FedNor doles out almost $1.7 M for Sudbury projects

An applied research project at Cambrian College, to build a changing mat that helps avoid diaper rash, was one of several projects that benefited from close to $1.7 million in FedNor funding announced Monday.

Cambrian's applied arts and technology program has partnered with Mary Geroux, a local nurse practitioner, to design the Bair Bum Baby, a changing mat with an integrated fan system.

“How do you get rid of diaper rash? You limit the amount of moisture on your baby's body,” said Stephen Gravel, Cambrian's applied research developer.

FedNor granted the college $343,464 to develop projects like Bair Bum Baby and others, including a medical scheduling aid that helps patients automatically register their health cards when they visit their doctor.

Bill Best, Cambrian's new president, said he saw the funding announcement as acknowledgement of the work the school has achieved in applied research.

“I'm really pleased to be inheriting what looks to be a really magnificent track record,” he said.

In addition to Cambrian College, the Conseil de la coopération de l'Ontario and the City of Greater Sudbury's Regional Business Centre were the biggest winners Monday.

FedNor granted the former nearly $545,000 in funding to support a three-year initiative that will help businesses and community groups create jobs in Northern Ontario.

The project is expected to support a number of economic sectors, including agri-food processing, forestry, home-care services and tourism.

The City of Greater Sudbury's Regional Business Centre received $466,158 to conduct outreach activities and support small businesses over a two-year period.

Sault Ste. Marie MP Bryan Hayes, who announced the Fednor funding on behalf of Greg Rickford, the minister for FedNor, said the $1.7-million investment will benefit all of Northern Ontario.

Hayes graduated from Cambrian College in 1979, and said he was especially proud to return to his alma mater for the announcement.

City Welding (Sudbury) Limited received a repayable loan for $142,498 to buy and install specialized equipment to modernize its manufacturing process. The company primarily manufactures equipment for the mining sector.

FedNor also granted Carrefour francophone $89,000 to complete a feasibility study for La Place des Arts, a facility that will showcase Francophone arts and culture.
Francophone art gallery Galerie du Nouvel-Ontairo received $75,000 to create a market development strategy and form new partnerships.

The Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation was the final organization to benefit from the FedNor funding announced Monday.

The mining research organization received $31,500 to hire a youth intern for one year. The intern will help research a project to build an economic assessment tool that will help communities determine the potential infrastructure costs tied to extreme weather.