Timmins

By Ian Ross Enhancing training opportunities to create long-term, sustainable jobs for Aboriginals in the forestry industry is the aim of a new business development program with the Mattagami First Nation near Gogama.

Chapleau's economic future has been mapped out with their updated strategic plan. Released in late April, the document outlines a number of opportunities designed to increase and strengthen the town's economic base.

A $15-million upgrade to Domtar's Chapleau lumber mill should be complete this summer.

Fifteen new jobs have been created in Timmins, and as many as 35 more may be created as Steeltec takes on contracts to supply field crews and mobile welding units from Manitoba to Quebec.

Sulliden Exploration Inc. has acquired 100 per cent of a Falconbridge Ltd. property near Timmins to begin searching for diamonds.

In what is being heralded by Placer Dome Inc. and Kinross Gold Corp. as the biggest news in the Porcupine gold camp in years, the two mining companies are combining forces in a joint-venture mining project.

Moosonee Airport will receive $220,000 for safety improvement projects. Reginald Belair, MP for the Timmins and James Bay area, made the announcement earlier this on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette.

Kapuskasing council has decided to support North Centennial Manor's project after meeting with the North Centennial Manor board last week.

A paper mill training program has been launched in Kapuskasing by Collège Boréal in response to the needs of the local forestry industry.

Determined to chart their own economic future, the Town of Iroquois Falls cut the ribbon in April on an economic development office and established a community development team.