Waterloo barbecue maker receives $1M from Regional Development Program

By Blair Adams

Posted Nov 30, 2021 04:00:00 PM.

The Ford government is handing out more Regional Development Program funding in the region.

Waterloo's Onward Manufacturing Company Limited is receiving $1 million.

The announcement was made in Waterloo on Tuesday morning by Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Minister, Vic Fedeli.

Onward Manufacturing, which makes Broil King gas barbecues, is expanding its manufacturing facility to meet the global demand for its products.

The company is also spending close to $18 million of its own cash on the expansion, which the province says will create 158 new jobs.

“As a family owned and operated business based in Waterloo for over 130 years, we work passionately to deliver on our promise to our customers,” Colin Kirvan, vice president of product management at Onward Manufacturing, said in a news release.

“Regional Development Program support is helping us to enhance our factory operations here in our hometown. We are excited to enhance our production capabilities and expand our reach for our global brand Broil King while benefiting the local community.” Kirvan added.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Massive transit funding announcement for Waterloo Region

The region's transit expansion plans got a major shot in the arm on Wednesday thanks to a massive funding announcement. Representatives from all levels of government were in Waterloo to make the $291...

10h ago

Changed police budget vote called 'mockery of democracy' by councillors

After a lengthy, arduous day, regional councillors have decided the 2026 budget, but one particular moment involving a changed vote caused a contentious stir among legislators. It was centred around...

13h ago

Regional budget is set, homeowners to pay average of $142 more in 2026

It was months in the making and took councillors over 11 hours around the regional horseshoe, but the 2026 budget for the Region of Waterloo is set in stone. Council settled on a 5.1 per cent increase,...

16h ago

'Extremely concerning': Reactions to Region of Waterloo water capacity issue

Residents and officials are raising concerns over the lack of information from the Region of Waterloo about a water capacity issue that was identified and shared earlier this month. In an announcement...

16h ago

Top Stories

Massive transit funding announcement for Waterloo Region

The region's transit expansion plans got a major shot in the arm on Wednesday thanks to a massive funding announcement. Representatives from all levels of government were in Waterloo to make the $291...

10h ago

Changed police budget vote called 'mockery of democracy' by councillors

After a lengthy, arduous day, regional councillors have decided the 2026 budget, but one particular moment involving a changed vote caused a contentious stir among legislators. It was centred around...

13h ago

Regional budget is set, homeowners to pay average of $142 more in 2026

It was months in the making and took councillors over 11 hours around the regional horseshoe, but the 2026 budget for the Region of Waterloo is set in stone. Council settled on a 5.1 per cent increase,...

16h ago

'Extremely concerning': Reactions to Region of Waterloo water capacity issue

Residents and officials are raising concerns over the lack of information from the Region of Waterloo about a water capacity issue that was identified and shared earlier this month. In an announcement...

16h ago

Most Watched Today

2:25

Rob and Michele Reiner's son arrested in connection to their murders

A tragic update in the killings of legendary move director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, who were found dead Sunday in their L.A. home. As Karling Donoghue reports, a family member is now in custody.

December 16, 2025 12:03 pm EST EST

2:31

Premier Ford pitches casino development in Niagara Falls as opposition criticizes his priorities

The Ford government is betting it can bring a slice of the Vegas strip to Niagara Falls to bolster tourism in the region. But as Tina Yazdani reports, critics say the premier should be focusing on more urgent needs in schools and hospitals.

December 15, 2025 6:39 pm EST EST

1:52

Rob and Michele Reiner's son taken into custody following deaths

According to the Associated Press, Rob and Michele Reiner's son Nick has been taken into custody following the deaths of his parents, however the nature of any potential charges he may be facing is unknown.

December 16, 2025 12:02 pm EST EST

2:28

First Ministers' Meeting could include Ring of Fire deal

The Prime Minister will meet Canada's Premiers on Thursday, amid reports Ottawa & Ontario could find some agreement on reducing regulatory burden for building a road to a mineral deposit in remote Northern Ontario.

8h ago

3:56

Quebec Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez to resign amid vote-buying allegations

Quebec Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez is set to resign from his role amid a investigation launched by the province's anti-corruption police over allegations of vote-buying and reimbursement of donations.

10h ago