The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is contributing $1.5 million for seven projects by five manufacturing companies in Northern Ontario, creating 16 jobs.
Don Champagne’s Corbeil-based outfit receives $359,341 for North Bay Plastic Molders Ltd. to expand its custom plastic moulding production services.
Champagne was appreciative of the funding, as his mining supplies company has undertaken a multi-million dollar expansion, due to be completed in a matter of weeks. Champagne said his ever-growing company has evolved into a player on the world stage.
“We ship to Russia, Spain, France, Sweden, Australia, South America and, of course, everybody has to sell something to the U.S. For a company like us to do such a large expansion, at four million for the building, any help that we can get is very welcome.”
Cementation Canada Inc. in North Bay receives $88,355 to create designs for an injection hoisting system that will transport rocks from underground mines with a depth of 300 to 1,000 metres.
Alun Price Jones gave a detailed blow by blow of Cementation’s hoisting system, accompanied by a glowing review of the local craftsmanship that went into bringing the apparatus to fruition.
“We conceived it here and, in this workshop that we’re in is where we built a model to prove the concept. It would be beneficial in mines that have production volumes that are towards the lower end — for example, gold mines.”
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, on behalf of Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines announced the investments of over $1.5 million through the NOHFC in the aforementioned projects, plus the following:
- $352,968 for Boart Longyear Canada to develop an automated core-scanning system that uses X-ray measuring to provide clients with same-day, accurate data from drill core samples
- $250,000 for Boart Longyear Canada to develop a system that allows continuous and simultaneous drilling and coring
- $127,675 for Boart Longyear Canada in Onaping Falls to develop a diamond drilling process that uses a wireless, electronic method to provide accurate and detailed drilling parameters to the operator
- $250,000 for Nordic Minesteel Technologies Inc. in North Bay to develop an electric vehicle prototype that can safely remove and carry components of large haul trucks
- $171,515 for North Bay Woodwork Ltd. in North Bay to expand its custom cabinetry business
“We are committed to creating and protecting jobs and boosting local economies across Northern Ontario,” said Fedeli. “By investing in expanding manufacturing projects, we are reinforcing the north’s competitive advantage and sending a signal to the world that Northern Ontario is open for business and open for jobs.”
The NOHFC promotes and supports economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate growth, job creation and develop a skilled workforce.
The government is working to develop new NOHFC programs that make it easier for more people and businesses to apply; support more projects in rural northern communities; target both existing and emerging market opportunities; provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people; and, address the skilled labour shortage in the north.
“We have heard from northerners who want NOHFC programs to be open to a broader range of businesses and workers reflecting the wide range of opportunities in Ontario’s North,” said Rickford. “Through these proposed changes, Ontario’s government will continue to build prosperous communities while supporting an environment where businesses can thrive, grow and create good jobs.”
