Representatives from the Town of Espanola are attending the annual Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities Conference this week in Timmins alongside municipal and provincial leaders from across Northern Ontario.
Espanola CAO, Joseph Burke, says the keynote address was provided by Jamie Campbell, host of Blue Jays Central on Sportsnet, talking about the importance of coming together and kindness in making a difference in our communities.
Burke adds he and Mayor Douglas Gervais participated in discussions focused on transportation, infrastructure, housing, and regional economic development.
Burke emphasizes regional collaboration was a key focus, with participation from Mayor Kevin Burke of Sables-Spanish Rivers and Amy Mazey of Nairn and Hyman.
Delegates also toured the Northlander Train which provides transportation from Timmins to Toronto, recently reinstated, and met with Ministers including Lisa Thomson, Minister of Rural Affairs and George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, to discuss transportation connectivity, economic investment, and priorities impacting Northern Ontario communities such as the challenges the forestry sector is facing.
Following the conference, representatives will participate in a rural summit hosted by the Ministry of Rural Affairs to continue discussions on strengthening rural communities and the regional economy.
