The Ontario government is investing $1 million to support the construction of a new grain transloading facility in Earlton, aimed at boosting the northern agriculture sector’s competitiveness and expanding market access. The funding, provided through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), will assist Koch Grain Elevator (Earlton) Inc. in partnership with Ontario Northland Railway (ONR) to develop the facility on Koch’s property.
The transloading facility will feature equipment such as conveyors, a loading pit, bucket elevators, and automated scale loading hopper bins. It will enable efficient transfer of grain between trucks and railcars, optimizing shipping logistics and reducing costs for northern farmers. The ONR and Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) will install and own the track and switches necessary for the project.
“This investment helps Koch Grain Elevator and ONR work together to support our farmers by improving logistics, lowering costs, increasing efficiency and opening the door to new opportunities for farmers across the north,” said George Pirie, Ontario’s Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
Norman Koch, president of Koch Grain Elevator (Earlton) Inc., described the project as a “transformative, once-in-a-generation opportunity” that will unlock new markets and create lasting benefits for northern Ontario farmers.
The Ontario government is prioritizing investments that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate trade disruptions, and foster long-term prosperity. Since 2018, NOHFC has invested over $1 billion in more than 8,000 projects, creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.
Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, emphasized the importance of the investment in helping northern farmers grow their businesses and strengthen Ontario’s food independence.
The facility is expected to enhance grain exports, improve delivery reliability, and support economic growth in northern communities by providing cost-effective transportation options and expanding access to domestic and global markets.
