$2M MUSKOKA BREWERY LOAN TOPS $5M FEDNOR FUNDING

BRACEBRIDGE — A $2-million loan to the Muskoka Brewery highlighted a $5 million FedNor announcement for 12 Parry Sound-Muskoka groups Monday.

Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, made the announcement at the brewery April 15.

She also announced funding for five local interns, annual contributions to Community Futures groups, two Indigenous business adventure, money for a soup kitchen, the Parry Sound airport, Georgian Bay Township, Seguin Township, the YWCA and a couple of tourism groups.

“People, businesses and communities throughout Parry Sound and Muskoka will benefit from enhanced economic infrastructure, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the creation of good, middle-class jobs thanks to a strategic investment by the Government of Canada of more than $5 million,” says a release.

The announcement was made by Hajdu, the MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North, on behalf of Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.

The funding will support 12 priority projects being led by the following businesses, organizations and communities: Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery Inc., Township of Georgian Bay, Muskoka Futures, Seguin Township, Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre, Tooketree Passive Homes, Magnetawan First Nation, Main St. Local Kitchen Inc., Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Muskoka Tourism, Regional Tourism Organization 12 Parry Sound / Muskoka, and YWCA Muskoka.

“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment in Parry Sound-Muskoka is building on our competitive advantages by enabling communities and businesses to boost economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for Canadians,” said Bains in the release.

“I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the unique needs of Northern Ontario and is investing to strengthen communities, accelerate growth and innovation, and promote the region as a world-class tourism destination,” said Hadju. “This funding will help start and grow businesses through productivity improvements, new equipment and technology, training, mentoring and access to capital. It will also help a number of young Canadians launch their careers while assisting local organizations and businesses access a talented and qualified workforce.”

“Today is a great day for Muskoka Brewery. I would like to thank minister Hajdu, FedNor, and the Government of Canada for this investment in our company,” said Bob MacDonald, co-owner of Muskoka Brewery.

“The team here at Muskoka Brewery has been pouring its heart and soul into growing our brand and we have taken steps through the years to reduce our environmental impact and grow our operations through innovation and technology. Thanks to this investment, we have been able to boost production to meet increasing demand and I am extremely proud to announce that we are now one of the largest independent craft breweries in Canada.”

The 13 recipients were:

Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery Inc. (Muskoka Brewery)
$1,999,800

A repayable contribution of $1,999,800 to the Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewing Inc. (o/a: Muskoka Brewery) will assist with equipment purchases, infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of new technologies. This investment will enable Muskoka Brewery to meet the growing demand for its products and help streamline day-to-day operations through efficiencies. As part of this project, Muskoka Brewery will replace its canning and kegging lines, add new brewery tanks, chiller and waste water treatment system, as well as invest in research and development, and staff training.

Township of Georgian Bay
$931,500

To promote tourism and stimulate business growth, FedNor is providing a contribution of $900,000 to the Township of Georgian Bay to help with infrastructure upgrades at the Honey Harbour waterfront at the end of Delawana Road. These enhancements include the construction of a 100-foot large vessel floating dock, small vessel floating docks, a pedestrian promenade, as well as the rehabilitation of the existing activity parkette (landscaping, beautification, furniture, beach and picnic area).
FedNor is also providing $31,500 to the Township of Georgian Bay for a youth internship to assist with the implementation of a recently completed community-based economic development plan focused on marketing, communication and coordination in several communities, including MacTier, Honey Harbour, and Port Severn. Among many other priorities, the intern will be responsible to implement directional signage helping to promote the enhanced Honey Harbour waterfront and marina attractions.

Muskoka Community Futures Development Corporation (Muskoka Futures)
$750,000

An investment of $750,000 will enable Muskoka Futures to support the creation of new small and medium-size enterprises (SME) and social enterprises, as well as assist existing SMEs with access to capital in the form of loans, equity investments, and loan guarantees. Muksoka Futures is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northern Ontario funded by FedNor to provide financing, mentoring and business development services to businesses and communities.

