Library Official Opening

Library patrons and supporters gathered with staff, board members and dignitaries yesterday to mark the official opening of the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre.

Library Board Chair Joyce Cunningham says the opening was more than just for a traditional library.

"The dream has never been just about bricks and mortar," say Cunningham. "Today is not a mere celebration about a building or the technology within it. It's about having community access to possibilities that we have only just started to explore."

Fundraising chair Mark Kowalchuk says the day was both an end and beginning to era's in the library's history.

"We mark on one hand the end of a project that took fifteen years to complete from start to finish," says Kowalchuk. "On the other hand, we mark the beginning for a new facility that will open the doors to the world for everyone through books, technology and rich ongoing menu of program offerings."

Several dignitaries were on hand, including Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton who said the new facility was a huge step forward for the area.

"Education and technology and learning has always been important," says Hampton. "But in the world we live in now it is more important than ever. Fort Frances should be proud that it has taken a leadership and is well positioned for that 21st century economy."

No provincial cabinet ministers were on hand, but plaques presented on their behalf were presented to the Library for display.

The $4.7 million project was paid for through government grants and public and private donations.

Falls Books Look Good

The city of International Falls is in good financial shape.

That according to Don Zierke of Miller McDonald who looked at the city's book for last year.

"In the general fund you're in good shape," says Zierke. "Obviously you have 69 per cent but considering the cuts that may be coming in the state level that's to your benefit because it can help offset some of those cuts."

Finance committee chair, councillor Cynthia Jacksa says given the challenges faced over the past couple of years, the audit's findings were gratifying.

HST Ad

Premier Dalton McGuinty is taking to the airwaves to tell Ontario consumers the HST is strong "Strong Medicine.''

In the 60-second spot, McGuinty says the blended sales tax is the next step in the provincial government's plan to grow the economy.

The television spot can also be viewed online until the HST takes effect on July 1.

Rail Line Blocked

The chief of Batchewana First Nation, near Sault Ste. Marie, says an agreement giving natives a point-of-sale exemption from the GST portion of the HST isn't good enough.

Band members are blocking a rail line that passes outside the band office.

Both the federal and Ontario governments agreed to give the exemption starting in September.

But Chief Dean Sayers says there's no reason it can't take effect July 1st.

Chiefs Meetings Begin

First Nation Leaders from across the province are gathering in Couchiching First Nations today for the start of the annual Ontario Chiefs Conference.

Three days of talks will focus on issues such as First Nations rights and jurisdiction, health, education and the HST.

Duel Credit Program Funding

The provincial government is putting almost $1.3 million into a college and high school program.

The Duel Credit program allows area students to get college credits while still in high school.

Confederation College President Pat Lang says it helps students find the right course.

"This gives students an opportunity to study both at college and in their high school years to study college-level credits to understand what those opportunities are all about," says Lang.

The provincial money will fund the program for the upcoming school year.