Ontario Expanding Thunder City Speedway in Oliver Paipoonge
August 9, 2023 –
Province funding community recreation in the Northwest
OLIVER PAIPOONGE – The Ontario government is providing $200,000 through the
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the Thunder Valley
Development Corporation to invest in facilities at the Thunder City Speedway racetrack.
This investment will boost the regional economy, promote tourism and enhance quality
of life for northerners.
“The investment of $200,000 for the installation of new bleachers, lighting, fencing and a
sound system will enhance the enjoyment and usability of this racing facility for both the
drivers and the fans,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of
Northern Development. “The Thunder City Speedway has been a welcome addition to
our area and the fan excitement has been building.”
Thunder Valley Development Corporation will use $200,000 in NOHFC funding to
construct bleachers, lighting, fencing and gating and install a new sound system. These
upgrades will help establish year-round racing events for Thunder Bay, including dirt
track, snowmobile, go-cart, monster truck, canine and equestrian racing, along with
music events that will have a positive impact on the local hospitality industry and
automotive parts dealerships associated with racing events.
“Many thanks to the NOHFC for contributing funding to the Thunder City Speedway.
With assistance from the Ontario government, the racetrack was able to address many
important issues, like track lighting, safety fencing and seating capacity, creating a
much safer and more inviting facility for fans, drivers and workers alike. Thank you,
MPP Kevin Holland, and your staff for your support. It has allowed us to bring racing
back to Thunder Bay, to a level we can be very proud of. This contribution has helped
Thunder City Speedway expand, creating more opportunity for full-time and part-time
employment.” Norman and Louis Nadin, owners of Thunder City Speedway.
“Our government is proud to support the Thunder City Speedway with expanding
audience capacity and enhancing safety, allowing for a broader range of family oriented
events in Oliver Paipoonge,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern
Development. “Targeted investments like these demonstrate our government’s
commitment to help northern businesses expand operations and contribute to the
sustainability, prosperity and growth of the North’s tourism industry.”
The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing
financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth,
job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more
than $685 million in 5,656 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion
in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,000 jobs.
Quick Fact
• The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.
Additional Resources
• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.
• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.
Download News Release