Work continues on road work at Nelson Street and Victoria Avenue where crews have completed the installation of new sewer lines.
The fire tower at Pither's Point Park has been completely dismantled and pressure washed.
Community Services Manager George Bell says its now being inspected to determine if additional work is required before it's put back together at the waterfront.
Bell says they're also seeking a work order from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Federal Oceans and Fisheries to float the tugboat Hallet to its eventual resting spot.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Road Projects Still on Hold
No news is not good news for the town of Fort Frances regarding two road projects.
Work at the Portage Avenue underpass and Scott Street from Reid Avenue to Colonization Road East continues to be on hold.
With the underpass project, Mayor Roy Avis says the town is still waiting for CN to approve the results of soil anchor tests. Results its had for nearly two months.
"I was hoping to see an end to that project this year," says Avis, "but if we don't get any cooperation from CNR, it's not going to be completed this year.
The start of construction this year on the east end of Scott is also becoming doubtful. Avis says the town has been anxiously awaiting word on its request for provincial funding for the job.
"To date, I haven't received an e-mail, message or phone call, nothing. It just seems be tight lipped. We're continually pushing as hard as we can to get funding whenever it becomes available."
Work at the Portage Avenue underpass and Scott Street from Reid Avenue to Colonization Road East continues to be on hold.
With the underpass project, Mayor Roy Avis says the town is still waiting for CN to approve the results of soil anchor tests. Results its had for nearly two months.
"I was hoping to see an end to that project this year," says Avis, "but if we don't get any cooperation from CNR, it's not going to be completed this year.
The start of construction this year on the east end of Scott is also becoming doubtful. Avis says the town has been anxiously awaiting word on its request for provincial funding for the job.
"To date, I haven't received an e-mail, message or phone call, nothing. It just seems be tight lipped. We're continually pushing as hard as we can to get funding whenever it becomes available."
Library Projects Gets Go Ahead
It was a unanimous vote.
Construction of the the new library and technology centre in Fort Frances will go ahead.
This after town councillors agreed last night to a more than $4 million dollar construction contract with Thunder Bay-based Aurora Construction.
Community Services Manager George Bell says with some minor changes to the project, the total budget is now nearly five million dollars.
"And that is completely funding," say Bell. "We will not incur long-term debt or tap into reserves if everything goes as planned."
Councillor Paul Ryan, one of the most vocal opponents, agreed to the contract, but still has concerns.
"I still have the concern that I've always had with the size," says Ryan. "and how do we live in later, and what legacy that we're leaving for later on operational costs."
The total project budget is pegged at almost $5 million dollars.
Bell says he'll be meeting with the contractor Thursday to discuss a construction schedule.
Construction of the the new library and technology centre in Fort Frances will go ahead.
This after town councillors agreed last night to a more than $4 million dollar construction contract with Thunder Bay-based Aurora Construction.
Community Services Manager George Bell says with some minor changes to the project, the total budget is now nearly five million dollars.
"And that is completely funding," say Bell. "We will not incur long-term debt or tap into reserves if everything goes as planned."
Councillor Paul Ryan, one of the most vocal opponents, agreed to the contract, but still has concerns.
"I still have the concern that I've always had with the size," says Ryan. "and how do we live in later, and what legacy that we're leaving for later on operational costs."
The total project budget is pegged at almost $5 million dollars.
Bell says he'll be meeting with the contractor Thursday to discuss a construction schedule.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Chamber Seeks Help
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is looking for some help with next week's Quest for the Best Talent Show.
The chamber is looking for volunteers to help out at the gate and the bar.
Anyone interested can call Robin 274-6688
Next Tuesday's talent show will feature singers, comedians and dancers from around the area.
The chamber is looking for volunteers to help out at the gate and the bar.
Anyone interested can call Robin 274-6688
Next Tuesday's talent show will feature singers, comedians and dancers from around the area.
Radar Sites Cleaned Up
Sixteen abandoned Cold War radar sites in northern Ontario will be cleaned up over the next six years at an estimated cost of more than $100 million dollars.
The province will provide $73 million to clean up toxic materials at all 16 radar sites.
The federal government will contribute up to $30 million to help clean up 11 of the most highly contaminated radar stations.
