Wednesday, July 8, 2009

June Cool and Dry

It was a cool and dry month of June for the Rainy River district.

Chris Hampel of Environment Canada says the monthly average temperature was well below normal.

"In fact it was 1.3 degrees below normal," says Hampel. "(The district) had an average temperature of 14.7 when it normally is about 16. It was the coldest since 2004, so it's not like cold Junes are an infrequent occurrence."

Hampel says the month was also drier than usual with about 40 millimetres less rain falling than normal.

Human Caused Fires a Concern

An increase in the number of human-caused fires in northwestern Ontario is causing the Ministry of Natural Resources some concern.

Two such fires, including one in the Fort Frances area, were fought by MNR firefighters earlier this week.

Fire Information Officer Debbie MacLean says they're also encountering people who are burning during the day.

"We're discovering people either don't know or ignoring the fact that there is no day burning of grass or brush," says MacLean. "The rule is that they're to start those fires no earlier than two hours before sunset and have them out no later than two hours after sunrise."

The fire in the Fort Frances area near Crow Rock is now out and is currently under investigation.

Action Plan Working

Kenora M-P Greg Rickford says he's satisfied with how the federal government's economic action plan is helping northwestern Ontario.

According to the feds, 80 per cent of that plan aimed at stimulating Canada's economy is complete.

The Conservative says the money earmarked for northwestern Ontario will help local communities grow.

"When we re-emerge from this global recession our communities are going to be in a position to experience residential, commercial and industrial growth in terms of their capacity," says Rickford, "but also be attractive for families who want to bring their children and engage in community activities."

Rickford says the only disappointment for him has been was the failure of the N-D-P to fully endorse the plan.

"The NDP did not participate in this process. They voted against this economic action plan which included key infrastructure projects for northwestern Ontario before they even read it. It's irresponsible."

Thefts Investigated

OPP are investigating a rash of thefts in the Sioux Narrows area.

In one case money was stolen from the cash register of a town business.

Police say they have also received numerous complaints of camps being broken into, but at this point, its unclear what may have been taken.

St. Catharine's Man Found Dead

A 23-year-old St. Catharines man is dead after being reported missing on Lake of the Woods last week.

OPP say they were contacted by Totem Lodge after one of its employees failed to show up for work.

A subsequent search by the OPP's Emergency Response Team led to the discovery of the man's body near the shore of the Lake.

Recreational Funding Revealed

The list of communities to benefit from a infrastructure program for recreational projects have been released.

It includes just two municipalities from the Rainy River district.

The township of Alberton is receiving at total of $48,000 in shared federal and provincial funding to upgrade its Millennium Rink and Park Site.

The township of Emo will get about $65,000 for improvements to the Emo-LaVallee Community Centre.

Nicickousemenecaning First Nation will use $106,000 towards the installation of a water park.

In all more than $50 million was awarded to 137 projects across northern Ontario.

Native Centre Up for Discussion

A request for a zoning amendment that could pave the way for Weechi-it-te-win Family Services to move its Training and Learning Centre to Alberton comes before that township's council tonight.

A public meeting last month led to many residents in the area speaking out against the centre being located on property on Highway 11 at Ducharme Road currently owned by the Arpin Family.

Council will receive additional information tonight, but it's not clear if a decision on the rezoning application will be made.