The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund spread more than $1.9 million to 10 “impactful projects” in the Parry Sound area this week for company expansions, new equipment and local infrastructure improvements.
The following companies, organizations and projects cashed in:
- $500,000 for Wickensburg Film Studios Inc. to produce, in the Parry Sound area, the fantasy film Secrets of Wickensburg
- $396,677 for Crofters Food Ltd., located in Seguin, to purchase equipment to meet client handling, food safety and packaging requirements for fresh strawberries
- $244,750 for Shawanaga First Nation to renovate its outdoor rink by adding a roof structure and upgrading the concrete pad
- $199,150 for Dock Kings Inc. to purchase equipment and build a new manufacturing facility in Carling, as well as $4,950 to purchase equipment to expand its production capabilities and begin manufacturing 24-foot floating pontoon docks for commercial clients such as marinas
- $187,500 for Camp Koinonia Inc., located in Seguin, to build accessible facilities adjacent to its main lodge, including a shower house, washroom and laundry area
- $170,706 for the Gurd and Area Historical Corporation to modernize the Commanda General Store Museum by doing repairs and renovations, making the facilities accessible, and building a teepee, washroom, shed, garage, stage, patio, BBQ area and fence
- $159,348 for Great North Homes Inc. and Cedarland Holdings Inc., located in McDougall, to purchase a building and equipment to expand their production capacity
- $77,600 for Aqua-Cage Fisheries Ltd., located in Parry Sound, to purchase aquaculture farming equipment to replace damaged equipment
- $23,293 for Learn to Kayak Inc., located in Parry Sound and owner of Georgian Bay Tours, to purchase equipment and a boat for passengers and cargo to provide new and expanded tours.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our local economy here in the Parry Sound region,” said Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith in an Oct. 3 statement. “I am thrilled that the NOHFC is delivering smart and strategic investments into the area that will create jobs and prosperity for everyone.”
“These initiatives not only strengthen local economies but also create good jobs, support partnerships with First Nations communities, and enhance infrastructure across the region,” said Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford, the chair of NOHFC.