The sites, part of the old Mid-Canada advance warning line, are contaminated with PCBs, hydrocarbons, mercury, and asbestos.
The province will provide $73 million to clean up toxic materials at all 16 radar sites.
The federal government will contribute up to $30 million to help clean up 11 of the most highly contaminated radar stations.
The sites, part of the old Mid-Canada advance warning line, are contaminated with PCBs, hydrocarbons, mercury, and asbestos.
Folk Festival A Go!
A folk festival planned for the Fort Frances area is moving ahead.
The event is scheduled for July18th at the Little Beaver Snow Park.
Organizer Alex Maruzyk says much of the key elements are in place.
"The site is booked and ready to go," says Maruzyk. "The sound is ready to go. We have the stage. All of the really important parts are set up, now its just the little things we don't know about. We find out new things we have to do every day, but the foundation is set."
J-P Hoe of Winnipeg will headline the event. Supporting acts include include The Auditor General , The Me Monster , Triptych, The Mud Lake City Boy, Maverick Judson , Haphazard, Myron Hawrylak, Mike Procyshyn, Jon Thompson, Lauren Gurski with Mike McCaig, Alex Marusyk with Joelle Barron, Gordo Matheson, Andrew Morrish, Shawn Galusha, Justine Christie, Fort Dance Studio Dancers and The Fort Frances Highlanders Pipes & Drums
Tickets for the festival are currently on sale at the Fort Frances Library, Fort Frances Museum and Sight and Sound. "Day Pass" tickets are going for $20 for adults, $15 for ages 15-18- $10 for ages 6-14. Kids under 5 are free.
The event is scheduled for July18th at the Little Beaver Snow Park.
Organizer Alex Maruzyk says much of the key elements are in place.
"The site is booked and ready to go," says Maruzyk. "The sound is ready to go. We have the stage. All of the really important parts are set up, now its just the little things we don't know about. We find out new things we have to do every day, but the foundation is set."
J-P Hoe of Winnipeg will headline the event. Supporting acts include include The Auditor General , The Me Monster , Triptych, The Mud Lake City Boy, Maverick Judson , Haphazard, Myron Hawrylak, Mike Procyshyn, Jon Thompson, Lauren Gurski with Mike McCaig, Alex Marusyk with Joelle Barron, Gordo Matheson, Andrew Morrish, Shawn Galusha, Justine Christie, Fort Dance Studio Dancers and The Fort Frances Highlanders Pipes & Drums
Tickets for the festival are currently on sale at the Fort Frances Library, Fort Frances Museum and Sight and Sound. "Day Pass" tickets are going for $20 for adults, $15 for ages 15-18- $10 for ages 6-14. Kids under 5 are free.
Ash Border Concerns
The discovery of the Emerald ash borer in St. Paul is having some concern in northern Minnesota.
Koochiching County has more than 124-million ash trees.
John Snyder, a biologist with Voyageurs National Park says the public should take precautions to avoid bringing the ash borer up north.
Snyder says because so few tree species can thrive in a black ash swamp, the area may have trouble recuperating from a decline in ash.
Koochiching County has more than 124-million ash trees.
John Snyder, a biologist with Voyageurs National Park says the public should take precautions to avoid bringing the ash borer up north.
Snyder says because so few tree species can thrive in a black ash swamp, the area may have trouble recuperating from a decline in ash.
K-9 Unit at Border
There is a new officer at the U-S Border at International Falls.
Chico, a three-year-old German Shepard, is part of a new U-S Border and Protection Services K-9 unit that will be sniffing out illegal drugs and illegal aliens trying to cross the border.
K-9 Enforcement officer Pete Benedix says the first step was getting Chico acclimatized to the area.
"There's some different smells in the area," says Benedix, "so it's a slow process. You've got vehicles running, you got trains, so the break-in period was very critical. He's responded very, very well."
Benedix says he and Chico went through an extensive training program before has been placed at the border.
Chico, a three-year-old German Shepard, is part of a new U-S Border and Protection Services K-9 unit that will be sniffing out illegal drugs and illegal aliens trying to cross the border.
