Cities Civil and Municipal July 2024 Public Sector

Marathon, Ontario – Canada

July 29, 2024

Marathon, Ontario

Building a Thriving Future

Embracing new developments and green initiatives while maintaining a strong focus on community growth.

Marathon, Ontario, offers a unique blend of serenity and opportunity, capturing the essence of small-town life while embracing modern conveniences. Located in northwestern Ontario, this quaint town is home to pristine natural beauty and a tight-knit community that thrives on the quality of life it provides. Mayor Rick Dumas proudly represents this vibrant community, highlighting the advantages of living and working in such an environment.

“Living in a small northern community, specifically in northwestern Ontario, really centers around quality of life,” he begins. “We have clean air, great areas for enjoying the outdoors, and a safe community.” The mayor acknowledges the differences between rural and urban centers, noting that while Marathon may lack some amenities in larger cities, it compensates with a rich array of local facilities.

For those who choose to reside in Marathon, the appeal is evident. “The people who move to northwestern Ontario and grew up and live here continue to stay because it’s all about the quality of life,” Mayor Dumas explains. He highlights the town’s proximity to larger hubs: “We’re three hours away from the world, which is the international airport in Thunder Bay, Ontario. We can travel and come and go while enjoying our quality of life here in the North.”

Mayor Dumas shares a recent encounter that illustrates the town’s charm: “I just talked to a young couple the other day at our newly developed Pebble Beach area on Lake Superior. They moved to our community, work at the mines, and are thrilled with the quality of life. People are friendly, they have easy access to healthcare, and we have great doctors and a wonderful family health team.”

The mayor emphasizes the benefits of a slower pace of life: “You’re not rushed, you’re not sitting in traffic, you’re not waiting at lights. You can come and go as you please. While we may not have all the amenities of big urban centers, the quality of life here is unmatched.” He proudly describes Marathon as “one of those real gems in the northwest.”

Recreational Amenities

Marathon, Ontario, isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes and serene living; it’s also a hub of recreational activities and future-forward development. Mayor Dumas enthusiastically highlights the town’s extensive amenities and ongoing projects to enhance its residents’ quality of life.

“We have beautiful parks, including Pine Lake Park, a world-class facility,” he states. This park offers all the necessary amenities like water, sewer, cable, and internet, making it a significant draw for locals and visitors alike. Another notable site is Pebble Beach, overlooking Lake Superior. “We just invested over $1 million in Pebble Beach, with support from federal and provincial governments,” he adds.

Marathon also boasts a rich cultural heritage linked to the famous Group of Seven painters who explored the area in the 1920s. Mayor Dumas explains, “There are about 60 sites we’ve enhanced over the years, developing trail systems from our First Nations neighboring community to the east to Neys Provincial Park.” These trails connect Marathon to the Trans-Canada Trail and the Voyager Heritage Trail, offering ample opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Mayor Dumas proudly speaks about the town’s walkability and ongoing beautification efforts. “We call it the loop. The municipality is focused on walkability in our community.” The city also plans a significant development project: the Active 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. Carleton College has launched successful programs for RPNs and heavy equipment operators, indicating some progress in attracting students to these fields.

Critical Infrastructure and Modern Connectivity

Marathon, Ontario, isn’t just preparing for the future; it’s actively building it. Mayor Dumas outlines the ambitious infrastructure projects and the strides made in modern connectivity, emphasizing the town’s readiness to support its growing community and new residents.

“Each municipality is required to do an official plan, and we’re gearing up for ours in 2025,” he begins. He proudly details the town’s proactive approach: “We received funding from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, and the Ontario government has announced its Build More Homes Faster fund.” Marathon has already made significant strides, opening a 30-unit Indigenous housing complex and a 50-unit apartment building, with more developments on the horizon.

This meticulous planning extends beyond housing. “Our water treatment system is first-class, with a capacity to serve around 10,000 people, but currently operating at about 25-30%,” Mayor Dumas highlights. He praises the quality of Marathon’s water, noting, “We have the greatest, cleanest water in probably all of North America.” The town’s robust infrastructure has well-maintained roads and efficient water and sewer systems. “There are a few older areas needing upgrades, but we’re addressing those with ongoing infrastructure funding,” he assures.

