Timmins.

• Position: COMMUNITIES OF THE NORTH

The glitter of gold has helped bring a sparkle to the City of Timmins. Companies continue to position Timmins as a leader in the mining industry. In addition to gold, zinc, copper, talc, and nickel are actively mined. All mineral exploration and development assists with the evolution and growth of the community.

Timmins is emerging as a regional centre, servicing Northeastern Ontario. Retail and commercial sectors have seen a strong level of growth in recent years, with a flurry of activity from a wide variety of national chains that are establishing a local presence.

A new 20,000-square-foot Future Shop and a 6,200-square-foot Boston Pizza have gone up in the last year alone. Current building permit levels are comparable to the previous year, with several new developments slated for 2009. Significant retail expansions have also been a trend, with Walmart constructing a 38,000-square-foot addition to its existing site in the city's west end. New office space and upgrades to existing retailers are already on the horizon, ensuring a viable construction segment.

The local education sector has also seen a rise in prominence, with College Boreal constructing a brand new campus in the city's north end. This is in partnership with I'Universite de Hearst. The $15-million project...