Nearly $2.8 million to support the economic, tourism and community development of Rouyn-Noranda

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Contribution – Investments – Project description  

AirMP Inc.

Repayable contribution of $1,500,000 out of a total investment of $5,873,000

AirMP manufactures specialized and custom products for prime contractors in the Canadian mining industry, the cement sector and the construction industry. Among other things, the business manufactures ventilated generator shelters (blizzard-proof), generator chillers, prefabricated shelters, heating and ventilation units, and air-handling units.

Some of its dual energy products and those adapted to harsh conditions make it possible to reduce natural gas consumption compared with traditional units, resulting in savings in operating costs for its clients.

With the construction of a new 2,620 square metre plant and the addition of production equipment, the business will be able to set up new processes to increase productivity, optimize production capacity and manufacture larger units.

CED funding will be used to acquire and install the new equipment and to cover part of the construction and site development costs.

AirMP has 15 employees and plans to create three new jobs with this project.

Technosub

Repayable contribution of $443,000 out of a total investment of $1,137,875

Technosub designs, develops and produces pumping solutions tailored to the needs of its clientele for a variety of industries, including the mining sector. Its submersible pumps and motors, integrated mud treatment systems and custom parts are sold across Canada and on the international market.

The purpose of the project is the commercialization of an innovative underground sludge treatment process, the Mudwizard system. The system was created by Technosub and works with 100% organic, non-toxic clarification tablets, reducing the volume of waste material by 90%, lowering the ecological footprint and increasing the life span of pumping equipment.

The process will be commercialized in many areas around the world, including the United States, South America, Asia and Australia. The target markets include the mining sector as well as drilling and tunnelling industries.

To that end, Technosub will be hiring business development professionals, redesigning its website, acquiring marketing tools and licences and taking part in international trade shows and business meetings. The enterprise will also be buying a special press to make components used in the process.

CED funding will go towards the overall project, except for activities targeting the Australian market.

The expansion will create 10 jobs and consolidate approximately 150 jobs.

CompuSport Inc.

Repayable contribution of $402,892 out of a total investment of $1,071,083 

CompuSport is developing and commercializing an innovative league and tournament management software application for games like pool and darts. The products are also interesting for new activities, such as pétanque, foosball (baby-foot) and chess. Its software, electronic applications and multi-surface sports event management services are now distributed in many Canadian provinces (Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia) and the United States.

The advanced functionalities, customizable profiles, compatibility with mobile technologies, image recognition system and automated scorecard have all contributed to the prominence of the enterprise's services in the Las Vegas market and those of many other American cities.

CED's contribution is supporting the commercialization of CompuSport's products and services in the United States, Europe and Asia. The project involves hiring a market development and export specialist, participating in conferences and exhibitions, and updating the website and online services, among other things.

In addition, the funding will be used for the development of new technologies thanks to programmers working in system adaptation, quality control and the development of new options.

CompuSport currently employs nine people and is planning to hire three more once the project is completed.

Best Western Plus Albert Centre-Ville

(website in French only)

Repayable contribution of $141,500 out of a total investment of $322,520

The Best Western Plus Hôtel Albert was built in 1938 and has groomed a large number of hotel and restaurant administrators and operators from Rouyn-Noranda.

Apart from its 50-unit accommodation services, the hotel offers restaurant services and meeting spaces to people from Rouyn-Noranda and elsewhere. The hotel works in partnership with a number of tourist attractions and regional events, such as the Festival de musique émergente (FME), the Festival des guitares du monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (FGMAT) and the Osisko en lumière fireworks event, offering attractive packages to visitors. This collaboration is helping drive the vibrant tourist industry in Rouyn-Noranda and Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

The purpose of the project is to improve the quality of the accommodations and make the hotel more competitive. The work involves upgrading the rooms and common areas, renovating the conference rooms and modernizing the accommodation management system.

CED is supporting all of these costs.

The hotel will then be able to consolidate the 50 or so existing jobs, 30 of which are full time.

Festival des Guitares du Monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (Festivals illimités) [website in French only]

Non-repayable contribution of $89,771 out of a total investment of $2,127,832

Festivals illimités is an organization that presents the annual Festival des guitares du monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (FGMAT) in May. The festival launches the tourist season in Rouyn-Noranda by offering the public inside and outside the region over 80 musical activities and events, including a number of free concerts. In 2015, FGMAT welcomed 8,603 festival goers from Quebec, Ontario, Europe and Costa Rica.

The purpose of the project is to promote the 2016, 2017 and 2018 FGMAT outside Quebec to boost tourist attendance and increase economic and tourism spinoff in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. CED funding covers costs related to print, radio and television ads; the distribution of specialized publications; the development of promotional tools and a Web strategy; and the hosting of international reporters.

Festivals and events such as FGMAT significantly invigorate the regional tourist industry and help create quality jobs.

Club Kiwanis Rouyn-Noranda

(website in French only)

Non-repayable contribution of $191,505 out of a total investment of $445,500

Created in 1942, Club Kiwanis Rouyn-Noranda is a community organization whose mission is to organize activities and maintain the facilities at Plage Kiwanis, a very popular beach on the shores of Noranda Lake.

The purpose of the project is to develop and improve access to the Noranda Lake shoreline and beach for all users, including those with limited mobility.

The work includes improving the shoreline and the paths that lead to the lake, building a lookout and a boardwalk, and installing signage. CED's contribution goes toward all costs, except those related to improving paths that are not connected to the lake.

Vélo Cité Rouyn-Noranda

(website in French only)

Non-repayable contribution of $17,880 out of a total investment of $83,907

Founded in 2012, Vélo Cité Rouyn-Noranda is a community organization whose mission is to promote recreational activities connected with Osisko Lake, near downtown Rouyn-Noranda. It manages a community services building where people can rent bicycles in summer and snowshoes and ice skates in winter.

The purpose of the project is to develop and improve access to the Osisko Lake shoreline and develop the shoreline so that users can fully enjoy this jewel in downtown Rouyn-Noranda. The work includes the installation of stairs, a platform, a mobile landing stage, floating docks, a terrace, benches and tables.

CED is supporting all costs except operating costs, work carried out by volunteers and mobile aquatic equipment.