“Through the NOHFC’s Invest North Program, our government is providing targeted investments to local businesses to support productivity, innovation, business competitiveness, job creation and retention,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We recognize that by funding our local businesses we make a lasting impact on local economic development, as well as the families and community members in our region.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $2,187,359 for Industrial Plastics Canada Inc. to establish its Canadian production facility in North Bay
• $1 million for Nordic Minesteel Technologies Inc. to build a new facility and purchase equipment to support its production capacity and product design development
• $499,871 for SafeSight Exploration Inc. to develop and commercialize its Digital Tool Mine Rescue Kit – a high-tech underground mine rescue rapid response tool
• $400,000 for National Compressed Air Inc. to build a new facility and purchase equipment to expand its operation into Ontario
• $270,000 for Miller Technology Inc. to research and develop its steel protective cab – used by mining utility vehicles to safely transport people underground
• $192,397 for Awakening Software Ltd. to establish a software development company for the financial, mortgage and real estate industries
• $189,212 for Nbisiing Well Drilling to establish a water well drilling services company
• $114,960 for Simon River Sports Ltd. to establish a business that manufactures racing canoes and kayaks
• $103,107 for Tomahawk Construction Services to establish a mobile testing and quality management services company for remote construction and mining projects
• $53,137 for Smylie’s Meadowlark Farms to establish a hydroponic greenhouse for vegetables and other fresh produce
• $32,725 for Jim’s Locksmithing to renovate its facility and purchase equipment to expand its advanced security services and products.

“The partnerships we are recognizing today demonstrate the opportunities we are creating for local businesses, including Indigenous-owned enterprises, through our modernized and tailored NOHFC programming,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Whether it’s supporting companies that have been in the North for decades or investing in businesses that are expanding into the region, our government is proud to be a trusted partner.”

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

“From assisting with new product development to this most recent expansion of our facilities, the support we receive from NOHFC helps us remain competitive and able to sell our equipment around the world from right here in North Bay. Since I started the company in 1993, we have expanded our facilities in North Bay four times, creating more jobs for both skilled trades and professionals in our area, and NOHFC has been there to support us along the way. We could not have had the success we have without the support of our dedicated employees and partners like NOHFC.” – Ronald Elliott, President & Chief Executive Officer, Nordic Minesteel Technologies Inc.

“NOHFC funding has not only created high tech jobs in our company and community, it has accelerated the transformation of mine safety in the North and across the nation.”

– Mike Campigotto, President, SafeSight Exploration Inc.

“National Compressed Air Inc. is pleased to be expanding to North Bay. With the support of the NOHFC, our Alberta-based company is constructing a new manufacturing, sales and service facility to support our customers in Ontario through to Eastern Canada.” – David Keddie, President, National Compressed Air Inc.

“We are very appreciative of the NOHFC funding to help us with our testing and certification of our proprietary vehicle structures for underground mining. This will help us keep our intellectual property in house and allow us to design, build, test and certify new structures of aluminum, composites and other innovative materials for Miller Technology and for others, all with a goal of creating jobs, lowering emissions and extending ranges for both our battery electric and diesel offerings for mining utility vehicles.” – Hugh McDermid, Vice President, Miller Technology Inc.

“This funding will help Awakening Software establish a solid presence in the Sturgeon Falls and North Bay areas by setting up an office and infrastructure, positioning itself as one of the leading software companies in real estate and mortgage artificial intelligence applications.” – Claudio Baiocchi, Chief Executive Officer, Awakening Software Ltd.

“Nbisiing Well Drilling is pleased to have received funding from the NOHFC Invest North Program, enabling the purchase of a water well drill rig and tooling. This investment has allowed us to successfully complete projects within the Nipissing area, and we anticipate a busy and productive season ahead. As the first Indigenous-owned well drilling company in the region, we are proud to deliver these essential services to our community and beyond.” – Jack O’Halloran, Co-owner, Nbisiing Well Drilling

Media Contacts

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

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