September 24, 2026
Provincial funding will revitalize community space and help local businesses grow
CHAPLEAU — The Ontario government is investing $675,512 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support three projects that will help build a stronger, more vibrant Chapleau. As part of its plan to protect Ontario and ensure the North remains a great place to live and work, the government is making strategic investments throughout the region to help businesses grow, create good-paying jobs and revitalize community hubs for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“Our government is supporting projects that help communities and businesses reach their full potential,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “With this NOHFC investment, two companies that support our forest industry will be able to expand their operations and a vital community facility will undergo renovations to make Chapleau an even better place to live and work.”
Projects receiving NOHFC funding include:
- $400,000 for True North Timber, a stump-to-mill service provider based in Chapleau, to purchase specialized forestry equipment, including an excavator, grader, log loader, two haul trucks and two log trailers. Adding this equipment to its operation will allow the company to increase its capacity to meet the growing demand for forestry services in the area.
- $142,312 for the Chapleau Pentecostal Church to modernize and extend the life of its building while improving accessibility, safety and functionality with lighting upgrades, flooring replacement, HVAC enhancements and safety improvements. The facility currently houses Chapleau’s only food bank, thrift store, youth programming and elder outreach, and serves as a multipurpose space for community workshops, gatherings and crisis support. The planned improvements will ensure that all residents, including seniors and marginalized families, can enjoy and utilize this community asset for years to come.
- $133,200 for CSDL Logging, a forestry company that provides logging and harvesting services to True North Timber, to purchase a forwarder and harvester. By expanding its equipment fleet, the company will have the capacity to meet the increased volume required by its clients.
“Congratulations to the Chapleau Pentecostal Church, True North Timber and CSDL Logging on securing funding for your economic development projects,” said Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma–Manitoulin. “It is great to see regional organizations and businesses in Chapleau receiving funding to support projects that will enhance community spaces and help local businesses purchase new equipment and expand their services. This is great news for the Chapleau community.”
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC 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 of northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s increased investment, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.
Quick Facts
- Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across northern Ontario.
- Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1.1 billion in over 8,900 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 13,850 jobs.
Quotes
“Forestry has always been a pillar of northern Ontario’s economy, and here in Chapleau, True North Timber is proud to play our part. With the NOHFC’s support, we are able to continue supporting the region’s forestry sector, building on almost 30 years of service to this community.”
– Mark Guillemette, True North Timber
“This grant is enabling us to renovate a part of our building into a gym-like room which will allow us to provide a safe space for all children and youth in our community to hang out, participate in activities and connect with others.”
– Dan Lee, Pastor, Chapleau Pentecostal Church
“The NOHFC funding will help CDSL Logging Inc. continue to grow while creating and maintaining local jobs in our community. This investment allows us to strengthen our operations, provide more opportunities for local workers and contribute to the long-term sustainability and growth of our local forestry industry.”
– Serge Synnett, Owner, CSDL Logging Inc.
Additional Resources
- The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.
Media ContactSam McCormick Media Relations |
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