Funding helping local business modernize operations, improve productivity and strengthen services for clients
David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South joined by Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business to check out the work led by Lakeland Multi-trade at the Blommer Chocolate expansion in Campbellford.
The Ontario government is investing $100,000 to support Lakeland Multi-trade Inc. through the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s Digital Competence Centre Technology Demonstration Program.
As part of the 2026 Ontario Budget, the Ontario government announced an additional $5 million investment in the Digital Competence Centre, building on the $20 million invested in the program to date. This funding is helping several small and medium-sized
businesses across Ontario adopt digital technologies, modernize operations, and improve productivity so they can continue to grow and succeed.
The investment is helping the Cobourg-based company, Lakeland Multi-trade, accelerate its digital transformation by adopting a cloud-based Field Service Management (FSM) and project management platform. The technology is improving the way Lakeland manages projects, tracks information and supports clients across its operations.
“When I brought the Minister of Small Business to Northumberland-Peterborough South, we saw firsthand the innovation and investment happening right here in our community,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South. “Lakeland Multi-trade is a great example of a local company embracing new technology to improve how they operate and serve their customers. This $100,000 investment will help their business become more efficient, strengthen its competitiveness to continue growing right here in Northumberland.”
The new platform has improved the accuracy, consistency and efficiency of information captured in the field during projects, including Lakeland’s work at the Blommer Chocolate Company site in Campbellford and numerous other client locations.
By digitizing key workflows, the platform has streamlined the approval of timesheets, quotations, change orders and invoices. This has reduced administrative work, minimized delays and increased transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
The technology also provides Lakeland with real-time reporting and advanced analytics to monitor project progress, resource utilization and costs. This greater visibility is helping the company make faster, data-driven decisions and improve overall operational efficiency.
As a result, Lakeland is better positioned to deliver projects on time, control costs and provide greater value to its clients.
The Technology Demonstration Program supports Ontario businesses in adopting and demonstrating advanced digital technologies that can improve productivity, competitiveness and innovation.
The Ontario government is continuing to support businesses as they adopt new technologies, strengthen their operations and create the conditions for long-term economic growth and prosperity.
QUICK FACTS
· Lakeland Multi-trade Inc. is a Cobourg-based company serving commercial and industrial clients.
· The company received $100,000 through the Ontario Centre of Innovation’s Digital Competence Centre Technology Demonstration Program.· The funding supported the adoption and integration of a cloud-based Field Service Management and project management platform.
· Lakeland is using the technology on projects including work at the Blommer Chocolate Company site in Campbellford