The fortunes and economy of Kirkland Lake have historically been tied to the cyclical nature of the price of gold.
While the northeastern Ontario town of 8,500 plays host to Kirkland Lake Gold, a successful mid-tier miner, a community strategic plan has identified areas where town officials want to see more activity to diversify the economy.
“The new strategic plan is focussed on how to build on opportunities the town already have and to what extent are those opportunities bona fide,” said economic development and tourismdirector Wilf Hass.
A small mining service and supply cluster exists to cater to the companies, but Hass said the town remains pragmatic that it’s not likely to attract major international suppliers like those that already exist in established hubs like Timmins, North Bay and Sudbury.
What they’re experiencing is a related shift by industry folks toward entrepreneurship opportunities.
The mining companies usually gobbled up all the available skilled trades, now they’re witnessing a transfer of that skill back into the community.
“We’re seeing miners branching out on their own and going into business, which we hadn’t seen before,” said Hass, in mentioning startups like Excalibur Bits and Steel, Media Soda Wash, and a small welding shop.
“It doesn’t sound like much, but we don’t have enough welders in town for commercial and residential jobs.”
Forestry
Companies specializing in HVAC, home disaster-cleanup capabilities, security and inspection services would also be welcomed to town, said Hass, as would master carpenters and electricians to cater to potential clients in the residential and commercial market.
“We have really good contractors here, but they’re very busy and they can’t always get to the smaller jobs,” said Hass.
The area’s forestry industry is still struggling, but Hass expects good news shortly with new ownership in place for the nearby Kenogami finger-joint mill. The growing demand for manufactured wood products will mean production jobs will be available soon.
Tourism
Tourism and event attraction is a promising and growing sector of Kirkland Lake’s economy.
On the accommodations side, a new Microtel Inn has opened to create 80 jobs, and a nearby Comfort Inn has carried out more than $1 million in renovations, which has immensely improved the choices and competitive rates for travellers.
Infrastructure
Government dollars are flowing in for the expansion of a municipal pool and toward the refurbishment of Civic Stadium to stage concerts, host festivals and bring in more outside tourism dollars. The town is also looking to recruit a tourism and event co-ordinator.
The refurbishment to municipal infrastructure also ties into the town’s thrust to attract more regional sporting events, said Hass. “We’re trying to develop the venues to host more activities.”
The former Hockey Heritage North has been rebranded into Heritage North and is being showcased as a meeting and convention facility. An already popular venue to host wedding receptions, there’s a renewed focus on marketing the facility to government ministries and the corporate crowd for workshops, training seminars and various business functions.
Hass believes the facility stands on its own for that corner of the region.
“This is a dedicated venue – with a schedule not built around sports – and has been set up specifically for this. I see this as having a real niche.”
Retail
On the retail attraction side, Kirkland Lake’s greatest challenge is its small market catchment area.
With a pre-existing culture for shopping dollars leaving the community, the town is looking to attract more clothing and household goods outlets to town.
Downtown, a new gym and two restaurants have opened, but nothing of the popular international chain variety.
Hass believes a recognized eatery built close to the Microtel and Heritage North on the town’s main road would do quite well.
