Northern Communities, Working Together
Date : September 20, 2010
Prompted by events such as the bankruptcy of Marathon Pulp Inc, the Town of Marathon, Ojibways of the Pic River and the Township of Manitouwadge formed a joint venture enterprise. The purpose of the business is to make available to the Province, forest management services and operations for the management of Crown forests such as the Big Pic Forest. The communities envision that the employment and benefits associated with forest management activities would remain within those communities participating in the joint venture.
The communities of Marathon, Pic River and Manitouwadge, are pleased to report that they unanimously endorse and support the intent, mission and business strategy of the Community Joint Venture firm formed to participate in the forest operations of the Big Pic Forest.
The communities look forward to more closely aligning their respective forest operations for next year to better co-ordinate mutually beneficial operations and business opportunities, expected to improve as a result of provincial initiatives and business development efforts.
Dave Raymond, Economic Development Officer, Manitouwadge feels this collaboration will benefit Manitouwadge residents “This partnership is important to Manitouwadge because it will immediately create jobs and ensure that our natural resources will be sustainably used for the betterment of the entire region. The partnership is also the first of many possible partnership opportunities among our communities. 3 heads are better than 1, and as long as we all pull in the same direction, we are much stronger than working alone.” said Raymond.
The community leaders have a strong concern about the sustainable management of the regional forest areas as it directly impacts upon the viability of the local forest industry, and, by extension, the communities.
The community leaders have reaffirmed their strong interest in being active participants in the management of the regional Forests, as contemplated in the provincial Tenure Reform proposal, upon which their respective communities rely for sustainable resources benefitting current & future generations.
Daryl Skworchinski, Community Services & Economic Development Manager has been delegated as speaker for this group but was unavailable for comment at press time.
