$400K grant fuels expansion of Schumacher shop

TIMMINS – A $400,000 grant is fuelling the expansion of a local business.

OK Tire is doubling the size of its Schumacher location with the money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). Work started on the expansion a month ago, and owners JP and Yanick Murray are grateful for the help.

“It’s fantastic news this morning,” said JP. “This goes a long way in the new build and construction.”

Located at 1005 Algonquin Blvd. E., the business is expanding by 4,000 square feet. The NOHFC cash is also helping them buy heavy-duty hoists and tooling equipment to help service mining industry vehicles.

OK Tires has been open in Timmins for 40 years, and has two locations, the other one being a commercial service centre at 100 Laforest Rd. 

The new building in Schumacher is expected to be completed in September, when operations will be moved into the new space so the original building can be renovated.

“Timmins is experiencing rapid growth in the mining sector, which means more industrial vehicles requiring repairs and maintenance. On top of that, our mining clients need rapid service to minimize downtime at their operations,” said Yanick in an NOHFC news release. 

The funding is helping the business meet growing demands and hire more skilled tradespeople, he said.

OK Tire is also often seen at community events, barbecuing hot dogs. JP said that’s a big part of who they are as a business.

“Being good community partners is definitely important, and we do the best we can,” said JP Murray.

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Timmins MPP and Minister of Northern Ecomonic Development and Growth George Pirie said that NOHFC funding going to family-owned businesses is a necessary part of growth in the region.

“This is the type of announcement I love, that we’re able to help out a family enterprise,” he said. 

“Business is booming because the economy in Timmins is booming, and this is the perfect business to be in when you consider the mining activity and forestry activity in the region,” said Pirie. 

The Heritage Fund offers funding to stimulate job creation and economic development in northern communities. The annual approved total budget is $110 million.

JP Murray said he encourages anyone considering applying to do it.

“Don’t hesitate to apply,” he said. “They have a great team of people who are willing to work with you and help you through the process.”

In January, the provincial government announced an increase in funding for NOHFC of an additional $30 million over three years.