Timmins – Page 31 – Republic of Mining

Fire plan began in 1922 – by Karen Bachmann (Timmins Daily Press – June 2, 2012)

June 2, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Karen Bachmann is the director/curator of the Timmins Museum and a local author.

Forest fire took out 90% of Haileybury

Rule No. 1 in the writing game – write about something you know, or at least find interesting, otherwise, your reader will now you are faking it (big time!).

Rule No. 2 – remember to just write and quit worrying about it. So, because today I feel like I don’t know much of anything, and I do not find anything particularly appealing (grouchy, aren’t I?), but I apparently still have to write something, I thought I’d write about a whole bunch of little things that happened in 1922 that may be of some interest to you.

If you do not find them interesting, you have my sincerest apologies and I’ll try harder next time.

So, perhaps we should set a little context before we start out on our trek through 1922. In world politics, Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in Delhi and charged with sedition (he served two years); Joseph Stalin was appointed the General Secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee in Russia; the Ottoman Empire was abolished; Mussolini became the youngest Premier in the history of Italy, and, hyperinflation hit Germany – 7,000 deutschmarks were needed to purchase one American dollar.

Situation un-bear-able – Timmins Daily Press (May 28, 2012)

May 29, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Councillor calls for return of spring bear hunt

Northerners are voicing their unbearable stress towards the provincial government’s latest approach to problem bruins. The MNR has dropped responsibilities for nuisance bears on private property. The buck has been passed to Ontario Provincial Police and local police services.

Coun. John Curley is outraged with the recent letter from Natural Resources Deputy Minister David O’Toole. The letter was revealed to Timmins council at Monday night’s regular meeting.

It stated the recent changes came about as part of the Transformation Plan announced in the 2012 Ontario Budget. The plan was a review of how government programs delivered services to Ontarians, which includes eight-year existing Bear Wise program/

In his letter, O’Toole admitted the relocation of black bears was not as effective compared to other MNR bear handling strategies.

Rain brings relief [Timmins fire]- by Kyle Gennings (Timmins Daily Press – May 28, 2012)

May 28, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Size of blaze smaller than originally projected

Sunday brought a welcome sigh of relief for Timmins residents as rain and cooler tempertures helped to reduce the size of the Timmins 9 forest fire. The blaze, just 30 kilometres outside the city centre, is 70 kilometres long and has consumed thousands of hectares of forest west of Timmins.

Despite the positive outlook today, Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren offered some grounding words at Sunday’s press conference.

“Yes, the fire has shrunk in size, from a community perspective this is a relief,” he said. “But we need to remember the size of this fire, remember that it will take more than a days water bombing and a days rainfall to control it.”

With the addition of 20 new four-man crews from British Columbia working the southern flank of the fire, just north of Gogama, the Ontario fire rangers have been able to concentrate their efforts on the northeastern flank on the Kenogamissi and Cache areas, saving every residence and cottage in the area, only losing a couple of sheds and a vehicle.

Timmins fire grows close to 32K hectares – by Sudbury Northern Life Staff (Sudbury Nothern Life – May 25, 2012)

May 25, 2012

This article came from Northern Life, Sudbury’s biweekly newspaper.

OPSEU says lack of updated information puts residents more at risk

Timmins fire 9 has grown to about 31,660 hectares in size, according to the City of Timmins. The fire exhibited extreme behaviour due to high winds throughout the day May 24, which blew significant smoke into the community. Steady winds continued overnight.

Extreme fire conditions are expected May 25, and winds are expected to be strong from the south southwest (20 – 35 km). Timmins declared a state of emergency and a full water ban. The declaration initiates the assistance of Emergency Management Ontario to assist with any evacuations caused by smoke or fire.

The fire remains about one km south of Highway 101 and two km west of Highway 144. It is approximately 30-35 km away from the City of Timmins. At this time, the fire has not crossed either highway; however, the possibility remains, according to the city’s website.

Smoke and ash will continue to affect the City of Timmins and surrounding area. Value protection efforts continue with resources on a prioritized basis. To date, more than 500 sprinklers have been installed, and a smoke alert is in affect for the city.

[Timmins gold] Mine lies in path of blaze – by Kyle Gennings (Timmins Daily Press – May 25, 2012)

May 25, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Flames were expected to cross two highways overnight

The Gogama-area forest fire was expected to cross two highways 144 and 101 overnight and continue heading in an easterly direction.

“The fire has increased in size over the past few days,” said Joel Legasy, fire management supervisor for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Timmins unit. “The precipitation we saw through Monday night and into Tuesday morning slowed the fire temporarily, but by yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon the fuel dried out and the fire became more intense.”

