THUNDER BAY — The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is helping a local forestry services company grow with $360,000 in funding for equipment purchases.
Superior Resources “has achieved remarkable success” as “a core harvesting partner” since being formed in 2021, Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland said Friday in announcing the support.
Co-owned by Mikko Koivisto and Ryan Murphy, Superior works with First Nations in harvesting the Lake Nipigon Forest and offers operational support on things like bridge installation and road maintenance.
Holland also announced $304,000 in Heritage Fund money will go to Precambrian Natural Surface Trails to purchase and expand a building for administration and equipment storage, as well as to purchase specialized equipment.
Precambrian builds recreational trails in the Thunder Bay area and beyond. Last year, for example, it was awarded a contract to build nearly 10 kilometres of trails in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Heritage Fund grants benefit the wider regional economy as well as the companies, Holland said after making Friday’s announcement at Superior’s offices on Dawson Road.
“With Superior Resources, you know, they’re going to be able to take the funding that they’re receiving, advance their business, buy new equipment to help to sustain them moving forward.
In addition, he said, Superior is able to hire five new employees and help First Nations businesses thrive.
So the beneficial effect “rolls out throughout the economy,” said Holland, who is associate minister of forestry.
“By investing in companies that prioritize sustainability and enhance access to natural spaces, we are providing long-term prosperity of both the forestry sector and the communities that depend on it.”
Superior co-owner Murphy said the company is “very grateful” for the Heritage Fund support.
“Our forests and other natural resources in the North are the foundation of our economy and the communities we call home,” he added.
“We believe strongly in sustainable forestry and continually advancing the sustainable practices of our industry in Ontario.”
Koivisto, Murphy’s business partner, said Ontario is “well-positioned to support North America’s housing needs” with an abundance of forest to harvest.