Canadian government announces over $22M for six projects in Ont.’s aerospace sector
by CM Staff
This investment hopes to support businesses and organizations in Ontario’s aerospace supply chain to increase manufacturing and productivity capabilities.
BRESLAU — On Feb. 28, while visiting the Region of Waterloo International Airport, Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Tim Louis, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga; and Valerie Bradford, MP for Kitchener-South Hespeler, announced a total investment of over $22 million, through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), for six projects within Ontario’s aerospace sector. This investment hopes to support businesses and organizations in Ontario’s aerospace supply chain to increase manufacturing and productivity capabilities, green operations, train, and upskill employees, while supporting over 400 jobs across the region.
This investment includes nearly $9.2 million in support for the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA), Canada’s first sustainable aeronautics institute at the University of Waterloo. Through this project, WISA will equip an Innovation Hub at the Waterloo Region Airport to mobilize research, access green technologies and provide hands-on aviation training. This project will support up to 39 research projects to solve sector-specific challenges, help up to 12 SMEs commercialize projects focused on aeronautical sustainability, and develop two aeronautical sustainable e-learning courses. Over 65 jobs and up to 30 SMEs are expected to be supported through this project in the Waterloo Region.
Shimco North America (Shimco), a full-service custom shim and small part aerospace manufacturer, located in Cambridge is receiving over $1.2 million to support the construction of a 20,000-sq. ft. addition to its manufacturing space and purchase new advanced equipment. This expansion will enable the company to improve productivity and reduce its environmental footprint, while supporting 60 jobs in Cambridge.
“Ontario-made parts are found in almost every passenger plane in the world. And it’s the workers who will continue to take this industry to new heights. That’s why our government is investing directly in the organizations, businesses, and people who will drive innovation across the sector, and ensure workers have the skills needed to continue growing a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
