THUNDER BAY – The Ontario government is investing nearly $1.7 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in six economic development projects in the Thunder Bay region. This investment will improve municipal infrastructure, expand business operations and create employment in Northwestern Ontario.

“These substantial investments through NOHFC will not only support businesses in the Thunder Bay Region and acquire assets needed, it will also improve the quality and sustainability of products and services,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development and MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan. “We are committed to supporting the efforts of local businesses and promoting growth in Northwestern Ontario.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $700,000 for the Municipality of Shuniah to build a pavilion over the outdoor skating area in the MacGregor Recreation Area & Wild Goose Park, offering an all-season multi-purpose site for community use and recreation
• $316,149 for Termax – a full-service property maintenance provider and contractor – to invest in facility space, equipment, marketing and technology that will help expand operations
• $293,500 for Countermeasures Security Solutions Inc. to increase production capacity by investing in CNC lathe, robotic welding cell and powder coating equipment that will help meet increased U.S.-based demand for the company’s automated gate assemblies and perimeter security systems
• $191,696 for Lacroix Aquaponics Inc. to operate a microfarm that will combine aquaculture and hydroponics to produce leafy specialty baby greens and rainbow trout on a year-round basis
• $138,800 for One Woman’s North Inc. to produce “Elizabeth Smellie – Canada’s Florence Nightingale,” a feature-length documentary film about the incredible life of Elizabeth Smellie
• $50,978 for North Rock Engineering Inc. to acquire new equipment, as the firm expands into offering environmental and civil engineering services.

“Our government is focused on investing in communities and giving businesses the confidence and support they need to expand offerings in the Northwest,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “By working together with our municipal and industry partners, we continue to make Northern Ontario an attractive place to live, work, play and do business.”

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 $685 million in 5,656 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,000 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 Municipality is very excited and appreciative to receive the funding from NOHFC to assist with the construction of the new pavilion. This multi-purpose pavilion will expand Shuniah’s recreation facilities acting as a community hub and cultural centre hosting events such as a variety of recreational activities, farmers markets, and day camps.” – Wendy Landry, Mayor of the Municipality Shuniah

“Lacroix Aquaponics would like to express our gratitude to the Ontario government who, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, has provided crucial funding for the launch of our innovative and sustainable agricultural venture. This financial input demonstrates the government’s recognition of the unique challenges of Northern Ontario residents and its commitment to supporting and strengthening food access and availability, local economic development and employment opportunities, and the self-reliance and resiliency of the food system in Northern Ontario.” Patrick and Shelly Lacroix – Lacroix Aquaponics

“Thanks to NOHFC funding, Shebafilms Studios is completing its first animated series. With NOHFC support we were able to train two Indigenous animators and build a team of six full-time animators for our project. We are creating long-lasting opportunities that will inspire more young people from our community of artists to choose a career in media production.” – Kelly Saxberg and Ron Harpelle, One Woman’s North Inc.

Media Contacts

Erika Robson, Minister’s Office — 416-450-1309 — erika.robson@ontario.ca

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