Canada and Ontario Investing in York Region Food Processor
News Release
Supporting Growth in Ontario’s Food and Beverage Processing Sector
August 9, 2016 – Aurora, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The provincial and federal governments have invested more than $2.5 million to boost York Region’s local economy and grow Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector.
Federal and provincial representatives made the announcement today at Treasure Mills Inc. The Aurora area food processor received $100,000 to support improved efficiency and capacity in its facility by installing automated baking and washing equipment and improving refrigeration and drainage systems.
The upgraded equipment has reduced production costs by 10 per cent and increased product output by 200 per cent, enabling Treasure Mills Inc. to increase production and meet growing customer demand for its muffins, snack cakes, cookie bars and cupcakes.
Fifty projects in York Region have received funding through Growing Forward 2 — a federal-provincial-territorial initiative that provides funding for programs that improve innovation, competitiveness, market development, adaptability and industry sustainability in Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.
These investments help achieve the federal government's goal to support the agricultural and agri-food sector in a way that allows it to be a leader in job creation and innovation.
Investing in Ontario’s agri-food sector is part of the provincial government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
Quick facts
- Growing Forward 2 was launched in 2013 and is a five-year commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments to support Canada's agri-food and agri-based products sector.
- Since 2013, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $44 million to almost 850 projects for food, beverage and processor businesses through Growing Forward 2 cost-shared funding assistance.
- Treasure Mills Inc. is a Canadian-owned company, manufacturing health-conscious baked goods and operating in a nut- and peanut-free facility with more than 30,000 square feet of production space.
Quotes
"Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector is important to Canada’s economy. Investments like these help meet market demand and drive growth and success in the agri-food sector. That translates to good jobs, growth in the economy, and a strong middle class."
- Leona Alleslev, Member of Parliament for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill
"By making strategic investments in local food and beverage processing companies like Treasure Mills, we are strengthening our agri-food sector value-chain, creating jobs in our communities and growing Ontario’s economy at the same time. In a fiercely competitive global economy, our government continues to work with companies across our food and beverage processing sector to strengthen the industry and to help achieve the Agri-Food Challenge to create 120,000 new jobs and double the sector’s growth rate by 2020."
- Helena Jaczek, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oak Ridges-Markham
"Treasure Mills is pleased to have the support of both the federal and provincial governments through Growing Forward 2. This investment has helped us to implement important technical improvements at our Aurora facility, which are helping us to better serve our customers and grow our business."
- Robert Johnson, President, Treasure Mills Inc.
Additional links
Contacts
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Christina Crowley-Arklie
The Office of the Honourable Jeff Leal
416-326-3069
Bianca Jamieson, Communications Branch
519-826-3145
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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