Treasury Board President Mona Fortier announces federal support for industrial, commercial and economic development in Northeastern Ontario

Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $3,229,834 to support four projects that will help strengthen and grow Northeastern Ontario’s economy. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), the Government of Canada’s Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), and Infrastructure Canada’s Active Transportation Fund. The funded projects are expected to create more than 70 jobs in Northeastern Ontario.

FedNor-funded Initiatives

Town of Smooth Rock Falls

$1,523,473

The Town of Smooth Rock Falls is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $1,523,473 to develop  an industrial park. Specifically, FedNor is investing to support the design, engineering, environmental, project management and construction costs to bring water, sewer, hydro, gas and information technology services to the site. This targeted investment will allow the community to capitalize on an immediate opportunity to accommodate the expansion of a local forestry and mining heavy machine repair business, while creating 11 additional industrial sites to support future development and growth. Funded through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), this strategic initiative is expected to create three full-time jobs and 12 additional jobs during the construction phase of project.

Rickard Cedar Inc.

 $956,361

Rickard Cedar Inc. is receiving a repayable FedNor investment of $956,361 to construct a small-scale sawmill in Kapuskasing. The sawmill will produce dimensional lumber using underutilized and oversized wood species from local forests, which were previously sent to Southern Ontario or Quebec for processing. This expansion will also allow the company to produce wood by-products including sawdust, shavings, biomass and slabs. Funded through FedNor’s Jobs and Growth Fund, the project is expected to create 19 jobs and help this Indigenous-owned business increase exports outside the region by more than $2 million in its first year of operations.

Town of Cochrane

$700,000

The Town of Cochrane is receiving FedNor funding of $700,000 to expand water and sewer services along the Highway 11 corridor to support immediate and future commercial development. As a result of this project, the community has confirmed new business developments such as a bulk fuel distributor, two restaurants, a gas station, a 35-room motel expansion and a diesel fuel cardlock station with hospitality facilities for truckers. Future opportunities for the site include a gas station expansion and the redevelopment of a trucking distribution centre. The community is a central point for the transport industry and this new development will help them to create 50 local jobs and capitalize on economic opportunities created by provincial legislation related to digital log-books and working hours for drivers.

Infrastructure Canada-funded Initiative

Town of Cochrane

$50,000

The Town of Cochrane is receiving funding  to develop an Active Transportation Master Plan to encourage residents of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, and hike safely and more conveniently. Provided through Infrastructure Canada’s Active Transportation Fund, the investment will be used to develop a framework to create an active transportation network across the town that will meet the needs of residents and integrate into their daily lives. This targeted investment contributes to Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy by supporting activities that will help expand networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails and pedestrian bridges.