Province investing in local economic development opportunities

SUDBURY – The Ontario government is providing more than $2.8 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to five economic development projects in Greater Sudbury. This investment will improve community infrastructure, upgrade company operations, develop innovative products and create jobs in the Northeast.

“Whether it’s investing in sustainable mining solutions, expanding health care access, or improving community recreational offerings, the NOHFC remains an integral tool for Northern growth and development,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “The City of Greater Sudbury has long been the epicentre of innovation, and our government is proud to work alongside businesses and organizations to leverage investments, strengthen employment opportunities, and bring emerging technologies to market right here in the North.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $2 million for RIINO Inc. to develop, design and manufacture its zero-emission electric haulage monorail system that will offer a sustainable solution for mining haulage by reducing the environmental impacts of using diesel fuel.
• $353,659 for B.S.K. Machine Shop to purchase a new computer numerical control (CNC) machine to replace its outdated machinery, purchase new tooling components to maintain the equipment and train employees on the new equipment.
• $222,150 for Sparrow Health Inc. to develop an online patient portal that connects patients with their physician and is integrated with their physician’s electronic medical record (EMR) system.
• $171,750 for Kivi Park Community Foundation to improve its storage and visitor seating areas, install a water fountain/bottle filling station, build a reading and programming pavilion, purchase accessibility equipment for use by park visitors and purchase a side-by-side trail groomer.
• $63,763 for Dr. Daniela Filippone Medicine Professional Corporation to create a new medical facility that will offer services to address common head and neck symptoms in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

The NOHFC fosters economic growth, job creation and workforce development throughout the North, benefiting communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $864 million in 7,028 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.5 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 10,932 jobs.

 Quick Facts

 The Ontario government’s improved NOHFC programming supports more projects in rural northern communities and makes it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programming targets existing and emerging markets, provides more work opportunities for Indigenous people and addresses 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 Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Quotes

“The support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation significantly strengthens RIINO’s ability to advance the development of our electric rail haulage system, addressing critical needs in mining efficiency and emissions reduction. This grant enables our company to expedite essential research and development, and testing phases, laying a solid foundation for the commercialization of our rail system in both open-pit and underground operations.” – Aaron Lamber, CEO, RIINO

“B.S.K. Machine Shop will be better positioned to grow in the north with our new equipment. The funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has been the key driver to make this project happen. With their help, we will be able to increase our capacity which will assist in maintaining and creating jobs within our community.” – Kevin McGarry, Co-Owner, B.S.K. Machine Shop

“The support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation has been transformative for Sparrow Health. The funding has allowed us to grow our team with local talent and implement innovative solutions that directly improve health care delivery. Thanks to this invaluable support, Sparrow Health is making a lasting impact on strengthening health care systems and improving outcomes for both providers and patients in the region.” — Dr. Samuel Peters, Co-Founder, Sparrow Health

“We’re incredibly excited and grateful to receive funding for the Kivi Village project. This support will help us make Kivi Park even more welcoming and accessible, creating opportunities for everyone in our community to connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy new programs. It’s inspiring to see this shared commitment to making our park a better place for all, and we can’t wait to bring these improvements to life.” – Kerry Lamarche, Executive Director, Kivi Park Community Foundation

“The support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation allowed the Head & Neck Diagnostics & Therapeutics Centre to streamline the vision and incentive necessary to propel the concept of the facility to the next level. The funds received were handily utilized to complete leasehold improvements, purchase equipment and enhance marketing. These enhancements allowed us to employ added staff in the effort of growing the vision. I again would like to thank the staff and board members of the NOHFC for their guidance and assistance through every step of the process.” – Dr. Filippone, Medical Director, Head & Neck Diagnostics and Therapeutics Centre

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office
erika.robson@ontario.ca

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