2009-05-13
12:47:18
C-N Rail will be spending more than $250 thousand to upgrade a crossing in the town of Rainy River
The upgrades to the Government Road crossing include the installations of gates and new warning devices.
The funding for the work is provided from the federal government
2009-05-13
12:44:00
Four educational programs, officials say are improving student achievement, will now be funding through the Rainy River District School Board's reserve fund.
Almost $300 thousand will be drawn each year for three years for programs initially started through one-time funding from the province. Education Director Jack McMaster says the programs have proven to be successful.
"Our government has been good at providing one-time over the last three or four years," says McMaster, "but we knew that would be slowing down because of the economy. We have some programs that have been supported over the last three or four years through this one-time funding, and we wanted to keep them going."
Trustees will still have the opportunity to review the results of each program at the end of every year before committing further funding.
2009-05-13
12:42:55
Representatives with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association joined with two northwestern M-P's met with CBC brass officials yesterday to state their opposition to recently announced service and staffing cuts to the crown corporation.
NOMA President Anne Krassilowsky called its a good meeting She says the CBC is seen as an essential service and should be protected.
The meeting was arranged with help from area's NDP members John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer.
2009-05-13
12:40:14
An economic asset analysis of what Fort Frances has to offer is being planned for this year.
The study will examine such things the costs of doing business and available lots, and compare them with communities of similar size. Development advisor for the Rainy River Future Development Corporation Geoff Gillon says there are some things they know that stand-out above other the rest already.
"Our power is one of the things that's cheaper than other parts of Ontario," says Gillon, "but we'll look at tax rates, natural gas prices and other things and come back with an analysis. It'll help us guide our marketing."
Gillon says is hoping the work will take place this summer with a report completed by the fall.
2009-05-13
12:39:31
Construction on the new Boston Pizza in Fort Frances will officially kick off next week.
A company official says a sod-turning ceremony for the new restaurant will take place next Thursday. Site preparation for the work is currently underway.
The restaurant is expected to be open this fall.
2009-05-13
12:36:29
A study examining immigration trends in Ontario says growth in the larger urban centres could have a devastating impact on northwestern Ontario.
The reports says while many of area communities would welcome new immigrants, only a small handful of the province's new citizens are settling in the Rainy River district.
Co-author John Shields of Ryerson University says encouraging immigrants to choose the district and other smaller communities to live could help stem the tide of declining populations.
"Many of these communities which are generally smaller, rural and northern communities, could in fact benefit greatly from more immigrants coming to their communities," says Shields. "Certainly it's not the only solution for them, but immigrants could offer a lot of human capital value to these communities."
Shields says all levels of government need to come up with strategies that help direct more immigrants the region.
Randy Thoms – News & Sports Director
