Province Investing in Local Businesses to Boost Economic Growth in Ottawa Region
Ontario Supports $25.5 Million Surge in Ottawa-Area Economy with $3.8 Million Regional Development Program Investment.
The Ontario government is supporting an investment of $25.5 million by local businesses to help strengthen domestic manufacturing and attract investment in the Ottawa region. The province is investing over $3.8 million in four Ottawa businesses through the Regional Development Program that will help create 63 jobs and retain 141 jobs in the area.
“Our government’s top priority throughout the pandemic has been protecting the province’s health and protecting our jobs and economy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “These projects will make a significant impact in our Eastern Ontario communities and economies. They will enable long-term measurable outcomes, including private-sector investments, job creation and retention, and strong regional growth.”
Beau-Roc Inc. is building a second facility to manufacture dump bodies for dump trucks in a$12-million project that will create 30 jobs and help retain 84 existing positions. Ontario is investing $1.8 million from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund to support Beau-Roc’s project. Founded in 1985, the company manufactures premium dump bodies for a wide range of customers and applications across Canada and the United States. The new facility will reduce lead times and enable Beau-Roc to take on custom orders for larger dump bodies.
“This funding will greatly help us with the development of our new, additional manufacturing facility designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for our products in Canada and the US,” said Beau-Roc General Manager, Nathalie St-Pierre. “The expansion will add 30 new skilled and professional jobs while increasing our overall capacity by an estimated 50 per cent. There will also be a significant positive spin-off effect to our supply chain within Ontario and Quebec.”
“This is excellent news for local manufacturers in Carleton like LTR Industries,” said Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton. “Investments in Ontario’s manufacturing sector, through the Regional Development Program, help to support economic growth and job creation in Ottawa and rural communities located in Carleton and across the province.”
“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we make sure that we lay the foundations for a strong economic recovery,” said Jeremy Roberts, MPP for Ottawa West—Nepean. “Today’s announcement does just that by investing in Ottawa’s manufacturers, enabling them to create good paying jobs here in our community.”
Ontario is also investing in three other Ottawa-area companies:
Lumibird Ltd. is investing $7.3 million (eligible project costs) in facility upgrades and new equipment, as well as boosting its R&D work for the company’s light detection and ranging technologies (LIDAR). Ontario is providing $1.09 million from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund to help the company create nine jobs and help retain 16 positions. The company specializes in laser technologies with applications in wind energy, meteorology, environmental safety, climate change monitoring, aviation safety, industrial automation, space and defence.
“With the support of the Ontario government, Lumibird Ltd. has been able to substantially grow its business through the expansion of its facilities, hiring of new employees, investment in Research and Development (R&D), and an increase in commercial sales,” said Marc Le Flohic, Lumibird Chairman and CEO. “In the coming year, we will continue to expand – in both resources and infrastructure – to provide innovative, cost-effective and reliable solutions to the Canadian and international markets.”
LTR Industries (Ottawa) Ltd. is expanding its millwork production facilites to compete for larger contracts and grow its business. This $5.2 million project is supported with $780,000 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, which will help to create 17 jobs and to retain 31 positions. LTR Industries supplies commercial millwork to the general construction industry, interior designers and individual commercial/residential clients, and offers complete design/build services or pre-costed tendered jobs.
“The LTR production expansion project is progressing according to plan and workforce expansion is well underway,” said LTR Industries CEO Brian Vlaming. “Thanks to this funding from the government, new equipment is being ordered and sales for the current year are well ahead of projections, in spite of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
KB Media Corp. is building expanded, consolidated premises for the design and production of its print media, signage, wraps, and web services. This $898,000 project is being supported with $134,700 from the Eastern Ontario Development Fund. This investment will create seven jobs and help to retain 10 positions. KB Media Corp, which was founded in 2009, offers a one-stop shop to help companies design and manage their corporate branding.
“Thanks to this funding, KB Media will greatly benefit from an expanded facility and a more innovative production flow to better serve our ever-growing business community,” said KB Media Corp. CEO Mark Kelly. “This program is truly adding to the success of small businesses in Prescott-Russell; we feel very fortunate to be a part of it.”
Ontario is investing more than $100 million through the Regional Development Program from 2019 to 2023 to support distinct regional priorities and challenges. The program provides cost-shared funding to businesses, municipalities and economic development organizations to help local communities attract investment, diversify their economies, and plan for long-term sustainability and growth.