Centre Francophone

A multipartner organization representing seven local francophone organizations the Coopérative du regroupement des organismes francophones de Thunder Bay (ROFTB Inc.) owns and manages the Centre francophone. These organizations provide a bevy of services to the francophones and Francophiles in the Thunder Bay area. 

A Francophile can be defined as an individual that does not speak French but has a keen interest in the francophone community, its culture and its traditions. A Francophile may understand the language to a degree.

The Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario (AFNOO)

The Club culturel francophone de Thunder Bay (formerly called Le Club Canadien Français de Thunder Bay)

Centr’Elles

Féminin Pluri-Elles

Novocentre

L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay

The Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario (RMEFNO) joined the co-operative

Over the years, the services, programs, and activities offered by the members of the coop increased, along with the number of permanent staff required. As a result of this growth, the group opted to relocate the Centre to the facility you see today thus offering the francophone community many more opportunities to thrive.  

Welcoming and friendly, the cooperative promotes the integration and development of Francophones.  At the Center, Francophonie is honored. Facilitating access to services and programs in French and contributing to the development of social, cultural, educational, and socio-economic activities, it is a unifying place where each person is an agent of change.

Initiated in 2007 by the Association des Francophones du Nord-Ouest de l'Ontario (AFNOO) on its 30th anniversary, the Franco-Festival was created to increase awareness and visibility of the Francophone community of Northwestern Ontario.

Held annually on September 25th to coincide with Franco-Ontarian Day, the Franco-Festival offers 3 days of diverse and varied programming.

The event, which is the only francophone festival in Northwestern Ontario, takes place on Van Norman Street where the new Centre francophone de Thunder Bay is located. The street is closed for the occasion and festivalgoers can enjoy outdoor concerts with a magnificent view of the bay.