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Dryden gets $633K to improve innovations in food sustainability and agricultural practices

More than $633,000 in government funds is being reserved to three economic development projects in the City of Dryden to support the economic growth in Northwestern Ontario.

In a recent press release, the Ontario government announced the increase in funds through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in hopes of improving food sustainability, agricultural innovation and refurbish community infrastructure in the City of Dryden.

The NOHFC is funding three projects that aim to benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

AgriTech North is receiving $250,000 to develop a thin multi-layer greenhouse envelope to deliver optimal plant growth conditions. The project hopes to improve food security in rural and remote communities by producing nutrient-dense food crops for Northern Ontario.

AgriTech will receive another $250,000 to develop a non-refrigerant-based thermal system to provide sustainable heating for greenhouse farming by creating cost-effective, year-round food production in indoor farming facilities.

“The two successful applications will develop and protect our innovations in non-refrigerant-oriented thermal fluid climate control and a novel greenhouse envelope,” said Benjamin Feagin Jr., chief executive officer at AgriTech North, in the release.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with NOHFC on leveraging these technologies to end food insecurity for our rural and remote communities.”

The City of Dryden will also receive $133,153 to replace the library roof and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to improve efficiency.

“The funding that NOHFC provides makes a tremendous impact in our community and other communities and businesses across Northern Ontario. We truly appreciate the Ontario government’s support,” said Roger Nesbitt, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Dryden, in the release.

Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested over $835 million in 6,713 projects in Northern Ontario. Programs under NOHFC are providing work opportunities for Indigenous people and addressing the skilled labour shortage in the North.

“Our investments in AgriTech North and the City of Dryden are examples of the projects our government is supporting to foster resilient Northern communities that are equipped for the future,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora–Rainy River and Minister of Northern Development, in the release.

“We are leveraging partnerships with local businesses and municipalities to ensure families in the Northwest can count on sustainable community infrastructure, as well as sustainable food solutions.”

More information on the projects can be found here.