TIMMINS – The Ontario government is providing more than $1.8 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to seven business development projects in Timmins. This investment will expand company operations and create good jobs in Northeastern Ontario.

“Our government is investing another $1.8 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation in the Timmins region to continue building a stronger economy for the present and future,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “This funding supports local projects and the purchasing of new equipment that will help companies across Timmins create jobs, improve their businesses and grow our community.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $600,000 for Dr. Clean Inc. – an industrial cleaning business operating out of Sudbury – to establish a permanent presence in Timmins by building a facility and purchasing equipment
• $348,671 for Niiwin Limited Partnership and Niiwin General Partnership Inc. to purchase mining equipment to increase their production capacity and fulfill their contractual obligations with the Newmont Porcupine mining company
• $289,710 for Family Eye Care to purchase equipment and renovate its facility to include six standard eye examination rooms and a dedicated dry eye treatment room
• $249,197 for Epitron Inc. to build a new facility for its electric panel manufacturing operation
• $192,615 for NPLH Drilling to purchase underground mining equipment to offer a wider range of services by expanding into the underground mining market
• $148,539 for Smooth Percussion Inc. to purchase equipment and establish a heavy equipment repair company, which specializes in servicing drilling equipment for mining operations
• $12,576 for Little John Enterprises Ltd. to build a dual truss storage shelter to increase its storage capacity and maintain an inventory of in-demand dimensional lumber.

“The success stories we are celebrating today demonstrate that NOHFC funding is the catalyst that empowers local companies to expand, innovate and prosper,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “By investing in local entrepreneurs and industrialists, we are helping to build a sustainable economic future for Timmins and the North.”

The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $841 million in 6,894 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,560 jobs.

Quick Fact

• The Ontario government’s improved NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addresses the skilled labour shortage in the North.
• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

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.

Quotes

“I would like to thank the NOHFC for its invaluable support in expanding our dry eye clinic. With the government’s assistance, we were able to broaden our services to offer comprehensive dry eye management treatment options five days a week. This expansion has not only enhanced patient care but also enabled us to hire a fourth optometrist and additional staff, strengthening our commitment to the health and well-being of our community.” – Karine Briand, President, Family Eye Care

“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the funding provided by the NOHFC. Your generous support of our project will be crucial in advancing our manufacturing services. The funding will also assist us in hiring new employees to better service our expanding customer base. We appreciate your commitment to helping the local economy and look forward to demonstrating the positive outcomes of your assistance. Thank you for believing in our mission and for your invaluable support.” – Jethro Skwarok, President, Epitron Inc.

“NPLH Drilling is incredibly grateful for the support from the NOHFC, which will enable us to enhance our equipment and expand our service offerings into underground drilling. This investment not only strengthens our business but also reinforces our commitment to ‘striving for gold – delivering excellence’ in every project, ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients.” – Dana Blaquiere-Norkum. Owner, NPLH Drilling

“We at Little John Enterprises Ltd. would like to thank the NOHFC for its support. This funding is allowing us to expand our sawmill with the addition of a lumber storage building to protect our softwood lumber. As a result, we are able to continue offering quality products to our community.” – Ryan Martin, Owner, Little John Enterprises Ltd.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca