Funding will help three local businesses create good-paying jobs and build a self‑reliant northern economy
TEMISKAMING SHORES — The Ontario government is investing $4,050,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support three business expansion projects in Temiskaming Shores. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to support growth and job creation in sectors that are critical to Northern Ontario’s economy, including manufacturing, agriculture and mining.
“Our government is investing in industries that are key to Northern Ontario’s economic strength and resilience,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By supporting vital sectors, we are helping northern businesses grow their market share and create the jobs that help workers take home bigger paycheques.”
The NOHFC is providing funding to the following projects:
- $3,250,000 for Wabi Iron & Steel Corp. – a mining equipment manufacturer – to purchase and upgrade existing equipment and renovate its foundry division facility
- $400,000 for Claymeer Farms Ltd. operating as HCF North – a farming company – to complete renovations on an existing building and increase drying and storage capacity for its own cash crops, as well as those from other local farms
- $400,000 for Mid North Recycling Inc. – a metal recycling facility – to build a new facility, purchase equipment, train employees and undertake marketing initiatives.
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC 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 investment of an additional $30 million over 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 $1 billion in nearly 8,100 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.
Quotes
“We are excited that the NOHFC is stepping up to make this historic investment in the future of Wabi Iron & Steel. The expansion of the foundry will help us take our business to the next level, create local jobs and position us for another 100 years of success.”
– Darryl Gutscher, President, Wabi Iron & Steel Corp.
“The agricultural potential of the Great Claybelt represents a huge economic opportunity that will benefit all the communities in the region and Ontario as a whole. The NOHFC’s contribution to Claymeer Farms’ grain elevator, which is the first commercial grain elevator on the Great Claybelt, shows that the Ontario government recognizes the opportunity for Northern Ontario to diversify and expand its economy through primary agricultural production. The agriculture sector of Northern Ontario is positioned to drive GDP growth for Ontario and Canada, and the support from the NOHFC has been critical in preparing for this exciting opportunity.”
– Luke Dinan, Director of Northern Operations, Claymeer Farms Ltd. o/a HCF North
“We sincerely thank the NOHFC for believing in our vision. This investment enables us to expand our capacity, improve efficiency and create new jobs withing the community. Northern Ontario is home, and we are proud to grow our operations and remain committed to supporting Northern Ontario’s economy and environmental sustainability.”
– Angela Huppe, Production Manager, Mid North Recycling Inc.
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.
| Media Contact
Sam McCormick, Minister’s Office Media Relations, Communications Branch |
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