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Rowswell still chasing transpolar dream

Mayor John Rowswell wants to continue pursuing his dream of making Sault Ste. Marie a transpolar air cargo hub, through discussions at the upcoming Winter Cities Forum.
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Mayor John Rowswell wants to continue pursuing his dream of making Sault Ste. Marie a transpolar air cargo hub, through discussions at the upcoming Winter Cities Forum.

A release from Forum headquarters indicates that a five-person delegation from the Russian cities of Krasnoyarsk and Zheleznogorsk has indicated a willingness to discuss transpolar initiatives during the forum, which takes place January 31 to February 3 in Sault Ste. Marie.

Rowswell will approach City Council about the request, the release says.

The full text follows:

******************************************************************* Jan. 7, 2003 NEWS RELEASE

Winter Cities delegation expresses interest in transpolar air cargo

High level administrators from the Russian Federation, the Russian Cities of Krasnoyarsk and Zheleznogorsk, and the managing company North Air Bridge will be sending a delegation to Sault Ste. Marie's Winter Cities Forum 2003.

A recent e-mail from Vadim Falaleev, head of the International Affairs Department of the City of Krasnoyarsk says five delegates plan to attend: Alexander Konovaltsev, first vice-mayor of Krasnoyarsk; Valery Golotov, advisor to the minister of transportation of the Russian Federation; Alexander Botov, general director of North Air Bridge; Sergey Merhal'ev, vice-mayor of the City of Zheleznogorsk; and Inna Dozortseva, deputy-head of Krasnoyarsk's International Affairs Department.

Winter Cities Forum 2003 President Mayor John Rowswell says the group has expressed an interest in Transpolar Air Cargo talks and he will be approaching City Council in connection with this request.

Rowswell has already asked North Bay Mayor Jack Burrows and Sault Ste. Marie MP Carmen Provenzano for meetings in Ottawa.

Rowswell met with representatives from Cargojet Canada Ltd. last month in connection with establishing Sault Ste. Marie/North Bay as a transpolar cargo hub.

In a followup letter to Rowswell, James Porteous, executive vice-president (sales and service) said, "We at Cargojet believe in such opportunities and are working hard to be a leading Canadian air cargo carrier .... We are currently providing overnight carrier/cargo services to 12 major cities in Canada.

"Your offer to link up with Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay is enticing .... We are intrigued with your transportation air cargo initiative and your strong contacts in Russia. It is hoped that in a few years we can expand our horizons to bring air cargo to/from Asia.

"We would welcome the opportunity to participate with you as you examine further linkages with Asian and Russian air carriers in your efforts to become air cargo hubs. More goods coming through Canada would present an opportunity for us as well.

"We wish you all the best in moving ahead with your transportation air cargo initiative and look forward to hearing from you with ways that we may help in realizing a strong air cargo industry in Canada."

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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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