FedNor Minister Tony Clement delivered $228,227 to aid the search for new ownership for the Kapuskasing Beef Research Station.
The government-owned research farm is slated for closure and money delivered to the Kapuskasing Economic Development Corporation will be used to pursue new owners and find alternative uses for the facility.
The farm has been a pioneering facility in fostering agricultural research for a century, particularly in conducting unique advanced research on beef production for northern climates.
In a Feb. 26 statement, Clement said the money ensures “that a key beef production asset in the region continues to assist area farmers remain competitive in the marketplace.”
“The research station provides the farming community in Northern Ontario and Quebec with information specific to our climate and environment,” said Kapuskasing Mayor Al Spacek, chairman of the Kapuskasing Economic Development Corporation. “With FedNor’s assistance, we are assessing potential opportunities, and if feasible, will prepare a business plan so that the station may continue to serve our region for years to come.”
Earlier Clement announced funding of $500,000 to enable the North Eastern Ontario Communications Network Inc. (NEOnet), based in Timmins, to expand its broadband and e-business services.
NEOnet is implementing a second round of its Broadband E-business and Marketing (BEAM) program, designed to help small and medium-sized businesses take advantage of e-business technologies.
“Technology is one of the most powerful tools we have to help Northern Ontario businesses compete in the modern economy,” said Denis Bérubé, NEOnet chairman. “To fully leverage the economic benefit of broadband access, entrepreneurs must not only be connected, they must embrace technology and transform their business and that’s exactly what the BEAM project will help them achieve.”
