Two Quebec northern cities enjoy prosperity from mining

Its long association with the mining industry has earned Val-d’Or the title of The Mining Capital of Quebec.

The mayor of Val-d’Or, Fernand Trahan, is quite proud to see his city and its businesses capture an advantageous position in the mining industry.

“Our companies are present in 34 countries around the world. With Géologie Québec here, we have the most important office of its kind in the country.

The mineral expertise is here and it comes as no surprise that Val-d’Or has been praised as the mining capital of the province by the Government of Quebec.

We are the mining centre of Eastern Canada. We can’t be good at everything, but we enjoy being excellent in the fields where we can be,” said Trahan.

According to him, the future is promising in his city and steps have been taken to continue the momentum built up over the years.

Construction hasn’t stopped. In the past year, 500 housing units have been built; houses as well as apartments. In addition, we have an industrial park that is very attractive and dynamic.”

Another example of success for Val-d’Or is its airport which boasts the Northern Mining Transit Centre. The airport is the gateway to the northern territories where numerous mining developments are occurring.

The airport’s second phase of development, at a cost of $7 million, is progressing toward completion. With offices for the mining companies, meeting rooms and runways that can take Boeing 737 airplanes, the airport is really a genuine hotel complex that serves as the entrance to Quebec’s North.

“It is an amazing success; the demand is quite heavy for the use of these installations. Despite the problems that occur with food delivery, we are dealing with 10 flights a week leaving for the North,” the mayor was happy to add.

Trahan says that “we owe a great deal of this success to the commercial organizations on site.

We have a corporation for the airport and a municipal economic development corporation. Both cooperate and ensure a fine collaboration in the mandates given to them. Our relations with the native communities are excellent, which is fundamental to achieving success.”

When an economic sector such as mining is sound, it is important to recognize there are direct and indirect spinoffs in the community and area. For Abitibi-Témiscamingue, the mineral industry is without a doubt a significant factor in the region’s healthy economic environment.

Another city in the region is Rouyn-Noranda and its mayor, Mario Provencher, is pleased with this present prosperity.

“Mines give a lot to the community. This is evident, namely for the cultural events. We see a difference, with the executives of these companies who are making their home here in increasing numbers.

We see that it is working in the direction of social acceptability. There is a nice collaboration between the mining industry and our citizens,” he commented.

Although this prosperity is welcome, the mayor acknowledges that there is a downside to this situation.

“Just as in the political world, the mining industry has its strong and weak sides. In Rouyn-Noranda, 80% of the properties sit on mining claims and this could result in cohabitation problems.

(Often surface right and mining rights are owned by different parties)

We are at a stage where we must develop our housing supply, namely to welcome mine workers. But with these mining claims, it could take a long time before we can build.

This is why a joint committee was created in order to work out these issues thoroughly. No one needs confrontation.”

If the issue of housing becomes an irritant, mining’s growth could affect the services offered to the population.

We must manage growth carefully. We must plan the upgrade of infrastructure, while keeping in mind the “needs of the mines. It is a cycle. Nonetheless, it is the time to take advantage of the situation to invest.

We must also support our MP and those who wish to improve their services. The daycare centres, for example, have needs that are at the forefront.”