The Ontario government, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC), is investing in 17 new projects to help municipalities upgrade their infrastructure, farmers improve their land and businesses expand their operations in the Timiskaming-Cochrane area.
Twelve strategic infrastructure and public sector projects are being supported by the NOHFC:
The Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (NOFIA) is receiving $997,850 to help a consortium of 23 farmers install tile drainage and clear land on 1887 acres to improve crop yields in the region. NOFIA is also receiving $996,550 to help a consortium of 14 farmers install tile drainage and clear land on 1931 acres.
The City of Temiskaming Shores is receiving $1 million to upgrade water and sewer infrastructure on Latchford and Probyn streets in Haileybury to accommodate new private-sector investments.
Temiskaming Shores is also receiving $999,900 for its waterfront development project including improvements to the marina and boardwalk as well as construction of a permanent farmers market facility.
Temagami First Nation is receiving $1 million to build a multi-use facility and business centre that will help the area host community events and conferences.
The Town of Kirkland Lake is receiving $517,594 to restructure the Hockey Heritage North facility into a multi-use conference and business centre, which will include increased meeting space.
Kirkland Lake is also receiving $437,500 to convert Civic Stadium into an all-season multi-purpose event centre to help the community host sports tournaments and other special activities.
Kirkland Lake is also receiving $180,000 to conduct a study of a 2.3-acre lot, including engineering and environmental assessments, to determine if it can accommodate the construction of a new hotel and restaurant.
The Town of Iroquois Falls is receiving $267,500 to expand the community hall in order to accommodate larger events and conferences.
The Municipality of Temagami is receiving $137,500 to improve its waterfront infrastructure, including upgrades to the docks, landscaping and lighting, to attract tourists and residents to the area.
Matachewan First Nation is receiving $17,100 to develop an economic development plan to identify new opportunities to diversify the local economy.
The Township of Larder Lake is receiving $6,962 to complete a community strategic plan to help diversify its economic base.
Five entrepreneurs are launching businesses or expanding their operations with assistance from the NOHFC:
B & G Industrial Services in New Liskeard is receiving $1 million to expand its metal fabrication business, including building a new shop in the Township of Harley, north of New Liskeard, to take on larger projects.
B. M. Flanagan Farms in Belle Vallee is receiving $725,000 to purchase an existing dairy farm, including milk quota and equipment.
William Runnalls in Thornloe is receiving $107,500 to expand the farm business, including the purchase of farm equipment and installation of field drainage.
TECC Agriculture Ltd in New Liskeard is receiving $78,750 to establish the business and purchase equipment. It provides services to area farmers such as soil sampling, lime and fertilizer spreading, and seed and crop advice.
Ferme Rivadale in Earlton is receiving $12,500 to help the dairy farm business invest in equipment to grow its own feed for the livestock.
