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Neil Lumsden Apr 1 2026

Province expands grant program for sports and recreation facilities

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Municipalities and organizations are being encouraged to get their plans ready.

A new round of funding through the province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is about to be released.

The program offers funding to repair or upgrade existing sport and recreation facilities or build new ones.

The Ford government is adding another $300 million to the fund, bumping it to $500 million.

Sport Minister Neil Lumsden says it is the largest investment since it was created two years ago.

“With this expanded investment, we help more communities modernize aging facilities, build new infrastructure, and ensure people have high-quality spaces to play, train, and stay active,” says Lumsden.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says it will help enhance and expand sport and recreation facilities.

“And will also create jobs and help communities unlock economic opportunities that come from hosting local, national, and international sporting events and competitions,” says Bethlenfalvy.

An initial round of funding supported nearly 100 projects, including the construction of 17 new facilities.

The province intends to release further details regarding eligibility and the application guidelines at a later date.

“To everyone who is planning and putting in an application, I will say this: it’s competitive. Bring your A game,” says Lumsden.

Doug Ford - carbon tax referendum Feb 13 2024

Ontario accepting applications for carbon storage projects

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The province of Ontario is rolling out its framework for commercial-scale carbon storage.

Carbon storage involves injecting captured carbon dioxide in rocks deep underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

Applications for funding of carbon storage projects are open now. Those interested in submitting applications can learn more by contacting carbonstorage@ontario.ca or calling 519-873-4634.

Ontario has been researching and developing a carbon storage framework since 2022. It expects this relatively new technology to create over 4,000 jobs and save industries nearly $1 billion.

“Carbon storage is a tried and trusted technology in Canada and around the world and Ontario is ready to take a safe and responsible approach to unlocking this new opportunity for workers and businesses,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government is moving forward with strong environmental protections and clear rules that protect our environment while also protecting our economic advantage, supporting good-paying jobs and ensuring Ontario remains competitive around the world.”

The government says it will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders, municipalities, Indigenous communities, landowners and the public to ensure the framework remains effective.

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New Grant Available For Small Businesses

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with management company Salesforce to offer 62, $10,000 grants for small businesses.

Charla Robinson is with the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and says this money is badly needed since small business revenue is down and their expenditures keep growing during COVID-19.

Robinson says they are also facing bills from purchasing masks, barriers and other health and safety items.

“At this point, every dollar that comes without a payback plan attached is so helpful for small businesses.”

Perrin Beatty is the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and he says “During the COVID-19 crisis, the Canadian Chamber’s mission is to help as many businesses as possible stay afloat and remain open. Small business owners put everything they have into their businesses, and these grants will help give a little bit back to them. Good people coming together is how Canadians have managed this crisis, and the Canadian Chamber and Salesforce are following their lead, one business at a time.”

The application period is now open on the CBRN website and will close on June 12, 2020.

The successful applicants will be announced in late June to early July 2020, with the funds being transferred to the successful applicants shortly thereafter.

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Greg Rickford Hands Out Regional Grants

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It was a good day for three groups getting financial help from the Ford government.

Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford made several funding announcements in Thunder Bay.

Supercom Industries is receiving $1.5 million to help train 172 new and current Indigenous employees over the next three years. Their training will involve heavy equipment and other sizable machinery which requires special instruction.

Rickford notes Supercom has played a big role in helping to build the $777 million East-West Tie line transmission project in northwestern Ontario.

Also today it was announced Anishinabek Employment and Training Services will be using a $500,000 grant to teach 35 people for two pre-apprentice training projects. Rickford says the training will give them a start in high demand trades which include carpentry, welding, and other applications.

Lastly, Lakehead University is getting a research grant from the province. Two projects are receiving $140,707 in two local research projects through the Ontario Research Fund.

Most of the grant, $125,000, will go toward research on materials that can be used in forestry and to deal with emissions. The rest, $15,707, will be used for a driving simulator.