Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor, announced Government of Canada investments totalling $4,185,028 for nine projects in the Timmins area that will create jobs and opportunities, while helping local business scale up, modernize operations, commercialize new products and expand into new markets.
City of Timmins
$1,723,200
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $1,723,200 will help the City of Timmins launch the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). These five-year pilot programs will help businesses overcome labour shortages by helping them recruit skilled newcomers planning to put down roots in Northern Ontario. Specifically, the funding will support outreach, administration, communications, and the marketing needed to identify and support businesses struggling to fill highly skilled positions. Funded through FedNor's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, the FCIP pilot will also work to strengthen the economic vitality of Official Language Minority Communities by increasing the number of French-speaking newcomers settling in Francophone communities throughout the area.
City of Timmins
$833,661
The City of Timmins is receiving a non-repayable FedNor investment of $833,661 to support the continued delivery of the BOOST program for three more years. Administered by the Timmins Economic Development department, this priority project provides local businesses with up to $10,000 to help them enhance innovation, commercialize new products, services, or technologies, grow their businesses and create local jobs. Funded through FedNor's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, BOOST will help participating businesses scale up and transform their ideas and research into products and services the world wants and needs.
Mount Jamieson Resort
$421,820
To support the ski hill's transformation into a four-season destination, Mount Jamieson Resort is receiving $421,820 to purchase and install a 'magic carpet ride' conveyor-style lift to enhance the user experience. Once operational, the magic carpet ride will provide safe, user-friendly uphill transportation to skiers and snowboarders during the winter months and hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts during the summer season so they can easily access existing trailheads. Provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), the non-repayable funding will also be used to complete a 4,400 square-foot expansion of the Resort's garage facilities to support year-round equipment servicing and storage.
The Bucket Shop
$269,393
The Bucket Shop is receiving a repayable FedNor investment of up to $600,000 to modernize and expand its Timmins operations. Provided through the Targeted Manufacturing initiative for Northern Ontario (TMINO), the funding will be used to upgrade computer systems, purchase new equipment, modernize the machine shop and construct a new fabrication space. Once complete, this priority project will help The Bucket Shop increase production, productivity and profitability, while creating 18 new jobs and improving worker safety. This strategic initiative aligns with the Government of Canada's Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario (PGSNO), which aims to help businesses across the region scale up and become more competitive in the modern economy.
Town of Iroquois Falls
$259,308
To help attract new businesses and diversify the economy, a FedNor investment of $259,308 will help the Town of Iroquois Falls establish a 44-acre industrial park on Oil Tank Road. Provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), this non-repayable funding will be used to complete phase one of the project, which includes the detailed design and engineering work to make the site construction‑ready. Identified as a local priority, this project supports the community's Economic Development Plan by creating shovel‑ready industrial lots to grow key sectors of the regional economy including mining, forestry, agricultural and more.
Cedar Meadows Resort
$209,018
Cedar Meadows Resort is receiving a repayable FedNor investment of $209,018 to expand the resort and create new tourism offerings. Provided through FedNor's Tourism and Growth Program (TGP), the funding will be used to construct a modular log cabin, a sleep under the stars dome, a lazy river equipped with battery-powered rafts, and an interpretive centre. To help maximize the user experience and tourism appeal, these exciting new attractions will be located within a new, fenced wildlife park that features illuminated walking trails and rest areas in a forest setting. Once complete, this project is expected to create five new jobs and help Cedar Meadows Resort boost profitability and encourage guests to extend their stay in Timmins, paving the way for increased visitor spending in local shops, restaurants and attractions.
Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology
$189,011
FedNor is investing $189,011 so Northern College can help private sector businesses develop and commercialize new products, services, or technologies. Specifically, the funding will be used to hire a research coordinator for a three-year period. Provided through FedNor's Regional Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, this non-repayable investment will help advance
industry-academic research that helps entrepreneurs identify and pursue business opportunities, be it a product, service, or other venture.
Porcupine District Agricultural Society
$159,069
A non-repayable FedNor investment of $159,069 will allow the Porcupine District Agricultural Society to expand its Mountjoy Farmers' Market pavilion. Identified as a strategic priority, this initiative was funded through the Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP), to meet the growing demand for additional space, this targeted investment will allow the organization to double the pavilion size to 6000 square feet, add accessible washrooms, install new signage and complete site improvements to enhance the overall business and customer experience.
Epitron Inc.
$120,548
A repayable FedNor investment of $120,548 will help Epitron purchase a forklift and loader, and complete key renovations and site improvements at its new Timmins facility. Identified as a business priority, this project was funded through FedNor's Targeted Manufacturing initiative for Northern Ontario (TMINO), to help the company double its productivity, increase sales and exports, while creating more local jobs.
