FedNor funding of $2 million was announced for a number of Sudbury projects on March 20, with half of that funding being used to help construct a new, $7-million hangar at the Sudbury Airport.
Speaking at a news conference at the airport, Greg Rickford, minister for FedNor and natural resources,
said he was pleased his government was able to support economic development in the region, and said FedNor has invested more than $61 million in Sudbury for hundreds of projects since 2006.
“This is an exciting day for Sudbury,” he said. The $1 million will help the airport “build a 32,000-square-foot hangar needed to ensure the growth of existing businesses and to attract a diverse range of new businesses, including aircraft speciality operators, air cargo and engineering companies.”
He also announced $427,945 for local manufacturers to provide training in lean management system training.
“It will help manufacturers to better identify and develop and deliver and maintain successful, lean management processes leading to improved productivity and long-term competitive business practices,” he said.
Vince Pollesel, the airport's chair of finance, said they are “extremely” proud of the success the airport has enjoyed over the last 10 years. The hangar, he said, is a key part of the future.
“With a solid foundation in place, we set out to attract new business to our airport,” Pollesel said. “The new hangar will accommodate the business needs of our two major airport tenants.”
The aviation company Discovery Air Services “will utilize the building to expand their services in the area of fire detection and suppression and flight training,” he added.
Additional funding of $180,000 will go to Science North in support of a wildlife rescue travelling exhibit, which, Rickford said, will traverse across of Northern Ontario, including his riding in Kenora.
Mayor Brian Bigger said it is always good news when Rickford is in town.
“Every time I see you, you bring great news to our city and our region,” Bigger said. “And so I hope to be seeing you more in future. These are essential investments in our community and Northern Ontario ... There's no doubt we can always do more to encourage growth in our community as the interconnected hub of Northern Ontario.”
With two funding announcements in one day — in the morning, Rickford announced $5 million for the Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada — he was asked whether it meant an election is near.
"No, this is FedNor at its finest,” he responded. “Investing in community development, business growth and innovation and ... a wide spectrum of entrepreneurial activities. This is just doing FedNor business in its normal course."
