Province Investing in Economic Development in Algoma-Manitoulin

Press Release

May 12, 2015

Ontario is investing in the Algoma-Manitoulin region by supporting projects that will help to create innovative new business opportunities. These projects will help establish new sources of revenue for the communities and create jobs in industry, tourism, energy and manufacturing.

Through the province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), $230,000 is being invested in eight projects in the area:

• The Manitoulin Wind and Solar Institute in M’Chigeeng First Nation is receiving $45,000 to study the feasibility of launching a business that would assemble solar‑powered generators.
• Billings Township is receiving $42,500 to complete a design and cost analysis on enhancing its waterfront infrastructure to attract more tourists.
• Wawa received $34,344 to develop a mining sector growth strategy to attract new businesses to the region.
• The Municipality of Gordon-Barrie Island received $32,665 for a feasibility study on developing a new business park in the community.
• The Township of Dubreuilville received $31,596 to explore mining-related business opportunities in the area.
• The Blind River Development Corporation is receiving $18,516 to study the feasibility of establishing an RV park adjacent to a natural beach on Lake Huron.
• The Blind River Development Corporation received $14,333 to evaluate the ability of the town to host a chemical blending and distribution facility.
• The Municipality of Killarney received $11,517 to complete a community economic development plan.

Investing in business development is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Quick Facts

• Since 2003, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in 6,620 projects in Northern Ontario, creating or sustaining more than 25,300 jobs.
• In the Algoma-Manitoulin region, the NOHFC has invested $88 million in 657 projects, creating or sustaining more than 1,600 jobs, since 2003.
• The NOHFC’s investments in economic development are an important part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Additional Resources

• NOHFC

Quotes

“By investing in local economic development priorities, our government is helping to diversify the northern economy. Through these investments, Algoma-Manitoulin area communities will be better positioned to make new business opportunities and job creation projects a reality.”

Michael Gravelle
Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC

“This provincial investment is key to bringing the waterfront project to life. The rejuvenation of this area will not only attract tourists, but create exciting new experiences for northern residents. We thank the NOHFC for investing in a project that will help drive tourism in our community.”

Austin Hunt
Mayor, Billings Township

“The studies conducted with this funding have allowed us to identify and explore opportunities that will help build and diversify the economic base of our community. We thank the NOHFC for their investment and support with these projects.”

Clifford Spratt
Chair, Blind River Development Corporation

Media Contacts

Mike Feenstra
Minister’s Office
mike.feenstra@ontario.ca
416-327-0655

Julia Bennett
Communications Services Branch
julia.bennett@ontario.ca
416-314-6275

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