Ontario craft brewery to get nearly $150,000 from the government

The Canadian craft beer market continues to grow with great brands — from Beau’s to Old Yale to Steam Whistle. Of course, we are awaiting the inevitable battle of Toronto’s Great Lakes Brewery vs. Cleveland’s Great Lakes Brewing Co., but while we wait, we noticed something very cool the other day — the Canadian government supporting craft breweries with cash. According to Canadian Manufacturing (which we read every morning), Kenora, Ont.-based Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. will receive $149,319 from the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

The brewery plans to buy fermenters and canning equipment with the funds, according to Canadian Manufacturing:

“Thanks to the Government of Canada’s investment in our production line, we will be able to offer our distinctive and flagship beers in smaller formats that are better suited for distribution,” Taras Manzie, the suds maker’s president and CEO said. “We look forward to strengthening our company’s position in the market and expanding our loyal customer base.”

Apparently, it’s a “repayable FedNor contribution.” Through its Targeted Manufacturing Initiative for Northern Ontario, FedNor supports the development and growth of the region’s manufacturing sector by helping companies, such as Lake of the Woods Brewing, assess their need for productivity improvements and modernize their operations. Wow. Is that not a fantastic idea? That question sounds rhetorical, but the answer is yes — yes it is a fantastic idea.

What’s even awesomer about this story? Lake of the Woods got $170,000 last year! From What’s Brewing.ca in May of 2015:

The Government of Canada is helping equip young Canadians in Kenora with the information, skills and work experience needed to get jobs. At a press conference earlier this week it was announced that Lake of the Woods Brewing Company will receive $170,000 to hire nine new interns in various positions at the restaurant including retail, administration and graphic design. Lake of the Woods Brewing employs 90 people during the summer, and this funding will help them grow that number.

Lake of The Woods Brewing, we can’t argue with those sorts of solid government relationships. The brand is currently available throughout Ontario and Manitoba, but we’re thinking that might be changing soon.