Ontario Expands Transportation Infrastructure Across the North
Ontario is supporting expanded transportation infrastructure that will help move people and freight into and across the North while creating 46 new jobs.
Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury, made the announcement today on behalf of Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines at the Greater Sudbury Airport. Through funding from Ontario's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), Greater Sudbury Airport is receiving support for upgrades to its water system throughout the property. The new infrastructure will ensure adequate supplies of water to meet fire suppression standards and clean and safe drinking water are available at all current and future airport facilities. The increased capacity will allow the airport to expand and grow for existing and prospective airport clients and services.
In addition, Porter Airlines has been approved for an investment to help establish a new maintenance facility at the Greater Sudbury Airport. The project includes improvements that will allow Porter to service its three new aircraft and upgrades to software and other information and communications technology. The project will create seven new full-time positions at the airport.
Investing in northern transportation infrastructure is part of the government's plan to support care, create opportunity and make life more affordable during this period of rapid economic change. The plan includes a higher minimum wage and better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25, and 65 or over, through the biggest expansion of medicare in a generation.
Quick Facts
Ontario's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is investing more than $5.5 million in transportation infrastructure that will facilitate the movement of people and freight into and across the North. These investments support 11 projects that will create 46 full time jobs and dozens of indirect jobs. Porter Airlines will receive $50,359 to help establish a new maintenance facility at the Greater Sudbury Airport helping to create seven new full-time jobs.Since 2013, the province has invested more than $654 million through the NOHFC in over 4,000 projects, leveraging more than $2.3 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining over 15,200 jobs in Northern Ontario.Through the 2018 budget, Ontario is continuing to promote growth in Northern Ontario by gradually increasing NOHFC funding over the next three years to $150 million by 2020-21.Background Information
Ontario Expands Transportation Infrastructure Across the NorthAdditional Resources
NOHFCPorter AirlinesQuotes
"Investing in our airport means building our community today and tomorrow. By supporting the expansion of the Porter Airlines facilities, we are immediately helping to create good jobs in our community while ensuring better service for passengers. Upgrades to the Greater Sudbury Airport will mean more dependable utilities for passengers and staff. As well, when future expansion is needed, investors will see that Sudbury is ready to grow."
"Our government understands that improving and expanding local transportation infrastructure is vital to the long term economic prosperity of communities across Northern Ontario. I am pleased that the NOHFC is providing support to these vital projects which will create new opportunities for people and businesses in the North."
"NOHFC's support of Porter's investment in a Sudbury aircraft maintenance base shows how the private sector can work with government to benefit local economies. Our eight maintenance team members have an excellent, new hangar facility at Sudbury Airport for doing daily service on our fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft."
Paul Moreira
"We are extremely pleased and appreciative of the ongoing financial support from NOHFC. This generous contribution will enable our airport to grow and continue to support our partners and stakeholders.The Greater Sudbury Airport is a vital link for the City of Greater Sudbury and surrounding region, and contributions such as this help drive the overall economic development of our community. This financial support will directly impact our capacity to expand and grow now and into the future.Not only are we able to increase our water supply and infrastructure capacity, several jobs are being created right in our own community. Economic contributions of Airport's are impactful; given their importance in supporting and enhancing communities and business across our region and across Canada."
Todd Tripp