The Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.
As mining potential in the region continues to grow, Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs says the Northwest has to be ready when things take off. “We want to be ready when the mining boom hits,” Hobbs told those taking part in Tuesday evening’s information session about the Mining Readiness Strategy at the Italian Cultural Centre.
“We need to be ready as a city and the Northwest has to be ready for what is coming at us,” he said before the meeting. “There are about 10 mines in the queue in the next three to five years with the potential for $130 billion in revenues.”
With 13 mineral exploration programs and more than $80 billion in spending expected to take place between 2013 and 2017, Thunder Bay is partnering with Fort William First Nation and the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission to develop a mining readiness strategy that will create a plan for the region on mining development and economic growth.
SNC-Lavalin is developing the strategy, which will focus on transportation, infrastructure, energy, business development, workforce and training development, housing, as well as financing and capital investment needs.
Two public information sessions were held this week to allow the public to provide feedback on what should be included in the strategy.
Stephen Lindley, vice-president, Aboriginal and northern affairs with SNC-Lavalin, and project manager for the Mining Readiness Strategy, said community input has a significant role to play in the development of the strategy.
“When a community decides to do planning, the community has to understand what direction it wants to go in,” Lindley said.
“Everyone will have their own ideas on what that direction should be, what the most important aspects are, how are we going to pay for it. These are all questions community members want to know.”
Some of the feedback collected so far includes concerns about the environmental impact of mining.
Lindley explained that a First Nation elder said mining development must be undertaken cautiously, because a mine is permanent and can have a lasting impact on a community and the environment.
Another major concern involved jobs and training, an integral part of mining development.
“This is really, when you scratch below the surface, about youth and training,” Lindley said.
“We are setting our young people up to have opportunities to work in the mining industry or the industries that will service the mining industries from communities like Thunder Bay. It doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be working underground up in North-central Ontario.”
Another important aspect of the strategy is the inclusion of neighbouring Fort William First Nation, he said.
“People are very encouraged to see the city and the Fort William First Nation partnership, and the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities working together,” Lindley said.
Edmond Collins, economic development manager with Fort William First Nation, said partnering with the city on the strategy is a way to ensure First Nation voices are heard in mining development.
“I think maybe our words aren’t heard enough,” Collins said.
“I think our partnership shows a big strong team, so all our voices are heard.
“It’s in our traditional territory, it’s in our backyards, and we are stewards of the land, so we have a big stake in it,” he added.
The next step in the process will be gathering more feedback and information from focus groups and experts.
A draft report is to be completed by January, and a second round of public consultation will follow.
Lindley added that the strategy could be implemented as early as 2013, but it will only be a success if it is implemented and marketed properly to allow everyone an opportunity to take advantage of the potential in the region.
“This strategy can’t just be another study that sits on a shelf,” he said. “People have to see themselves in it and be involved.”