K-9 Enforcement officer Pete Benedix says the first step was getting Chico acclimatized to the area.
"There's some different smells in the area," says Benedix, "so it's a slow process. You've got vehicles running, you got trains, so the break-in period was very critical. He's responded very, very well."
Benedix says he and Chico went through an extensive training program before has been placed at the border.
PC Leadership Vote Underway
Voting to determine who'll lead Ontario's Progressive Conservatives is underway.
About 40,000 party members are being asked to rank the four candidates in order of preference.
Vying for the leadership are Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, Randy Hillier and Christine Elliott.
The winner will be announced June 27th at the party's convention in Markham.
About 40,000 party members are being asked to rank the four candidates in order of preference.
Vying for the leadership are Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, Randy Hillier and Christine Elliott.
The winner will be announced June 27th at the party's convention in Markham.
Health Resources Required
Two northern Ontario New Democrat MPP's are calling on the province to provide the health care resources needed to stop the spread of H1N1 flu in First Nations communities.
Howard Hampton and Frances Gelinas also want the Liberals to address underlying conditions that are making the communities more vulnerable to the flu.
Hampton and Gelinas say nursing stations at many northern First Nations are already stretched to the limit.
Howard Hampton and Frances Gelinas also want the Liberals to address underlying conditions that are making the communities more vulnerable to the flu.
Hampton and Gelinas say nursing stations at many northern First Nations are already stretched to the limit.
New Centre Opens
A new outreach service centre for family and children's programs will officially open its doors in Fort Frances today.
The centre on Webster Avenue North is a partnership of several community agencies and will offer users services such as Best Start Hub children's programs, parenting workshops and a variety of health-related services.
The centre on Webster Avenue North is a partnership of several community agencies and will offer users services such as Best Start Hub children's programs, parenting workshops and a variety of health-related services.
School Board Reviews Policies
The Rainy River district school board is ensuring its meeting the proposed Student Achievement and School Board Governance Act.
Among other things, bill 177 entrenches student achievement as a key aspect of education and redefines the role of trustees and directors.
Education director Jack McMaster says the board will be reviewing its policies to ensure they meet the act's guidelines.
"We see there will be a need for some changes," says McMaster. "Trustees have been talking about that. They had a discussion in finance this spring about some of the changes that will be required to provide some more flexibility."
The bill is expected to become law this fall.
Among other things, bill 177 entrenches student achievement as a key aspect of education and redefines the role of trustees and directors.
Education director Jack McMaster says the board will be reviewing its policies to ensure they meet the act's guidelines.
"We see there will be a need for some changes," says McMaster. "Trustees have been talking about that. They had a discussion in finance this spring about some of the changes that will be required to provide some more flexibility."
The bill is expected to become law this fall.
More Council Items
Also at tonight's meeting, Fort Frances councillors will provide an update on the activities of their various committees.
Updates on the town's road projects and the relocation of the tugboat Hallet and fire tower to the Fort Frances waterfront are also expected.
As well, council is to discuss a request by a local resident to ban dogs from riding in the back of pick-up trucks.
The public portion of tonight's meeting is expected to begin about 6:00 p.m.
Updates on the town's road projects and the relocation of the tugboat Hallet and fire tower to the Fort Frances waterfront are also expected.
As well, council is to discuss a request by a local resident to ban dogs from riding in the back of pick-up trucks.
The public portion of tonight's meeting is expected to begin about 6:00 p.m.
Library Vote Expected Tonight
A decision to proceed with construction of the new library and technology centre could be made by Fort Frances town councillors tonight.
A proposed construction contract with Aurora Construction comes back to the table at tonight's council meeting.
Councillors rejected the same contract back in April, but a recent influx of more than $2 million dollars in federal and provincial grant money is expected to help give the project the green light.
Construction costs were last estimated at nearly $4.7 million dollars.
A proposed construction contract with Aurora Construction comes back to the table at tonight's council meeting.
Councillors rejected the same contract back in April, but a recent influx of more than $2 million dollars in federal and provincial grant money is expected to help give the project the green light.
Construction costs were last estimated at nearly $4.7 million dollars.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Natural Gas Prices to Drop
For the third time this year, natural gas prices for Union Gas customers in Fort Frances are dropping.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved an 8-cent per cubic metre drop effective July 1st.
