The province's plan to create 13 new tourism zones isn't sitting well with tourist groups in northwestern Ontario.
Those new zones include one covering the area between Sault Ste. Marie and the Manitoba border.
Gerry Cariou of the Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association says its attempt by the government to control how tourist marketing dollars are spent.
"There's a lot of concern," says Cariou. "There's a lot of questions. The Ministry really wasn't forthcoming with answers other than repeatedly telling us 'We know what's best for you. This is good for you.' In the end, this results in the government gaining control in their money and how its allocated across Ontario."
Cariou says Sunset Country will continue to operate, but admits the new region will a slight impact on their budget.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Assisted Suicide Charges Withdrawn
A Waterloo man who was with his wife when she committed suicide has pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death in Thunder Bay.
Forty-seven-year-old Peter Fonteece entered the plea yesterday in Superior Court, while a second charge of assisted suicide was withdrawn.
The charges against Fonteece stem from the death of his38-year-old wife Yanisa Fonteece in a Thunder Bay hotel room on February 3rd.
Court heard Yanisa Fonteece took dozens of sleeping pills, had several drinks and told her husband not to call for help until she was dead.
Court heard that two days before, the couple left Waterloo for a better life.
Peter Fonteece couldn't work due to a lifelong vision impairment,while his wife recently lost her job.
The couple left Waterloo on February 1st, reaching Thunder Bay the next day, where their car's heater broke down.
Yanisa Fonteece ended her life in the hotel room, knowing they wouldn't be able to afford the car repairs.
Court heard Peter Fonteece attempted suicide himself three times after her death, without success.
He'll be sentenced in February.
Forty-seven-year-old Peter Fonteece entered the plea yesterday in Superior Court, while a second charge of assisted suicide was withdrawn.
The charges against Fonteece stem from the death of his38-year-old wife Yanisa Fonteece in a Thunder Bay hotel room on February 3rd.
Court heard Yanisa Fonteece took dozens of sleeping pills, had several drinks and told her husband not to call for help until she was dead.
Court heard that two days before, the couple left Waterloo for a better life.
Peter Fonteece couldn't work due to a lifelong vision impairment,while his wife recently lost her job.
The couple left Waterloo on February 1st, reaching Thunder Bay the next day, where their car's heater broke down.
Yanisa Fonteece ended her life in the hotel room, knowing they wouldn't be able to afford the car repairs.
Court heard Peter Fonteece attempted suicide himself three times after her death, without success.
He'll be sentenced in February.
Fewer Tests for Lead in 2010
There will be fewer tests looking for lead in the town of Fort Frances' drinking water next year.
A lack in the number of samples exceeding provincial standards for lead is allowing the town to reduce its sampling from 54 sites to 25.
It will still cost the municipality about 34-thousand dollars for four rounds of testing.
Of the nearly 350 samples taken in 2009, only eight showed higher than normal levels of lead.
A lack in the number of samples exceeding provincial standards for lead is allowing the town to reduce its sampling from 54 sites to 25.
It will still cost the municipality about 34-thousand dollars for four rounds of testing.
Of the nearly 350 samples taken in 2009, only eight showed higher than normal levels of lead.
Cost for Natural Gas Goes Up
Expect to pay slightly more for natural gas in the new year.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved a modest increase impacting Union Gas customers in the Fort Frances area.
Union Gas says the increase will mean an extra four to 50-dollars on the annual bill.
The company sites a higher price for natural gas and transportation costs as reasons for the hike.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved a modest increase impacting Union Gas customers in the Fort Frances area.
Union Gas says the increase will mean an extra four to 50-dollars on the annual bill.
The company sites a higher price for natural gas and transportation costs as reasons for the hike.
New Riverside Fundraiser
Riverside Foundation for Health Care has put forward its wish list for the new year.
Chair Deanne Cunningham says they're in the process of raising $25-thousand dollars for a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure Respiratory Support System for LaVerendrye Hospital.
"This is equipment for treating patients with respiratory distress and heart failure," says Cunningham. "It's a much needed piece of equipment. To date, we've raised about $10,000."
Cunningham says it was doctors that recommended the need for the equipment.
He's hoping they will achieve their fundraising goal by the early part of the new year.
Chair Deanne Cunningham says they're in the process of raising $25-thousand dollars for a Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure Respiratory Support System for LaVerendrye Hospital.
"This is equipment for treating patients with respiratory distress and heart failure," says Cunningham. "It's a much needed piece of equipment. To date, we've raised about $10,000."
Cunningham says it was doctors that recommended the need for the equipment.
He's hoping they will achieve their fundraising goal by the early part of the new year.
Christmas Storm Expected
A major storm is gathering strength in the western United States, and is headed for the Borderland.
The National Weather Services in the U.S. has issued a winter weather warning for all of Minnesota.
