PARRY SOUND – The Ontario government is providing more than $1.9 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to 10 economic development projects in the Parry Sound region. This investment will improve municipal infrastructure, expand company operations and create good jobs in the Northeast.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Northern Ontario has the resources needed to thrive,” said Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Small- and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our local economy here in the Parry Sound region. I am thrilled that the NOHFC is delivering smart and strategic investments into the area that will create jobs and prosperity for everyone.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $500,000 for Wickensburg Film Studios Inc. to produce, in the Parry Sound area, the fantasy film Secrets of Wickensburg
• $396,677 for Crofters Food Ltd., located in Seguin, to purchase equipment to meet client handling, food safety and packaging requirements for fresh strawberries
• $244,750 for Shawanaga First Nation to renovate its outdoor rink by adding a roof structure and upgrading the concrete pad
• $199,150 for Dock Kings Inc. to purchase equipment and build a new manufacturing facility in Carling, as well as $4,950 to purchase equipment to expand its production capabilities and begin manufacturing 24-foot floating pontoon docks for commercial clients such as marinas
• $187,500 for Camp Koinonia Inc., located in Seguin, to build accessible facilities adjacent to its main lodge, including a shower house, washroom and laundry area
• $170,706 for the Gurd and Area Historical Corporation to modernize the Commanda General Store Museum by doing repairs and renovations, making the facilities accessible, and building a teepee, washroom, shed, garage, stage, patio, BBQ area and fence
• $159,348 for Great North Homes Inc. and Cedarland Holdings Inc., located in McDougall, to purchase a building and equipment to expand their production capacity
• $77,600 for Aqua-Cage Fisheries Ltd., located in Parry Sound, to purchase aquaculture farming equipment to replace damaged equipment
• $23,293 for Learn to Kayak Inc., located in Parry Sound and owner of Georgian Bay Tours, to purchase equipment and a boat for passengers and cargo to provide new and expanded tours.

“Today’s announcement of over $1.9 million in NOHFC funding for 10 impactful projects in the Parry Sound region exemplifies the breadth, depth, and reach of the modernized NOHFC program,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “These initiatives not only strengthen local economies but also create good jobs, support partnerships with First Nations communities, and enhance infrastructure across the region. The NOHFC is committed to attracting investments for prosperous opportunities and empowering Northern Ontario to thrive.”

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 $835 million in 6,713 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.4 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,380 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 Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.
• The NOHFC’s Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and TV series.
• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Quotes

“The NOHFC supported the development of state-of-the-art processing capabilities and a new fresh fruit supply chain, as well as the creation of a new work centre with six new full-time positions to service our industrial customer segment. The facility and equipment upgrades, made possible through NOHFC funding, support Crofters in servicing North America’s largest grocery retailers with the highest standard of quality.” – Warren Miller, VP Finance, Crofters Food Ltd.

“The importance of community museums and the value they bring by preserving local history, as well as the buildings necessary to showcase that history, cannot be underestimated. Without the assistance of grants like the NOHFC’s, it would be absolutely impossible for the Commanda General Store Museum to be the incredible building and historical hub it is today.” – Darlene Erskine, President, Commanda General Store Museum Board of Directors

“As a third-generation local entrepreneur, our goal has always been to create high-quality, sustainable jobs in our community. Thanks to the support from the NOHFC, we’ve been able to dream bigger and are proud of the continued growth we’ve achieved.” – Paige Lubbelinkhof, Owner, Great North Homes Inc.

“Georgian Bay Tours allows more guests and locals to access the beautiful Islands which make this region so unique. Support from the NOHFC has allowed us to grow our business to increase seasonal jobs and tourism in the area.” – James Roberts, President, Learn to Kayak Inc.

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca
Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca