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The next round in funding for the Northern Ontario Recovery Program has been announced.
Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford says $1.7 million will be going to 85 business in the Kiiwetinoong and Muskhegowuk-James Bay Ridings.
Under the program, businesses or companies can receive up to $25,000 for expansion, to buy Personal Protection Equipment, or other enhancements.
Rickford says the provincial government increased funding to $26 million, from the original amount of $20 million.
“We are familiar with the scale of economic hardship that COVID has brought to every region of our province, hardship that goes beyond the benefits NORP has provided. We believe, and we’ve heard loud and clear, that this is a step in the right direction to foster real economic recovery in our communities.”
The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says “While COVID might have left us bruised and battered, northwestern Ontario and northern Ontario resilience will prevail. We’re still on our feet and we’re still in the fight.”
Those benefiting from the latest round of NORP funding:
-$22,400 for Sioux Lookout Floating Lodges to build an outdoor deck where customers can practise social distancing while waiting for their houseboats to be cleaned and serviced.
-$25,000 for Pakwash Lake Camp to purchase new docking systems, a gas pump hose, a UV sanitation light, cleaning equipment, and outdoor picnic tables to accommodate social distancing.
-$24,500 for Wild Eyes Wilderness Escape in Ear Falls to build additions on two cabins and construct a 10 x 20 foot dock to accommodate social distancing.
-$22,637 for Vegan Delights Inc. in Sioux Lookout to restructure its business from a catering-focused business to a manufacturing-focused retailer by retrofitting the kitchen and purchasing kitchen materials, personal protective equipment and cleaning products. The funding will also cover registration costs for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) training.
(With files from Tim Davidson-Kenora)
