Communities of opportunity Timmins.

• Position: COMMUNITIES OF OPPORTUNITY - Brief article

The glitter of high-priced gold has brought a sparkle to the City of Timmins.

As the hub of mining and forestry, Timmins is also known for its well-educated bilingual workforce and as an affordable place to do business.

Timmins is home to 46,000 people with a regional catchment area of 118,000.

With a sophisticated and thriving municipality surrounded by forests and more than 500 lakes, rivers and streams, the city provides breathing room and an environment for families to set their roots.

This year also marked the city's centennial anniversary.

Although Timmins' economy is driven by resource-based industries, large segments of the workforce contribute to a diversified economy through retail, construction, health and social services, industrial supply, telecommunications, and tourism.

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The educational sector has also seen a rise in prominence.

Northern College finished a $17.8-million expansion with a trades and technology centre, which opened up in 2010.

Timmins also has a strong entrepreneurial culture and is a community where people not only find meaningful employment opportunities, they have the opportunity to create them. Offering every aspect of a...