Submitted

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) presented to the Standing Committee on Finance, Jan. 20, in Fort Frances. Ron Nelson, Past President appeared before the committee on behalf of the NOMA Board.

Among the topics covered, Mr. Nelson discussed infrastructure needs involving the mining sector in the northwest. He highlighted the urgency to support Noront Resources Ltd and their Eagles Nest Project in the Ring of Fire. In addition, Nelson discussed the importance of supporting the additional 22 mines currently in the planning and development stage outside of the Ring of Fire.

“From our perspective, the mining activity within this region will be the economic driver for the province,” said Ron Nelson. “While the Ring of Fire development is important, we need to make the government aware of the numerous opportunities on the cusp of development.”

NOMA also used this time to highlight the need to reduce barriers in the forest industry, in particular the delivered wood costs. NOMA also encouraged the government to make the Northern Industrial Electricity Rate a permanent program and that it be sufficiently funded. Nelson pointed out that “These types of tools provide an excellent opportunity for economic development and assist in making the industry viable and sustaninable. A permanent program would also encourage further investment in mining ventures across the region.”

In the presentation, NOMA also covered the Heads and Beds Payment, Ontario Municipal Partnership Funding and the desire to see decisions involving the north be made in the north by northerners.

GLTA.

TM.