FEDNOR – the federal government’s economic development agency for Northern Ontario – is pouring $4.184-million into the Timmins area. It says it will benefit the entire region.
The minister responsible, Patty Hajdu says $1.7-million goes to the city of Timmins to launch rural, community and francophone immigration pilot programs.
“And these five-year pilot programs are really important to demonstrate the importance of sustained, manageable but also permanent immigration to Northern Ontario,” the minister remarks.
Hajdu adds that the declining population creates a challenge to finding employees or selling one’s business to the next generation.
The city’s also getting $833-thousand for three more years of a program that helps businesses grow.
Recreation activities are included in recipients of the money.
Hajdu says Mount Jamieson Ski Resort is getting $420-thousand for a magic carpet ride conveyor-style lift.
“It’s pretty cool, actually. It’s to make sure there’s a safer way to get up the hill for skiers and snowboarders, hikers in the summer, mountain bike people in the summer.”
Also getting a share is the town of Iroquois Falls to establish an industrial park, and the Mountjoy Farmers Market to finish expansion of its pavilion and replace a car dealership sign with a market sign.
