TIMMINS – The Ontario government is providing more than $693,500 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to five economic development projects in Timmins. This investment will improve municipal infrastructure, expand company operations, and create employment in Northeastern Ontario.

“Our government is proud to make these investments that will support the Timmins community and bring jobs, opportunities, and prosperity to the people of Timmins,” said George Pirie, MPP for Timmins. “The NOHFC funding continues to strengthen the community and support its economic development.”

The NOHFC is funding the following projects:

• $399,600 for Northwind Transport – a trucking operation providing loading and hauling services for the forestry sector – to purchase a loader, trailers and freightliners
• $116,320 for Plant Based Marché – a plant-based cheese manufacturer – to purchase equipment and renovate the production kitchen in its new facility
• $104,455 for Alloy Insights Inc. – a provider of information technology and cybersecurity solutions targeting small and medium enterprises – to purchase computer hardware and software
• $43,311 for the Porcupine Dante Club – a non-profit restaurant and banquet hall that promotes Italian culture in the region – to renovate the upper hall, transform the lounge into an Italian trattoria, and replace the five main entrance doors
• $29,887 for Little John Enterprises Ltd. – a sawmill and timber operation – to purchase sharpening, welding and sorting equipment.

“Our government continues to strengthen Northern Ontario,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development. “Through our targeted NOHFC investments, we are creating a strong and resilient northern economy, and building the infrastructure needed to support growth and prosperity in 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 $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.

Quotes

“With the assistance of the Ontario government and the NOHFC, we have been able to purchase new equipment and move forward with our business. We are thankful to have their support. These investments will have a positive impact on the local community for many years to come.” – René Blanchette, Northwind Transport

“We are thankful to the NOHFC for its support of our company, Plant Based Marché. Thanks to this funding, we are now able to make improvements to our facility and bring in state-of-the-art equipment to continue providing 100 per cent plant-based products to the Timmins community.” – Roxanne Carr, Plant Based Marché

“Alloy Insights Inc. is honored to receive the support and contribution from NOHFC in our newly launched cybersecurity business. This grant will allow our company to provide sophisticated cybersecurity and information technology-related services to organizations throughout the region and will increase our ability to provide high-value employment opportunities for candidates residing in Northern Ontario much sooner than our initial plans.” – Alain Lefebvre, Alloy Insights Inc.

“With the NOHFC funding support, the Porcupine Dante Club will be able to renovate and make the necessary improvements to the club. Since the late 1930s, the Porcupine Dante Club has been contributing to not only the Italian community but the entire Timmins community by playing host to multiple events every year; and through the NOHFC Community Enhancement Program the club will continue to bring all its members and non-members together.” – Chris Loreto, Porcupine Dante Club

“Thank you to the NOHFC and the Ontario government for the support received. As a sawmill and timber operation based in Timmins with our logs locally sourced, we are excited to continue growing our business and purchase new sawmill equipment thanks to the NOHFC funding provided.” – Marek Svec, Little John Enterprises Ltd.

Media Contacts

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

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