With its close proximity to the Ring of Fire, a multi-billion-dollar mineral project in its backyard, several advanced exploration projects and significant mineral discoveries in the region, to say that Kapuskasing is doing well is an understatement.
Strategically located in Northern Ontario, Kapuskasing is capitalizing on its local capacity, experienced and skilled labour force, and specialized supplies and services sector.
Detour Gold's mine operation near Cochrane currently employs more than 140 residents. Over $3 million in contracts has been awarded to area companies. The Detour Lake project is expected to continue to provide significant economic opportunities for the community over its 20+ year mine life.
Tembec's mill operation continues to be the community’s largest employer. It employs close to 600, and it is expected that the mill will need to hire up to 250 employees over the next five years due to retirement. This means employment opportunities for job hunters.
The airport was the site of a major makeover over the past two years. An investment of $4.5 million toward improvements in water capacity, refuelling equipment and reconstruction of the aircraft apron has enabled the development of a business park. Several acres of land are now available for development and this has translated into many recent inquiries. Private sector investment at the airport land is imminent. The forward-looking planning is starting to pay dividends.
The municipality’s energy corporation continues to create employment and spinoff opportunities across the region. Énergie Kapuskasing Energy (ÉKE) has completed over $35 million worth of solar projects since 2012. ÉKE is developing nine (9) projects in partnership with area municipalities such as Virginiatown, Englehart and Cobalt. Nine (9) additional projects have recently been awarded to Kirkland Lake, Matachewan, Gauthier and St-Charles. All will be developed in partnership with ÉKE. The municipal company is also in the process of acquiring solar installations in Val Rita-Harty, Mississauga and Burlington. All the energy projects will provide revenue and economic benefits for the community for more than 20 years.
Escalating land prices in southern Ontario, coupled with the need for sustainable agriculture and climate change, has garnered the Great Clay Belt region attention over the past number of years. Furthermore, recent commitments by the provincial government to work with farmers on a visionary plan to bring significant swaths of Crown and private Northern land into agricultural development will provide a major economic opportunity for the Great Clay Belt. Kapuskasing and area is poised to benefit from the new lands available to farmers.
In the last eight years, the town has seen more than $56 million spent on local infrastructure, including a new water tower, water treatment plant, and upgrades to the existing wastewater treatment plant and lift station.
With an experienced and available workforce at the ready, a progressive municipal council and economic development corporation, Kapuskasing is prepared for any challenges and growth it may encounter.
