Towns grow from mines

The population of Marathon has grown to 5,200 from 3,050 and Manitouwadge to 4,500 from 3,200 since the development of this gold deposit in 1983.

In Marathon’s case, population growth is not only the result of the 1,100 jobs created at the mines. Many more were created as existing businesses grew. Ribbons have been cut to officially open 178 new firms in the past five years.

The need to accommodate this population has resulted in a real estate boom. New homes have been constructed at such a rate that Marathon is now bustling. A $4-million separate school and a $8-million public secondary school are also under construction.

Accommodation has sprung up for more than 500 new households. Those needing low-cost housing have also benefited from 48 new, non-profit housing units.

In 1988 alone, builders developed 110 residential lots. There are another 115 lots in the Penn Lake subdivision waiting to come on stream as needed.

Also in the plans are a $7-million town centre mall, new municipal offices, a clinic, a non-profit housing development, waterfront development, a downhill ski facility, bowling lanes and other projects.

But the Hemlo goldfield has affected more than the nearby town. Mine developments have drawn upon resources of industrial contractors all over the province.

Communities such as Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Timmins have benefited from meeting the demands of the mining companies at Hemlo.

]]>