On March 2, 2026, Lakehead University received more than $1.4 million to expand mining research and create new job training pathways for residents of Bracebridge and the Muskoka region. This investment will fund hands-on projects and student training, allowing local people to prepare for technical careers in the mining industry through the university’s nearby Orillia campus.
The funding includes a $1 million grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and $440,948 from FedNor. These funds will support a new high-tech microanalytical testing lab and a five-year Industrial Research Chair position held by Dr. Peter Hollings, who will focus on developing new models for mineral exploration.
The initiative is also supported by a $500,000 contribution from Kinross Gold Corporation to fund field research at the Great Bear Project near Red Lake. The project is expected to create 22 new positions, including 15 fieldwork assistants, five graduate student spots, and two postdoctoral fellowships.
Bracebridge residents can access these training paths through the Lakehead Orillia campus, which is located approximately 55 kilometres away. The program offers a regional way for students to gain the specialized skills needed for high-paying jobs in Ontario’s resource economy without needing to relocate to a major metropolitan center like Toronto.
