Parry Sound, Muskoka businesses sharing $6 million from FedNor

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Several businesses in Parry Sound and Muskoka will share $6 million  from the  Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Randy Boissonnault on behalf of Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu at the Ontario Tourism Summit.

Boissonnault said the new funding will create an estimated 365 jobs across the region.

“From green technologies to support for small and medium businesses, our government will continue to build an economy that works for everyone,” he said.

Huntsville Forest Products was awarded a $1 million repayable investment for its new 60,000 square foot sawmill expansion project.

“The support from FedNor is deeply appreciated by the entire team at Huntsville Forest Products,” said Malcolm Cockwell, company president and managing director. “This will enable our efforts to advance the design, planning, and eventual construction of one of the safest and most efficient hardwood sawmills in Canada.

“We are very excited to establish this facility, and our broader business, as a cornerstone of the Canadian forest products sector.”

The Township of McDougall is receiving $972,810 to expand infrastructure at the Parry Sound Industrial Park and build 22 new fully-serviced lots.

Employment North is receiving $614,793 to renovate a former church in downtown South River into a community hub and Emsdale Airport Authority will use $50,000 to revitalize the 6,000 square foot hangar at the public airport in Novar.

Also, the Muskoka Brewery and Muskoka Roastery, will receive a repayable investment of $250,000 to adopt green technology to improve its brewing and waste management processes.

“Muskoka Brewery is pleased that FedNor could assist us in introducing green and sustainable technologies for best-practice in waste management during the brewing process,” said Muskoka Brewery president Todd Lwein. “This contribution will help us purchase a bioreactor to treat our wastewater, reducing our water consumption to near residential levels, allowing for business growth and maximizing environmental and community benefit.”

Since 2015, FedNor has provided more than $365 million to support 821 projects, which helped create and maintain more than 12,450 jobs in communities and First Nations across Northern Ontario.

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