Tuesday, September 1, 2009

National Chief Weighs in on Mining Dispute

The Assembly of First Nations is weighing into the ongoing dispute between Kitchennuhmaykoosib Inninwug First Nation and the exploration company Platinex.

National Chief Shawn Atleo is urging the province to consult with the first nation community on a land use plan, suggesting mining permits be cancelled until the plan is complete.

Platinex wants to resume exploration on property near the community, something the band is opposing.

Underpass Opening Tomorrow

The reopening of the Portage Avenue underpass is happening a little sooner than planned.

The roadway in Fort Frances was scheduled to reopen to one lane of traffic Thursday, but officials with the town now say both lanes will be open beginning tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock.

Paving is expected to be completed by the end of today.

There is still some work outstanding, but officials says it should not impede further on traffic flows.

Sabers Ticket Drive Underway

The Fort Frances Sabres officially kick of their season ticket drive today.

Tickets will be available at the Memorial Sports Centre from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight.

Team officials are hoping to reach the 100 mark.

As of yesterday, 28 season ticket packages had been sold with the season beginning September 17th.

Forestry Review Dismissed

Plans to review the system how the province sells and allocates wood to companies is not sitting well with Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton.

A series of public consultations kicks off later this month.

But Hampton says the government's review does little to address the forestry industry's key concern.

"The real problem is with their policy of driving hydro rates, specifically the industrial hydro rate, through the roof," says Hampton, "which makes it too expensive for companies to operate paper machines in Ontario. That's where they should be focusing their attention."

Hampton feels the review only gives the impression the government is actually doing something to help northwestern Ontario communities.

More Aid to B.C.

More Ministry of Natural Resources personnel is being sent to help with forest firefighting efforts in British Columbia.

Seventy-eight fireRangers and support staff arrived in B.C. yesterday with more expected to leave Ontario today.

Forest fire fighting support to British Columbia is now into its seventh week.

Hsopital Deal Reached

The Ontario Hospital Association has reached a tentative deal with hospital employees represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

The province-wide deal impacts workers at 54 hospitals, including those at Riverside Health Care Facilities' hospital in Rainy River.

The four-year agreement includes wage increases and the forming of a committee to examine the issue of sick leave.

Both parties have agreed to ratification no later than October 30.

Public Board Trustees Meet Tonight

Trustees with the Rainy River District School Board will also return today from their summer recess.

They'll meet at the board office in Fort Frances beginning at 7 p.m.

On their agenda will be the swearing in of a new student trustee.

Trustees will also hear presentations on the results of the secondary school literacy tests and the board's operational plan for the year.

School Safety Emphasized

With the start of classes means the return of the big yellow buses back to area roads and streets.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says it's important motorists take extra precautions when approaching or following a school bus today.

"Make sure your giving the buses enough distance that they're able to stop safely to pick up the children and to drop them off," says McCoy. "The kids are just starting to get back into the routine of going to school and they're excited so they're not always looking our for cars most of the time. Be patient, slow down and abide by the rules of the road."

Failure to adhere to a school buses stop lights can lead to fines of between 400 to 2-thousand dollars and the loss of six demerit points for a first offence.

McCoy says students should also exercise caution, especially when existing the bus by walking well in front of the bus before crossing and doing so when the driver indicates it's safe.

Students should also never run across a road to or from the bus.

School Resumes in Rainy River District

It's the start of a new school year in the Rainy River district.

Classes at both public and catholic schools resume today.

Education Director for the Rainy River District School Board Jack McMaster says there's plenty new for the public board this year.

"Lots of Ministry (of Education) initiatives are coming down the pipe," says McMaster. "Environmental education is a big one that we'll be pulling in and focusing on some more this year. There's opportunities to green-up some of our schools with additional seed money from the Ministry"

McMaster says the board is being cautious about projected enrolments, anticipating a 3 per cent decline over the previous year.

A larger jurisdiction greets the Northwest Catholic District School Board on the start of this new school year.

An amalgamation with the Atikokan Roman Catholic Separate School Board officially takes effect today.

Education Director Mary-Catherine Kelly says with it brings St. Patrick's School into the fold.

"We also have put in a new computer lab at the school," says Kelly, "and now we're networked with out video conferencing capabilities and internet. So we're well connected to our new school and our new community."

On the weekend, the board held an inaugural mass for the new principal and staff.

Rejoicing and Hope is the theme of the new school year.

While predicting a slight decline in fall enrollments last June, Kelly says early indications do point to some growth, but final numbers won't be know until next week.