Ontario Investing $15.7 Million to Build New MIFO Community Centre in Orléans

A major step forward for Orléans — and for the entire francophone community in Ontario.

The Ontario government has announced a $15.7 million investment toward the construction of a brand-new community centre for the Mouvement d’implication francophone d’Orléans (MIFO). This much-needed investment comes through the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) — a bold initiative to strengthen communities by revitalizing and expanding the places where people come together to play, learn, connect, and grow.

Building a Space Where Community and Culture Thrive

This new facility will allow MIFO to replace its aging infrastructure with a modern, eco-friendly, and inclusive space that reflects the growth and diversity of the community it serves. The design will include flexible multi-use spaces, a full gymnasium, a running track, event and meeting rooms, an art gallery, and more — all tailored to support the cultural, social, and recreational needs of francophone residents.

Once complete, the centre will increase its annual capacity from 60,000 to over 80,000 visits, with the ability to host a wider range of activities, events, and services. This includes everything from youth programs and senior fitness classes to arts workshops, community events, and accessible recreational programs designed for people with disabilities.

At its core, this project is about creating a space where language, identity, and belonging can flourish. MIFO has long been a cornerstone for francophone life in Eastern Ontario, and this investment reaffirms its vital role in sustaining a vibrant, inclusive, and future-facing community.

Celebrating Partnership and Leadership

The announcement was made in Orléans alongside key provincial and local leaders. I had the privilege of being there with Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Francophone Affairs; Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport; MPP George Darouze; Mayor Mark Sutcliffe; Councillors Catherine Kitts and Matthew Luloff; Mélanie Routhier Boudreau, Executive Director of MIFO; and Trèva Cousineau, a champion of the francophone community whose decades of leadership continue to shape the cultural fabric of this region. We were joined by many other elected officials, volunteers, and community leaders whose dedication brought this project to life.

Their presence reflects not just political support, but a shared commitment to preserving and advancing Ontario’s francophone identity — and investing in the infrastructure that allows that identity to thrive.

A Project That Delivers — For Health, Jobs, and the Future

This is more than a cultural investment — it’s an economic one.

Sport and recreation contribute over $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and create tens of thousands of good jobs across the province. Investments like this are part of a much larger plan: to unlock Ontario’s economic potential and build a more resilient, self-reliant future.

Through CSRIF, the province is not only modernizing local facilities — it’s protecting jobs, promoting healthy living, and boosting regional economies. Every dollar invested in community infrastructure supports workers in construction, facility management, programming, and administration, while also making neighbourhoods more attractive places to live, work, and raise a family.

For Orléans, this means a stronger local economy, more opportunities for residents, and a public space that truly reflects the needs and values of the people who live here.

A Proud Moment for Orléans — and Just the Beginning

This project embodies everything we strive for in public service: meaningful investment, community collaboration, and a lasting impact.

The excitement on the ground was palpable. This isn’t just about building walls — it’s about building a home for culture, creativity, wellness, and connection. A place where the francophone community can grow, gather, and celebrate who we are — today and for generations to come.

With shovels going in the ground soon, a bold new chapter begins for MIFO and for our entire community.