The Great Claybelt Agriculture Business Plan won’t be getting any financial support from Kapuskasing. The project develops business plans to expand the farming industry on available public land from Hearst to Timmins. Mayor Dave Plourde says council voted against making the $11,500 contribution because it doesn’t reflect the community’s best interests.
“The forests that we have that surround the municipality and in the region is best used for the purposes that it’s presently used for,” he said. “There is a fear and seen of our participation as an endorsement.”
Town council is also concerned with the lack of consultation with major industry in the region.
Eleven municipalities along with several economic development agencies have been asked to contribute. The Town of Hearst, North Claybelt and the Timmins EDC are among those which have approved funding. The project which is worth over $752,000 is in the hands of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund for funding consideration.
