Thunder Bay

By Michael Lynch A $300-million construction boom in Dryden has the business community excited.

Pele Mountain Resources Inc. has recovered 96 commercial-size diamonds from its first 100-tonne bulk sample extracted from its Festival Property, located about 25 kilometres north of Wawa.

The Thessalon First Nation Economic Development Corp. is developing a bio centre that will accommodate foods-processing business and is expected to become a major employer in the First Nation community and area.

A business plan competition for high school students know as bizDreams 2002 is under way in Thunder Bay. The competition will provide students between the ages of 14 and 20 with an opportunity to showcase their business and entrepreneurial talents.

Ontario Solicitor General David Turnbull will ask the Ontario Provincial Police to examine the circumstances surrounding the 26-hour closure of the Trans Canada Highway Jan. 2 and 3, between Nipigon and Schreiber.

As part of the Forest Centre of Excellence project, Development Thunder Bay is launching a forest-related business opportunities proposal. The proposal been sent to more than 500 forest-related businesses across Canada and the United States.

The City of Thunder Bay is studying a proposal from an independent television company seeking support for taping of an international program in the city.

Development Thunder Bay is launching a film and multimedia initiative for the city in response to external inquiries and stakeholder input.

Two prominent Thunder Bay business leaders died in January. Jim McCauley, 58, died suddenly while visiting family in southern Ontario. McCauley was an owner of five McDonald's restaurants in Thunder Bay.

Northwestern Ontario residents have been receiving promises from the five candidates vying for Premier Mike Harris's job.