THUNDER BAY — The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the postponement of a large trade show that was scheduled for Thunder Bay in September.
CEN-CAN Resource Expo was supposed to happen at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds, but will now take place July 7-9, 2021.
Organizers describe it as central Canada's largest-ever resource expo, and say it will attract thousands of participants to the city.
The event will bring together stakeholders in Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba's mining, forestry and energy sectors, showcasing the service and supply sector.
Glenn Dredhart, president of show organizer Canadian Trade-Ex, says the decision to postpone was made after a great deal of thought.
Dredhart said the event was already 50 per cent booked prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, and even after the pandemic was declared, bookings increased another 10 per cent.
He said he expects all booths for next summer's event will be sold before the end of 2020.
John Mason, Project Manager of Mining Services for the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Corporation, described the impact of CEN-CAN as "huge".
"As a new trade show with a resource industries focus, this is an opportunity for companies to showcase the newest equipment and state-of-the-art technology for Thunder Bay and region to see," Mason said.
He added that the mining, forestry and energy sectors contribute immensely to the economic wealth of Northwestern Ontario.
