MARATHON—The Municipality of Marathon has several key construction projects that continue to promote economic growth, and that are progressing well, according to their mayor.
Mayor Rick Dumas began his description of these ongoing projects, saying that the recent community benefits agreement, (CBA) signed between Biigtigong Nishnaabeg and Generation Mining is a clear indication that their First Nation community supports the mining project. “Generation Mining met with Biigtigong Nishnaabeg on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2022, where the community benefits agreement was signed and Chief and Council approved it,” said Dumas. “The vote for the CBA was held on November 12th and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg community members supported the CBA overwhelmingly. Generation put out a press release Monday November 14.”
In his view, he believes this agreement symbolizes the community support that the palladium mine development has and is something that will be shared with both the provincial and federal government.
The mayor updated the stage in which the Environmental Assessment Public Forum was at. “With this agreement now in place, the government has until November 30, 2022 to submit whether they will accept or deny the Environmental Assessment,” said Dumas. “We anticipate a favourable response, and I have reached out to the government to indicate how critical this development is for the community.”
Once this decision has been handed down by the government, the mayor suggested that several things will happen. “Generation Mining will go to market to secure financing for the mine which is in the $665 million dollar range,” stated Dumas. “Then they’ll begin applying for all the necessary permits to cut down trees, build roads, and bridges for roads. They will also start the construction of the buildings needed because of the mine,” he said.
He spoke about having been a part of the community business in the 1980’s when Marathon was flourishing because of the Hemlo Gold mine. “I was part of the community business in the 80’s with the Hemlo Mine. But this time development will be more controlled,” said Dumas.
Athough, the palladium-copper mine is a major economic force behind growth for the Municipality of Marathon, he also identified a few other ongoing construction projects progressing well. “As part of the Aboriginal Housing portfolio, they will begin working on a 30-unit, two-bedroom apartment complex which is scheduled for completion the summer of 2023,” explained Dumas.
The mayor is looking forward to the ground breaking ceremony scheduled for a 50-unit housing complex in the community. In addition, the second phase of the Travel Lodge hotel is starting and is scheduled to begin Spring of 2023.
The Municipality is also moving smoothly to the next important stage for the Peninsula Port Authority project. The Peninsula Port Authority has representation from the Municipality and their neighbouring First Nation Community, with whom they are in a 50/50 partnership agreement. They have two members from both groups represented on the Board. “We are meeting to discuss the business model. We are looking to hire an operator for the Port Authority, to promote and to get things done,” said Dumas. The mayor confirmed that, “The Municipality and Biigtigong Nishnaabeg have completed all the signing of documents on the Peninsula Harbour Port Authority and now the joint board will be moving forward to hire a CEO and operational operator. This is a 50/50 partnership."
No doubt, the mayor agrees that the biggest project for the Municipality is Generation’s Palladium-Copper Mine.
With a high percentage of the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg community voting in favor of it, he believes it confirms how important this project is not only for the Municipality of Marathon and the region, but also for First Nations youth and their future. “The biggest exciting thing is the Generation Mine, and a high percentage of those who voted for it shows that the committee realizes the importance of it,” stated Dumas.
For now, the key is the provincial and federal government’s response to the Environment Assessment report, expected to be delivered by Nov. 30, 2022. Until then, the other key construction and development projects highlighted by Mayor Rick Dumas continue to move forward smoothly.
