Ontario Strengthening Businesses and Protecting Jobs in Northeastern Ontario

Province investing in five job creation and economic development opportunities in Timmins and across northeastern Ontario

IROQUOIS FALLS — As part of the government’s plan to strengthen the economy to protect Ontario jobs, the province is investing more than $1.6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC) to support five business development projects in Northeast Ontario. These investments will help businesses expand operations, create more jobs and build stronger local economies in the north.

“Through strategic investments and a new focus on creating opportunities for workers, communities and businesses in the face of U.S. tariffs, our government is protecting northern Ontario’s economy now and for the future,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “By targeting funding in key growth regions and industries we are building a stronger, more competitive and self-reliant economy to withstand whatever comes our way.”

Funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to the following projects:

$400,000 for The Bucket Shop Inc., located in Timmins, to purchase and upgrade equipment to improve efficiency and increase its production and field services capabilities
$400,000 for Superior Grading, located in Timmins, to expand its shop through the purchase of a new building, allowing for more shop space and new equipment to diversify its customer base
$383,949 for Kilmarnock Enterprise, located in Haileybury, to redevelop a recently purchased facility, add new welding and machining equipment to improve its service offerings, and develop a larger Northern Ontario customer base
$343,825 for Caron Equipment Inc., located in Timmins, to purchase new equipment to support mining activity in the area with a wide variety of services
$125,916 for the Town of Iroquois Falls to enhance Iroquois Falls Airport infrastructure by installing a new jet fuel tank and dispensing equipment, as well as replacing the hangar door header.

The government is refocusing funding through the NOHFC to support projects that strengthen the economy and help sectors and communities respond to economic challenges in the face of U.S. tariffs. This new direction for the NOHFC will include focusing investments on projects that respond rapidly to emerging issues in sectors and communities impacted by U.S. tariffs. Funding will also focus on supporting economic growth, innovation and creating and maintaining jobs in northern Ontario for the long-term.

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 $905 million in 7,309 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 11,210 jobs.
In January 2025, the Ontario government announced an investment of an additional $30 million over three years beginning in 2025–26, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. This funding will serve as a catalyst for further economic development and growth in the North and support the expansion of NOHFC programming eligibility to the District of Muskoka.

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.

Quotes

“Kilmarnock Enterprise’s expansion to Northern Ontario has allowed us to better serve our client base in the region. With the support of NOHFC we have been able hire local trades and upgrade our facility and equipment. Over the next few years, our objectives are to continue adding staff to meet our client needs and become a valuable contributor within the community.” – Jeff Brydges and Neal Lackey, Directors, Kilmarnock Enterprise

“The Town of Iroquois Falls could not be more encouraged and appreciative to receive $125,916.00 for our airport rehabilitation project from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation under the Rural Enhancement Stream. These funds will go a long way in extending the reach, capacity, safety requirements, as well as regional servicing and support of our airport users through the installation of Jet A Fuel as well as key infrastructure repairs to our hanger header door.” – Tory Delaurier, Mayor, Town of Iroquois Falls