TIMMINS – The Ontario government is providing more than $4 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to 13 economic development projects in the northeast. This investment will help create jobs, expand company operations and improve quality of life for northerners.

“Supporting community and businesses development creates jobs, keeps the north competitive and attracts new investment,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Our government is helping companies and communities thrive, and providing real opportunities in Northeastern Ontario.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $1,238,675 for L’Université de Hearst – Ontario’s first Francophone university – to modernize and add teaching space to its Hearst Campus
• $500,000 for the Town of Kapuskasing to refurbish the exterior of the Kapuskasing Civic Centre
• $400,000 for Lecours Lumber Co. Limited – a softwood lumber manufacturer in Calstock – to purchase equipment
• $400,000 for Pineland Contracting – a wood supply and services company in Moonbeam – to purchase equipment
• $341,960 for DCS Services LP – a mine site services and maintenance company in Cochrane – to purchase equipment
• $300,000 for Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa – a resort in Timmins – to build additional accommodations and purchase equipment
• $256,400 for Maurice Welding – a custom steel fabrication shop in Kapuskasing – to purchase and renovate the building it is currently leasing, as well as $98,352 to purchase equipment
• $200,000 for the Township of Fauquier-Strickland to refurbish the exterior of the Fauquier-Strickland Community Centre
• $151,351 for Moonbeam Machine Shop & Welding to expand its facility and purchase equipment
• $120,541 for Northern Truss – a wood products manufacturer in Moonbeam – to construct a new building and purchase a truck
• $81,000 for the Local Services Board of Hallebourg to renovate the Hallebourg Community Centre
• $35,706 for Attawapiskat Pharmacy Inc. to establish a community pharmacy in Attawapiskat First Nation.“Our government is investing $4 million in projects and businesses across the northeast to build Northern Ontario’s economy,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “This investment includes $300,000 for Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa in my home riding of Timmins for equipment upgrades that will ensure they can continue to provide the wilderness and relaxation experiences that Cedar Meadows is renowned for.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $580 million in 4,997 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.87 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 7,900 jobs.

Quick Facts

• In 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address 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.

Quotes

“The building we want to renovate was built in 1958. 65 years later, our classrooms are too small, not numerous enough, and not well adapted in terms of technology. NOHFC’s funding contribution comes at the perfect time for us to modernize our Hearst Campus and continue our growth in and for Northern Ontario.” – Luc Bussières, President, Université de Hearst

“NOHFC’s programs are instrumental for the development of the economy in Northern Ontario. Our project is one example what can be accomplished when the Ontario government gets involved. We will continue to expand our business and employ more people so we can attract more visitors to the north. We are forever grateful.” – Richard Lafleur, President, Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa

“The Local Services Board of Hallebourg would like to thank NOHFC for its financial support for our small community. With these funds, we were able to repair, improve and make accessible our community hall, as well as purchase new play structures to improve our community park for our young, growing families. Without Ontario government support, we would not have been able to do all these renovations in a single year.” – Gaëtane Hébert, Chair, Local Services Board of Hallebourg

“Because of NOHFC support, the dream came true. Attawapiskat community members now have access to a full services pharmacy. We would like to express our gratitude to the Ontario government.’ – Mohammed Goda, Owner and Manager, Attawapiskat Pharmacy Inc.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — erika.robson@ontario.ca

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