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Ontario invests $1 million in drainage program in the Rainy River district

The Ontario government is investing more than $1 million CAD through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) in two Rainy River agricultural projects, creating three jobs.

Rainy River Future Development Corporation is receiving $1 million CAD to begin a two-year tile drainage program in the Rainy River district, located in northwestern Ontario right along the Minnesota border. Tile drainage is a common land-improvement practice that creates more consistent crop yields by helping water flow more freely through the soil, which reduces plant stress and wear and tear on farming equipment.

Brielmann Agriculture Ltd. is receiving $96,758 to build new storage facilities and purchase new equipment. This project will bring more revenue to the region by making it easier to export food products such as soybeans, canola, oats and wheat from northern Ontario.

“The agricultural industry is a key economic driver and significant job creator in many northern communities,” said Greg Rickford, minister of energy, northern development and mines. “Our investments in the agri-food sector are helping businesses expand operations and increase revenues.”

This news follows a previous announcement by the Ontario government last year, where the government planned to invest more than $4.3 million CAD for five tile drainage projects across northeastern Ontario. Tile drainage projects create more opportunities for economic growth in northern Ontario by increasing the amount of land available for farming and increasing the value of existing farm land.