September 12, 2025

Funding will help Tisdale Bus Lines expand operations and create jobs

TIMMINS — The Ontario government is investing $400,000 in funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help transportation company, Tisdale Bus Lines Limited, establish a new maintenance facility in South Porcupine. This funding aligns with the government’s vision to protect and grow Ontario by promoting economic development and employment in northern communities.

“Northern companies are growing and our government is helping businesses capitalize on the momentum to create jobs and build a stronger, more self-reliant Ontario in the face of economic uncertainty,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Amidst economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs, today’s investment supports our northern economy through bolstering Northern Ontario’s transportation industry and will ensure Tisdale Bus Lines Limited stays on the road to success.”

In addition to offering bus services to schools, sports teams and travelers, Tisdale Bus Lines Limited works with northern mining companies to safely transport workers to remote mines. The NOHFC funding will enable the company to support the mining sector by building a 9,600-square-foot facility that meets the needs of its growing fleet and hire more staff. Once construction is complete, the company will improve operations and be able to service and repair its buses more efficiently.

“We are very appreciative of the financial contribution from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation as we move forward with our new maintenance facility,” said Ron Malette, President, Tisdale Bus Lines Limited. “The new facility will help expand our growth in the mining sector, while continuing to support the community, employment and families.”

Announced in June 2025, the Ontario government is refocusing the NOHFC to prioritize investments that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $939 million in 7,563 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,900 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Officesand Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.