Snow is expected to begin across central and northeastern Minnesota tomorrow morning, spreading northward toward International Falls and Fort Frances.
The snow is expected to become heavy at times on Christmas Eve and continuing into Christmas night.
Environmental Canada says we could see between 15 and 25 centimetres while the National Weather Service says total snow accumulations could be between 10 to 14 inches with some locally heavier likely for areas near Lake Superior.
Strong winds and falling snow may result in blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility on area highways making travel hazardous.
Stay current with the latest weather information regarding this developing storm by listening to B-93.
Local Sports for Tuesday December 22
International Falls Broncos boys basketball team defeated Littlefork-Big Falls 72-61.
Shawn Filipiak led the team with 14 points.
On the ice, the Broncos girls hockey team beat Babbitt-Embarrass 5-3
International Falls Broncos boys hockey team will look to end a 2-game losing streak with a game in Bemidji tonight.
The Lumberjacks have also lost their last two games.
Shawn Filipiak led the team with 14 points.
On the ice, the Broncos girls hockey team beat Babbitt-Embarrass 5-3
International Falls Broncos boys hockey team will look to end a 2-game losing streak with a game in Bemidji tonight.
The Lumberjacks have also lost their last two games.
Legionnaires New Scam Target
Plans for a new book about the Royal Canadian Legion has become fodder for a new scam circulating northwestern Ontario.
OPP and the Kenora Legion say someone is attempting to scam veterans and widows by offering to sell forms to provide their stories for the book about legions in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Legion officials says that form is free and can be obtained by calling your local branch.
OPP and the Kenora Legion say someone is attempting to scam veterans and widows by offering to sell forms to provide their stories for the book about legions in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Legion officials says that form is free and can be obtained by calling your local branch.
Report Cards Axed
Ontario is cutting out its fall report card in the latest move against marking children early and on a rigid scale of letters or numbers.
Instead, educators will be looking at new ways to evaluate students.
Ontario's teachers' unions have pushed for the elimination of the fall report card which they say comes too early in the school year for teachers to make useful judgments.
Instead, educators will be looking at new ways to evaluate students.
Ontario's teachers' unions have pushed for the elimination of the fall report card which they say comes too early in the school year for teachers to make useful judgments.
Lakers Get Breaks
Fort Frances Lakers Junior A hockey club will some breaks from the town of Fort Frances.
Town councillors agreed to a number of concessions aimed at helping the community-owned hockey club.
They include a reduction in ice rental rates and membership fees to the pool.
Town councillors agreed to a number of concessions aimed at helping the community-owned hockey club.
They include a reduction in ice rental rates and membership fees to the pool.
I. Falls Budget Approved
A 17-per cent increase in the property tax increase will greet International Falls taxpayers in the new year.
Chair of the city's finance committee councillor Cynthia Jaksa says the increase could have been hired had the city not made some changes to services.
"We did do what we could for responsible cutting of city services," says Jaksa. "We did eliminate two police officers this past year and held our wage increases to 0 per cent. We are continuing to think strategically how to control costs."
Jaksa say the increase covers a shortfall in funding caused by recent cuts in state aid funding.
Chair of the city's finance committee councillor Cynthia Jaksa says the increase could have been hired had the city not made some changes to services.
"We did do what we could for responsible cutting of city services," says Jaksa. "We did eliminate two police officers this past year and held our wage increases to 0 per cent. We are continuing to think strategically how to control costs."
Jaksa say the increase covers a shortfall in funding caused by recent cuts in state aid funding.
Council Looks at Budget Numbers
Fort Frances councillors got their first look at the town's preliminary operating and capital budgets for 2010.
Currently, the town is looking at a deficit of about $400-thousand in the operating budget.
Almost $11-million in capital spending is also proposed for 2010.
Council will hold its first meeting on the proposed budget January 18.
Currently, the town is looking at a deficit of about $400-thousand in the operating budget.
Almost $11-million in capital spending is also proposed for 2010.
Council will hold its first meeting on the proposed budget January 18.
New Fence Rules in Place
There are new rules regarding fences in the town of Fort Frances.
Councillors approved a new fence by-law at their meeting last night, which Chief Building Official Rick Hallam says addresses issues identified in the previous one.
"We've relaxed the requirements and the height of a fence within a site triangle," says Hallam, "because we are looking at the uncontrolled intersections and the safety aspects as opposed to a controlled intersection which has lights or a four way stop."
Hallam says fences or hedges in those areas can now be as high as four feet.
The new by-law does not currently include the need for a permit, but Hallam says it is being considered with a recommendation coming to council sometime in the new year.
Councillors approved a new fence by-law at their meeting last night, which Chief Building Official Rick Hallam says addresses issues identified in the previous one.
"We've relaxed the requirements and the height of a fence within a site triangle," says Hallam, "because we are looking at the uncontrolled intersections and the safety aspects as opposed to a controlled intersection which has lights or a four way stop."
