News

$2 Million to Expand Canadore College’s Aviation Campus

Investment providing students and private sector with access to
state-of-the-art training equipment in North Bay

NORTH BAY – During Canadore College’s official opening of the new Aviation Campus wing,Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government is investing $1,991,400 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help Canadore College modernize its School of Aviation Technology campus, which is the only facility of its kind in Northern Ontario. As part of the government’s plan to protect and strengthen Ontario, the province is making strategic investments to support modern and innovative post-secondary learning facilities.

“Our government is proud to continue making targeted investments through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation that contribute to a well-trained workforce capable of addressing labour shortages in the North,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Today’s $2 million investment will support Ontario’s aviation industry by helping Canadore College upgrade its aviation campus to include various simulators, providing the latest aviation technologies for training student pilots.”

“Canadore College is grateful for this investment,” said George Burton, President and CEO of Canadore College. “The funding is enabling us to create a safe, immersive learning environment where students can gain valuable hands-on experience in aircraft systems and troubleshooting procedures. These advanced labs will also support other industries seeking simulation-based training solutions.”

Canadore College is using NOHFC funding to renovate its aviation campus facility, located next to Jack Garland Regional Airport and the City of North Bay’s Airport Industrial Park, to accommodate new Advanced Training Simulation labs and student common areas. Funding is also being used to purchase a Q400 Flightdeck Simulation Trainer, two additional Cessna simulators, and all the necessary software and auxiliary equipment required to house the latest aviation technology.

The project is enabling Canadore College to update its program offerings and train more students, making the college more competitive. The modernized facility will also be available to the private sector for training and upskilling staff, generating additional revenue for the college.

The Ontario government is committed to prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that will protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions and secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s recently announced investment of an additional $30 million over the next three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $983 million in 7,951 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.9 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,350 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.