Mining Future and Past Celebrated
THUNDER BAY – MINING – Thunder Bay will celebrate its rich mining heritage on May 31, which has been declared Mining Day by Mayor Keith Hobbs.
Mayor Hobbs made the declaration at a ceremony today at Mariner’s Hall at Prince Arthur’s Landing. He was joined by representatives of the City of Thunder Bay, Community Economic Development Commission, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, and Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association, as well as other mining organizations, at the event.
“The mining and exploration industry employees are working quietly in Thunder Bay and NW Ontario; they should be recognized for their significant contribution to the local economy and the culture of their communities,” said Mayor Hobbs in reading the declaration. “Mining Day is a celebration where the mining community and the public meet and have fun at Prince Arthur’s Landing, a historical site in a city with a long history of mining.”
Mining Day will include a series of special public events at Prince Arthur’s Landing. There will be more than 25 exhibitors with fun, creative and interactive displays and presentations to encourage everyone in the family to participate and learn about mining, minerals and local geology. Heavy mining equipment suppliers, diamond drillers and helicopter service providers will also be onsite to showcase their big tools of the trade.
A guided walking tour will also take place along Red River Road, providing a look at how local stone has been used in the construction of some of Thunder Bay’s most iconic buildings, including Port Arthur Collegiate Institute (PACI-Lakehead U), Trinity United Church, Masonic Hall and others.
“The mining community and many volunteers are coming together to bring the second annual Thunder Bay Mining Day to the citizens of the city and nearby municipalities,” said Robert Chataway, President of NWOPA and Chair of the Mining Day Committee. “As a family-oriented event, we hope everyone has a good time while participating in mining-related activities such as gold panning, searching for buried treasure and looking at diamonds and other minerals.”
This free, rain or shine event benefits from the support of a number of local organizations, including Northwestern Ontario Prospectors Association, Women in Mining, Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Lakehead University, Confederation College, local school boards and Dougall Media.
“The event is an opportunity to showcase to the public the mineral sector, an important contributor to Northwestern Ontario’s economy,” said John Mason, Project Manager, Mining Services for CEDC. “Children and adults alike will have fun with interactive displays and hands on activities on the waterfront!”
For more information on Mining Day in Thunder Bay, please contact: tbminingday@gmail.com, visit the website www.thunderbayminingday.ca.About NWOPA: The objectives of the Association are to represent and further the interests, serve the needs, and support the aspirations of the individual prospectors in Northwestern
Ontario.
