TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario government is coming to the aid of the people of Elliot Lake, hard hit by the deadly mall collapse in June.

The province has created a two-year, $2-million business community fund,  via the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), to help affected businesses re-open in temporary locations. It will also help them find permanent homes.

“The community of Elliot Lake is known for its resilience in the face of serious challenges and as part of the healing process, will focus on dealing with the economic impacts resulting from this heartbreaking event,”  said Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci, who is also chair of the NOHFC.

“I am pleased that the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is able to act quickly to help address a number of pressing short-term issues that will help Elliot Lake residents move forward.”

A temporary provincial economic revitalization office is also being set up.

The Algo Centre Mall represented 60 per cent of all available retail space in Elliot Lake and 32 mall tenants were displaced.

Two women died when a section of the mall’s roof collapsed on June 23.

The collapse and emergency response are now part of a police investigation. There will also be a public inquiry.

Elliot Lake Mayor Rick Hamilton said the money will help address some immediate concerns.

“We are very pleased that this funding will help address some immediate concerns in our business community and we look forward to working with the province on many levels to help our entire community recover and heal from this tragedy,” Hamilton said.