TIMMINS — The Ontario government is providing over $1 million to help 57 businesses adapt to COVID-19 public health guidelines in Timmins. This investment will support building renovations, the installation of safety equipment and the purchase of personal protective equipment.
“During the ongoing pandemic period, our government is standing shoulder to shoulder with northern business owners, entrepreneurs and workers in Timmins,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “COVID-19 has fundamentally changed our day-to-day lives and how we do business. That’s why our government is supporting small and medium-sized businesses as we safely and gradually reopen.”
The funding is being delivered through the Northern Ontario Recovery Program (NORP) and includes:
- $25,390 for Chenier Motors to install glass barriers and create a contactless pick-up and delivery department.
- $25,000 for Total Martial Arts Center to purchase safety equipment, personal protective equipment and sanitizing supplies.
- $10,127 for Dr. S. Coutts Medicine Professional Corporation to purchase personal protective equipment and computer equipment to assist with the provision of virtual care.
NORP was established as a short-term program to help businesses across northern Ontario adjust to the impacts of COVID-19. Applications were accepted until November 20, 2020, and a total of 1,384 businesses have received funding. A running list of NORP funding recipients is available on the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) website.
On February 11, 2021, the Ontario government launched new and improved NOHFC programs that support more projects in rural northern communities and make it easier for more people and businesses to apply. The programs target existing and emerging markets, provide more work opportunities for Indigenous people and address the skilled labour shortage in the North.
Quotes
“Thanks to the Ontario government, we are able to protect our customers and employees by installing glass barriers in our parts and service department. We also added glass barriers to all our showroom office desks. To become a contactless pick-up and delivery department, we built a dedicated receiving door to accommodate such practices.”
– Kara Lynn Chenier
Owner, Chenier Motors Limited
“The Northern Ontario Recovery Program was very beneficial to us during our closure as we were able to purchase cleaning equipment and supplies, as well as safety equipment that made our jobs safer and easier. It will also increase efficiency in the future, allowing us to spend more time on the actual business. A big thanks to the Ontario government and all involved.”
– Matthew R Poulin
President, Total Martial Arts Center Inc.
“The NORP funding was instrumental in helping me continue to serve the needs of medical patients in Timmins and Sudbury. I was able to purchase computer equipment to assist in the provision of virtual care to patients all over Northern Ontario. As well, I purchased personal protective equipment to be used by patients and health care providers and was able to provide in-person care. During the lockdown period, my physician assistant and I were able to provide over 3,000 in-person visits with safety protocols being respected. Overall, I am very pleased by the assistance provided by the Ontario government.”
– Dr. Stephen Coutts
Primary Care Physician, Dr. S. Coutts Medicine Professional Corporation
SOURCE: Province of Ontario
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