimates and funding secured, through the Department’s online portal. For Indigenous and territorial projects, consideration will also be given to projects that will be shovel-ready in 2027. Proponents who have a potential project that is not yet shovel-ready may submit an expression of interest by email. The Canada Community-Building Fund has been rebranded as the Fund’s Community stream. This stream will provide $27.8 billion over ten years, starting in 2026-2027, and $3 billion per year ongoing, as planned. The Community stream is a permanent, predictable source of federal funding that provides municipalities with stable, long-term funding to support local infrastructure priorities. Funds are transferred to provinces and territories, who in turn, flow the funds to municipalities to allow them the flexibility to invest in a wide range of eligible infrastructure categories, including sports, recreation, and culture. Since 2017, the Municipality of Red Lake has received over $2.9 million under the Community stream as well as over $4.6 million for projects through programs like the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Funding applications for the proposed project were considered under the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, but were not selected due to high demand and high quality of applications, which exceeded the funding available. Should the Municipality of Red Lake choose to seek federal funding for the Regional Events, Arts and Cultural Hub project through the Build Communities Strong Fund, a specific funding application, in line with program requirements, would be required for the federal government to be able to consider the request. Proponents could work with the Province of Ontario to submit an application to the Provincial and Territorial stream or submit an expression of interest to the Direct Delivery stream.