Strategic Economic
Infrastructure Program
This program supports infrastructure projects that best
align with the vision of the Growth Plan for Northern
Ontario to help create jobs and build capacity in our
northern communities.
Who is Eligible?
Partnerships and alliances comprising
municipalities, First Nations, Aboriginal
organizations, local services boards,
not-for- profit corporations, educational
institutions and private sector businesses
and organizations.
◗ Municipalities, First Nations, not-for-profit
corporations and educational institutions
may apply individually. Other organizations
with a training or educational mandate
may be considered on a case-by-case
basis.
Efficient and modern infrastructure is a cornerstone of a strong northern
economy. This program helps a region or community advance economic
development opportunities and support investment through strategic
infrastructure.
What is Eligible?
◗ Strategic infrastructure projects that have a direct and demonstrable net
economic impact in Northern Ontario, with a focus on job creation.
Existing and emerging priority economic sectors aligned with the Growth Plan.
Eligible projects may include but are not limited to:
◗ Capital projects that encourage partnerships among communities, educational
institutions, skills training providers and industry to respond to labour market
needs and opportunities.
Projects that support brownfield site redevelopment and/or encourage infill
development.
Industrial parks with preference to be given for development of vacant and/or
underused lots within a previously developed area.
Information and communications technology infrastructure.
Other projects which, in the opinion of the NOHFC Board of Directors, are
considered necessary to further an economic goal in Northern Ontario may be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
www.nohfc.ca
Strategic Economic Infrastructure Program
Funding
◗ Assistance available from the NOHFC
includes conditional contributions,
forgivable performance loans, and
repayable loans.
The maximum investment from the
NOHFC generally does not exceed
the lesser of 50 % or $1 million,
towards eligible project components.
The amount and type of assistance
is determined by the board. Only in
exceptional circumstances does the
NOHFC consider projects exceeding
the normal levels of assistance,
on a case-by-case basis.
What is Not Eligible?
Except where the NOHFC may, on a case-by-case basis, consider the following
necessary, these are generally not eligible for funding:
◗ esthetic improvements
administrative facilities/offices
projects that serve individual
businesses
roads
arts/cultural/recreational centres
and related facilities
land acquisitions
bridges
projects that are considered to be
deferred maintenance
◗ individual feasibility studies and
business plans and other general
studies
rolling stock
marketing/advertising projects
ongoing operational costs
individual businesses and projects
led by the federal or provincial
governments
Guidelines:
Preference is given to projects which demonstrate one or more of the following:
◗ Partnerships that advance regional
priorities that benefit multiple
communities and/or sectors
Creates and/or maintains jobs
Encourages long-term planning or
supports existing long-term plans
Projects are identified and aligned
with a planning exercise (regional
economic development plans,
asset management plans, etc.)
Has a high level of financial
leverage and which provides
opportunities for investment from
other partners
Supports investment attraction
and business growth, or improved
business efficiency/capacity
◗ Increases economic opportunities
and participation of Aboriginal
communities
Supports education and skills
development for identified
economic opportunities and skills
development/gaps
Improves the connectivity and
usage of information technology
to support the competitiveness of
existing and new businesses
Addresses gaps in broadband
connectivity or increases bandwidth
availability and affordability
Builds on and optimizes the
capacity and efficiency of existing
infrastructure
Applications are assessed based on, but not necessarily limited to, such factors as:
Not all projects meeting the program criteria
outlined above will receive funding.
Applications will be accepted under this
program until March 31, 2017.
This will be subject to change without any
prior notice.
Contact us today:
[email protected] ​
nohfc.ca
1.800.461.8329
◗ The significance of the project,
number of jobs to be created,
service being provided
Financial capacity of the applicant
Ability of the applicant to operate
and maintain the completed project
Public benefit
Consistency with a regional and/or
community planning process such
as regional economic development
plans, strategic plan, business
retention and expansion initiative,
investment readiness test, official
plans, etc.
Applicants clearly identifying and
measuring project deliverables
NOHFC investment must be
necessary to make the project
viable, and ongoing initiatives must
demonstrate self-sustainability
◗ All buildings, facilities or land
related to the project being owned
by the applicant or leased for a
period exceeding the life of the
capital investment, or for a shorter
time period if approved by the
NOHFC
NOHFC funding is not intended to
replace other government programs.
Where a project is considered the
direct responsibility of a federal or
provincial department, ministry or
agency, funding is not provided,
except possibly as additional
assistance once a decision is given
by the lead agency.
Having a solid, viable, business
plan that identifies the technical,
managerial and financial capacity
for sustaining the initiative
www.nohfc.ca