fednor timminsPaul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced an investment of $1,791,638 in support of four projects in the City of Timmins.

In Timmins for the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities Conference, MP Lefebvre was joined by his colleagues, Marc Serre?, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, and Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing—Temiskaming.

The majority of the funding, $1.6 million, will support the Venture Centre’s operating costs for a five-year period.

The remaining funds will support enhancements to the Timmins Public Library and Gillies Lake Conservation Area, and enable the Downtown Timmins Business Improvement Area to hire a youth intern to assist with business development and growth initiatives.

The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Community Futures and Northern Ontario Development Programs, as well as the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

First, $1.6-million is coming to The Venture Centre through the Community Futures Program, will enable the Venture Centre to offer business counselling and access to capital services, as well as support community strategic planning initiatives for a five-year period.

The Venture Centre is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) supported by FedNor in Northern Ontario. Serving Timmins, Gogama, Mattagami First Nation, Biscotasing, Shining Tree and Foleyet, the Venture Centre is run by a volunteer board, and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.

Timmins Public Library Board will receive $99,138 in Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150) funding, through FedNor, to add a new entrance onto the existing library building, off the parking lot, to improve accessibility for all visitors.

The project will include a new entrance vestibule, new building signage, heating and ventilation upgrades and landscaping modifications.

The CIP 150 Program is designed to help mark the celebration of Canada’s Confederation through investments that rehabilitate, renovate and/or expand existing community and recreational infrastructure across the region.

A Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program investment of $61,000, through FedNor, will enable the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority to make a number of improvements to the Gillies Lake Conservation Area, including lighting, signage, general landscaping, as well as trail, boardwalk and parking lot upgrades.

The Downtown Timmins Business Improvement Area Inc. is using $31,500 in FedNor funding to implement a variety of initiatives with the goal of driving business to the city centre to stimulate business investment and growth.

With the funding, the organization hired a youth intern for a one-year period whose tasks, among others, will include assisting with the creation and implementation of marketing strategies, the development of new events to attract traffic to the downtown area, and hosting training sessions for business members.

“The Government of Canada is proud to work with dedicated business organizations across Northern Ontario that create jobs and opportunities for youth, enhance the economic outlook of the region, and position communities, such as Timmins, for long-term economic success. I look forward to the positive results that these strategic investments will deliver for the Timmins region.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Today’s investments in The Venture Centre will assist entrepreneurs and small business to grow, help organizations such as the Downtown Timmins Business Improvement Area achieve its strategic objectives by accessing a qualified and talented workforce, and enhance community and cultural infrastructure for the benefit of all community members. Simply put, these initiatives just make good economic sense.” Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament for Sudbury