Vendors at Expo Labrador looking beyond Muskrat Falls

The industry trade show Expo Labrador is marking its 20th anniversary this week, and as construction on the Muskrat Falls hydro project peaks, vendors are looking for the next big thing.

Expo Labrador began in 1995 as a way for business people to make contacts at Voisey's Bay.

2015 will be the busiest year at Muskrat Falls, as more than 3,000 people work on the project. But after this year, the numbers are expected to dwindle — and in two years, the work will be done.

Sterling Peyton, of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, said it's time to start thinking about what comes next.

"I think they're finally starting to realize that the conversation has to take place," he said.

"Those conversations are starting to happen, and that's a really good thing. We need to talk about it."

Exhibitors are beginning to talk about opportunities beyond Muskrat Falls.

Jeff Campbell from Showa Gloves Manufacturing said there is speculation about the Gull Island Project, along the lower Churchill River.

However, that has not been sanctioned and there is no indication that construction will begin anytime soon.