An annual meeting of Northern Ontario leaders scheduled to be held in Timmins this spring has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) AGM and conference was slated for May 13-15.
"This decision was not taken lightly, and we feel it is in the best interest of conference delegates, trade show representatives, City of Timmins staff and the employees of the hospitality industry in the city," said FONOM president Danny Whalen in a statement.
"I am, however, pleased to announce the FONOM board of directors have awarded the 2021 AGM and annual conference to the City of Timmins."
He said the board of directors "is fully aware of the risk to the public by the COVID-19 virus as well as the existing and potential for further burden on our health-care services.
"After discussions and information provided by the Ministry of Health, the Chief Medical Officer of Health as well as our local northern Public Health Units, we feel we must make decisions based on the best interest of our membership and municipal staff."
Municipal representatives, exhibitors, and sponsors registered for the 2020 event will be given a full refund.
“I fully support the decision of the FONOM Board," Timmins Mayor George Pirie said in the news release.
"As municipal leaders, this is the prudent action to take. We look forward to the opportunity to host the FONOM delegates in 2021, in the City of Timmins."
FONOM announced in May 2019 the annual conference would be in Timmins.
At that time, the organization said the conference features more than 250 delegates and exhibitors. It was expected to bring upwards of $100,000 of economic activity to the community.
This story originally appeared on TimminsToday.com.