The significant growth seen on Thursday prompted the Ontario Provincial Police to close escorted access to the Old Mill Campground via highway 101, around 1 p.m.

“We can no longer escort anyone through to Foyelet,” said OPP Const. Marc Depatie. “The high winds, heavy smoke and heat are such that I cannot safely condone the travel for residents or for my fellow officers.”

Timmins honours King of the Klondike, Sean Ryan, at gala dinner – by Len Gillis (Timmins Times – May 17, 2012)

May 18, 2012

http://www.timminstimes.com/

Ryan, John Larche and Don McKinnon honoured as part of 100th anniversary celebration

Some of the most famous prospectors in Timmins, indeed in all of Canada, were honoured this week at the Gala Mining Dinner hosted by the Porcupine Miners Memorial Committee to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Timmins.

Fittingly the event was held at the McIntyre ballroom Tuesday night, named for the the mine discovered by another of the city’s legendary mine finders. But the evening was dedicated to some of the more modern prospectors who have made their mark in other parts of Ontario and other parts of Canada, but have always remained true to their Timmins roots.

The tributes were presented in recognition of the city’s 100th anniversary and also because later this year, the city will unveil three larger-than-life bronze statues to commemorate the mining discoveries by Jack Wilson, Benny Hollinger and Sandy McIntyre, the prospectors who found the Big Three gold mining properties in Timmins, The Dome Mine, The Hollinger Mine and The McIntyre Mine.

It made the evening the right setting to honour three modern-day Timmins prospectors whose names have become synonymous with success in finding gold; John Larche, Don McKinnon and Sean Ryan.

Special tribute to prospecting legends – by Kyle Gennings (Timmins Daily Press – May 16, 2012)

May 17, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Porcupine Prospectors and Developers Association honour trio of mining heroes

For many, the idea of prospecting goes hand in hand with the gold rushes in the early 1900s. Colourless men in britches panning the rivers outside of Dawson City, wearing wide brimmed hats keeping the sun off of their sweat stained backs.

However, prospectors have transcended the years and can still be found roaming the bush, the mountainsides and the valleys of Canada staking claims, seeking gold and above all, the big pay out from the mining companies. While the technology has changed drastically, the principle of hard work hasn’t.

Which is why the Porcupine Prospectors and Developers Association honoured three men with lifetime achievement awards for being at the forefront of their peers — they are mine finders. Don McKinnon, John Larche and Shawn Ryan were awarded for their prowess as gold finders, and more than that, their ability to provide mining companies a reason to dig deep.

“Prospectors live a hand-to-mouth existence,” said Gregory Reynolds, former managing editor of the Timmins Daily Press. “Never having a steady pay cheque and never knowing where in Canada the next contract will take them.”

[Northern Ontario Alienation] Forget flying flag half mast … it’s time to light a match – by Wayne Snider (Timmins Daily Press – May 11, 2012)

May 12, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

At a time provincial Liberal cabinet ministers are strutting around the south — their chests all puffed out with pride — bragging about all the good they are doing for Northern Ontario, mayors from across the region are doing their damnedest to let everyone know the real reason behind such upper body over-inflation.

The government is full of hot air.

One day after Ohio-based Cliffs Resources announced it will invest $1.8 billion to build a chromite processing facility in Capreol — creating hundreds of direct jobs in the process — municipal leaders were calling the government out on Northern issues.

Kapuskasing Mayor Al Spacek, president of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), and Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren, chairman of the Northeastern Ontario Municipal Association (NEOMA), were front and centre at meetings in North Bay this week with other Northern political and business leaders. They were hell bent on spreading the word.

[Northern Ontario] Mayors fed up – by By Gord Young, QMI Agency (Timmins Daily Press – May 11, 2012)

May 11, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Frustration boils over at FONOM conference

Frustration turned to anger Thursday as municipal politicians from across Northern Ontario screamed outrage over the provincial government’s silence regarding the divestment of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

Municipalities and chambers of commerce from across the North were urged to lower their Ontario flags to half mast as disenfranchised and fed up mayors demanded a new deal for Ontario Northland.

“You have ignored the North for too long. You have taken us for granted. And we won’t stand for it any longer,” said North Bay Mayor Al McDonald, during a news conference involving politicians and business leaders representing just about every community in Northern Ontario.

The event, held in the midst of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) conference in North Bay, saw mayor after mayor slam the provincial government for leaving Northerners out of its decisions.

Ring of Fire burns by Timmins – by Mark Prior (Timmins Daily Press – May 10, 2012)

May 10, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

U.S. firm selects Sudbury area for $1.8-billion investment

Even though the final decision wasn’t a shocker, it still stings. U.S.-based firm Cliffs Natural Resources selected its Sudbury-area site in Capreol for a $1.8-billion investment for a plant to process chromite from its Ring of Fire deposit.

