FedNor investing over $1.6 million to support aerospace research in Timmins
News release
Federal funding will support the expansion of existing facilities and will allow the City of Timmins to take on new aerospace research projects
August 17, 2023 – Timmins, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, today announced a FedNor investment of $1,614,503 to help the City of Timmins expand its stratospheric balloon launch base. The project will increase the City’s ability to take on new and innovative research projects in the aerospace sector, while also helping the city diversify its economy. The launch base was built in 2013 and is located at the Victor M. Power Airport.
The expanded facility will be used as a payload integration and testing facility, and will provide the launch base with an additional storage facility for scientists and engineers to use while conducting their research. The expansion project is allowing the City of Timmins to maintain and build on the existing research activity already in place. The project is also providing additional opportunities for the involvement of international research organizations in ongoing research, resulting in increased activity at the launch base and attracting additional money to the city.
Since 2013, Canadian scientists and students have used the facility to launch over 25 large balloons and conduct experiments supporting atmospheric science, imaging, astronomy, and glider and solar terrestrial research. The site has also attracted scientists from around the world, generating direct economic impacts to the community.
Strong economies need strong and growing communities. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to be investing in projects like this, which support innovation and technology adoption while helping create local jobs in Northern Ontario.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement is another example of how the Government of Canada is growing an economy that works for everyone. By helping the City of Timmins expand its stratospheric balloon launch base, we are helping them grow their international profile in science. This investment will enable Timmins to seize new research opportunities while creating good-paying jobs for the community.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Since it’s opening over a decade ago, the stratospheric balloon launch base has attracted researchers from across Canada and around the world, helping the City of Timmins build its reputation as a valued research partner for the aerospace sector. This expansion will allow the base to continue in this important role, while attracting new opportunities for jobs, economic growth and innovation in the region.”
- Michelle Boileau, Mayor of Timmins
Quick facts
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Funding for today’s announcements was provided through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI). With a total budget of $250 million over three years and running until March 31, 2024, this initiative is being delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs).
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Owned and operated by the City of Timmins, the Victor M. Power Airport is one of the largest airports in northern Ontario and operates as a convenient gateway to Toronto as well as northern communities.
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In 2013, the city constructed the stratospheric launch base at the airport. Since that time, the City has maintained long-term contracts with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and France’s Centre National d’Études Spatiales to test and validate new technologies and perform scientific experiments at high altitudes.
Associated links
Contacts
Zeus Eden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
zeus.eden@sac-isc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations
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