Thunder Bay

The Land of Nipigon Chamber of Commerce will host the 2002 spring meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce April 19 to 21.

Abitibi-Consolidated Inc. is expected to have its paper mill in Kenora in full operation by March 10. The mill was shutdown for seven weeks after a granite roller exploded on the No. 10 paper machine.

Kenora-Rainy River MP Robert Nault is suggesting communities get together as a region to access federal funding for economic development and health.

An industrial tax rate cap in Dryden is limiting the cityÕs sources of tax revenue. Residential taxes in Dryden must rise by 65 per cent before the cityÕs industrial rates will be affected.

A $155-million construction project set to begin in April will significantly reduce the odour at Weyerhaeuser Inc.'s Dryden mill. The main feature of the kraft mill project is a new recovery boiler and precipitator.

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.