More towns given special designation under OMIP plan

The communities of Atikokan, Manitouwadge and the Beardmore-Geraldton-Longlac-Nakina area have recently been designated under the Ontario Mineral Incentives Program (OMIP) special community component. Exploration projects in these areas will receive a refund of 50% of eligible expenses from OMIP. Normally, the program provides grants equal to 30% of exploration expenses up to a maximum of $300,000.

Under the special component of OMIP, economically stressed communities that show good mineral potential are designated for increased funding. Elliot Lake and the Kirkland Lake/Timiskaming area were designated “special communities” last year.

In 1990, the special component of the program had a budget of $1 million, most of which was taken up by explorationists in the Kirkland Lake area, said Ed Solonyka, supervisor of incentives for the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Although it has not yet been finalized, this year’s budget will be about the same or slightly greater, he said.

Other areas in northern Ontario may be considered for the special designation if the enhanced program is sitting with a budget surplus close to the April 1 deadline, said Solonyka. Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa were mentioned as possible candidates.