The Ring of Fire, located about 540 kilometre northeast of Thunder Bay, is the biggest mineral discovery of the past 100 years. It contains a vast array of minerals, including the largest deposit of chromite ever found in North America. Chromite is a key ingredient in stainless steal.

Timmins had made the final four location choices of Cliffs for the smelter. Thunder Bay and Greenstone were also being considered. Officials with Cliffs had visited every community in the running. Delegates from all the communities had made their best pitches to Cliffs representatives, hoping to lure the thousands of direct and indirect jobs that come with the project.

[Ontario] North fights for ONTC – by The Daily Press (April 27, 2012)

April 28, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Municipal, business and union leaders demand meeting with premier to discuss Ontario Northland

Northern leaders are refusing to give up the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission without a fight. Northern Ontario municipal, business and labour leaders met via teleconference this week to discuss strategy for saving Ontario Northland.

On Tuesday, the provincial Liberal budget was passed, even though opposition could have vetoed it in the current minority government situation. The plan to privatize the ONTC was left in the budget.

The group is making its second request for a meeting with Premier Dalton McGuinty to discuss the issue. In addition, they are requesting meetings with leaders of the opposition.

“Although the opposition parties are suggesting we are going into Round 2 in the fight, not being made aware of the process or even the rules of engagement, we are feeling that we have been knocked to the canvas and once again abandoned in the North,” said Iroquois Falls Mayor Gilles Forget.

Goldcorp Inc. pledges its commitment to Timmins – by Len Gillis (Timmins Times – April 26, 2012)

April 27, 2012

http://www.timminstimes.com/

Goldcorp holds its first ever corporate annual meeting in Timmins

Goldcorp President and Chief Executive Officer Charles “Chuck” Jeannes told a Timmins audience Thursday that his company has made a substantial investment in both the Porcupine camp and in Porcupine Gold Mines and Goldcorp has every intention of growing that investment.

Jeannes was presiding at Goldcorp’s first ever annual general meeting held outside of Toronto or Vancouver. The meeting, with most of the board of directors in attendance, was held in Timmins in honour of the city’s 100th anniversary celebrations.

“You know we’re a dynamic business and we buy new assets and on occasion we’ve sold assets. I think the fact that we’ve continued to invest so much in Porcupine should be indicative of the commitment we have to this operation,” said Jeannes.

He said the commitment of the company made this year for the Hollinger Project, combined with the decision made in 2010 to expand the Hoyle Pond operation is a commitment of hundreds of millions of dollars and is clear evidence the company has long term plans for the city.

[Goldcorp Latin American] Mine closing sparks concerns – by Kyle Gennings (Timmins Daily Press – April 27, 2012)

April 27, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Activists travel from Central America to share concerns at Goldcorp AGM

Here in Timmins we are reminded of mining operations everywhere we look. It’s written on the sides of trucks, headframes thrust into the skyline and shafts driven deep into the Earth. Here, mining means life, prosperity and reason.

For some in Central America, however, they claim mining means many other things: Suffering, loss of independence and sickness. Activists blame mining corporations.

“Goldcorp does not operate in Honduras and Guatemala the way it does in Canada,” said Reina Gamora, a Honduran school teacher and activist, who made the 6,000-kilometre trek to appeal to the hearts and minds of those who understand mining. “They operate through utilizing the corrupt government that operates in Honduras. They ignore the human rights and environmental impacts their operations have.”

Gamora and two colleagues made the trip to appeal to the shareholders in Goldcorp at the firm’s annual general meeting in Timmins on Thursday. They want to ensure proper cleanup measures are taken as the San Martin mine undergoes its closure process.

NDP sells out the North – by Thomas Perry (Timmins Daily Press – April 25, 2012)

April 25, 2012

The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.

Party trades away leverage for a few trinkets, bobbles

The NDP has sold out Northern Ontario for a few trinkets and bobbles. Instead of standing firm and voting against Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty’s budget unless the province agreed to halt its plans to divest Ontario Northland, the party caved.

“We tried to get the government to bend on the ONTC issue, but they just wouldn’t,” MPP Gilles Bisson (NDP — Timmins-James Bay) told our sister paper, the North Bay Nugget.

“We put proposals on the table, but the government wasn’t prepared to move on the ONTC. They were hanging on.” Just like they “tried” to get Xstrata to reverse its plans to close our smelter and save close to 700 jobs in Timmins.

Well, guess what? Tried just doesn’t cut it in our books! Are we supposed to hold our collective breath, as Mr. Bisson and his party brethren continue to tilt at windmills?