The McGuinty government is pre-election overdrive with cheques to spur job creation in Northern Ontario.
In northwestern Ontario, the province cut cheques worth $5,438,838 for 10 projects to create 45 new jobs
Much of the money is earmarked for First Nations projects such as a business plan for a Red Lake sawmill, providing broadband access to five remote communities, and for upgrades and construction to business and community centres in five communities, including Sioux Lookout.
Other money is goes toward Kenora's harbourfront amphitheatre and to install renewable energy systems at a Kenora outpost camp operator.
The province cut a $1 million cheque for Sudbury's Flanagan Food Service to expand its warehouse space by 10,200 square feet. The government says 15 new jobs will be created at the food service distributor.
The Township of Red Rock landed $937,978 for a new “eco-friendly” waterfront centre for its marina. The centre, built of local wood and insulated with straw, will house washrooms, showers, laundry and provide space for a restaurant and some retail. The government says 7 jobs are being created.
The province is investing an additional $202,823 for the design and engineering costs of the centre.
On the forestry side, Kenora Forest Products was awarded a Crown wood supply of 101,000 cubic metres to expand their sawmill operations.
The province says the wood supply for the mill, which has been shut down since February 2008, will create 36 new jobs and protect 98.
Kenora's iLevel Weyerhaeuser plant will receive a two cent per kilowatt-hour electricity rebate. Queen's Park delivered $1.2 million as a retro-active payment and says the forest products company is eligible for further rebates. The government says reducing the mill's electricity costs protects 145 jobs.
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