Ontario’s government is supporting business expansions and startups in Northeastern Ontario by investing in four projects, creating 18 jobs.
Parliamentary Assistant Dave Smith, on behalf of Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, was in the Mushkegowuk-James Bay area to announce investments of over $2.8 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for the following projects:
- $1,365,767 for the Town of Smooth Rock Falls to build an industrial park
- $898,965 for Pineland Contracting Ltd. in Moonbeam to expand its round-wood harvesting capacity
- $459,000 for the Town of Hearst to build Espace Hearst Place, a permanent event pavilion and stage, outdoor plaza and parking area
- $90,450 for G Nolet Trucking in Moonbeam to purchase a truck, trailer and tools to provide transportation services to the forestry industry in the area.
“We will continue to support promising projects like these that diversify our economy and develop strong, vibrant communities across the north.” said Parliamentary Assistant Smith. “With these investments, we are reinforcing the north’s competitive advantage and sending a signal to the world that Northern Ontario is open for business and open for jobs.”
The NOHFC promotes and supports economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate growth, job creation and develop a skilled workforce.
That’s why Ontario is working to develop new NOHFC programs that will:
- make it easier for more people and businesses to apply
- support more projects in rural northern communities
- target both existing and emerging market opportunities
- provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people
- address the skilled labour shortage in the north.
“We have heard from northerners who want NOHFC programs to be open to a broader range of businesses and workers so that the unique needs of Northern Ontario communities are met,” said Minister Rickford. “Through these proposed changes, Ontario’s government will continue to build strong and resilient communities while supporting an environment where businesses can thrive, grow and create good jobs.”
Strengthening the north’s manufacturing, tourism and forestry sectors is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario together. Ontario’s plan is creating more good paying jobs and opportunities in the North, and attracting new and expanded investment so northern communities can grow and thrive.