The Ontario government says complaints about a growing problem with nuisance black bears in parts of the province won't bring about a return of the spring bear hunt.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says problems with bears coming into contact with people have been growing steadily since the spring bear hunt was cancelled in 1999.
However, Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield says there's no evidence to support the claims of more nuisance bears in northern and central Ontario.
Cansfield says the government's Bear Wise program, which encourages people to call a hotline to report problems with bears,is the reason the number of occurrences has been increasing.
She says the government has no plans to reinstate the spring bear hunt, and believes the real issue is the economic loss of the spring hunt, not the number of bears.
The government estimates there are between 75,000 and 100,000bears in Ontario, and doesn't think the problem of nuisance bears has gotten worse since the spring hunt was cancelled 10 years ago.
The Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance says more cubs are being orphaned now because of the problems with nuisance bears than before the cancellation of the spring hunt.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Boaters use Caution in Voyageurs
Boaters travelling the waters in and around Voyageur's National Park are being advised to use extreme caution.
The park will be removing hazard markers and buoys it maintains from the water beginning tomorrow.
Park officials have also issued an advisory that hunting and trapping within the park boundary's is prohibited.
They add they'll be enforcing federal regulations which carry a maximum penalties up to $10,000 or 6 months in jail for misdemeanour violations and $20,000 or 5 years in jail for felony convictions.
The park will be removing hazard markers and buoys it maintains from the water beginning tomorrow.
Park officials have also issued an advisory that hunting and trapping within the park boundary's is prohibited.
They add they'll be enforcing federal regulations which carry a maximum penalties up to $10,000 or 6 months in jail for misdemeanour violations and $20,000 or 5 years in jail for felony convictions.
Mining Deal
An Arizona company conducting exploration activities in the Mine Centre area has reached a joint venture agreement for its properties.
Q-Gold Resources' deal with Upper Canyon Minerals allows that B.C. based firm to earn up to 49 per cent interest of two large prospective gold exploration tracts in northwestern Ontario in exchange for $1.2 million in cash, work and shares over the next three years.
The properties include 13-hundred acres near Mine Centre that includes two former Isabella and Golden Star gold mines that were active in the late 1890's.
Q-Gold Resources' deal with Upper Canyon Minerals allows that B.C. based firm to earn up to 49 per cent interest of two large prospective gold exploration tracts in northwestern Ontario in exchange for $1.2 million in cash, work and shares over the next three years.
The properties include 13-hundred acres near Mine Centre that includes two former Isabella and Golden Star gold mines that were active in the late 1890's.
Outage Impact Expands
Sunday's power outage in Fort Frances is now going to have some impact on Hydro One customers living west of the community.
The power will be out between Fort Frances and Rainy River for about 10 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Hydro One says the outages are related to the maintenance work to be done at an area transformer and would be brief in the outlying areas.
The blackout in Fort Frances is still scheduled to last six hours.
The power will be out between Fort Frances and Rainy River for about 10 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Hydro One says the outages are related to the maintenance work to be done at an area transformer and would be brief in the outlying areas.
The blackout in Fort Frances is still scheduled to last six hours.
Fire Victim Identified
The name of the resident who died in Wednesday evening's fire at the Lakeview Trailer Court has been identified.
64-year-old Aldon Morphet was discovered in the mobile home on Palmcrest Drive by members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service.
A post mortem is to be conducted at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre today.
The cause of the fire that destroyed the home is still under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshall's office.
64-year-old Aldon Morphet was discovered in the mobile home on Palmcrest Drive by members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service.
A post mortem is to be conducted at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre today.
The cause of the fire that destroyed the home is still under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshall's office.
Cancer Walk Planned
Residents in International Falls are being encouraged to walk tomorrow in support of local cancer patients.
A community cancer walk will take place at Bronco arena.
One of the organizers Wendy Mayer says they're doing it to raise money for travel expenses.
