Thunder Bay welcomed the mining industry this week as the 2026 Central Canada Resource Expo (CEN-CAN Expo) brought more than 300 exhibitors to the Fort William Gardens and Fort William Curling Club. The two-day event showcased mining technology, heavy equipment, exploration, training and career opportunities while bringing together companies and industry leaders from across Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
MineConnect members had an impressive presence throughout the show, with 81 member companies exhibiting at CEN-CAN Expo. Their strong participation demonstrated the depth of expertise, innovation and capability within Ontario’s mining supply and service sector. MineConnect staff were also on hand to connect with members, strengthen industry relationships and promote the association’s growing network.
The week began with the sold-out 2nd Annual MineConnect Industry Leaders Golf Tournament at Strathcona Golf Course. Despite a few showers, golfers enjoyed an energetic day of networking and friendly competition. Congratulations to Team NORCAT—Shane Hayes, Shane Matson, Matt Alexander and Zack Souckey—on being named the 2026 tournament champions.
The tournament also gave participants the opportunity to golf alongside industry leaders from Alamos Gold, Redpath Mining and Equinox Gold’s Greenstone Mine. Most importantly, proceeds from the Industry Leaders auction will support Oshki-Pimache-O-Win: The Wenjack Education Institute and its skilled-trades training programs for Indigenous learners across Northwestern Ontario.
The connections continued Tuesday evening with another packed MineConnect Roadshow. The event brought members and industry colleagues together for an evening of conversation, relationship-building and the unmistakable energy of Northern Ontario’s mining community.
From the golf course and Roadshow to the busy CEN-CAN Expo floor, Thunder Bay delivered an outstanding week of connection, collaboration and opportunity. Thank you to our members, sponsors, Industry Leaders, volunteers and everyone who helped make the week such a success.
Thanks as always to our event sponsors: Atlas Copco • Automation Now Inc. • CAA BUSINESS SERVICES LIMITED • Calstone Search Group • CoreLift® • Digital Engineering Inc • Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada • Flynn Group of Companies • GFL Environmental Inc. • Green Infrastructure Partners • Hancon Mining Inc. • NPLH Drilling • @ONE Canada • Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) • TOMCO Group of Companies • Workforce Inc.
