Speaking on the occasion, Fred Gibbons said Timmins is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada and is an attractive investment destination. He said during the economic depression that engulfed Canada and North America, Timmins actually registered a substantial growth, which it has continued even thereafter.  The affordability of Timmins makes it a prime location for commercial and industrial development. 

Mr. Gibbons also said that the city thrives on new and existing businesses benefiting from the continuing strength of our economy.  Timmins is a resource-based economy with mining and forestry activity, but the service and tourism sectors add to the diverse economy.  The history of Timmins is associated with the gold discoveries of the Porcupine Camp, beginning in the early 1900s.  In the 1960s, base metals such as copper, zinc and nickel began to replace gold as the primary mined deposit.  Today, a variety of precious and base metals, as well as industrial minerals, are mined.

In his welcome remarks, D. P. Jain, Treasurer and Director, ICCC, said, emphasized the role that ICCC is playing in pivoting bilateral trade between Canada and India. He said ICCC also promotes the investment opportunities in Canadian cities and the program with Timmins was a part of this promotion.

Mr. Jain said the Chamber in its three-and-a-half decade has emerged as the main organization of the Indo-Canadians and both the Canadian and the Indian governments consults it on trade, fiscal and immigration policy matters.

In her presentation, Brenda Camirand enumerated the incentives available to investors for investing in the city. She said Timmins is centrally located in Northeastern Ontario, and is the regional centre for shopping, culture, commerce, health, industrial supplies and distribution channels. 

Cathy Ellis in her remarks listed the attractions of the city and said that while has a population of 45,000, the city will require 18,000 new residents in the next decade.

Andrea McCormack in her presentation said Timmins draws consumers and business-to-business trade from throughout the Cochrane District, the James Bay Coastal area and nearby communities such as Chapleau and Kirkland Lake for a total regional market of approximately 118,000.