THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is providing $448,064 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to two business development projects in the Thunder Bay region. This investment will expand company operations, boost the local economy and create good paying jobs in the Northwest.

“I’m happy to announce that both Smart Modular Canada and Power System Solutions have been awarded funding through the NOHFC Fund. These investments will play a crucial role in supporting these local businesses by providing the resources they need to expand operations, adopt advanced technology, and create more job opportunities in the region,” said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “By making investments like these, our government is fostering economic growth, encouraging local innovation, and helping businesses in Thunder Bay – Atikokan and across Northern Ontario thrive.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $400,000 for Smart Modular Canada – located in Oliver Paipoonge – to purchase equipment and renovate its facility to increase production capacity of its residential and commercial modular buildings for rural and First Nations communities.
• $48,064 for Power System Solutions Ltd. – located in Rosslyn – to purchase equipment to expand its portfolio of services to include electrical testing.

“Our government is investing in projects that enhance development and accelerate growth in Thunder Bay,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Through our collaboration with northern partners, we are supporting strong, vibrant companies and providing genuine opportunities for the hardworking entrepreneurs who are essential to the economic fabric of Northern Ontario.”

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 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

“We are navigating a perfect storm where demand for quality, affordable housing is higher than ever, with limited supply and a shortage of skilled labour. Factory-built is the way forward. The NOHFC’s recognition of this need is clear, and we are thankful for its investment in our manufacturing process and automation upgrade initiative. With its support, we are able to expand in this region, offering excellent opportunities for our employees now and into the future, and making quality, affordable homes more accessible to more people.” – Bill Boulton, CEO, Smart Modular Canada

“The opportunity that has been graciously provided to us by the NOHFC will have a tremendous impact on the organization and operations of Power System Solutions. This investment will allow us to continue to foster an environment of continuous learning and growth of our team, with some of the latest technology and advancements in the electrical power system testing industry. It is wonderful that the government has initiatives like the NOHFC that recognize the need for, and the benefit of, supporting locally owned and operated small businesses, enabling us to shift gears and keep the pace with the ever-advancing technological changes in industry. This grant will help us offset the costs of major investments in equipment and facilitate the continued expansion of our team, and subsequently our portfolio of services we offer to clients in Northern Ontario and beyond.” – Nathan Middleton, Field Service Representative, Power System Solutions Ltd.

Media Contacts

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

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