Solar-operated yard care comes to the Sault

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti announces more provincial support for local entrepreneurs

NOHFC funding strengthens Sault Ste. Marie’s economy, helps retain youth

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - The province’s Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) is continuing to support small business creation in Sault Ste. Marie through targeted investments, such as today’s announcement of $26,450 to help a local young entrepreneur start a yard care and snow removal company, David Orazietti MPP, announced today.

“The provincial government’s NOHFC program is investing in local businesses like Green Works Yard Care and Snow Removal because we recognize the importance of assisting young entrepreneurs,” said Orazietti. “By helping young people start a business through this specialized program, we are strengthening the local economy, helping to retain youth in our community and creating new jobs.”

The NOHFC is supporting the establishment of Green Works Yard Care and Snow Removal, which will be an eco-friendly yard care service in the Algoma region by operating on renewable energy sources whenever possible.

Funding totaling $26,450 comes from the NOHFC’s Young Entrepreneur and Northern Ontario Entrepreneur Programs, both of which seek to create economic opportunities in Ontario’s northern communities.

"Government funding has been a crucial element to my success in establishing Green Works Yard Care,” said Josh Pallot, owner, Green Works Yard Care and Snow Removal. “Not only has the NOHFC funding given me the opportunity to become an entrepreneur, but it has given me an ability to provide Sault Ste. Marie with eco-friendly, solar-operated yard care service for its residents. I am grateful for the funding and excited for the future of this company."

Since 2003, the NOHFC has approved $40 million for over 350 projects in Sault Ste. Marie.

These investments have resulted in new jobs in our community and allowed for over $107 million in infrastructure and business projects to be completed.

In 2009-2010 the NOHFC’s programs have led to more than 940 projects across northern Ontario, which has helped create and retain more than 2,300 jobs for northerners.

The NOHFC offers seven unique program categories that are designed to help foster job creation and economic growth across Northern Ontario.

The seven categories include Enterprise North Job Creation, Emerging Technology, Infrastructure and Community Development, Northern Ontario Entrepreneur, Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur, Northern Ontario Youth Internship and Co-op Northern Energy.

Some of the key NOHFC investments in Sault Ste. Marie include:

- $5 million Agawa Canyon Tour Train

- $2.5 million Heliene solar manufacturing plant - $2.1 million Flakeboard Ltd. expansion

- $2 million Ellsin Environmental Ltd. tire recycling plant

- $2 million Sault College: IT infrastructure, Multimrdia Centre, Wind Energy Training Centre

- $1.6 million Hub Trail and Waterfront Walkway expansion (3.1 million total)

- $1.5 million West End Recreation Centre ($6.2 million total)

- $1.5 million Huron Central Rail upgrades ($16.5 million total)

- $1.0 million Essar Centre ($4.7 million total)

- $1 million Algoma Public Health building, technology ($8.3 million total)

- $1 million City: Emergency Response Centre (EMS) ($2.2 million total).

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