Porcupine Opportunities Program receives over $800k for wood workshop expansion

Services are provided in Porcupine Plain and Hudson Bay.

“(POP) is thankful that PrairiesCan recognized the importance of this project to the individuals we support, our agency, and our community as a whole”, said general manager, Marilyn Jonas, in a press release sent to northeastNOW. “We are grateful for this opportunity and excited to expand our vocational opportunities through this investment”.

The investment will support the renovation of POP’s existing 4,200 sq. ft. workshop which was built in 1985. Originally, the shop supported the production of core boxes for mining exploration. This work continues with the production of over 30,000 boxes per year.

Over the past several years POP has also added production of dunnage for the lumber industry to its scope of business. The agency is now producing close to 600,000 pieces of dunnage and has added additional staff to support this work.

Increased space and updates to the infrastructure of the shop and its equipment are required to support and sustain both core box and dunnage production moving forward.

“Our government recognizes that community-based organizations like the (POP) are critical for providing vocational and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities,” said Daniel Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan, in a press release sent to northeastNOW.

“This program engages individuals’ interests and enables their inclusion as part of a work team doing valued work. POP is a unique asset to the community and will continue to deliver these important services with today’s support from our government.”

The funding from PrairiesCan will add an additional 3,500 sq. ft. of working space as well as support renovation and updating of the existing workshop.

Included in the project will be the addition of a specialized area for the manufacture of a variety of small wood projects for sale, including benches and chairs, planters, bird houses, games, and much more.

This new work area will provide the opportunity for some participants who are less mobile or need a quieter work area to participate in the workshop activities.

In addition to the extra space, the investment will support an update in electrical services, a new sawdust vacuum system, and some specialized woodworking equipment.

The federal investment made by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is through its Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program.

CEDD supports economic development initiatives that contribute to the economic growth and diversification of communities across the prairie provinces.

Jonas told northeastNOW the shop is a big part of the town’s economy and, therefore, they’re hoping to keep it running while construction is underway.

“We source all of our wood products from our local Co-op, so there’s a lot of funds involved with that for our core box productions… we have four full-time jobs, local truckers, waste disposal, etc… one of the tricks to this whole business will be keeping our work and production going during that time.”

With some files from Porcupine Opportunities Program

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

Porcupine Opportunities Program receives over $800k for wood workshop expansion

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