**ONTARIO NEWS**

Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, announced an investment of more than $700,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in three Timmins business expansion projects, helping create nine jobs.

Investments include:

  • $593,482 for The Bucket Shop Inc. to build a new paint and blasting facility and purchase new equipment to take on larger projects.
  • $96,443 for 360 Boring Services Inc. to purchase new equipment that will increase production and improve efficiency for its heavy equipment welding and fabrication services.
  • $13,344 for Fibre Fusion, a division of Con’s Electric Co. Ltd., to purchase new equipment to expand its operations to include fibre-optic cable splicing, connections, and maintenance for the mining and telecom sectors.

“Through our investments, we are sending a message that Timmins and all of Northern Ontario is open for business and open for jobs,” said Minister Rickford. “Together with our northern partners, we are building a more competitive economy – creating prosperity and a better quality of life for northerners.”

“We’re thrilled that NOHFC is extending their support to The Bucket Shop,” said Ross Woodward, President, The Bucket Shop Inc. “Today’s announcement will allow us to enhance, expand, and modernize our production capabilities. Ultimately, this allows us to reduce operating costs, increase productivity, implement innovative solutions for the mining industry, and grow the skilled labour force in Northern Ontario.”

“360 Boring Services is extremely grateful for funding agencies like NOHFC,” said Joelle Meloche, Owner, 360 Boring Services Inc. Thanks to NOHFC, we were able to expand and develop our business at a faster rate than we would have been otherwise able to.”

“We are grateful to NOHFC for its support,” said Cindy Courchesne, Fibre Fusion. “With NOHFC funding, Fibre Fusion is growing its industrial operations and addressing the demand for innovative fibre-optic technology and services.”

The NOHFC promotes and supports economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate growth, job creation and develop a skilled workforce.

Ontario is working to develop new NOHFC programs that:

  • make it easier for more people and businesses to apply
  • support more projects in rural northern communities
  • target both existing and emerging market opportunities
  • provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people
  • address the skilled labour shortage in the north.

“We have heard from northerners who want NOHFC programs to be open to a broader range of businesses and workers so that the unique needs of Northern Ontario communities are met,” said Minister Rickford. “Through these proposed changes, Ontario’s government will continue to build strong and resilient communities while supporting an environment where businesses can thrive, grow and create good jobs.”

Promoting and stimulating economic development initiatives in Northern Ontario is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario together. Ontario’s plan is creating more good paying jobs and opportunities in the north, and attracting new and expanded investment so northern communities can grow and thrive.

Filed under: Local News