Thursday, November 21, 2013

Sawmill To Start Up Again

Workers at the Resolute Forest Products sawmill in Thunder Bay are heading back to work following a sudden shutdown earlier this week.

The mill was closed Tuesday due to a recent string of accidents.

The company has since gone through a review of its health and safety procedures and plans to be back in operation this Sunday.

About 200 workers were affected by the shutdown.

Municipalities To Be Informed Of What's On The Rails

Rail companies must now let municipalities know when they're transporting dangerous goods through their communities.

Federal transport Minister Lisa Raitt has issued a so-called protective direction.

A release says it's aimed at enhancing safety and improving communication between railways and communities,

The directive is to remain in place for at least three years.

Province Reviewing Right-Of-Way Use

Complaints from Ontario snowmobile clubs has forced the provincial government to reconsider a controversial policy.

Transportation minister Glenn Murray confirms that a decision to charge snowmobile clubs for use of hydro right-of-ways is under review.

NDP critic Michael Mantha says its just one of a long line of policies that's hurting winter tourism in Ontario.

Murray says the policy was put in place because of liability concerns raised by the Ministries of Infrastructure and Energy.


Parents Asked For Help In Combating Cyber-bullying

Parents are being asked to help combat cyber-bullying.

OPP offer a "Respect Technology" program to schools in the Rainy River district.

But Constable Anne McCoy says parents can also learn how to protect, prevent and deal with the issue of cyber-bullying by finding tips on the website Commonsensemedia.org.

McCoy says many incidents of bullying are the result of comments made on social media sites that spread in a matter of seconds.

One School Recommended

Rainy River District School Board trustees are being asked to consider consolidating three elementary schools into one, with the new school built in Emo.

Trustees gathered Tuesday night to hear administration's take on recent accommodation reviews of Donald Young School in Emo, Sturgeon Creek in Barwick and Crossroads School in Devlin.

Administration suggests a single school would be provide the most benefits to the board and students.

An advisory committee also recommended a new school in Emo, but two others looking at the future of Sturgeon Creek and Crossroads recommended they remain open.

Trustees will make a final decision at their January meeting.

Snow Plowing Complaints Raised Already

Questions about snow plowing are being raised at Queen's Park again.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell says has been her office is already being inundated with complaints about road closures after heavy snow fell in several parts of northwestern Ontario on the weekend.

Transportation minister Glen Murray says the government is putting more resources towards winter road maintenance, but says if there is a problem, he's willing to come to the region and talk to the local contractor.