The H1N1 flu virus remains prevalent in Northwestern Ontario.
41 cases have now been confirmed in the region, none considered serious.
The Northwestern Health Unit says residents should take the necessary precautions against the virus through regular hand-washing and by avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth if you are sick.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Outreach Centre Opens
A new outreach service centre for family and children's programs is now open in Fort Frances north end.
The centre is located at one of the apartments on Webster Avenue North and was formed with several community agencies.
Outreach worker for the Best Start Hub Christine Badiuk says it was important to have such a centre in the area.
"There's not really anything on this side of town that is easily accessible for people if they don't have a vehicle," says Badiuk. "So we just thought this would be a great place. It's kind of their own little community here, and if they can make it downtown, its right here in their back yard.
The centre is open to parents from across the town at no charge.
The centre is located at one of the apartments on Webster Avenue North and was formed with several community agencies.
Outreach worker for the Best Start Hub Christine Badiuk says it was important to have such a centre in the area.
"There's not really anything on this side of town that is easily accessible for people if they don't have a vehicle," says Badiuk. "So we just thought this would be a great place. It's kind of their own little community here, and if they can make it downtown, its right here in their back yard.
The centre is open to parents from across the town at no charge.
MNR Firefighters Return Home
Some of the Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters sent west last week have returned home.
An easing of the fire situation in British Columbia allowed about 175 MNR fire rangers and support staff to return back to northern Ontario yesterday.
Another 96 fire ranger personnel and support staff are still in northern Alberta.
In northwestern Ontario, there are 24 active forest fires, none in the Rainy River district.
An easing of the fire situation in British Columbia allowed about 175 MNR fire rangers and support staff to return back to northern Ontario yesterday.
Another 96 fire ranger personnel and support staff are still in northern Alberta.
In northwestern Ontario, there are 24 active forest fires, none in the Rainy River district.
LCBO Workers Strike Looming
It could be a little dryer in Ontario if LCBO workers go on strike tonight at midnight.
A strike would be the first for the Liquor Board and about 800 managers are expected to step in to provide limited service.
The strike threat hinges on the use of casual employees at liquor stores.
The agency maintains a staffing mix of about 43 per cent full-time workers and 57 per cent casual employees to ensure it can respond to fluctuating consumer demand.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says casual employees receive no vacation, sick time or benefits, and can be called in for as little as two hours work at a time.
Many casual workers make up to $18.70 an hour
A strike would be the first for the Liquor Board and about 800 managers are expected to step in to provide limited service.
The strike threat hinges on the use of casual employees at liquor stores.
The agency maintains a staffing mix of about 43 per cent full-time workers and 57 per cent casual employees to ensure it can respond to fluctuating consumer demand.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says casual employees receive no vacation, sick time or benefits, and can be called in for as little as two hours work at a time.
Many casual workers make up to $18.70 an hour
Fence By-law being Enforced
A Fort Frances couple allowed by the town to extend an existing fence to keep deer out of their property are now being told to take it down.
Councillors agreed last night to enforce a town by-law governing the height of fences against the 6th Street homeowners.
Chief Building Officer Rick Hallam, who gave initial approval, says he always felt it was only going to be temporary.
"I my mind temporary was throughout the winter months when the deer are actively feeding on peoples yards," says Hallam, "once they start to fade into the bush. Unfortunately, the people in question have a different understanding of the meaning of the word temporary and that's become an issue for me."
Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the real issue for the town is to deal with the deer that's forcing residents to take measures to protect their properties.
Councillors agreed last night to enforce a town by-law governing the height of fences against the 6th Street homeowners.
Chief Building Officer Rick Hallam, who gave initial approval, says he always felt it was only going to be temporary.
"I my mind temporary was throughout the winter months when the deer are actively feeding on peoples yards," says Hallam, "once they start to fade into the bush. Unfortunately, the people in question have a different understanding of the meaning of the word temporary and that's become an issue for me."
Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the real issue for the town is to deal with the deer that's forcing residents to take measures to protect their properties.
Projects Updates
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.
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.
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.
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