FedNor Investments Support Business, Broadband and Youth Employment in the Parry Sound–Muskoka Region

Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network $1,390,403

Operational Funding              

A Government of Canada investment of $891,403 will support the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network’s ongoing operations for a three-year period. The funding will enable the organization to enhance telecommunications development, and provide training and information to area residents and businesses on information and communications technologies. The initiative will also help promote the adoption of digital and e-business applications throughout the region. 

Broadband E-business and Marketing (BEAM)

To help small and medium-sized enterprises develop digital skills and incorporate innovative technologies into their operations, the Parry Sound Muskoka Community Network will receive $499,000 to renew its successful BEAM program. Through BEAM, eligible businesses may receive up to $4,000 to implement e-business solutions, such as search engine optimization, social media integration, customer relationship management, and electronic data interchange. Since its inception in 2013, the organization’s BEAM program has supported 500 businesses in their efforts to develop online e-business solutions.

Muskoka Millwrighting and Machining $696,105

To help grow its operations, boost productivity, increase sales and expand into new markets, Muskoka Millwrighting and Machining will benefit from a repayable FedNor investment of $696,105. Provided through FedNor’s Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario (TMINO), the funding will help the organization establish a new 26,000-square-foot facility. It will feature three large overhead cranes and an industrial painting booth, as well as the technology and equipment needed to manufacture more advanced, state-of-the-art components. Once fully implemented, this strategic initiative will allow Millwrighting and Machining to achieve increased sales, exports and efficiencies, while creating 15 new full-time middle-class jobs in the Muskoka region.

Algonquin Natural Stone $421,745

Provided through FedNor’s TMINO, a Government of Canada investment of $421,745 will enable Algonquin Natural Stone to expand its manufacturing facility from 6,000 to 16,000 square feet. The funding will also help the organization to purchase and install new manufacturing equipment, such as a 25-ton overhead crane, to increase productivity, improve safety and quality assurance, maximize efficiencies and reduce waste. Once complete, this project will result in a year-round production schedule and allow the organization to reduce its environmental footprint, increase sales and exports, and create five new full-time manufacturing jobs in the Town of Huntsville.

Township of Strong $193,766

To help identify and capitalize on economic opportunities throughout the Central Almaguin Area, the Township of Strong will receive $193,766 to hire an economic development officer (EDO) for a three-year period. Provided through FedNor’s Community Investment Initiative for Northern Ontario, this strategic initiative will support the advancement of key economic development and growth initiatives in the region. Some of the activities to be undertaken by the EDO include implementing a regional economic improvement plan, developing the Almaguin Highlands Airpark and attracting private sector investment to the area in support of job creation, tourism and business expansion. This partnership project includes the Townships of Strong, Joly, Machar and the Villages of South River and Sundridge. 

Muskoka North Good Food Co-op $39,000

Muskoka North Good Food Co-op will receive a FedNor investment of $39,000 to support the growth and sustainability of region’s agriculture industry, increase sales and assist the organization with its expansion efforts. Specifically, this funding will be used to enhance the marketing capacity of Northern agri-food markets and enable the organization to hire a youth intern for a one-year period.

Muskoka Chautauqua $31,500

To help harness the economic and tourism potential of the region’s creative economy, Muskoka Chautauqua will receive $31,500 to hire a youth intern for a one-year period. While on the job, the intern will support a variety of activities such as enhancing the organization’s online presence, developing a social media strategy, updating and implementing a marketing and communications plan, and creating a region-wide events calendar to help boost tourism throughout the area.