TIMMINS – The Ontario government is providing more than $1.3 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to four economic development projects in Timmins. This investment will help address food insecurities, improve municipal infrastructure, expand company operations and create jobs in the Northeast.

“Making local investments in northern communities will ensure places like my riding of Timmins are set up for long-term success,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “Through the NOHFC, our government is investing $1.3 million in four economic development projects in the Timmins area that address food insecurity and infrastructure needs, as well as create quality job opportunities for the people in our community.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $741,917 for the District of Cochrane Social Services Administration Board to purchase and renovate a downtown property to create a central food services and security hub
• $400,000 for Parker Construction and Parker Equipment to build a heavy equipment repair and maintenance facility, and purchase a dozer and an excavator
• $102,500 for the Sikh Sangat of Timmins to build a community kitchen and shelter within its Gurdwara – a place of assembly and worship where people of all faiths are welcome
• $89,057 for the Costello Community Care Centre to install a new steel roof, eavestroughs, and downspouts.

“We are proud of the work our government is doing alongside northern communities, non-profits and businesses to drive economic growth and job creation in the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Together, we are keeping the North competitive and current, improving local amenities, and creating real opportunities for people and families across the region.”

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects—big and small, rural and urban—that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $717 million in 5,875 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,260 jobs.

Quick Fact

• The Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres are available to support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and assist in accessing government funding programs.
• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.
• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Quotes

“The new centralized food services building seeks to address the issue of food insecurity in our community by providing access to real support through the many partners housed in this facility. With this NOHFC funding, this project can make the necessary renovations and capital acquisitions to ensure that everyone making the difficult choice between food and bills, has access to healthy, nutritional choices each and every day.” – Brian Marks, Chief Administrative Officer, District of Cochrane Social Services Administration Board

“We want to thank the NOHFC for the approval of our business expansion. As a result of the growing construction industry, NOHFC funding has allowed us to expand our company to hire more employees and construct a new shop to meet local demands.” – Al Bussiere, Owner, Parker Construction and Parker Equipment

“On behalf of the Sikh Sangat of Timmins, I would like to thank the NOHFC for the grant to build the community kitchen and shelter in our establishment, which is designed to address the most fundamental needs of the vulnerable population in our City of Timmins. Our establishment provides a place where homeless individuals and families can find food, shelter, and safety, ensuring that they have access to basic necessities.” – Kanwaljit Kaur Bains, Co-founder, Sikh Sangat of Timmins

“Thank you to the NOHFC and Ontario government for the support received. This funding will help with the upgrading of our roof. Keeping our building updated allows us to continue to serve the community’s needs.” – Earl MacGillivray, Chairman, Costello Community Care Centre

Media Contacts

Curtis Lindsay, Minister’s Office — 437-240-7317 — curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

Media Desk, Communications Branch — mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca