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CTV News
7 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Ontario's Minister of Mines visits Sudbury
Mines Minister and Timmins MPP George Pirie was at Sudbury's Dynamic Earth on Monday. Ontario's Minister of Mines highlighted the Critical Mineral Innovation Fund during a tour of Sudbury on Monday. George Pirie spoke of the funding during a tour of Dynamic Earth, reaffirming the $15 million promised in the 2024 budget. 'We have everything the world needs in northern Ontario and this is our time to take advantage of a generational opportunity,' Pirie said. 'Sudbury, Timmins and Thunder Bay, and other regions in the north, all have a part to play in mining in Ontario.' The Critical Mineral Innovation Fund was first introduced in 2022 as part of the Critical Mineral Strategy to address supply chain challenges and strengthen the industry. Pirie also shone a spotlight on two local recipients of the fund: Vale and the Mining Innovation Rehabilitation and Applied Research (MIRARCO). Vale received $500,000 to work with MIRARCO to improve the mining giant's sustainability goals. Glen Watson, senior sustainability specialist with Vale, said the partnership provided the industry giant an excellent opportunity. 'The (fund) has allowed us to work with an excellent research facility right in our backyard and looking at waste materials as a resource instead of a liability,' Watson said. 'It has been really important in not only funding some fundamental and applied research, but also engaging in industry directly,' said Nadia Mykytczuk, CEO of MIRARCO. 'I think the biggest challenge in addressing critical minerals demand is putting pressure on the mining industry, and yet they're looking for new tools for other sources like waste, how do we go after something that had been sitting out for over 100 years and extract those critical minerals sustainably.' Pirie will also be speaking at the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities Conference.
CTV News
20-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Sudbury's Valley East twin-pad arena gets $10M in provincial funding
The Minister of Sport announced $10 million for a state-of-the-art facility in Valley East featuring two NHL-sized accessible rinks and a multipurpose gymnasium The Ontario government is providing $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario, with the largest share – $10 million – going toward Greater Sudbury's long-awaited Valley East Twin-Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex. Neil Lumsden Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden announced $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario while in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) Provincial funding supports arena upgrades, economic growth The funding, announced Friday by Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie, is part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. The Greater Sudbury project, estimated at nearly $50 million, will feature two NHL-sized accessible rinks, a multipurpose gymnasium, daycare facilities, a café and administrative offices, positioning it as a community hub and potential event venue. 'The Twin Pads we have been talking about for over a decade now, but the city has always said we would only advance it if we had other levels of government funding,' said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. 'The province of Ontario established a $200 million fund for the whole province – we received 5% of that fund for Sudbury alone. That is the $10 million, which is really a recognition, I believe, by the province of the importance of Sudbury to the overall economy of Ontario.' Sport as an economic and social driver Minister Lumsden emphasized the broader impact of recreational investments, particularly in northern communities. 'I feel real strong that sport does so much more than just having people running around a field – it makes a big difference in communities,' he said. 'Especially on the sport tourism side, which drives revenue back into a community for weekends at a time. People don't always think about that, but it's important to all the businesses here.' Funding announcement - Sudbury - July 18 The Ontario government is providing $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario – including $10 million going toward Greater Sudbury's Valley East Twin-Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex. Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg, Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie are shown at the announcement in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) The province framed the funding as part of its strategy to counter rising costs while promoting active living and economic resilience. 'At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services,' Lumsden said in a news release on July 18. Smaller communities benefitting from repairs, upgrades Beyond Sudbury, the new sports infrastructure funding allocations include: $1 million to replace the aging refrigeration system at Espanola Arena with an energy-efficient CO₂ system. to replace the aging refrigeration system at with an energy-efficient CO₂ system. $614,600 for critical repairs at Kashechewan Arena , including roof replacement and safety upgrades. for critical repairs at , including roof replacement and safety upgrades. $585,250 for renovations at Markstay-Warren's Multiplex to expand programming like pickleball and Zumba. for renovations at to expand programming like pickleball and Zumba. $484,100 to replace the roof at Temiskaming Shores' Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena. Philip Goodwin, the executive director of Kashechewan First Nation, highlighted the significance of the funding for his remote community. 'In a fly-in access community, having an operational arena is critical to bring people together through hockey tournaments, cultural events, and community gatherings,' he said. 'These much-needed repairs mean our children, youth, families, and the wider community will continue to have a safe and welcoming space.' Northern priorities and long-term vision Minister Pirie tied the investments to broader regional development goals. 