Friday July 13, 2018 – Thunder Bay/Fort William First Nation leaders remain hopeful for new opportunities after learning this afternoon that Noront Resources’ ferrochrome processing plant to process chromite ore from the Ring of Fire will not be built in Thunder Bay.

Mayor Keith Hobbs and Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins learned of the decision from Noront’s senior officials at Thunder Bay City Hall this afternoon.

“While we are disappointed the plant will not be built in Thunder Bay, we continue to see many opportunities for value-added benefits such as road building, provision of materials, and labour force growth as a result of the ferrochrome production facility being built in Northern Ontario,” said Mayor Hobbs.

“Fort William First Nation and the City of Thunder Bay will continue on the path of economic development together and look for future opportunities that will benefit both our communities,” said Chief Collins.

“Thunder Bay put forward a strong submission in February and Noront acknowledged the City’s partnership with Fort William First Nation and strong community support,” said Doug Murray, CEO, CEDC. “The presence of water adjacent to the site presented an environmental risk to the project proceeding here. Our strengths give us a strong base to build on for future projects including supporting Noront in Thunder Bay in terms of logistics, back office work and as a service, supply and bedroom community for the North.”

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Contact: Mayor Keith Hobbs, 625-3601

Chief Peter Collins, Fort William First Nation, 252-8642

Doug Murray, CEO, Community Economic Development Commission, 625-3096

About CEDC: The CEDC is responsible for business development, retention and expansion, entrepreneurial support, opportunity promotion, and the collection and assessment of key business data. The CEDC receives formal proposals for projects that will contribute to economic development. It responds quickly to new opportunities and initiatives to attract direct financial involvement from the government and private sectors. For more information, visit www.ThunderBayCEDC.ca.