Hallam says fences or hedges in those areas can now be as high as four feet.
The new by-law does not currently include the need for a permit, but Hallam says it is being considered with a recommendation coming to council sometime in the new year.
OPP to Deliver Donations
Family and Children Services for the Rainy River district has found some help in getting some 4,5000 kilograms of children clothing, diapers and food to donation Pikangikum First Nation.
Executive Director Vik Nowak says members of the Ontario Provincial Police have stepped forward with assistance to move the items.
"That's a tremendous relief," says Nowak. "because we were struggling trying to find someone who could get the donations right into the community. As you know, it's kinds of isolated and remote and the only way to get there in the winter time is by ice road or by plane."
Nowak says OPP will provide vehicles and personnel to help deliver the donations early in the new year.
Executive Director Vik Nowak says members of the Ontario Provincial Police have stepped forward with assistance to move the items.
"That's a tremendous relief," says Nowak. "because we were struggling trying to find someone who could get the donations right into the community. As you know, it's kinds of isolated and remote and the only way to get there in the winter time is by ice road or by plane."
Nowak says OPP will provide vehicles and personnel to help deliver the donations early in the new year.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Ride Stats
OPP continue their watch for drunk drivers this holiday season.
More than 18-thousand vehicles have been stopped in RIDE spot-checks across the province since the Festive Campaign began in November.
In the Rainy River district, over 44-hundred vehicles have been stopped with just one impaired driving charge laid.
Two motorists saw their licenses suspended for recording a blood alcohol level of between 0.05 and 0.08.
More than 18-thousand vehicles have been stopped in RIDE spot-checks across the province since the Festive Campaign began in November.
In the Rainy River district, over 44-hundred vehicles have been stopped with just one impaired driving charge laid.
Two motorists saw their licenses suspended for recording a blood alcohol level of between 0.05 and 0.08.
Local Sports for Monday December 21
A good day at the track for Steve Arpin at Daytona Speedway this weekend.
Driving for Venturini Motorsports, Arpin posted consistent lap times that kept him among the top three in three days of testing.
He finished the weekend with the sixth fastest time Sunday morning and thirteenth among 63 drivers Sunday afternoon.
Arpin's first ARCA race in 2010 will be at Daytona in February.
Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team fell 2-1 to Babbit Saturday.
Carlee Bosma had the lone Muskies goal.
Friday, the girls defeated Red Lake in NORWOSSA action 8-2.
Danielle Jean and Nicole Beadle each had a pair of goals with singles off the sticks of Jillian Langtry, Jesse Baker, Taylor Dixon and Carlee Bosma.
Melissa Payne got the win in net.
Muskies boys hockey team defeated Kittson County Central 6-4.
Donovan Cousineau and Nick Kaun each scored twice with Brett McMahon and Dustin Brown getting the others.
Wes Brown stopped 17 shots for the win.
In the Falls, the Broncos boys team dropped a pair of games on the weekend, losing 1-0 to Thief River Falls Saturday on the heels of a 5-3 loss to Virginia Friday.
The Broncos girls were 3-1 winners in their game Friday against Thief River Falls.
Fort Frances Canadian Midget AA hockey team lost 8-4 to Minnetonka in the consolation game of a tournament in that Minnesota community.
Jake Hawley, Brandon Sinclair, Tarran Romyn and Ryan Lundy scored for the Canadians who had earlier defeated Eden Prairie 6-3 and lost to White Bear Lake Friday 5-3.
In high school basketball, Fort Frances Muskies defeated International Falls in a boys game Friday 63-35.
The Broncos girls team beat Cook in overtime Friday 69-68.
The Rainy River Community College men's basketball team dropped a pair of games, 77-61 to Ridgewater Friday and 77-54 to Fergus Falls on Saturday.
Two Falls High School teams in action tonight.
The Broncos girls hockey team will travel to Babbit for a game against the Knights.
The Broncos boys basketball team will host Littlefork-Big Falls - 7:30 at Falls High School
A split of games against St. Scholastica a couple of weeks ago has dropped the Rainy River Community College women's hockey team's ranking in the ACHA.
The Voyageurs are now tied for third with St. Scholastica in the west division.
Driving for Venturini Motorsports, Arpin posted consistent lap times that kept him among the top three in three days of testing.
He finished the weekend with the sixth fastest time Sunday morning and thirteenth among 63 drivers Sunday afternoon.
Arpin's first ARCA race in 2010 will be at Daytona in February.
Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team fell 2-1 to Babbit Saturday.
Carlee Bosma had the lone Muskies goal.
Friday, the girls defeated Red Lake in NORWOSSA action 8-2.
Danielle Jean and Nicole Beadle each had a pair of goals with singles off the sticks of Jillian Langtry, Jesse Baker, Taylor Dixon and Carlee Bosma.