'By investing in important community spaces, our government is helping to ensure our northern communities have the resources to support their health and well-being now and in the future,' he said. Funding announcement - Sudbury - July 18 Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, alongside Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie and Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg announced $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario while in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, echoed the sentiment, framing sports infrastructure as a tool for social cohesion. 'Investing in community sports isn't just about physical activity; it's about cultivating connection, inclusivity, and pride across generations,' he said. Next steps for Sudbury's twin-pad With provincial funding secured, Sudbury's twin-pad complex is expected to move forward after years of delays. The city will now focus on finalizing design and construction timelines, with the goal of creating a facility that serves both athletes and families. The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund program remains open to applications from municipalities, Indigenous communities, and nonprofits seeking support for repairs or new builds. Ontario's total infrastructure spending under the fund is part of a larger $200 billion provincial commitment to highways, hospitals, and other critical projects. With files from journalist Alana Everson
National Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
OCEU Recording Secretary Chantal Reid to Join WSIB Strike Picket Line in Timmins
Article content TIMMINS, Ontario — Chantal Reid, Recording Secretary of the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750), will join striking Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) workers on the picket line outside the constituency office of PC MPP George Pirie (681 Algonquin Blvd. East) on Wednesday, June 25 th at 10:00 a.m. Reid's appearance comes as the WSIB strike extends beyond two months—marking the first strike in the Board's 110-year history. Over 3,600 frontline WSIB workers remain on strike as service disruptions worsen, backlogs grow, and injured workers across Ontario are left waiting. Article content Where: Article content Article content Time: Article content 10:00 a.m. Article content 'This historic strike has made one thing clear: WSIB's refusal to act is hurting the very people they are mandated to help,' said Recording Secretary Chantal Reid of OCEU/CUPE 1750. 'Our members—including those standing strong on the picket lines in Timmins—are holding the line for fair wages, improved workplace safety and quality public service. We won't stop until there's a fair deal on the table.' Article content On Tuesday, June 24, striking members delivered a formal letter and petition to the WSIB Board of Directors, calling for urgent action to resolve the dispute. It was also recently confirmed that WSIB's incoming fax system—essential to daily operations such as receiving medical reports and claim updates—is down, underscoring the operational chaos caused by the strike. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content For more information, please contact: Article content Article content Bill Chalupiak Article content Article content Article content
CBC
04-03-2025
- Business
- CBC
First Nations near Timmins to build infrastructure for new Crawford mining project
Canada Nickel is still waiting on some government approvals to launch its promising Crawford mining project near Timmins, but it's already picked who will help build some of the needed infrastructure. Mattagami, Matachewan and Flying Post will have first dibs on contracts to build a railway line and a temporary highway overpass. Companies from those communities will also be given preferential access to do the work required to relocate part of Highway 655 to make way for the new mine. The agreement was announced on the second day of the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention, which focused heavily on First Nation participation in mining. Ontario's Minister of Mines, George Pirie, was present at the announcement, and said agreements like this "pave the way" for other mining projects looking to partner with Indigenous communities. "Ensuring everyone shares the wealth that our resources sector generates is key to Ontario's economic reconciliation with Indigenous people," he said. Canada Nickel CEO Mark Selby says the company hasn't yet reached an official impact benefits agreement with the First Nations near the mining project. "[But] this contracting agreement ensures that meaningful opportunities for First Nations start now," he said. Mattagami, Matachewan and Flying Post are all members of the Wabun tribal council. Playing a 'central role' in resource development The organization's mineral development advisor Nicole Charbonneau says this agreement builds on a history of good relationships between the three First Nations and Canada Nickel. "But to us, that award wasn't just about past successes," she said. "It was a challenge to keep setting the bar even higher. And that's exactly what this agreement represents. Another step forward, another opportunity to ensure our nations play a central role, not just in the workforce, but in shaping the future of resource development on our lands." Matachewan First Nation chief Sonny Batisse said the project is set to benefit everyone generally. "It means jobs, business opportunities, economic partnerships and [First Nations] having a say on how this project moves forward," he said. Canada Nickel says it's on track to receive its federal permits by the end of the year, and hopes to launch the Crawford project soon after. If successful, the beginning of this new mine would be a boon for Timmins' economy, which could be hurt by the planned closure of the prolific Kidd Creek Mine in 2026. On Monday, leadership with the Wabun Tribal Council and the Chiefs of Ontario also seized the opportunity to speak to the industry at PDAC. They urged mining companies not to deal with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), and instead focus on agreements with First Nations.
