FEDNOR EARMARKS $2.2M FOR 4 MUSKOKA INITIATIVES

FedNor has announced $2,210,299 in support of four community and business growth initiatives in the Muskoka region.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous services and minister responsible for FedNor, visited the Muskoka Airport on Monday, March 13, toured Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing, and announced a $1,631,250 repayable investment in that company.

Provided through the Government of Canada's Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative, the money is intended to support the expansion of Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing.

WHO GETS WHAT, AND WHY Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing Inc. — $1,631,250

A repayable FedNor investment of $1,631,250 is intended for Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing to expand its operations and purchase state-of-the-art equipment. Specifically, the funding will be used to expand its facility at the Muskoka Airport by 10,000 square feet and increase the ceiling height so they can service larger aircraft. To help the company increase efficiencies, enhance quality of the workmanship and open the door to new business opportunities, the funding will also be used to purchase new high efficiency equipment such as a compressor and electrostatic spray paint guns. Over the next five years, this strategic initiative is expected to create and maintain close to 60 jobs in the region.

"This FedNor investment will allow us to expand our facilities and purchase state-of-the-art equipment so we can service larger aircraft and capitalize on immediate and future opportunities," said Mike Goudie, president of Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing. "This major expansion will not only help us to enhance our quality of workmanship, it will allow us increase revenues and efficiencies, create high-quality jobs and reduce our environmental footprint."

INITIATIVES FUNDED THROUGH FEDNOR'S REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH THROUGH INNOVATION

Sawdust City Brewing Company Inc. — $503,549

Sawdust City Brewing Company Inc. is receiving a repayable FedNor investment of $503,549, intended to purchase cutting-edge processing equipment to increase efficiencies, production and the shelf life of its craft beers. The new equipment will replace the existing canning line. Once complete, this project will help the company increase output to accommodate the growing demand for its high-quality craft beers. Over the next five years, this strategic initiative is expected to create and maintain more than 30 jobs.

"We're thrilled that FedNor is stepping up to help us modernize the brewery so we can expand and meet increased demand," saidNatalie Archer, chief operating officer, Sawdust City Brewing Company. "Acquiring new cutting-edge processing equipment will allow us to reduce downtime and waste, while increasing efficiencies, production and the shelf life of our exceptional craft beers."

INITIATIVES FUNDED THROUGH FEDNOR'S NORTHERN ONTARIO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc. — $40,500

Muskoka Arts & Crafts is receiving a nonrepayable FedNor investment of $40,500 to hire a youth intern for a one-year period. While on the job, the intern will help develop and implement a social media and marketing campaign, coordinate and optimize events and support the growth of small business and the creative economy. This priority project supports the Government of Canada's Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario by helping to build stronger communities and supporting young graduates.

Muskoka Chautauqua — $35,000

To enhance tourism and strengthen the creative economy, a nonrepayable FedNor investment of $35,000 will allow Muskoka Chautauqua to hire a youth intern for a one-year period. The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of key activities such as working with partners to develop a strategic plan and co-ordinating tourism initiatives and major events including the summer festival in the historic Village of Windermere.

"FedNor is investing in the Muskoka region," said Hadju. "Today's announcement of close to $2.2 million will help Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing and Sawdust City Brewing Company expand, and give Muskoka Arts & Crafts Incorporate and Muskoka Chautauqua the opportunity to bring in new talent. FedNor is investing in the growth and potential of northern Ontario, and driving our contribution to a thriving Canadian economy."