NORTH BAY – The Ontario government is providing more than $3.6 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to eight economic development projects in the Nipissing region. This investment will promote film and television production, improve municipal infrastructure, expand company operations and create jobs in the Northeast.

“The eight projects we are here to celebrate today are prime examples of the breadth and depth of the modernized NOHFC program,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “From investing in the North’s booming film industry, to supporting upgrades and renovations to cattle farms, we are committed to the economic growth and development of all sectors across Northeastern Ontario.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $2,000,000 for Piazza Entertainment to produce, in North Bay and Sudbury, season two of the television series SkyMed
• $500,000 for Gearshift Productions to produce, in North Bay, the television movie Chopping Boy
• $499,574 for the Municipality of Callander to make its waterfront safe and accessible by restoring and updating the municipal pier, Centennial Park and Lansdowne Street
• $191,594 for 287 Farm Production Inc. to establish a poultry processing plant in Powassan
• $191,331 for Everest Solutions & Images Ltd. to establish a school photography services business in North Bay
• $132,733 for Sunrise Meadows – a lamb and beef cattle farm in Powassan – to construct a new barn, renovate existing facilities and purchase equipment
• $51,682 for Northland Glass & Metal – a business in North Bay that specializes in the distribution, installation, and repair of door and window products – to purchase equipment and renovate its facility
• $50,000 for McRae Mills Ltd. – a forest products company in Whitney that specializes in the manufacturing of high-quality hardwood products – to modernize a sawmill.

“Our government is proud to make targeted investments in projects that drive economic development and growth in Nipissing,” said Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing. “By working hand-in-hand with our northern partners, we are creating meaningful career opportunities in a variety of sectors that will contribute to stronger, more vibrant communities.”

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 $726 million in 6,128 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,500 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 Cultural Supports Program showcases Northern Ontario culture, geography and talent through event partnerships and support for the production of films and television series.




• 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

“Celebrating the splendor of Northern Ontario on the global stage, the television series SkyMed not only captures the majestic beauty of our province but also reflects the rich tapestry of diversity that defines Canada’s identity. Without the support of the Ontario government through the NOHFC, SkyMed could not have been made.” – Vanessa Piazza, Executive Producer for SkyMed and Founder of Piazza Entertainment

“Early into the production of our film, it became clear to us that the mere existence of the NOHFC has changed the industry for the better by greatly increasing the number of projects produced, and by doing so, creating a wealth of highly skilled crew members and technicians in the North. Through its years of support, the NOHFC has cultivated an industry of its own, synonymous with the best in the nation.” – Jordan Barker, Producer for Chopping Boy and Co-owner of Gearshift Productions

“NOHFC funds provided us with the opportunity to accelerate the implementation of our Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Strategy. The additions to the park, including the pavilion and new landscaping, has increased park attendance and business for our downtown core, while also giving our residents a new place to meet and gather. Without this funding, it would have taken us years to see these improvements and increased economic activity.” – Ashley Bilodeau, Senior Municipal Advisor, Municipality of Callander

“I am grateful for NOHFC funding, which will be used to purchase new equipment and expand our facility. This support means a lot to our company. We will now be able to better serve local farmers, providing them with more opportunities and improving their economic prospects.” – Hong Dan Yu, Owner, 287 Farm Production Inc.

“The NOHFC played a pivotal role in our journey to establish a national school photography enterprise, empowering us to invest in essential technology and software to kickstart our business. Looking ahead, we envision expanding our footprint across Canada, with North Bay remaining as our base. – Mike Johnson, Co-owner, Everest Solutions & Images Ltd.

“The contribution we received from the NOHFC has allowed us to make equipment and building improvements that have been invaluable to the operation of our business. Their support is not just an investment in our infrastructure, but a commitment to our growth and the prosperity of our community.” – Michael Valenti, President, Northland Glass & Metal

“As a fifth-generation, family-owned lumber company that has been in business since 1885 in a small Northern Ontario community, we are proud to be partners with the Ontario government. The NOHFC funding we have received for the planned upgrades to our small log sawmill is instrumental. Modernization and technological improvement of two primary machine centres will allow for higher productivity and greater utilization, all the while creating a safer work environment.” – Jamie McRae, Owner and Operator, McRae Mills Ltd.

Media Contacts

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

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