"Most of us that are on the community are post cancer survivors," says Mayer, "and we felt this was a real need for the community. We realize we can't help in all areas, but travel is the biggest due to our location so we wanted to do something to help raise funds for transportation."
The event begins at 9 a.m. with registration at 8:30 p.m.
Cost is 5 dollars and the event is open to anyone.
A community cancer walk will take place at Bronco arena.
One of the organizers Wendy Mayer says they're doing it to raise money for travel expenses.
"Most of us that are on the community are post cancer survivors," says Mayer, "and we felt this was a real need for the community. We realize we can't help in all areas, but travel is the biggest due to our location so we wanted to do something to help raise funds for transportation."
The event begins at 9 a.m. with registration at 8:30 p.m.
Cost is 5 dollars and the event is open to anyone.
H1N1 Concerns Eased
Ontario Health Minister David Caplan is trying to allay concerns that a second wave of the H1N1 flu virus may have arrived in the province -- a month before a vaccine will be offered.
He says officials won't know for sure whether the second wave has arrived until medical tests confirm it's H1N1 flu.
Some health officials in southern Ontario says they're already seeing some cases which is an indication the new wave is already here.
He says officials won't know for sure whether the second wave has arrived until medical tests confirm it's H1N1 flu.
Some health officials in southern Ontario says they're already seeing some cases which is an indication the new wave is already here.
Legal Aid Boycott Concerns
Some Crown attorneys are expressing concern that a legal aid boycott by some criminal lawyers will lead to miscarriages of justice.
The lawyers are engaged in a boycott of Legal Aid to press for higher fees -- they now get between 77 and 96 dollars an hour.
Some Crowns say they fear some serious cases, including homicides, may go to inexperienced junior lawyers.
The prosecutors plan to ask judges to intervene if needed to have incompetent lawyers removed from the cases.
The lawyers are engaged in a boycott of Legal Aid to press for higher fees -- they now get between 77 and 96 dollars an hour.
Some Crowns say they fear some serious cases, including homicides, may go to inexperienced junior lawyers.
The prosecutors plan to ask judges to intervene if needed to have incompetent lawyers removed from the cases.
Outage Impacts Elsewhere
Sunday's outage is also expected to impact residents living Big Island First Nation, Couchiching, Halkirk, Red Gut and Watten.
Two brief 10 minutes outages at 9 a.m. and again 7 p.m. Sunday will impact Hydro One residents in Alberton, Crozier, Miscampbell, Roddick and Woodyatt.
Two brief 10 minutes outages at 9 a.m. and again 7 p.m. Sunday will impact Hydro One residents in Alberton, Crozier, Miscampbell, Roddick and Woodyatt.
Be Prepared for Outage
The Fire Chief for the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service says Sunday's planned black-out is a good time for local residents to test their own emergency preparedness plans.
Electricity in Fort Frances will be shut off for six hours beginning 9 a.m. Sunday.
Gerry Armstrong says while not an true emergency, it is an example of what residents could face.
"Just take the opportunity to review some of the procedures you may have," says Armstrong, "in place within your home regarding the lack of electricity for such things as heating or cordless phones that won't operate during a power outage."
Emergency officials says residents should also have kits that allow one to get by without essential services for at least 72 hours.
Electricity in Fort Frances will be shut off for six hours beginning 9 a.m. Sunday.
Gerry Armstrong says while not an true emergency, it is an example of what residents could face.
"Just take the opportunity to review some of the procedures you may have," says Armstrong, "in place within your home regarding the lack of electricity for such things as heating or cordless phones that won't operate during a power outage."
Emergency officials says residents should also have kits that allow one to get by without essential services for at least 72 hours.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Minister Responds to Funding Cuts
The Minister responsible for children's aid societies in Ontario is defending her ministry's decision to trim funding to Family and Children's Services in Rainy River.
Youth and Children Services Minister Deb Matthews says they've asked all agencies to cut costs as provincial spending has reached the billion dollar mark while the number children in their care is decreasing.
Matthews wants administration costs at the Rainy River agency to be 10 per cent of its total budget.
