Northern Ontario’s Large Urban Mayors (NOLUM) say our region is entering a period of renewed growth.
The five mayors from North Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste Marie, Timmins and Thunder Bay say with strong provincial partnership, northern cities are well positioned to drive economic development and improve quality of life for residents across the region.
The group sat down with Premier Doug Ford, some cabinet ministers and leaders at Invest Ontario this week.
Officials say discussions focused on protecting Northern Ontario’s economy, responding to the impact of tariffs, and creating the conditions for long-term growth.
Mayor Peter Chirico says tapping into critical minerals is key, and they were direct in their questions for the premier when it comes to Bill 5.
“We did ask the premier and got a very direct answer. Will you respect the treaty rights of Indigenous peoples? And he said, ‘you have my word on that’,” Chirico says. “Based on that we’re supportive as NOLUM, as our group, of Bill 5 and to get these processes so we can realize the potential in Northern Ontario.”
Chirico says there is some work that still needs to be done with the bill, but they support it
“One process. One review,” he says. “Speed things up. On average right now it takes about 17 years to get one project through.”
Chirico says other issues centered around continued infrastructure investments, support for Ontario Northland, highway safety, social and healthcare issues.
“All of these things, we are different in Northern Ontario and we’ve asked for help,” he says. “We’ve been assured that it is on its way.”
Overall, the mayors emphasized the need for strategic provincial action to accelerate project approvals, deepen partnerships with Indigenous communities, and expand the economic tools available to municipalities.
