Federal funding will support the expansion of existing facilities and will allow the City of Timmins to take on new aerospace research projects
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of $1,614,503 to help the City of Timmins expand its stratospheric balloon launch base. The project will increase the City's ability to take on new and innovative research projects in the aerospace sector, while also helping the city diversify its economy. The launch base was built in 2013 and is located at the Victor M. Power Airport.
The expanded facility will be used as a payload integration and testing facility, and will provide the launch base with an additional storage facility for scientists and engineers to use while conducting their research. The expansion project is allowing the City of Timmins to maintain and build on the existing research activity already in place. The project is also providing additional opportunities for the involvement of international research organizations in ongoing research, resulting in increased activity at the launch base and attracting additional money to the city.
Since 2013, Canadian scientists and students have used the facility to launch over 25 large balloons and conduct experiments supporting atmospheric science, imaging, astronomy, and glider and solar terrestrial research. The site has also attracted scientists from around the world, generating direct economic impacts to the community.
Strong economies need strong and growing communities. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to be investing in projects like this, which support innovation and technology adoption while helping create local jobs in Northern Ontario.
