Pickle Lake Mayor Roy Hoffman says the town, with a year-round population of about 400 residents, is making every effort to ensure the influx of 70 to 80 municipal delegates, presenters and guests enjoy their stay.

“We’re really looking forward to the conference, to networking and getting the message out to government on issues affecting Pickle Lake and the Kenora district,” Hoffman said.

The tentative agenda of guest speakers is subject to final confirmation; however, Hoffman confirmed Kenora MP Greg Rickford will attend and invitations have been extended to Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell and Lac Seul First Nation Chief Clifford Bull.

Friday’s keynote speakers are Kevin Desrosiers from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Thunder Bay district office and Chantelle Bryson from the law firm of Weiller Maloney and Nelson who will provide perspectives on the relationship between municipalities and First Nations regarding legal issues and aboriginal law.

The theme of the 2014 conference is ‘Pioneering Opportunities’ and Friday’s program will continue the panel format introduced last year under the three principal areas of industrial/economic development in the Kenora district: mining, foresty and tourism.

The mining sector panel will feature speakers Scott Jacob, community relations manager for Noront Resources; Christine Kosinski, Ring of Fire secretariat, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines; and, Peter McBride of the Ontario Mining Association. The forestry sector panel will include presentations by Kenora city councillor and Kenora Forest Products mill manager Rod McKay; and, Genvieve Knauff of gck Consulting in Thunder Bay. The tourism panel will feature Bruce Fallen, of the Wasaya Group, representing regional aboriginal tourism associations; and, Paul Pepe, City of Thunder Bay tourism department (subject to confirmation).

There will also be a presentation from the Centre for Research and Aging at Lakehead University entitled: Finding the Right Fit – Age Friendly Community Planning.

The program continues Saturday with the year-end reports submitted by representatives from the Northwestern Health Unit, Kenora District Services Board and the District of Kenora Homes for the Aged. The three organizations receive part of their funding through levies from district municipalities.

Reg.Clayton@sunmedia.ca

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