THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University and Wisk Air are on the receiving end of provincial dollars.
Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford made two funding announcements in Thunder Bay on Friday, announcing a total of $1.5 million for a new helicopter and research infrastructure at the university.
At a morning event, Rickford announced $515,000 through the Ontario Research Fund that will contribute to the university’s purchase of a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.
Pedram Fatehi, a Canada Research Chair in green chemicals and processes, said his research with the new machine will involve converting underutilized pulp and paper material to become value-added materials used in the mining industry.
“It’s a green product,” Fatehi said. “Currently they’re using oil-based chemicals. What we’re trying to do is to replace this green material with what they’re using now. That will contribute to a reduction in fossil-based fuel, bio-economy, even in the long run it will contribute to climate change.”
The machine, which is expected to arrive at the university in the coming months, is essential to further his research, Fatehi said.
The announcement is one of 174 projects receiving funding from the Progressive Conservative provincial government, spending $41 million through three separate programs.
Rickford said Lakehead University serves an important role in Northwestern Ontario, providing students an opportunity to come to a campus and dream big, knowing they have access to world-class, cutting-edge technologies.
That technology is timely considering the number of regional resource sector projects are getting ready to move forward, Rickford said.
“This is all happening now,” Rickford said.
“Research is always the precursor. It’s always at the forefront of what needs to be happening for us to make technological strides that allow us to do and perform resource activities in the most environmentally responsible way but for the economic benefit of our communities across this vast region.”
Through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, Wisk Air received $1 million for the purchase of a ninth helicopter for its fleet.
Company owner Mark Wiskemann said the helicopter, which had a total cost of US$3 million, was acquired in May 2018 and has been a high in-demand aircraft since being put into service.
“In our world we cross many boundaries and have many functions with this helicopter,” Wiskemann said. “All the northern communities have seen our people and our helicopters. We have very, very strong relationships business-wise in the northwest.”
The helicopter will be used to assist with power line construction and has been used to transport personnel to the scene of forest fires.
Wiskemann said the additional helicopter has allowed for the hiring of five more pilot and technician positions, along with at least one apprentice.
