Ontario Investing $665,533 to Support Tariff-Impacted Workers in Rideau Lakes Township

Arctic Acres’ $3.3-million project will protect and create 14 jobs to boost rural economy

Portland — The Ontario government is investing $665,533, through the Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) to help Arctic Acres, a company specializing in precision-engineered geodesic structures and advanced building materials, to increase resilience, build capacity, and re-shore critical supply chains to Ontario.

This funding is supporting Arctic Acres’ investment of $3,327,667 to build a 30,000 square foot facility for a new line extension to make its proprietary Ventilated Structural Insulated Panel as a standalone building material. The project will help the business develop interprovincial markets to reduce the reliance on the unpredictable U.S. market.

Founded in 2019, Arctic Acres is a Rideau Lakes based company specializing in precision-engineered geodesic structures and advanced building materials. The investment will create five new, good-paying jobs and protect nine existing positions to support the rural economy in Rideau Lakes Township.

“Arctic Acres’ investment is a major boost for our rural economy by creating and retaining good-paying jobs in Rideau Lakes Township. I’m proud that our government is helping to make the expansion possible through the Ontario Together Trade Fund,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “This is a local success story, and the funding will help the company adapt, remain competitive and open new markets as they continue to grow.”

“This project represents years of dedicated work from our team and valued partners. Breaking ground on this new facility marks a significant step forward for Ontario-led manufacturing and innovation. Beyond the investment in our local community, what excites us most is what this facility enables,” said Ben Canning, Arctic Acres CEO. “Since our founding, we’ve had the honour of contributing to hundreds of independent projects across Canada that reflect the ingenuity and resilience of the people and communities we work alongside. By producing new modular building components and structures here in Ontario, we are creating an ecosystem of opportunity. This approach offers a direct solution for expanding Canada’s critical infrastructure. For us, this next chapter is about equipping and empowering builders, businesses, and communities with the tools to shape the future of Canadian infrastructure together.”

“Rideau Lakes Township is thrilled to see the province invest in our township and our great entrepreneurs. We thank our MPP who continues to work tirelessly on our behalf,” said Rideau Lakes Township Mayor Arie Hoogenboom.

First announced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, the OTTF is part of the province’s nearly $30 billion tariff relief and support plan, dedicated to protecting the province’s workers and businesses from economic uncertainty and building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the program will help businesses across a diverse range of sectors make investments to strengthen operations in Ontario, expand market reach and protect workers.

Since its launch, the OTTF has received overwhelming demand and in response to this, the government announced an additional $100 million investment into the program last year, bringing the total funding to $150 million over three years. The increased support will enable businesses affected by U.S. tariffs to return production to Ontario, identify new sales opportunities and expand interprovincial trade.

“As U.S. tariffs continue to threaten Ontario’s critical industries, our government remains focused on ensuring our businesses have the resources needed to adapt and expand,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By investing in Arctic Acres through the Ontario Together Trade Fund, we are taking decisive action to enhance the competitiveness of our economy and increasing opportunities for Ontario businesses and workers, now and for generations to come.”

As Ontario continues to navigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, the government remains focused on delivering critical funding, cutting red tape, unleashing the economy and supporting workers.

QUICK FACTS:

• The Ontario Together Trade Fund is a part of Ontario’s broader strategy to support advanced manufacturing and trade-impacted communities, launched or enhanced as part of the 2025 Ontario Budget, including the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit, the Protect Ontario Financing Program and the Trade-Impacted Communities Program.
• Through the OTTF, the government is also providing complementary supports and services to help businesses navigate regulatory requirements, connect with skilled talent and access government programs that accelerate project success.
• Open to Ontario-based businesses investing a minimum of $200,000, eligible projects include modification of existing products to enter new sectors, procurement of advanced equipment and facility modification to enhance domestic manufacturing and sales expansion.