Red Lake seeks government support as town prepares for influx of residents

Red Lake is asking provincial and federal governments for support as two nearby mining projects fast-tracked by Ontario and a new regional bridge are expected to bring jobs and a projected 1,500–2,000 new residents over the next decade.

Red Lake is seeking provincial and federal support as nearby development and infrastructure projects are expected to increase the town's population and demand for services. The article reports the Ontario government has fast-tracked Kinross Gold Corporation's Great Bear project near Red Lake, following an earlier decision to fast-track Frontier Lithium's PAK project. Local officials say the projects could bring hundreds of jobs and spur additional construction and indirect employment. The town also noted a planned bridge and road work that would connect more remote communities and expand the regional labour pool. Key details: - The article reports Ontario has fast-tracked Kinross Gold Corporation's Great Bear project, located about 24 kilometres southeast of Red Lake. - Local officials say the Great Bear project is expected to create about 900 operational jobs, with peak employment near 1,100, and that construction is expected to begin next year. - A provincial media release cited a preliminary economic assessment that estimated the mine could produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold a year at its peak. - Frontier Lithium's PAK project was previously fast-tracked under the same provincial framework. - The federal and provincial governments are building the Berens River Bridge, which is expected to connect Red Lake to Pikangikum and other remote First Nations communities, expanding the local catchment to about 14,000 people. - Red Lake projects population growth of about 1,500 to 2,000 people over the next 10 years and notes the municipality owns less than two per cent of its vacant land, prompting requests for Crown land and government assistance. Summary: Red Lake expects growth pressure from two nearby mining projects and new regional infrastructure, which local officials say will increase jobs and population. The municipality has asked provincial and federal governments for help with land and funding because its tax base is insufficient for large infrastructure costs. Officials have discussed the matter with ministers and plan a round table with the province next month to further outline community needs.