"Their overhead costs have gone up 35-per cent since 2005," says Matthews. "That's a pretty big increase in their overhead expenses. Meantime the number of kids in care has dropped by over 20 per cent."
Matthews says she understands the local challenges and is working with the agency to help it ensure the funding it receives is spent in the right areas.
Meantime, the financial situation at Family and Children's Services reached the legislature today.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton told the legislature that the province's funding reduction is undermining the agency's effort to provide service to the district.
"This agency has now been put in a very difficult financial situation," said Hampton, "because your ministry, mid-year, cut their budget by $400-thousand on a full year budget of only $3 million. That means they will not have the money to provide services for children in need for the last three months."
Matthews denied the agency is in threat of shutting down and said she's looking to improve services for children.
Youth and Children Services Minister Deb Matthews says they've asked all agencies to cut costs as provincial spending has reached the billion dollar mark while the number children in their care is decreasing.
Matthews wants administration costs at the Rainy River agency to be 10 per cent of its total budget.
"Their overhead costs have gone up 35-per cent since 2005," says Matthews. "That's a pretty big increase in their overhead expenses. Meantime the number of kids in care has dropped by over 20 per cent."
Matthews says she understands the local challenges and is working with the agency to help it ensure the funding it receives is spent in the right areas.
Meantime, the financial situation at Family and Children's Services reached the legislature today.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton told the legislature that the province's funding reduction is undermining the agency's effort to provide service to the district.
"This agency has now been put in a very difficult financial situation," said Hampton, "because your ministry, mid-year, cut their budget by $400-thousand on a full year budget of only $3 million. That means they will not have the money to provide services for children in need for the last three months."
Matthews denied the agency is in threat of shutting down and said she's looking to improve services for children.
One Dead in Fatal Fire
The Ontario Fire Marshall has been called to investigate the cause of a fatal house fire in Fort Frances.
Last night's fire at the home at the Lakeview Trailer Court left one person dead.
Members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene around 11 p.m. and later discovered the body inside the home.
The name of the deceased has not yet be released.
Last night's fire at the home at the Lakeview Trailer Court left one person dead.
Members of the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene around 11 p.m. and later discovered the body inside the home.
The name of the deceased has not yet be released.
Operation Shoe Box Kicks off Today
Operation Christmas Child is back for another year.
The program helps collect gifts and items of necessity in a shoe box for children living in third world countries.
The local program is being kicked off today at the Bethel Bapist Church in Fort Frances from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. for anyone interested in picking up a box or learning more about the program.
The program helps collect gifts and items of necessity in a shoe box for children living in third world countries.
The local program is being kicked off today at the Bethel Bapist Church in Fort Frances from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. for anyone interested in picking up a box or learning more about the program.
Murray Funeral Services Today
Funeral services for a former Fort Frances Police Chief will be held today in Melfort, Saskatchewan.
Jack Murray died Sunday following a battle with cancer.
Murray moved to Saskatchewan shortly after retiring a police chief in Fort Frances in 1994.
He was 73.
Jack Murray died Sunday following a battle with cancer.
Murray moved to Saskatchewan shortly after retiring a police chief in Fort Frances in 1994.
He was 73.
Sixteen Charged in Drug Bust
Sixteen Thunder Bay residents, including two youths aged 16 and 17, have been charged following a 10-month police drug investigation.
Police say the undercover investigation focused on drug traffickers operating in and around the Thunder Bay area.
Police laid a total of 84 charges, including trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Officers also seized cocaine, marijuana, marijuana plants and a rifle.
Police say the undercover investigation focused on drug traffickers operating in and around the Thunder Bay area.
Police laid a total of 84 charges, including trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Officers also seized cocaine, marijuana, marijuana plants and a rifle.
Surgical Checklist Developed
Ontario hospitals may soon be required to use a surgical safety checklist and report on their compliance starting next spring.
It's all part of the government plan to improve patient safety.
