Heather Latter
Given the prospect of a gold mine operation in Richardson Township, north of Barwick, in late 2015 (based on Rainy River Resources’ positive results from its latest Preliminary Economic Assessment), in addition to Coventry Resources moving ahead with a PEA at its Cameron Gold Project southeast of Sioux Narrows, the Township of Emo is preparing for the impact it could see if the mining industry in the area continues to progress.
“It gives us some definite hope and promise for some potential here,” said Emo Coun. Anthony Leek.
“I think to be able to house a mine nearby is something we want to focus on over the next few years, especially when it comes to our water and sewer upgrading, so that we have proper infrastructure for potential growth,” he noted.
Coun. Leek said council has been in contact with Rainy River Resources over the past few months, and the company is really interested in trying to house whoever it needs to bring in to Emo over the long-term.
“Their focus is really on bringing people back and bringing youth back to the area,” he explained.
“And I think Emo being one of the closest communities that has infrastructure around, it is really essential that we as town council, and the town as a whole, is preemptive in making sure our investments are into the areas that would help support mining.”
Coun. Leek also noted with the possibility of 600 full-time mining positions, not to mention additional spin-off jobs, Emo does have the space for expansion, especially with the Kaemingh subdivision, as well as Echo Lake Estates, with 70 fully-serviced lots available.
“I think [the recent news] gives people in the area a little more optimism and it’s very evident in what I’m seeing happening in the marketplace,” said Kathy Judson of Re/Max in Emo.
“There are a few developers looking [in] from outside thinking now might be a really good time to get into the marketplace,” she added, noting in terms of housing prices over the next few years, it simply will depend on supply and demand.
For instance, Judson is beginning to see more interest in the property available at Echo Lake Estates. While it hasn’t resulted in people building houses just yet, she expects things will pick up quickly given the mining potential.
She added there also is the possibility of semi-detached housing, similar to townhouse units, being built in the subdivision.
“I think it’s just positive all the way around,” Judson enthused. “I see the market as very good and very strong.”
She feels the district, in terms of real estate, certainly is capable of handling a mining boom.
“I think we’re doing a lot of the right things,” she remarked, noting the availability of lots in Emo and council working on the extension of the water and sewer infrastructure.
“It just indicates growth,” Judson reasoned. “And though we might not be totally ready this minute, we certainly will be by the time we need to be.”
Businesses in Emo, meanwhile, already have been seeing an impact from the exploratory mining by several different companies taking place nearby for the last few years.
“We’re happy,” said Dan Loney of Cloverleaf Grocery. “Business is definitely up year over year for the last few years here.”
He indicated the drilling outfits have cooks and they are in a couple times a week purchasing large quantities of food and supplies.
Loney said if Emo happens to see a “boom” due to the progress of the mining industry, Cloverleaf will make any necessary adjustments, whether it’s bringing in new items or hiring more staff.
He added since the store is fairly new, they probably wouldn’t expand its size. But they do have room to add another checkout lane if needed.
Tom Mosbeck at Tompkins Hardware also has seen a lot of positive impact at his Front Street business.
“[The mining companies] have a lot of needs and we sell them a lot of supplies,” he noted, saying they purchase plenty of building materials and heating products.
“We’re excited by the thought of a mining boom,” Mosbeck added.
“Anytime you get a big change like a mine, it does make a difference to the town and it’s exciting.”