Mayor Dumas also addresses broadband, crucial for modern living and remote work. “We have a 12-lane highway for broadband, and we’re only using four of those lanes,” he explains, indicating the town’s capacity for high-speed internet. Providers like Tbaytel, Bell Canada, and Shaw have equipped the community with state-of-the-art fiber optics, making Marathon an ideal location for those working from home. “Sometimes, I find that even neighboring larger centers don’t have broadband as good as ours,” he says with pride. This superior connectivity allows Marathon to encourage urban dwellers to consider the town for its work-from-home potential.

Economic Development and Corporate Presence

Marathon, Ontario, is cultivating a robust local economy and attracting significant corporate investments. Mayor Dumas provides a detailed overview of the town’s business landscape, highlighting existing companies and potential new ventures.

“It’s all about size,” he notes. Marathon may be small, but it boasts a variety of major chains and retailers, including hotels, coffee shops, and an indoor mall. “We have Canadian Tire, Tim Hortons, Travelodge, and other name brands you would expect in most communities,” he explains. The town has ample commercial properties, presenting opportunities for new businesses to establish themselves. “We have a great tax base, reasonable costs, and a welcoming attitude towards new developments,” he adds.

Marathon’s primary industry is mining, with Barrick Hemlo being the largest employer. “Barrick Mines is a huge worldwide company based out of Toronto, and they have mine just outside our community,” Mayor Dumas says. He emphasizes that most employees live in Marathon, contributing significantly to the local economy. Additionally, Generation Mining is setting up a copper, palladium, and platinum mine within the municipal boundaries, expected to bring 400 to 450 direct jobs for at least 13 to 15 years.

Green Initiatives and Sustainable Development

Marathon is also committed to sustainability, integrating green practices into its development projects. Mayor Dumas discusses how the town embraces renewable energy and sustainable building practices.

“Our active living center is going to be a green, sustainable building,” he says, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency. “Everything in that building, from windows to insulation, is designed to be as green as possible.” The town encourages green initiatives in residential and commercial developments, looking at innovative solutions like utilizing lake water for cooling and heating, although the cost can be prohibitive. “We’ve explored options similar to what Toronto does with Lake Ontario, but it’s challenging due to costs,” he admits.

Mayor Dumas also highlights that new developments, including those by Generation Mining, also incorporate green practices. “We’ve met with Generation Mining multiple times to discuss their new build, ensuring it aligns with sustainable practices,” he says. The availability of clean energy through the East-West Tie Transmission Project further supports Marathon’s commitment to environmental responsibility. “We’re focusing on the best opportunities for our economic future, ensuring we use clean, sustainable energy,” he adds.

Veterans Square

Vision for the Future

As Marathon, Ontario, looks ahead, Mayor Dumas shares his ambitious vision for the town’s growth and development over the next 18 months, highlighting key projects that promise to transform the community.

“My energy and the council’s energy will focus specifically on the active living center,” he asserts. This facility is poised to become a central hub for the community, offering a variety of recreational and cultural amenities. “It’s going to be the key aspect for our community,” he emphasizes.

In addition to the active living center, Mayor Dumas highlights the town’s strong relationship with its First Nations neighbors. “We have a great relationship with Chief Michano and his council,” he says, referencing their collaborative efforts on multiple projects. One of the most significant is the development of the port, a joint venture with QSL, a Quebec-based company operating ports throughout North America. “We signed them on as a port operator, and this port is going to open up many more markets for us,” he explains.

The third pillar of Mayor Dumas’s vision involves working closely with Generation Mining. “This collaboration is crucial for the future of our community,” he notes. The mining company’s projects are expected to bring significant employment opportunities and economic benefits to Marathon, reinforcing the town’s role as a mining hub.

As Mayor Dumas outlines these projects, it’s clear that his vision is comprehensive and forward-thinking. By focusing on the active living center, port development, and partnership with Generation Mining, Marathon is set to enhance its economic base, improve quality of life, and strengthen community ties. These initiatives are transformative for the town and set a precedent for strategic, collaborative growth in northern Ontario.