The Ontario government is providing more than $5.7 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to six economic development projects in Greenstone.
The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development.
“This NOHFC funding will spur economic activity and create more good paying jobs, including jobs for First Nations workers, in northwestern Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With the modernization of the NOHFC, our government is investing in the province’s north, creating the conditions to attract new investments and jobs and building the infrastructure to support future growth.”
Projects funded through the NOHFC include:
– $2 million for Ne-Daa-Kii-Me-Naan Inc. (Nedaak) to build a two-storey, 7,141-square-foot business training complex that will provide a permanent location for Nedaak to promote First Nations participation in the forest sector, resulting in positive returns and economic development for seven First Nation partner communities
– $2 million for Minodahmun Development Inc. – a partnership between the Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (AZA), Aroland and Ginoogaming First Nations – to develop the Migizi Commercial Plaza, which will serve the needs of First Nation members, tourists and regional residents, create jobs, and drive revenue for the partner First Nations and the Municipality of Greenstone
– Nearly $1.5 million for the Municipality of Greenstone to enhance ice-making equipment at the Longlac Sportplex, Nakina Community Centre and Beardmore Community Centre, and make electrical and exterior door upgrades and table and chair replacements
– $200,000 for Instinct Contracting to purchase equipment that will allow for roadside wood processing and enable the company to work closely with First Nation-owned companies for forestry operations in the Kenogami Forest including harvesting and processing
– $60,000 for Aroland First Nation to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a central multi-purpose facility in the community
“Aroland is happy we are working to bring opportunities for our First Nations. Lots of hard work has gone into the development of these opportunities and it’s nice to see them move forward,” said Aroland First Nation Councillor Mark Bell.
– Over $26,000 for Booth’s Air Repair Inc. to hire an Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer to service and maintain aircraft
“The Municipality of Greenstone is thankful for the Government of Ontario’s funding support towards the rehabilitation of three municipal community centres, including mechanical upgrades to the Longlac Sportsplex, Nakina Community Centre and the Beardmore Community Centre. The funding contribution is appreciated as our community grows alongside our regional partners,” said Greenstone Mayor James McPherson.
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.
“The NOHFC is investing in innovative solutions and projects that lead to greater employment opportunities, thriving communities, and strong regional economies across the North,” said Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford. “Through this investment, our government is maintaining the delivery of high quality services for the people who call northern Ontario home as we continue to build Ontario.”
Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $717 million in 5,875 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,264 jobs.
