THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is providing $366,428 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to two business development projects in Thunder Bay. This investment will expand company operations and create good jobs in Northwestern Ontario.

“It’s a privilege to announce that the NOHFC investments awarded to KBM Forestry Consultants and Embark Port Services will enable these organizations to expand their services and invest in new equipment,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “This support will strengthen their operations and create well-paying jobs here in Northwestern Ontario, contributing to the ongoing growth and success of our region.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $340,764 for KBM Forestry Consultants Inc. to expand its hangar facility, located at the Thunder Bay International Airport, to accommodate additional aircraft and storage of sensitive survey equipment
• $25,664 for Embark Port Services Ltd. to purchase equipment and a mobile container office to be placed at the Pool 6 Cruise Ship Terminal to service the growing passenger cruise sector in Thunder Bay and Silver Islet.

“NOHFC funding plays a crucial role in empowering businesses in Thunder Bay by providing the necessary resources to innovate and grow,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “These investments help local entrepreneurs expand their reach, create jobs and stimulate the regional economy. As a result, businesses in Thunder Bay are contributing to a stronger and more resilient northern community.”

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.

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.
• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Quotes

“Our Thunder Bay hangar expansion marks a significant milestone in KBM’s 50-year history. Through the continued support of NOHFC, we have been able to position our company as a leader in aerial survey, geomatics and field services. We continue to solidify our Ontario base of operations while growing into new markets with our satellite offices in Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick. Through the hard work and dedication of our staff and leadership team, we maintain our ethos of delivering quality services to our clients while providing long-term and meaningful jobs to the Northwestern Ontario workforce.” – Ian Gillies, Principal – Aviation, KBM Forestry Consultants Inc.

“Funds provided by the NOHFC solidified a successful third season for Embark Port Services in Thunder Bay, supporting the world’s leading cruise operators. Through the contribution made by the NOHFC, we were able to acquire critical equipment to allow for a more efficient, safe operation for dockside logistics, and also provide a better guest experience and representation of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario to the thousands of cruise guests who visited Thunder Bay this summer.” – Sean Davies, Owner and Operator, Embark Port Services Ltd.

Media Contacts

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

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