TEMISKAMING SHORES – The Ontario government is providing more than $1.9 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for nine economic development projects in Northeastern Ontario. This investment will enhance municipal and recreational infrastructure and expand small business operations in the North.

“With the help of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, our government is investing in projects that support regional economic development and business diversification here in Temiskaming Shores,” said Kevin Holland, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Northern Development. “Today’s investments ensure that local municipalities and businesses have the tools they need to continue to support our thriving communities in the North.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $457,377 for the Town of Kirkland Lake to expand the Archer Drive Industrial Park by bringing municipal services, natural gas and telecommunications infrastructure to the expansion area, along with site investigations, engineering, and design activities
• $400,000 for B&G Industrial Services and Holdco to invest in a new 22,500-square-foot facility in Thornloe dedicated to trailer manufacturing and acquire new equipment including robotic welders, product positioners and an overhead crane
• $400,000 for Tricube Contracting in Matheson to purchase equipment that will expand aggregate crushing capacity and services
• $355,607 for Jean’s Diesel Shop Ltd. in Hearst to expand garage and office space, allowing for additional capacity, reduced customer wait times and more storage space for parts
• $207,922 for 1940303 Ontario Inc. – a logging company in Hearst – to purchase equipment, including a forwarder head and harvester, that will help address increased demand from local sawmills
• $68,564 for the Lee Golf Club in Cochrane to make upgrades and renovations and purchase new equipment that allow the club to operate sustainably year-round, add new revenue streams and reduce expenses
• $39,330 for the Connaught and District Historical Society to make building repairs and upgrades, create more space for artifact displays and restore a historical boat that will serve as a new main attraction for the facility
• $18,675 for the Matheson Agricultural Society to extend the life of the curling rink’s ice chiller by replacing the compressor unit
• $17,000 for the Haileybury Golf Club to install an elevator and an accessible washroom on the dining hall floor.

“Our government is building strong, resilient and prosperous communities and businesses in Temiskaming Shores and across the Northeast by investing in municipal infrastructure, community wellness and business expansions,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “By working hand-in-hand with our northern partners, we continue to make Northeastern Ontario an attractive place to live, work, play and do business.”

“As we wrap up Small Business Week, our government is proud to recognize the tireless work of the small businesses that play a vital role in strengthening Northern Ontario’s economy,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “Our government is taking action to ensure business owners in every corner of our province have access to wrap-around supports for their businesses and their employees. Our government continues to make critical investments, like the $717 million we’ve dedicated to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation since June 2018, to promote economic development and increase employment opportunities in the North. When small businesses in the North succeed, Ontario succeeds.”

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 Facts

• 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

“Receiving this grant has allowed us to purchase an electric crushing spread and hire and train new employes. Our new crushing spread has travelled many miles in Ontario to crush aggregates for companies in Thornloe, Gravenhurst, Bonfield, Huntsville, and our hometown of Matheson, creating products for gravel roads, highway surfacing, basement foundatons, cement pads, bridges, driveways, mining ore, and many other needs for local customers and businesses. We would like to thank NOHFC from the bottom of our hearts for investing in our future.” – Josh Boucher, President, Tricube Contracting

“With help from the Ontario government, we were able to expand our existing building by almost 5,000 square feet. This expansion was more than necessary with the continued growth in the forestry industry, as many forestry companies and contractors depend on us to purchase their parts and repair their equipment. The expansion allows us to hold more parts in store and have more room to work in the garage, which reduces downtime for our customers.” – Yvon Jean, President, Jean’s Diesel Shop Ltd.

“The Lee Golf Club has been a foundational piece of the Cochrane community for the past 90 years and continues to provide a golf refuge for people of all ages and numerous employment opportunities for the community. Generous funding from the provincial government through the NOHFC, enormous support from members and businesses in the community and a strong leadership team have helped us make substantial upgrades to keep the Club alive.” – Brett Wilkinson, President, Lee Golf Club

“Curling has been enjoyed in our community for over 70 years, and with funding received from the NOHFC for a much-needed compressor replacement we are looking forward to another 70 years. The Matheson and District Agricultural Society and the Matheson Curling Club are very grateful to the NOHFC for their continued support.” – Jerry Cashmore, Executive Member, Matheson Curling Club

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Media Contacts

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

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