Thousands of people are expected to roll through the upcoming Canadian Mining Expo.
The Big Event is returning to the McIntyre Community Centre in Timmins June 5 and 6, and will feature more than 400 displays.
“The event has grown so large you can’t get a motel here in Timmins or a hotel, you can’t get a motel or hotel in Cochrane, so it’s getting very, very large. And it’s a good thing. We’re all hoping that the industry picks up a little bit, the price of gold rises a little bit, and I’m sure this camp will again and still be one of the hottest mining gold camps in Canada,” said Glenn Dredhart, Canadian Trade-Ex president and CEO.
“We’re proud of what’s going on here in Timmins and this event is basically a showcase of what is going on.”
For the companies exhibiting, Dredhart said they are encouraged to open their eyes to the potential of setting up in the Porcupine camp, whether it's opening a warehouse of setting up a sales representative for a product or service line.
“We’re really happy because we have a relationship with our city that we feel is really good and our backbone is mining and our mining heritage, along with our lumber industry, so we feel that there’s no better place than Timmins,” he said.
The Mining Expo runs Wednesday, June 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The exhibits will be set up inside the McIntyre Community Centre, as well as the facility’s grounds.
Because some of the tents will take over the back parking lots, there is a shuttle service running from the Vipond Road ballpark.
Dredhart said the shuttles run every 10 to 15 minutes and there is a security guard in the lot as well.
Each year, Dredhart said they try to add an activity to offer something new.
This year, the First Nations Partnership Pavilion will feature successful partnerships with companies. It's being sponsored by the Missanabie Cree First Nation and will be set up across from the McIntyre Curling Rink.
The grand opening of the show is June 5 a 11 a.m.
That's when Timmins Mayor George Pirie and other guests will be on hand.
Other activity highlights for the first day include the Northern Jackleg Drilling Contest, with categories for mayors and celebrities, women's novice and professional. There is a two-day Transport Canad Drone Pilot Certification Course being offered, which includes field lessons and an in-class exam.
An Explore Your Options job fair runs in the McIntyre ballroom from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and there is a VIP Miners' Social at 6 p.m.
June 6 there is an investors' forum, Aboriginal forum, and more.
For the full schedule or to register for activities, click here or call 1-866-754-9334.
