of Atikokan for 20 years, points specifically
to forestry. When Resolute Forest Prod-
ucts opened its new mill, 90 direct jobs
were created. Rentech’s mill, which makes
wood pellets, contributed another 40 jobs.
Public infrastructure like the town’s hospi-
tal employs over 100 people. So jobs are
not lacking in this town.
In recent years, things have taken on a
fresh perspective. McKinnon has noted
a population increase in the last three or
four years. Economically, new strides have
been made too. The abandoned iron ore
mines are now a target for the develop-
ment of a very innovative energy project.
The town is working with its First Nations
partners in addition to engineering and
financial firms with visions of creating a
1,200 to 1,300 megawatt battery for the
storage of energy — an endeavour that is
predicted to cost as much as $2 billion.
The town hasn’t completely lost touch with
mining either. Canadian Malartic, a mining
company, has identified 14 million ounces
of gold at the Hammond Reef site in Atiko-
kan. About $250 million has already been
spent by the company pursuing this ven-
ture. Commercializing this large deposit
will become a profitable reality when the
price of gold bounces back up, McKinnon
said.
The town’s success is also attributable to a
stubborn determination to excel and com-
munal loyalty. Mayor Brown and McKin-
non spoke of two inspiring stories. Before
Atikokan Train Tracks by Cami Lind
6
business elite canada
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OCTOBER 2016
