New rink and rec centre for Constance Lake First Nation

Chief Rick Allen cuts the ribbon to mark the grand opening of the Mino Pimatisiwin Centre in Constance Lake First Nation with Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum and special guest former three-time UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St-Pierre in attendance. (Nishnawbe Aski Nation/Facebook)

The province announced Friday it’s pledging $2 million to for what it calls a state-of-the-art arena and recreation centre for Constance Lake First Nation, an Ojibway and Cree community west of Hearst.

“To build a more vibrant northern Ontario, our government is backing Indigenous-led projects and creating modern spaces that everyone can enjoy,” said George Pire, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.

“A new recreation hub in Constance Lake will also host community events, help champion cultural preservation and boost the local economy.”

Constance Lake First Nation said it’s using the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation funding to help cover construction, equipment and design costs.

A ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 18 marked the completion of construction at the facility and included former mixed martial arts Canadian champion George St. Pierre.

“This facility is built by and for our community, a place where our youth can grow, our families can gather and our culture can be celebrated,” said Chief Richard Allen, Constance Lake First Nation.

“This project represents exactly the kind of community-driven initiative that is supporting long term prosperity,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation.

The province said it’s prioritizing investments that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity.