2009-05-15
14:29:15
The federal government has once again extended its amnesty for long gun owners who haven't registered their firearms.
Treasury Board President Vic Toews says it's still the government's intention to kill the registry for long gun owners.
But for now the government is giving people another year to sign up their unregistered, non-restricted firearms.
It's also waiving fees for licence renewals and upgrades for another year.
2009-05-15
14:28:37
Replacement of the oldest bridge in LaVallee township will take place this year.
Township council agreed to award a tender to T and K Sharp Construction out of Stratton for the Black Bridge project on LaVallee Road South.
Funding from the provincial government is helping to cover the one-point-one million dollar price tag.
2009-05-15
14:28:04
Provincial fisheries staff will be out on nearly 100 area lakes this summer.
They'll be monitoring the lakes’ health and gathering information to help manage fish populations effectively.
Crews will survey lakes north of Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Kenora by plane and boat beginning tomorrow, collecting water samples and setting nets.
2009-05-15
14:27:25
MNR forest fire fighters in the Fort Frances region were called out for the first time this season yesterday.
A fire located two kilometres south of Gore Bay Road in the Nestor Falls area was extinguished by M-N-R ranger crew.
Another fire at Little Pine Lake drew the actions of members of the Chapple township volunteer fire department.
Both were caused by high winds toppling trees onto power lines and small in size.
2009-05-15
14:21:29
It's expected many people will be using the May long weekend to opening their camps or venturing out to a favourite campsite.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority wants to ensure you a have a safe, fun-filled weekend
Spokesperson Bernadette Celis says make sure you a thorough check of your camp.
"Most importantly having any fuel fired appliances checked out and maintained during the season, that's really important," says Celis, "because that's certainly your first line of defence to making sure there isn't going to be any build-up of carbon dioxide in the cottage."
Celis says its also important to check for any damage to electrical lines and that bar-b-ques connections are secure and aren't leaking propane.
Other pointers for a safe, fun-filled weekend courtesy the Technical Standards and Safety Authority
At the Cottage and Campsite
Now that you are planning that great city-escape, take along a few simple tips - and enjoy the great outdoors. Make safety second nature.
Cottage
- check burners and exhaust systems of all appliances for blockages or obstructions such as insects, rodent nests, rust fragments or other debris that could lead to dangerous levels of CO;
- get your propane or gas-fired appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and heaters inspected and/or repaired by a certified technician;
- replace batteries in your CO and smoke alarms and test them to ensure they are working properly;
- clean your barbecue and check for any fuel leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap; and
- keep in mind that barbecues are approved for outdoor use only and should not be stored inside any structure.
Campsite
- arrive with enough daylight left for a general safety check, and look for broken glass, sharp objects and natural hazards;
- ensure open-fires are permitted by local and provincial authorities. Clean up the fire pit and cut back any branches or brush that may have grown too close; and
- use only paper or kindling when starting a fire at your campsite. Be sure the fire is in a safe, open area, well away from flammables and other natural combustibles. Never leave a fire unattended.
Portable Heaters
While you may be tempted to pull out that portable heater, never use fuel-burning space heaters in any enclosed space such as a camper, tent, car, home or cottage. Every year, unsuspecting campers and cottagers are seriously injured - and, in some tragic cases, die - due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as a result of improper use.
If one of your last May 2-4 holiday stops happens to be a local LCBO store, look for TSSA's latest SummerSmart brochure for further safety tips on cottaging, barbequing, camping and RV use. You can also check it out on our website - www.safetyinfo.ca. Gain peace of mind, knowing you are protecting yourself and loved ones - and remember: safety is up to you.
2009-05-15
14:18:04
It‘s camping season in the Northwest.
Provincial parks across the region will open this weekend, and Ontario Parks reminds campers that open liquor will be banned in several parks over the Victoria Day holiday weekend.
Northwest Zone Parks Manager Tim Sullivan says they want to keep the opening weekend a family event.
"Conservation officers, the park warden, the park superintendent or the OPP will, if they catch you with alcohol, fine you," says Sullivan. "That's the law and they will enforce it."
Parks that are under the four-day alcohol ban include Rushing River near Sioux Narrows and Blue Lake near Vermilion Bay.
2009-05-15
14:17:23
Water restrictions for the town of Fort Frances kick in today.
Those who have odd numbered addresses may water lawns and gardens and wash vehicles at home on odd numbered calender days.
Even numbered homes can use water for non-essential use on even numbered days.
The restrictions are not in effect on the 31st of any month, but remain in place until the middle of September.
2009-05-15
14:16:40
The company involved in the replacement of the Sioux Narrows Bridge has been honoured by the Ontario Region of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction.
McCormick Rankin Corporation won an Ontario Steel Design Award for its work to the 72-year-old structure by incorporating modern steel girders with timber trusses to help preserve the historical significance of the bridge.
2009-05-15
14:16:11
The Ministry of Natural Resources is cautioning motorists to be aware of the potential of washouts and flooded sections of some access roads in northwestern Ontario.
Three roads in the Atikokan area remain closed.
The MNR says many other roads have soft sections and erosion, and travellers should use caution when travelling.
2009-05-15
14:14:54
An Ottawa man has been charged with hauling illegal cigarettes.
Police say officers found 81 cardboard boxes or 770,000 cigarettes in a trailer after stopping a vehicle near Thunder Bay.
A 35-year-old man was charged with four counts of possessing cigarettes and tobacco, as well as federal charges for possession of tobacco that wasn't legally stamped.
2009-05-15
14:09:55
Forestry was on the agenda both at Queen's Park and Ottawa yesterday.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton continued to question why the province has not offered AbitibiBowater similar restructuring funding given to Chrysler Canada.
"AbitibiBowater is also undergoing financial restructuring and 4,000 good jobs are at risk in communities like Thunder Bay," said Hampton, "yet the McGuinty Liberals have not advanced one penny in that financial restructuring. My question: Why is the McGuinty government completely missing in action in the financial restructuring of AbitibiBowater."
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield says the province provided more than 150-million to the forestry company prior to its bankruptcy filing, and would be there to work with them as it works through its financial challenges.
In the House of Commons, the Harper government was attacked for not providing assistance to small businesses and suppliers impacted by the bankruptcy filings of both Abitibi-Bowater and Buchanan Forest Products.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says many small business in the district have been short-changed by both companies.
"The government's neglect of the forestry sector has hurt communities, workers, pensioners and now small companies," said Rafferty. "Small companies like T&M Logging in Atikokan are owed, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars by large bankrupt corporations like AbitibiBowater and Buchanan Forest Products. The proposed business credit availability program will be inaccessible to these smaller companies because they need overdraft limits of at least $400,000 to even apply. Where is the small in small business?"
Rafferty says the forestry crisis has also hit workers, pensioners and communities.
