THUNDER BAY - The provincial government is implementing several new programs under the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, which it says will stimulate job growth and economic recovery in Northern Ontario.
“We've leveraged more than $1.1 billion in investment and created or sustained more than 4,700 new jobs,” said Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Greg Rickford.
“While these are impressive numbers, we look forward to seeing this impact grow with the introduction of our refreshed and refocused NOHFC program.”
The new programs include the Community Enhancement Program, which will allow for repairs and upgrades to community recreational facilities, community centres, and broadband infrastructure.
The Cultural Supports Program will support cultural productions in the region through film, television, conferences, and festivals.
Business supports are offered through the Invest in the North program to stimulate economic growth and business development expansion, research, and commercialization of new technologies.
The People and Talent program will help to attract more people to the region in an effort to build a strong workforce through internships, apprenticeships, and opportunities for Indigenous people.
“All communities and the North will are eligible communities, not-for-profits Indigenous communities, local services boards are eligible for enhancing your community program stream,” said John Guerard, NOHFC executive director.
There are additional funding levels for different sizes of communities. For those with a population of fewer than 1,500 people, funding of up to 90 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $200,000 will be made available for projects such as repairing recreational or cultural facilities.
A community with a population of more than 1,500 people but fewer than 30,000 will receive funding of up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $500,000.
“Some of the things that we have changed from what we've heard is that communities and non-profits need some assistance with their upgrading or pairing of existing assets,” Guerard said.
“So we've included that in our programming, so that we can initiate and support the improvement of the quality of life in Northern Ontario, which in turn will help attract new businesses and people to live here.”
Rickford said the provincial government consulted with municipal leaders, Indigenous partners, non-profits, and businesses on how to modernize the NOHFC offerings.
“Our new programming will streamline the application process and help build strong and resilient local economies by making targeted investments in northern businesses, community organizations and municipalities, bringing good jobs and prosperity to every corner of Northern Ontario,” he said.
Rickford added the NOHFC is moving applications through as quickly as possible and anticipates projects will be underway in the next fiscal quarter.
Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $262 million in 2,549 projects in Northern Ontario.
For more information on the new programs and funding visit the NOHFC website.