Hospitals already report on eight indicators of patient safety, such as C-difficile rates and hand washing.
The new rules -- to be announced today -- will require hospitals to report publicly twice a year on whether they're following the checklist.
It's all part of the government plan to improve patient safety.
Hospitals already report on eight indicators of patient safety, such as C-difficile rates and hand washing.
The new rules -- to be announced today -- will require hospitals to report publicly twice a year on whether they're following the checklist.
Flu Vaccine Programs Reviewed
The Northwestern Health Unit is working with the province to ensure there will be enough seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines available for local residents.
Ontario's Associate Medical Officer of Health Doctor David Williams is in meeting with health unit staff in Kenora this week.
He says they want to make sure the most vulnerable populations are immunized first.
"We're also concerned that health care workers are properly covered," says Williams, "because they can transmit to other clients in hospitals who have compromised immune systems that could be severely effected by the virus."
Williams says they're putting together priority lists because there's expected to be enough vaccine for just 75 per cent of the entire population.
Ontario's Associate Medical Officer of Health Doctor David Williams is in meeting with health unit staff in Kenora this week.
He says they want to make sure the most vulnerable populations are immunized first.
"We're also concerned that health care workers are properly covered," says Williams, "because they can transmit to other clients in hospitals who have compromised immune systems that could be severely effected by the virus."
Williams says they're putting together priority lists because there's expected to be enough vaccine for just 75 per cent of the entire population.
Power Outage Length Reduced
The planned power interruption for this Sunday in Fort Frances has been changed again.
Residents will be without power for about six hours now so Hydro One can perform maintenance at a transformer station.
The outage is scheduled to last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
The disruption initially was supposed to last for only 10 minutes, but later extended to 8 hours after Hydro One discovered there is no alternate power supply.
Residents will be without power for about six hours now so Hydro One can perform maintenance at a transformer station.
The outage is scheduled to last from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
The disruption initially was supposed to last for only 10 minutes, but later extended to 8 hours after Hydro One discovered there is no alternate power supply.
Energy Kits Distributed
Union Gas is helping students and staff with the Rainy River District School Board conserve energy.
Every student and employee with the board are receiving free Energy Saving Kits Union Gas is encouraging them to use at their homes.
The kits contain an energy efficient showerhead, kitchen and bathroom faucets and foam pipe insulation.
Union gas says if everyone used the kits, they could be reducing almost 800-thousand kilograms of carbon monoxide emissions and conserve more than 100-million litres of water.
The kits will be distributed to participating schools beginning October 19.
Every student and employee with the board are receiving free Energy Saving Kits Union Gas is encouraging them to use at their homes.
The kits contain an energy efficient showerhead, kitchen and bathroom faucets and foam pipe insulation.
Union gas says if everyone used the kits, they could be reducing almost 800-thousand kilograms of carbon monoxide emissions and conserve more than 100-million litres of water.
The kits will be distributed to participating schools beginning October 19.
Financial Crisis Resolve Demanded
Provincial New Democrats want some resolve to the financial crisis at Family and Children's Services in the Rainy River by the end of this week.
The local children's aid society is tackling a $600-thousand budget shortfall caused mostly by a recent reduction of provincial funding.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says its imperative the McGuinty Liberals resolve the issue.
"The McGuinty government talks out of one side of its mouth that it cares about these kind of community services," says Hampton, "but when the people not looking it cuts the budgets of organizations that provide these kind of community services."
Hampton says many children's aid Societies in the province are facing similar funding crunches and expects them to close their doors if the government fails to address their situation.
The local children's aid society is tackling a $600-thousand budget shortfall caused mostly by a recent reduction of provincial funding.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says its imperative the McGuinty Liberals resolve the issue.
"The McGuinty government talks out of one side of its mouth that it cares about these kind of community services," says Hampton, "but when the people not looking it cuts the budgets of organizations that provide these kind of community services."
Hampton says many children's aid Societies in the province are facing similar funding crunches and expects them to close their doors if the government fails to address their situation.
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