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Fedeli hands out $2.1 million in funding

Five businesses in the region receive $2.1 million in funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund
2020 09 25 Vic Fedeli
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli. Photo: Stu Campaigne

A few local businesses are receiving a big financial boost today courtesy of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. 

Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing made the announcement which will impact five businesses with a combined total of $2.1 million in funding. 

Fedeli says the funding will also lead to the hiring of 19 new jobs along with promoting economic development in the area. 

“As we continue to navigate COVID-19 and the effects on the economy, our government is committed to strengthening the local manufacturing, forestry and film sectors,” said MPP Vic Fedeli in a release. 

“These investments will support job growth within the Nipissing region.”

Advanced Carbon Engineered Solutions Inc. is receiving $600,350 to expand and diversify the business by moving to a larger facility and purchasing additional equipment and technology to increase its production capabilities.

"This expansion funding means that not only are we doubling our workforce, but we replace imports with domestic products for our Ontario-based clients and we are exporting outside the province to other Canadian, US and South American clients," said Marc Mathon, CEO, Carbon Engineered Solutions.

FPInnovations is receiving $525,600 to support its scientific and technical staff in connecting with forest sector businesses to help attract investment, grow skilled employment and achieve tangible economic impacts in northern and Indigenous communities.

“This three-year partnership demonstrates how innovation can contribute to strong economic growth in Northern Ontario’s forest sector. NOFHC’s mission to diversify and foster economic growth in the region is well-aligned with FPInnovations’ mission to increase competitiveness of the forest industry and transform the sector,” added Stéphane Renou, President and Chief Executive Officer, FPInnovations.

JoBro Productions Inc. is receiving $500,000 to produce a crime-thriller feature film entitled Delia’s Gone, filmed in the North Bay area. JoBro officials say the funding was a critical partner in the financing of the local production. 

“The funding allowed us to execute principal photography in North Bay by offering a meaningful incentive beyond the regional tax credit enhancement. We had the luxury of hiring many talented local crew members and shooting in the beautiful location that is North Bay,”  said Jonathan Bronfman, President, JoBro Productions Inc., who is currently working on another production in Sudbury. 

Mark and Peter Kunkel Farms is receiving $338,235 to expand and modernize its current farm operation by building a new barn and purchasing additional equipment. They say the expansion has allowed the family farm to grow and transition into the next generation.

"The new technology in our expanded dairy operation ensures we can monitor and maintain standards for the grass-fed milk program we are part of with Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Thornloe Cheese," stated Mark Kunkel, co-owner, Kunkel Famly Farming Operations.  

Drillers Edge Inc. is receiving $85,084 to purchase new equipment, renovate and add security and monitoring systems to its facility.

“This growth has allowed us to expand our production capacity to meet increased domestic and export demand. It has also allowed us to grow our team beyond the size originally anticipated and will prepare us for future growth for years to come," stated Chris Van Schaayk, Plant Manager, Drillers Edge Inc.

SafeSight Exploration Inc. is receiving $65,171 to build two prototypes of a mine rescue drone for underground mining operations, allowing mining companies to assess gas/air quality and thermal conditions quickly.

“NOHFC has allowed us to accelerate our time to market, create technology jobs in our community and ultimately support the safety transformation of the global mining sector,” said Mike Campigotto, President of SafeSight Explorations Inc.  

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) promotes economic prosperity across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects – big and small, rural and urban – that stimulate recovery, growth, job creation and skills development.

Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $309 million in 3,050 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $1.1 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 4,770 jobs.


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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