Around the North

Construction begins this summer in Sault Ste. Marie on the largest home for the aged in the province. Groundbreaking on the $44.4-million, 370-bed facility is expected in mid-June, with a completion date of March 2004.

Nineteen positions have been cut at Northern Telephone in New Liskeard, some through early retirement or through relocation within the network.

Falconbridge Ltd. has teamed up with JML Resources Ltd., a new exploration company, as a venture partner to examine the potential for diamonds on its Marten River properties, about 50 kilometres north of North Bay.

Repair crews from NorBuilding Enterprises and Ontario Northland crews spent the last weekend in May righting six derailed CN freight cars loaded with phosphate in Hearst. A 170-ton Dutch crane was used to lift the 132-ton cars back on track.

By Diana Scheddin The Province of Ontario is providing close to $3.3 million to help build a new emergency training centre on the existing grounds of the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst.

Tembec Inc. is urging the Canadian government to take a tough stand against the U.S. in answering to their punitive softwood lumber tariffs.

Engineering and economic evaluations of five former Inco mines were underway in May to bring the Sudbury properties back into production this fall. Fort Knox Gold Resources Inc.

The sale of four hydroelectric generating stations in northeastern Ontario from Ontario Power Generation to the Great Lakes Hydro Income Fund was finalized May 17. The four stations are located on the Mississagi River, east of Sault Ste.

Two City of Thunder Bay long-term care seniors' home will be razed and rebuilt for more than $42 million.

Falconbridge Ltd. is planning an extended summer shutdown of its Sudbury smelter from June 18 to Aug. 8. Company officials say the 52-day maintenance and vacation shutdown is to ensure its facility runs at 100 per cent peak annual efficiency.