News

$2 Million for Local Businesses

NORTH BAY– Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing has announced that the Ontario government is investing more than $2.1 million in five businesses and one film project in the Nipissing region to help create 19 new jobs and promote economic development in Northeastern Ontario.

“As we continue to navigate COVID-19 and the effects on the economy, our government is committed to strengthening the local manufacturing, forestry and film sectors,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “These investments will support job growth within the Nipissing region.”

Funding for the projects is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC):

• Advanced Carbon Engineered Solutions Inc. is receiving $600,350 to expand and diversify the business by moving to a larger facility and purchasing additional equipment and technology to increase its production capabilities.
• FPInnovations is receiving $525,600 to support its scientific and technical staff in connecting with forest sector businesses to help attract investment, grow skilled employment and achieve tangible economic impacts in northern and Indigenous communities.
• JoBro Productions Inc. is receiving $500,000 to produce a crime-thriller feature film entitled Delia’s Gone, filmed in the North Bay area.
• Mark and Peter Kunkel Farms is receiving $338,235 to expand and modernize its current farm operation by building a new barn and purchasing additional equipment.
• Drillers Edge Inc. is receiving $85,084 to purchase new equipment, renovate and add security and monitoring systems to its facility.
• SafeSight Exploration Inc. is receiving $65,171 to build two prototypes of a mine rescue drone for underground mining operations, allowing mining companies to assess gas/air quality and thermal conditions quickly.

“We manufacture products that our clients used to have to import from overseas. This expansion funding means that not only are we doubling our workforce, but we replace imports with domestic products for our Ontario based clients and we are exporting outside the province to other Canadian, US and South American clients. This is a win for ACES Ltd and Ontario in the effort to increase industrial self sufficiency. Many thanks to NOHFC and our provincial government for this support.” – Marc Mathon, CEO, Carbon Engineered Solutions

“This three-year partnership demonstrates how innovation can contribute to strong economic growth in Northern Ontario’s forest sector. NOFHC’s mission to diversify and foster economic growth in the region is well aligned with FPInnovations’ mission to increase competitiveness of the forest industry and transform the sector.” – Stéphane Renou, President and Chief Executive Officer, FPInnovations

“Our expansion has allowed our family farm to grow and transition to the next generation. The new technology in our expanded dairy operation ensures we can monitor and maintain standards for the grass-fed milk program we are part of with Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Thornloe Cheese. Our experience with the actual process has been good. NOHFC rightfully expects well researched business plans and their understanding of our industry was very helpful.” – Mark Kunkel, Co-Owner, Kunkel Family farming operation

“The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation was a critical partner in financing Delia’s Gone. The funding allowed us to execute principal photography in North Bay by offering a meaningful incentive beyond the regional tax credit enhancement. We had the luxury of hiring many talented local crew members and shooting in the beautiful location that is North Bay.” – Jonathan Bronfman, President, JoBro Productions Inc.

“The NOHFC funding received by Drillers Edge has allowed us to quickly grow to meet the needs of our customers worldwide. This growth has allowed us to expand our production capacity to meet increased domestic and export demand. It has also allowed us to grow our team beyond the size originally anticipated and will prepare us for future growth for years to come.” – Chris Van Schaayk, Plant Manager, Drillers Edge Inc.

“NOHFC has allowed us to accelerate our time to market, create technology jobs in our community and ultimately support the safety transformation of the global mining sector,” said Mike Campigotto, President of SafeSight Explorations Inc.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate recovery, growth, job creation and skills development. Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $309 million in 3,050 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.1 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 4,770 jobs.

Quick Fact
 On February 11, 2021, 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.