The Government of Canada is investing $5,146,870 to support infrastructure, business and industrial growth, as well as technology, innovation and broadband services in the Timmins and surrounding areas.

This strategic investment will support six important initiatives that will be led by four local organizations, including the City of Timmins, NEOnet, the Bucket Shop, and the South Porcupine Arena Association.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, made the announcement today during her visit to the City of Timmins.

Identified as strategic priorities, the funded projects will support business growth and productivity, attract more than $20 million in private sector investment and create over 20 middle-class jobs in the community. The funding will also support infrastructure enhancements to two community assets and accelerate broadband expansion and services throughout Northeastern Ontario.

Quick Facts

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, as well as the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
  • FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
  • The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Government of Canada’s coordinated approach to mark the anniversary of Confederation. The program is designed to leave a lasting legacy in communities across the country by supporting improvements to community infrastructure that provide community and cultural benefits for the public.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is focused on helping build strong, sustainable communities that support a vibrant middle-class. These targeted investments will put in place the technology, infrastructure and resources needed to attract private sector investment to the area, support business development and growth, while further positioning the City of Timmins as open for business.” – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Today’s announcement will help create a stronger, more innovative and diversified local economy that delivers results for the people and businesses of Timmins and surrounding areas. By working at a grass-roots level and investing in local priorities, our government is creating opportunities that assist Northern Ontario communities maximize and achieve their economic potential.” – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North

“This significant FedNor announcement clearly demonstrates that the Government of Canada recognizes the unique needs of our community and is taking action to diversify and grow the local economy. These investments will serve as economic drivers for the City of Timmins and create meaningful employment for our citizens.” – Steve Black, Mayor, City of Timmins

Here’s where the money is all going:

Northern Ontario Development Program Funding
City of Timmins ($2,497,150)
The City of Timmins is benefiting from a FedNor investment of $2,497,150 to enable the extension of municipal services to a new industrial park with access to road and rail corridors. As a result of this initiative, the community has secured Calabrian Corporation, a U.S. based company, as an anchor tenant for its new industrial park. The company plans to invest $20 million to expand its sulphur dioxide (SO2) production into Canada, which will result in the creation of 20 new high-quality, middle-class jobs in Timmins. Identified by the community as an economic priority, the new industrial park has also attracted interest from firms located as far away as China.

North Eastern Ontario Communications Network Inc. (NEOnet) ($1,449,720)
Operational Funding
Government of Canada funding of $949,720 will support NEOnet’s ongoing operations for a three-year period, enabling the organization to enhance telecommunications development and provide information and communications technologies training, education and awareness for residents and businesses across Northeastern Ontario. The funding will also help promote the adoption of digital and e-business applications in the region.

Broadband E-business and Marketing (BEAM)
To help small and medium-sized enterprises develop digital skills and incorporate innovative technologies into their operations, NEOnet will receive $500,000 to renew its successful BEAM program. Through the program, eligible businesses can receive up to $5,000 to implement e-business solutions. These include activities such as search engine optimization, social media integration, database integration for storefront management, customer relationship management, and electronic data interchange. Since its inception in 2011, NEOnet’s BEAM program has supported 445 businesses in their efforts to develop online e-business solutions.

The Bucket Shop ($1,000,000)
To help grow its operations, boost productivity, increase sales and expand into new markets, The Bucket Shop will benefit from a Government of Canada repayable investment of $1,000,000. Provided through FedNor’s Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario (TMINO), the funding will help the organization construct a new manufacturing facility and purchase the equipment needed to double its production capacity, reduce operating costs by 25 percent, increase research and development, and create eight (8) new high-quality, middle-class jobs in the community.

Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) Funding
South Porcupine Arena Association ($100,000)
A Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program investment of $100,000, through FedNor, will enable this not-for-profit organization to complete vital upgrades to the Carlo Cattarello Arena. Specifically, the funding will be used to create a concrete sub-floor for the ice pad and install new LED lighting. Once complete, this initiative will increase efficiencies, reduce operating costs and transform this important community asset into an all-season facility.

City of Timmins ($100,000)
To help maximize the social and economic potential of the McIntyre Complex, the City of Timmins will benefit from a CIP 150 investment of $100,000. Specifically, the funding will be used to revitalize the facility by replacing the curling club’s roof, which will help preserve and protect this historically significant building.

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