Northern Growth Plan makes its debut

The Northern Growth Plan is a planning document marking six key areas.

Announced on Friday, March 4 at Cambrian College's eDome by Minister of Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli, the long-awaited plan is a blueprint to guide decision-making and investment planning in he North over the next 25 years.

It is the result of input from more than 1,400 northerners, and close to 300 written submissions.
The key areas focus upon the economy, people, communities, infrastructure, environment, and Aboriginal people.

Five million dollars has been earmarked by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support the development of the Northern Policy Institute by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

Plans to develop a northern strategy for air, rail, road and marine transportation was also mentioned.

The initial study is expected to take up to two years to complete with $2.2 million earmarked by the NOHFC to support technical assessments and meetings with stakeholders.

A regional economic planning summit for northern community and business leaders is also in the works for the spring.