Timmins

Timmins’ motto as a “city with a heart of gold” may soon become more than just a figure of speech following a recent announcement by Goldcorp Inc. for plans to begin open-pit mining operations in the city’s downtown.

There is something to be said for family-run medium-sized companies when the CEO, presidents and owners can share in conversation with a warehouse employee over a cup of morning coffee.

Timmins representatives and De Beers Canada executives saluted and praised Jeremy Wyeth, the outgoing vice-president of operations for the completed Victor diamond mine, now in production near Attawapiskat.

The return of a resource estimate on Pacific Comox Resources Ltd.’s property 60 kilometres west of Kirkland Lake is just one small example of the strong exploration activity in the Temiskaming region.

With his family now a century and a half in the sheep farming business, it is perhaps only natural that David Wight finds himself at the head of Belle Vallée Wools, a successful wool milling firm.

The proposed creation of an expansive new residential subdivision in the former Dymond Township area is the perfect sign of Temiskaming Shores’ slow but steady growth, local officials say.

Biodiesel is the buzzword around Englehart, with a local entrepreneur on the verge of kicking off construction on Northern Ontario’s newest biodiesel plant.

A Temiskaming-area touring route is in the works, with officials from various municipalities working together to help pull the flow of visitors further North.

With a number of hydroelectric projects slated in and around Timmins, the municipality may one day begin to view such resources the same way as mining, according to mayor Tom Laughren.

A light rain falls on the storage yard at Woodchuckers Manufacturing, settling into the countless logs scattered throughout the property and evoking the distinctive aroma of cedar, which hangs heavy in the air.