The Northern Ontario Recovery Program supported 187 businesses in Kenora-Rainy River during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One-time grants totalling $3,980,257 were handed out to small and medium sized businesses to help them cope with the lockdown.
The grants could be used for building renovations, new construction, marketing initiatives, restructuring of operations and the purchase of PPE and other safety equipment.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says “The flexibility that we wanted to provide for businesses to adapt and pivot and respond and not just work through the different challenges, the different levels of restrictions, but provide some legacy assets if you will.”
Rickford says the program was a huge hit and over-subscribed and notes tourist outfitters were able to benefit.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong after this is all over with having double dock space and larger decks. Out in Vermilion Bay Lodge he was able to put a much bigger deck out on his lodge and after the pandemic that’s an asset that will leave a lasting legacy.”
The Northern Development Minister says the goal was to provide some measured relief for some of their operating expenses.
The program is closed but the Ontario government will launch new and improved Northern Ontario Heritage Funding programs next month.
Today I announced over $3M for 187 businesses in Kenora-Rainy River through the Northern Ontario Recovery Program. We're proud to have taken swift action to deliver funding to businesses to help serve their communities safely through #COVID19. https://t.co/uA7lWLP0I9 pic.twitter.com/TcUoRnT3nn
— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) January 28, 2021