Melissa Payne got the win in net.
Muskies boys hockey team defeated Kittson County Central 6-4.
Donovan Cousineau and Nick Kaun each scored twice with Brett McMahon and Dustin Brown getting the others.
Wes Brown stopped 17 shots for the win.
In the Falls, the Broncos boys team dropped a pair of games on the weekend, losing 1-0 to Thief River Falls Saturday on the heels of a 5-3 loss to Virginia Friday.
The Broncos girls were 3-1 winners in their game Friday against Thief River Falls.
Fort Frances Canadian Midget AA hockey team lost 8-4 to Minnetonka in the consolation game of a tournament in that Minnesota community.
Jake Hawley, Brandon Sinclair, Tarran Romyn and Ryan Lundy scored for the Canadians who had earlier defeated Eden Prairie 6-3 and lost to White Bear Lake Friday 5-3.
In high school basketball, Fort Frances Muskies defeated International Falls in a boys game Friday 63-35.
The Broncos girls team beat Cook in overtime Friday 69-68.
The Rainy River Community College men's basketball team dropped a pair of games, 77-61 to Ridgewater Friday and 77-54 to Fergus Falls on Saturday.
Two Falls High School teams in action tonight.
The Broncos girls hockey team will travel to Babbit for a game against the Knights.
The Broncos boys basketball team will host Littlefork-Big Falls - 7:30 at Falls High School
A split of games against St. Scholastica a couple of weeks ago has dropped the Rainy River Community College women's hockey team's ranking in the ACHA.
The Voyageurs are now tied for third with St. Scholastica in the west division.
Successful Year for Crimestoppers
Another successful year for the Crimestoppers program in Northwestern Ontario and Northern Minnesota.
Executive Director Doug Anderson says 2009 saw an increase in the number of tips received over last year.
"Our program here that covers Ontario and northern Minnesota has been responsible for $7.5 million worth of drugs, stolen property and weapons coming off the streets," says Anderson. "It's something like 140,000 arrests being made. It's absolutely staggering what this little program can put together when some like-minded citizens and sponsors put their will to it."
Anderson adds 2010 will bring changes to their website that will include blogging and other new features.
Executive Director Doug Anderson says 2009 saw an increase in the number of tips received over last year.
"Our program here that covers Ontario and northern Minnesota has been responsible for $7.5 million worth of drugs, stolen property and weapons coming off the streets," says Anderson. "It's something like 140,000 arrests being made. It's absolutely staggering what this little program can put together when some like-minded citizens and sponsors put their will to it."
Anderson adds 2010 will bring changes to their website that will include blogging and other new features.
Tourism Region Defended
Ontario's Tourism Minister is defending the creation of 13 new tourism marketing regions, including one covering all of northwestern Ontario.
Monique Smith says while there have been some nay-sayers, she believes the new marketing regions will help build the tourist industry.
"We've heard from Sunset Country and a few other very strong tourism marketing organizations about their concerns," says Smith. "We recognize that. We hope that Sunset Country can work within the parameters of the northwest region."
Smith says they will also be providing another $25-million to the tourism regions over the next two years to help with the transition.
Monique Smith says while there have been some nay-sayers, she believes the new marketing regions will help build the tourist industry.
"We've heard from Sunset Country and a few other very strong tourism marketing organizations about their concerns," says Smith. "We recognize that. We hope that Sunset Country can work within the parameters of the northwest region."
Smith says they will also be providing another $25-million to the tourism regions over the next two years to help with the transition.
I. Fall Councillors Meet
The proposed 2010 budget and property tax levy is up for discussion at International Falls City Council tonight.
City council is proposing a 17 per cent tax hike to offset the loss of nearly $340-thousand in government state aid payments.
Council will give the public an opportunity to speak on the issue at the meeting which begins at 5:30 p.m. at council chambers.
City council is proposing a 17 per cent tax hike to offset the loss of nearly $340-thousand in government state aid payments.
Council will give the public an opportunity to speak on the issue at the meeting which begins at 5:30 p.m. at council chambers.
Fort Frances Council Agenda
User fees will get another discussion by Fort Frances council tonight.
The town is proposing a 2 per cent increase on most fees this year.
This does not includes sewer and water rates which will be discussed later in the new year.
Also at tonight's meeting, a request for financial assistance for the Fort Frances Lakers will come back to the table.
The junior A hockey club had asked back in September for such things as a cut in ice rental fees.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins about 5:50 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
The town is proposing a 2 per cent increase on most fees this year.
This does not includes sewer and water rates which will be discussed later in the new year.
Also at tonight's meeting, a request for financial assistance for the Fort Frances Lakers will come back to the table.
The junior A hockey club had asked back in September for such things as a cut in ice rental fees.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins about 5:50 p.m. at the Civic Centre.
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