Ontario Strengthening Economic Development Opportunities in the Northwest

Press Release

October 05, 2023

Province investing in business expansion and community growth in Greenstone

GREENSTONE – The Ontario government is providing more than $5.7 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to six economic development projects in Greenstone.

The NOHFC promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects that stimulate growth, job creation and skills development.

“This NOHFC funding will spur economic activity and create more good paying jobs, including jobs for First Nations workers, in northwestern Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With the modernization of the NOHFC, our government is investing in the province’s north, creating the conditions to attract new investments and jobs and building the infrastructure to support future growth.”

Projects funded through the NOHFC include:

• $2 million for Ne-Daa-Kii-Me-Naan Inc. (Nedaak) to build a two-storey, 7,141-square-foot business training complex that will provide a permanent location for Nedaak to promote First Nations participation in the forest sector, resulting in positive returns and economic development for seven First Nation partner communities

• $2 million for Minodahmun Development Inc. – a partnership between the Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (AZA), Aroland and Ginoogaming First Nations – to develop the Migizi Commercial Plaza, which will serve the needs of First Nation members, tourists and regional residents, create jobs, and drive revenue for the partner First Nations and the Municipality of Greenstone

• Nearly $1.5 million for the Municipality of Greenstone to enhance ice-making equipment at the Longlac Sportplex, Nakina Community Centre and Beardmore Community Centre, and make electrical and exterior door upgrades and table and chair replacements

• $200,000 for Instinct Contracting to purchase equipment that will allow for roadside wood processing and enable the company to work closely with First Nation-owned companies for forestry operations in the Kenogami Forest including harvesting and processing

• $60,000 for Aroland First Nation to conduct a feasibility study for the development of a central multi-purpose facility in the community

• Over $26,000 for Booth’s Air Repair Inc. to hire an Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineer to service and maintain aircraft

“The NOHFC is investing in innovative solutions and projects that lead to greater employment opportunities, thriving communities, and strong regional economies across the North,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Through this investment, our government is maintaining the delivery of high quality services for the people who call Northern Ontario home as we continue to build Ontario.”

Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $717 million in 5,875 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 9,264 jobs.

Quick Facts

• 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.

Quotes

“The Municipality of Greenstone is thankful for the Government of Ontario’s funding support towards the rehabilitation of three municipal community centres, including mechanical upgrades to the Longlac Sportsplex, Nakina Community Centre and the Beardmore Community Centre. The funding contribution is appreciated as our community grows alongside our regional partners.”
– James McPherson
Mayor, Municipality of Greenstone

“Minodahmun Development is grateful to the Government of Ontario for funding the development of the Migizi Commercial Plaza, a thriving business hub for local residents, industry and tourists that will showcase the vibrant culture of our communities, provide valuable economic development and employment opportunities to community members, and allow First Nations to be active participants in the development of the region.”
– John Glover
CEO, Minodahmun Development LP

“We would like to thank the Government of Ontario for investing in our Indigenous-owned company. Through the assistance provided by NOHFC, Instinct Contracting was able to start up and grow a forestry business by purchasing a processor to meet the demand for harvesting capacity and grow the next generation of the forestry industry.”
– Dustin Taylor & Greg Wilson
Partners, Instinct Contracting

“Nedaak, a forest management business owned by regional First Nations communities Aroland, Constance Lake, Ginoogaming, Long Lake #58, Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Red Rock Indian Band and Pays Plat., thankfully acknowledges funding support received from the Government of Ontario toward the development of a business-training centre in Longlac. This new facility will become the cornerstone of the organization and will assist in the promotion of Indigenous participation in the forestry sector in Northwestern Ontario, particularly within the Kenogami forest.”
– Joe Baxter
President, Ne-Daa-Kii-Me-Naan Inc.

“Aroland is happy we are working to bring opportunities for our First Nations. Lots of hard work has gone into the development of these opportunities and it’s nice to see them move forward.”
– Mark Bell
Councillor, Aroland First Nation

Additional Resources

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

• The NOHFC’s Community Enhancement Program builds strong and resilient northern communities through targeted investments in critical infrastructure.

• The NOHFC’s Invest North Program boosts economic growth and attracts more investment by supporting business development, expansion and innovation.

Media Contacts

Stephanie Bellotto
Premier’s Office
Stephanie.Bellotto@ontario.ca

Curtis Lindsay
Minister Rickford’s Office
437-240-7317
curtis.lindsay@ontario.ca

Media Desk
Communications Branch
mediadesk.ndm@ontario.ca

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