THUNDER BAY — The CEO of the Community Economic Development Commission says the expected Northwestern Ontario boom in the mining sector will likely be pushed back from 2026 to 2028.
On Thursday, Jamie Taylor said the new forecast was produced in order to ensure numbers provided in the previous report, issued in 2020, were still accurate.
“We do have a new job forecast update that’s been included in our infographic.
"Really, what it demonstrates is the shift has gone from 2026 to 2028. The mining boom is still anticipated - it’s just been shifted a couple of years,” Taylor said.
“We figured that had happened, but we just wanted to ensure that we are capturing that information accurately and that people have that information.”
Taylor said COVID-19 likely played a big role in the shift, delaying potential projects.
“As well, I think timelines always shift. Markets currently aren’t great, but they will rebound. It always does. I think it’s just about business decisions and when things are going to come back.”
A labour shortage, not uncommon across Canada, doesn't help, she added.
Additionally, the CEDC has also updated and unveiled its 2024 mining directory, which will help ensure companies are prepared if and when the boom does happen.
It will also help connect companies with potential suppliers and employees in the meantime. It was time to build it bigger and better, Taylor said.
“We did have something in the past, but this is a new and improved version of it that really is to benefit both the mining companies as well as the local supply and service companies,” Taylor said.
“It’s really user-friendly. If you’re doing any work in mining, we definitely want you to get it listed on there.
"We’ve identified Indigenous-specific businesses because that’s something the mines are really interested in. They want to do more procurement with local Indigenous businesses.”
The updated directory also includes a new hiring tab, allowing companies that plan to add employees to have a direct link to their website, where potential hires can find more information about the company and the available jobs.
Taylor said it was important for the CEDC to produce the report and directory strictly based on geography.
While Thunder Bay itself has no active mines, it is a regional hub and can serve as a provider of workers and other supplies to mining sites located within Northwestern Ontario.
The directory is proof positive, Taylor said.
“We have over 400 businesses listed in our service and supply directory, providing services to the mines in our region,” she said.
“It definitely is an important sector for us. We have opportunities for new mining supply and service in our community, to be able to grow that and service all the companies that are in the Northwest region.”
Initiatives taken in mining by the CEDC include enhanced communications about the sector, aiding in infrastructure development discussions to determine what’s needed in the region to make mining more accessible to interested companies and developing partnerships with education institutions - including Confederation College and Lakehead University - to help create programs aimed at meeting workforce needs.
Workforce development, including the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, is also part of the equation, Taylor said.
Finally, she added, the CEDC has a role to play in attracting and expanding business in the region and promoting Thunder Bay’s role in the mining industry globally.