Union Gas says its customers should see a 15-to-20 per cent decrease in their bills in the coming month.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved an 8-cent per cubic metre drop effective July 1st.
Union Gas says its customers should see a 15-to-20 per cent decrease in their bills in the coming month.
Increase in Forestry Program Down
Economic difficulties in the forest industry are causing many secondary school students to avoid a career in forestry.
Just six high schools have indicated their intention to enroll in forestry at Lakehead University this fall.
Doctor Reino Pulkki, Dean of Faculty of Forestry, says it's partly due to the misconception that students have with the program.
"Really there's a negative perception of the word forestry," says Pulkki. "People really relate it to the mill closures and the cutting and planting of trees when its really a lot broader."
Pulkki says graduates can find jobs in such areas of genetics, conservation areas, environmental law and education.
Just six high schools have indicated their intention to enroll in forestry at Lakehead University this fall.
Doctor Reino Pulkki, Dean of Faculty of Forestry, says it's partly due to the misconception that students have with the program.
"Really there's a negative perception of the word forestry," says Pulkki. "People really relate it to the mill closures and the cutting and planting of trees when its really a lot broader."
Pulkki says graduates can find jobs in such areas of genetics, conservation areas, environmental law and education.
Fire Hazard Increase
The forest fire hazard in northwestern Ontario has increased to moderate and high levels.
Five new fires were reported in the Ministry of Natural Resources West Fire Region yesterday.
Most of the 30 fires currently burning are in the Sioux Lookout and Greenstone areas.
There are no active fires in the Rainy River district.
Meantime, 78 firefighters and fire personnel from the northwest were sent to Alberta yesterday to battle fires in the northern part of that province.
Five new fires were reported in the Ministry of Natural Resources West Fire Region yesterday.
Most of the 30 fires currently burning are in the Sioux Lookout and Greenstone areas.
There are no active fires in the Rainy River district.
Meantime, 78 firefighters and fire personnel from the northwest were sent to Alberta yesterday to battle fires in the northern part of that province.
Search for Missing Officer Underway
A search is underway for a missing native police officer near the western shore of Hudson's Bay in northern Ontario.
An officer with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service and a worker from the airport in the community of Peawanuck were thrown from an 18-foot aluminum boat in rapids on the Winisk River.
The airport worker was able to make it to shore, but the 55-year-old police officer is still missing.
An officer with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service and a worker from the airport in the community of Peawanuck were thrown from an 18-foot aluminum boat in rapids on the Winisk River.
The airport worker was able to make it to shore, but the 55-year-old police officer is still missing.
Native Victims Programs Funded
Four aboriginal organizations in northwestern Ontario will be benefit from provincial money to develop projects that help First Nations, Métis and Inuit victims of crime.
They are among 21-provincial organizations to share in more the the more than two-million dollars.
The money is to help support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, historic abuse and hate crimes in primarily underserviced areas of the province.
They are among 21-provincial organizations to share in more the the more than two-million dollars.
The money is to help support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, historic abuse and hate crimes in primarily underserviced areas of the province.
Rent Bank Gets Money
A program to help low-income families in the Rainy River district avoid eviction has received some assistance of its own.
The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board received $7500 from the province towards its rent bank program.
Housing Manager Diane Lampi says its keeps people in their home if they've missed a rent payment.
"The purpose of the program is to to promote the housing stability and prevent homelessness," says Lampi. "Basically what we are doing is assisting low-income tenants who have short term rental arrears to avoid eviction so they can get back on their feet and stay in the housing they are in."
Tenants can only apply for assistance no more than once in two years with a maximum assistance equal to two months rental arrears.
The Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board received $7500 from the province towards its rent bank program.
Housing Manager Diane Lampi says its keeps people in their home if they've missed a rent payment.
"The purpose of the program is to to promote the housing stability and prevent homelessness," says Lampi. "Basically what we are doing is assisting low-income tenants who have short term rental arrears to avoid eviction so they can get back on their feet and stay in the housing they are in."
Tenants can only apply for assistance no more than once in two years with a maximum assistance equal to two months rental arrears.
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