The City of Timmins and three local companies welcomed the $5.1 million dollars provided by FedNor, an agency of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in an announcement made yesterday at the still under construction new facilities of the Bucket Shop.
“The government of Canada is investing, $5,146,870 dollars to support infrastructure, business and industrial growth as well as technology, innovation and broadband services in the Timmins and surrounding area,” said Patty Hajdu, the Minister for the Status of Women and MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North and the ranking Northern Minister in the Liberal government.
The announcements by Minister Hajdu were made on behalf of Navdeep Bains, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
“The Government of Canada is focused on helping build strong, sustainable communities that support a vibrant middle-class,” Hajdu said on behalf of Minister Bains. “These targeted investments will put in place the technology, infrastructure and resources needed to attract private sector investment to the area, support business development and growth, while further positioning the city of Timmins as open for business."
"This significant contributions of $5.1 million dollars from FedNor clearly demonstrates that the government of Canada recognizes the unique needs of our community and is taking action to diversify and grow the local economy,” Timmins Mayor Steve Black. "These investments will serve as economic drivers to the Timmins economy and create meaningful employment."
The city of Timmins will receive $2,497,150 towards the extension of municipal services to the new industrial park with access to road and rail corridors. The development of the industrial park in the east end of Timmins has helped land the construction of Calabrian Corporation’s $20 million Sulphur dioxide plant creating 20 new, high quality jobs.
The new industrial park has attracted interest as well from a Chinese basalt mining company.
The Bucket Shop where the announcement was made was awarded $1,000,000 to help with the completion of their new production facility on McBride St. North. The investment is provided under the FedNor Targeted Manufacturing initiative for Northern Ontario (TMINO).
The funding will go towards constructing their new production facility and the obtainment of equipment needed to double production and also to reduce operating costs by 25 per cent. Through the investment eight new jobs will be created.
“I just want to point out to Minister Hajdu as she is the Minister for the Status of Women, that the Bucket Shop is proud to employ five women welders,” said Ross Woodward, President of the Bucket Shop. “And they did pretty well against male welders in competition finishing second and sixth in competition last year
The Bucket Shop and its associated company Steeltec repair and reconstruct heavy mental buckets used in the mining industry and various other heavy industries
Also receiving funding from FedNor is North Eastern Ontario Communications Network (NEOnet) which received a total of $1,449,720.
A portion, totaling $949,720, for a three year period will be used to enhance telecommunications development and provide information and communications technology training, education and awareness for residents and businesses across Northeastern Ontario.
NEOnet will also receive another $500,000 from FedNor to support its Broadband and E-Business and Marketing program (BEAM). This funding will be earmarked for helping small and medium-sized enterprises develop digital skills and incorporate innovative technologies for their businesses.
Under this program a business that is eligible will receive up to $5,000 for developing websites, search engine optimization, social media integration, database integration for storefront management, customer relationship management and electronic data interchange.
Since being established in 2011 the BEAM program has helped 445 businesses develop online e-business solutions.
In addition to the FedNor funding Minister Hajdu also announced that $100,000 had been awarded to the South Porcupine Arena Association through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150).
The money will be used to upgrade the Carlo Cattarello Arena. Specifically, to create a new concrete sub-floor for the ice pad and to install new LED lighting that will help reduce electricity costs and operational costs. As result of the upgrades the Carlo Cattarello Arena will become an all-season facility.
Another $100,000 was awarded to the City of Timmins, McIntyre Complex under the CIP 150 program to reconstruct the curling club’s roof and help preserve this historically significant building.
The full text of a news release from FedNor follows.
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FedNor invests $5.1 million to create jobs, growth and a strong economy in Timmins and surrounding areas
The Government of Canada is investing $5,146,870 to support infrastructure, business and industrial growth, as well as technology, innovation and broadband services in the Timmins and surrounding areas. This strategic investment will support six important initiatives that will be led by four local organizations, including the City of Timmins, NEOnet, the Bucket Shop, and the South Porcupine Arena Association.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, made the announcement today during her visit to the City of Timmins. Identified as strategic priorities, the funded projects will support business growth and productivity, attract more than $20 million in private sector investment and create over 20 middle-class jobs in the community. The funding will also support infrastructure enhancements to two community assets and accelerate broadband expansion and services throughout Northeastern Ontario.
Quick Facts
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The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, as well as the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
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FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation throughout the region.
- The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Government of Canada’s coordinated approach to mark the anniversary of Confederation. The program is designed to leave a lasting legacy in communities across the country by supporting improvements to community infrastructure that provide community and cultural benefits for the public.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is focused on helping build strong, sustainable communities that support a vibrant middle-class. These targeted investments will put in place the technology, infrastructure and resources needed to attract private sector investment to the area, support business development and growth, while further positioning the City of Timmins as open for business.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Today’s announcement will help create a stronger, more innovative and diversified local economy that delivers results for the people and businesses of Timmins and surrounding areas. By working at a grass-roots level and investing in local priorities, our government is creating opportunities that assist Northern Ontario communities maximize and achieve their economic potential.”
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay—Superior North
“This significant FedNor announcement clearly demonstrates that the Government of Canada recognizes the unique needs of our community and is taking action to diversify and grow the local economy. These investments will serve as economic drivers for the City of Timmins and create meaningful employment for our citizens.”
Steve Black, Mayor, City of Timmins
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