THUNDER BAY – Information Sessions are scheduled for Monday, September 17 and Tuesday, September 18 to gather public input into a Mining Readiness Strategy for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
The City of Thunder Bay, together with Fort William First Nation (FWFN) and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) are undertaking the Mining Readiness Strategy to address and strategically plan for economic growth in Thunder Bay and the region. SNC-Lavalin Inc. working with Ed Hoshizaki Development Consulting has been hired to engage communities and stakeholders to determine what will be required to develop mining opportunities.
Research shows that the discovery and development of mineral resources in the “Ring of Fire” and beyond will open up mining opportunities that will have a hand in shaping the region’s economic outlook. Currently Thunder Bay hosts 29 exploration company offices, and over 130 service and supply companies in exploration/mining. Growth in mining will place unique pressures on Thunder Bay and communities in Northwestern Ontario.
The Mining Strategy will address issues related to: transportation and infrastructure needs; industrial energy; workforce training and development; business development; housing and community services; research and development; capital investment and financing; intergovernmental relations; and communications.
The Strategy is in its early stages, and is scheduled to be completed by January 2013. Implementation of the Strategy is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2015.
Two (2) Information Sessions will be held: 1) on Monday, September 17, 2012 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at Fort William First Nation (FWFN) Community Hall with a presentation at 7 pm to introduce the project, followed by a question and answer period; and 2) on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from 4:00 to 9:00 pm at the Italian Cultural Centre in Thunder Bay with a presentation at 7 pm, followed by a question and answer period with an expert panel.
For more information, visit www.thunderbay.ca/cedcmining.