Funding will help develop operations, promote trade and create jobs

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing $78,080 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Final Drives Canada expand its operations in Thunder Bay with a larger facility. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is making strategic investments to support northern businesses with the tools they need to grow, become more competitive and create jobs in their communities.

“Building a strong northern economy is only possible when our businesses are able to operate at their full potential,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By supporting Final Drives Canada in expanding, our government is promoting sustainable growth in key industries, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening global trade opportunities.”

Final Drives Canada, a distributor of mining, construction and forestry equipment parts, is using NOHFC funding to expand its warehousing and shipping capacity in a newly acquired and updated space. The project includes investments in new equipment, updated manufacturing stations and improved IT systems, which will enable the company to offer more products and services to clients, create new jobs and increase distribution in new markets.

“With support from the NOHFC, we’re proud to continue building on the vision behind Final Drives Canada. By stocking essential components in Canada, we help create a dependable supply network that minimizes downtime and keeps heavy equipment working here where it’s needed most,” said Kyla Jarvinen, Community Relations at Final Drives Canada. “Here in Northwestern Ontario, that reliability supports our core industries, protecting jobs, sustaining local businesses, and driving regional growth.”

“Mining, construction and forestry remain key drivers of growth in Thunder Bay and across northern Ontario. By supporting the expansion of Final Drives Canada through the NOHFC, we are strengthening the supply chains that support these industries,” said The Hon. Kevin Holland, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “Investments like this help secure good-paying local jobs and ensure our region continues to play a leading role in Ontario’s growing mining and resource economy.”

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 over 8,200 projects in northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,800 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.