Timmins

Move over Hollywood and make way for Firewood. Cochrane is pursuing the film and TV industry to diversify its economy “while the sun is shining,” according to Mayor Peter Politis.

The high price of gold is fuelling exploration in the Timmins area and ensuring the city's three gold mines remain in production. “Last year was a great one,” said Brian Atkinson, regional resident geologist in Timmins.

A crunch for space inside and out of the Victor M. Power Airport in Timmins has spurred some construction at the facility.

Three communities hit hard by the downturn in the forest industry were given a break when a partnership was formed to train new employees for a mine.

Ryan Farrell of Timmins and his father were stymied a few years ago when paramedics asked them about a relative's medical history during an emergency.

A 12-week entrepreneurship program for Aboriginal youth in Timmins has given them the tools and confidence to contemplate starting their own businesses.

Businesses wanting to establish a presence in Timmins' west end will now pay a development charge to offset the costs of recent infrastructure upgrades in the area.

Vicky d'Amours has some basic advice for aspiring bakers wanting to open their own business – make sure you are a morning person. “A lot of mornings you come in at three, especially at busy times like Christmas,” she said.

Like its neighbouring communities, Black River-Matheson is reaping the benefits of a booming mining industry, but is feeling the pinch of a housing shortage. “There certainly is a need for more housing,” said Mayor Mike Milinkovitch.

While a report on the Shania Twain Centre (STC) in Timmins suggests spending more money on the revenue-losing attraction, a Timmins city councillor wants another option – closure – to be considered.