Investment will provide students and private sector with access to state-of-the-art aviation and aerospace training equipment in North Bay

November 7, 2025

NORTH BAY — The Ontario government is investing $1,991,400 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Canadore College upgrade and modernize its School of Aviation Technology facility in North Bay, which is the only one of its kind in Northern Ontario. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to strengthen the province’s pipeline of skilled workers that are needed to support Ontario’s growing economy.

“Canadore College’s School of Aviation Technology has been at the forefront of training, education and research for 52 years,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “Our government’s funding is advancing Canadore College’s programming, enhancing its competitive edge and building capacity in Ontario’s aviation and aerospace sectors.”

Canadore College is using NOHFC funding to renovate its aviation campus facility – located next to Jack Garland Regional Airport and the City of North Bay’s Airport Industrial Park – to accommodate new Advanced Training Simulation labs and student common areas. Funding is also being used to purchase a Q400 Flightdeck Simulation Trainer, two additional Cessna simulators and all the necessary software and auxiliary equipment required to house the latest aviation technology.

The upgraded facility will allow Canadore College to update its program offerings and train more students. The facility will also be available to the private sector to use for training and upskilling staff, which will generate additional revenue for the college and help workers and businesses in the aviation and aerospace sectors stay competitive.

“Canadore College is grateful for this investment,” said George Burton, President and CEO of Canadore College. “The funding is enabling us to create a safe, immersive learning environment where students can gain valuable hands-on experience in aircraft systems and troubleshooting procedures. These advanced labs will also support other industries seeking simulation-based training solutions.”

“Our government is proud to continue providing targeted investments that will support the aviation industry in Ontario,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “With this NOHFC funding, Canadore College is renovating its aviation facility to include various simulators providing the opportunity for student pilot training using the latest aviation technologies, including system familiarization and scenario-based exercises.”

The Ontario government is committed to prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that will 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 $983 million in 7,951 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.9 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,350 jobs.

Additional Resources

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