Living Centre. “This will be the new legacy hub of the community, with an indoor pool, arena, theater complex, bowling alley, seniors’ facility, and cultural center activities for our First Nations neighbors,” he reveals. This $65 million project, currently in its final planning phases, is expected to boost the town’s recreational and cultural offerings significantly. ADDRESSING LABOR SHORTAGES AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT As Marathon, Ontario, continues to evolve, it faces the common challenge of labor shortages, particularly in skilled trades. Mayor Dumas addresses this pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of engaging the younger generation and highlighting the town’s efforts to bridge this gap. “Working on the AMO board has shown me that labor shortages are widespread across Ontario,” he shares. Despite efforts to promote trades and related careers, he notes,“Students seem more interested in business and social media careers, even though we’re a mining community now with significant opportunities in trades.” He points out the lucrative nature of these professions, saying, “In my community, everything’s over six figures if you’re a tradesperson.” The town has implemented various programs to foster interest among the youth. “We have student councils where two high school students are sworn in every year to participate in council debates and bring their peers’ suggestions to the table,” the mayor explains. However, despite these initiatives, there still needs to be a connection between students and the available trade opportunities. Efforts are underway to reverse this trend. “The Workplace Planning Board presented us with data showing 1,600 jobs available in northwestern Ontario, many in trades and health sectors,” Mayor Dumas reports. Confederation College has launched successful programs for RPNs and heavy equipment operators, indicating some progress in attracting students to these fields. STRONG VALUES. EXPERIENCE THAT DELIVERS. 4 Hemlo Drive, PO Bag “TM”, Marathon, ON P0T2E0 807-229-1340 info@marathon.ca • www.marathon.ca 56 Connaught Avenue Cochrane, ON P0L 1C0 705-272-5404 admin@cgvgroup.ca • CGVGROUP.CA 254 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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