Calls for Proposals Issued

(Left: Ontario Power Generation photo)

Ontario Power Generation is moving quickly on the next phase of conversion of its coal-fired generating plant in Atikokan.

Spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says they've put out a call to potential suppliers of the material they want to burn at the plant.

"We're asking suppliers to give us some pricing on about 90-thousand tonnes of fuel," says Gruetzner.

Gruetzner says they hope to have a preferred supplier in place by the end of the year.

The plant's conversion is to take place in 2012.

Mining Protest Ends

First Nations are ending their blockade of airstrips used by mining companies eager to study the Ring of Fire chromite deposit, 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

The First Nations say they're willing to work with the province and the province and mining companies to ensure their concerns are addressed.

The aboriginal leaders say a visit by Mines Minister Michael Gravelle to their communities factored into their decision to end the three-month long blockade.

Natural Gas Rates Increase

Union Gas Customers in Fort Frances and northwestern Ontario can expect to pay more for natural gas next month.

Vanda Wall of the Ontario Energy Board says Union Gas has been given approval to raise rates effective April 1.

"Union forecast an an increase to the price of natural gas in the next quarter," says Wall, "and there was also a price gas adjustment. What that is, is the difference between what Union forecast it was going to pay in the last quarter and what it actually paid. The total result is an annual increase of about $134.00 for customers in the Fort Frances rate zone."

There is also a slight change in the transportation costs.

HST Meetings

Another meeting in Fort Frances is planned to help businesses better understand the HST.

Two seminars are planned for next Thursday at the Rainy River Future Development Corporation's office on Scott Street.

Because seats are limited, the Corporation is asking those wanting to attend to call its office to first register for the free events.

Safeway Back on Board

(Left: Aric Supinski teamed up with Mike Salvador and Reid Norine in 2009 to reel in 11.11 pounds of bass to win the Kids-Pro Tournament)

Canada Safeway has stepped forward once again to be the major sponsor of the Kid-Pro tournament at this year's Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship.

The event, which brings together young anglers with tournament pros will be held July 18.

It's the fourth straight year Canada Safeway has sponsored the event.

Ski Tour Still a Go

Organizers say they're going ahead with a planned cross-country ski tour through Quetico Provincial Park tomorrow.

Chris Stromberg says despite a lack of snow, ski trails that cross still frozen lakes are still save.

Some portages will have to be made on trails that don't have snow.

Participants are to gather at Little Falls Recreation Centre in Atikokan tonight at 7 p.m. for an event briefing.

Search Continues

The Alzheimer's Society of Kenora-Rainy River continues its search for a new executive director.

Margaret Schoenville stepped down after eleven years to take on a position with a Manitoba College.

Board Chair Bill Naturkach says they're currently short-listing potential candidates.

"Our next meeting is this coming Sunday," says Naturkach. "Then will follow that will interviews and then selection and negotiation with a selected individuals, but we optimistic that it shouldn't be too long."

Naturkach is encouraged by the strong interest for the position.

Child Care Protest Today

Children along with their parents are planning to rally today at the legislature demanding the McGuinty government maintain child-care funding in the budget.

Andrea Calver of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care says Ottawa's funding for child-care subsidies is running out and the provincial Liberals aren't planning to top it up in the March 25 budget.

She says child-care centres may be forced to close as a result.