MEDIA RELEASE

November 2, 2011

NORTHERN MAYORS MEET TO FOCUS ON NORTHERN ONTARIO

NORTH BAY, ONTARIO, November 2nd, 2011: Mayor Al McDonald attended a meeting with

Northern Mayors on November 1st to discuss matters affecting Northern Ontario. The Mayors of the 5 largest cities in Northern Ontario pledged to unite Northern Ontario through a Council of Mayors concept that is inclusive of all northern communities. This initiative was unanimously supported by Mayors: Al McDonald, Keith Hobbs, Tom Laughren, Debbie Amaroso and Marianne Matichuk. The Mayors agreed, We must have a united voice for the North to be successful. We are working together to develop this concept for the future success and growth of Northern Ontario. Mayor McDonald was there to bring the message of Northern Ontario unity. I am very pleased that the other Mayors supported the concept of a Council of Mayors to unite Northern Ontario, stated Mayor McDonald. We realize that we must all work together. Priority issues also discussed at the forum included the continued development of the Northern Ontario Growth Plan and the importance of competitive industrial energy prices. High energy costs are putting much of Northern Ontarios energy intensive, resource processing industries at a competitive disadvantage. This reality is detrimental to attracting and sustaining economic viability for our communities, stated Tom Laughren, Mayor of Timmins. The Northern Mayors will meet again early in the new year.
- 30 For more information please contact: Mayor Al McDonald Phone: (705) 494-5294 E-mail: mayor@cityofnorthbay.ca