FedNor Investing Over $2.2M In The Muskoka Region

Today, new investments from FedNor totalling $2,210,299 were announced 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, made the announcement during a visit to the Muskoka airport, which included a tour of Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing.

Provided through FedNor’s core programs and the Government of Canada’s Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), the investments will support a variety of strategic initiatives such as helping Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing and Sawdust City Brewing Company expand, adopt state-of-the-art technology, increase revenue and reduce their environmental footprint. Today’s announcement will also create two new opportunities for young Canadians to secure meaningful employment by helping Muskoka Arts & Crafts Incorporated and Muskoka Chautauqua hire youth interns for a one-year period.

Today, new investments from FedNor totalling $2,210,299 were announced 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, made the announcement during a visit to the Muskoka Airport, which included a tour of Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing.

Initiatives funded through FedNor’s Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative

Muskoka Aircraft Refinishing Inc.                         

$1,631,250

A repayable FedNor investment of $1,631,250 will allow 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 new 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.

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 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 with a more efficient, faster system that produces a higher quality, more consistent product. Once complete, this project will help this innovative 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

Initiatives funded through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program

Muskoka Arts & Crafts Inc.                                                                           

$40,500

Muskoka Arts & Crafts (MAC) is receiving a non-repayable 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 MAC 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 non-repayable 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 coordinating tourism initiatives and major events including the summer festival in the historic Village of Windermere.