Area bed and breakfast gets provincial help to go green

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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An environmentally friendly bed and breakfast resort in Northern Ontario is benefiting from provincial government funding.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is contributing a total of $42,250 to Nature’s Harmony in Mattawa. Operating off the hydro grid, the facility relies largely on external propane-powered sources to generate its energy. In keeping with the eco-friendly aspect of the business, the funding will be used to enhance its present solar energy system, and to furnish/renovate the property to make it an all-year-round business.

The funding breaks down as follows:

- $25,000 from the NOHFC’s Young Entrepreneur Program to purchase equipment, machinery and advertising.

- $17,250 from the NOHFC’s Northern Energy Program to enhance the bed and breakfast’s solar voltaic system, and install new solar electrical systems in two sleep cabins.

QUOTES

“Nature’s Harmony is a great example of Northern hospitality that benefits both the environment and the local economy,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “This investment will help Nature’s Harmony and Ontario capture their share of the growing eco-tourism market.”

“Switching to solar technology is cost effective, and helps preserve the pristine nature of the North,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, who also chairs the NOHFC.

QUICK FACTS

- Enhancing the bed and breakfast’s solar voltaic system is expected to reduce fuel consumption/carbon dioxide emissions by half.

- Mattawa was originally known as “Mahtahwan”, which means “Meeting of the Water”.

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