In northern Ontario, local leaders are emphasizing the importance of supporting regional industries and enhancing highway safety as both the provincial and federal governments focus on mining opportunities in the area this year.
The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) advocates for the region at both government levels, collaborating closely with the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, which represents communities in the northeast.
Following a period of uncertainty due to the Canada-U.S. trade war, NOMA has embraced recent policies geared towards expediting development, such as the lucrative Ring of Fire mineral deposit in the James Bay lowlands. This includes the introduction of the One Project, One Process, One Decision model by the Ontario and federal governments in mid-December.
Rick Dumas, president of NOMA and mayor of Marathon, stressed the need to highlight the significance of northern Ontario in development discussions, emphasizing the vital role the region plays in Ontario and Canada’s economies.
While some environmental advocates and First Nations leaders have expressed concerns about fast-tracking development approvals, Dumas highlighted the potential for job creation and economic prosperity in smaller communities.
The forestry sector in the region faced challenges in the past year, with shutdowns at the Ear Falls sawmill and the Kapuskasing paper mill attributed to financial pressures from U.S. tariffs. Concerns also loom over the idling of the Terrace Bay pulp mill since January 2024.
Dumas emphasized the impact of resource-based industries on everyday life, emphasizing the need for reinvestment in communities from the sectors they support.
Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, emphasized the government’s commitment to unlocking the economic potential of northern Ontario, citing initiatives to advance infrastructure and foster partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Addressing highway safety along the Highway 11-17 corridor, Dumas highlighted an urgent need for improvements despite recent maintenance efforts. Tragic incidents, such as a recent collision resulting in fatalities, underscore the importance of enhancing road safety.
Efforts to widen sections of the Trans-Canada Highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon aim to stimulate economic growth and improve traffic flow. Dumas has long advocated for twinning the highway in high-volume areas and implementing a two-plus-one system to enhance safety and economic opportunities.
These critical issues are expected to be discussed at the upcoming Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in Toronto, highlighting the ongoing focus on promoting regional development and ensuring safer highways in northern Ontario.