Seguin Township
$495,000

In order to help meet current demand and accommodate future business development at the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport, Seguin Township will receive a contribution of $495,000 in support of infrastructure enhancements at the facility. As a result, six new industrial lots will be created and made available for development. Specifically, the project will see an existing road extended, the area cleared and levelled, and the six new lots serviced (water, sewer, hydro, and fire suppression). There is already demonstrated interest in three of the six lots, which is expected to attract two new businesses and assist a third to expand, resulting in 15 new full-time jobs and $4.5 million in new construction investments.

Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre Inc.
$300,000

A FedNor investment of $300,000 is supporting the ongoing operations of the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre Inc. for the current fiscal year. The funding is enabling the organization to offer strategic community planning, business counselling and information services, access to capital, as well as support for community-based projects and special initiatives. The Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre Inc. is one of 24 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Northern Ontario funded by FedNor. CFDCs are community-based, not-for-profit organizations run by volunteer boards and staffed by experienced business and economic development professionals.

Tooketree Consulting Ltd. (Tooketree Passive Homes)
$296,971

A repayable FedNor contribution of $296,971 will enable Tooketree Passive Homes to adopt cutting edge technology and innovative tools and techniques to manufacture advanced green building components, including highly insulated and sealed walls, floors, ceilings and roofs. The investment will support equipment purchases, infrastructure upgrades, staff training and the implementation of new technologies at the company’s new 7,000-sq-ft. facility in Muskoka.

Magnetawan First Nation
$157,500

The Magnetawan First Nation will receive a FedNor contribution of $157,500 to help establish a new rock quarry First Nation enterprise that is expected to create up to 15 new jobs in the community. The business will operate as a joint venture with Miller Paving Limited, who will manage quarry operations and market the supply of all aggregates for local construction and select Magnetawan First Nation projects.

Main St. Local Kitchen Inc.
$100,000

A $100,000 contribution, provided through the newly launched Women Entrepreneurship Fund, will enable Main St. Local Kitchen Inc. (MSLK) to develop and implement a food production and distribution plan. MSLK is an independently owned small business that is seeking to expand its current gluten free food and beverage operations, and launch its own brand. Thanks to the investment, the company will grow its food and beverage operations, improve its food processing and storage capacity, and pursue new retail and wholesale distribution opportunities.

Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce
$37,250

Thanks to a FedNor investment of $37,250, provided through its Youth Internship Initiative, the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce will hire a youth intern to promote the area and its key festivals and events. More specifically, the intern will help coordinate a new culinary festival, and promote existing activities such as Pride Week and the Bala Cranberry Festival. The youth intern will also help showcase Muskoka during larger events and conventions, as well as conduct market research and statistical analysis to better target festival attendees.

Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency
$31,500

The Government of Canada is investing $31,500 to help promote tourism, while creating youth employment in the Muskoka region. This FedNor funding will enable the Muskoka Tourism Marketing Agency to strengthen its social media marketing efforts and assist in the implementation of the Muskoka Brand Revitalization Strategy. The intern will work closely with regional stakeholders and tourism industry leaders, create and publish digital content, manage content distribution to online channels and social media platforms, and assist Muskoka Tourism members with their marketing efforts.

Regional Tourism Organization 12 Parry Sound / Muskoka
$31,500

A FedNor investment of $31,500 will enable RTO 12 to recruit a youth intern to help develop new tourism products and packages. The goal of the project is to encourage increased national and international visitation to the region. Among many other duties, the intern will work with tourism operators in Muskoka, Parry Sound, Almaguin Highlands and parts of Algonquin Park to help develop and promote unique packaging opportunities in the area.

YWCA Muskoka
$31,500

Thanks to a FedNor contribution of $31,500, the YWCA Muskoka will recruit a youth intern to help the organization promote itself through new media channels, as well as help raise social enterprise awareness. The intern will help share the story of the YWCA through media engagement and the implementation of a robust digital marketing campaign, including social media, monthly newsletter, blog, information releases, editorials, presentations, email marketing, and digital advertising.