Media.Knet.Ca

Local chamber President Christine Hoey, members of the executive and the general membership arranged for a meeting at Keewaytinook Okimakanak’s Sioux Lookout office on Friday, July 5. There is an interest to learn about the work that K-Net is doing and to explore ways that the Chamber members might benefit from broadband connectivity to further develop partnerships with the First Nations in the north. Theresa Stephens from the local Ministry of Northern Development and Mines spoke about the Smart Demonstration project and what it means to have this national and international project located in Northwestern Ontario. Marney Hoey spoke about the potential of broadband connectivity for the community and the region. Kathy Davidson and others asked questions about their own high speed connections and how they might be able to get broadband services for their businesses. Ralph Ireland was happy to see the developments that are reaching the far north. We had a chance to drop in on the e-Centre in Deer Lake and have a brief tour of their facility and meet the staff there. Thanks to Oscar, Arlene and Jeremy for giving everyone a short tour of your space. Sorry for the unannounced intrusion but sometimes it is more impressive for first time users of video equipment to be able to see what it is like to be able to do a virtual “drop in”, unplanned tour in another community. Plans were made for hosting a workshop or series of sessions around Industry Canada’s Innovation Strategy and how local businesses and community members can contribute to this new strategic direction for our own community and Canada.