Border Blamed for Declining Tourism Numbers

Border crossings in Fort Frances and Rainy River continue to be a bone of contention for the area's tourism officials.

Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Gerry Cariou says area lodges are reporting large declines in American visitors, and point to the area's border as a contributing factors.

"Canada has over the past ten years since 9-11 has established an unfriendly border to American travellers," says Cariou. "Fort Frances and Rainy River, specifically, seem to be the canary in the coal mine where it's almost the serial turnbacks of people of minor criminality much more pronounced than the other entry points across Canada."

Cariou believes millions of dollars in revenue has been lost by the enforcement of rules that restrict Americans with prior drunk driving convictions from entering Canada.

New Strategic Plan in Place

International Falls city council has a new strategic plan.

Mayor Shawn Mason says it outlines a number of goals and objectives for council over the next two years.

"For some people looking at them they might think they're out there in terms of being able to achieve them," says Mason, "but we really have to think big. We have to really have that peripheral vision as a leader."

The plan includes taking a proactive leadership towards economic development and on legislative issues affecting the city.

Election Filings Start Today

Today starts a two week filing period for candidates seeking a number of local government seats in Minnesota.

They include International Falls councillor positions representing west, east and central wards.

Mayoral seats and certain councillor positions in Rainer, Littlefork and Big Falls will also be up for grabs as part of the November 2 general election.

Youth Employment Centre Closing

(Youth Services Officers Jamie Petrin (left) and Dayna Debenedet)


Service Canada's Employment Centre for Youth's season is coming to a close.

The Fort Frances office ends its season Friday.

Youth Services Officer Jamie Petrin says despite a tough economy, they were able to find work for a number students this summer.

" It was really, really awesome this summer," says Petrin. "We had a really successful summer this season. (We) met lots of people. Got lots of jobs posted. Talked to lots of students and employers."

Petrin says until its closing, the office will also be providing information on loans and grants for students returning to school this fall.

SIU Makes Correction

The Special Investigation Unit is correcting information it released last week regarding this past June's police shooting in Kenora.

The S.I.U. had noted there was a two hour delay by the OPP in reporting the shooting of 39-year-old Helen Proulx who had brandished a knife at a female officer.

It now says there was a 51-minute delay.

Director Ian Scott apologizes for the error, but says they would still have liked to have been notified sooner, as required under the Police Service's act.

The officer involved was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Ontario Sends More Help

Ontario is sending more help to western Canada ravaged by forest fires.

Over one hundred Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters and support personnel were sent to northern Saskatchewan and British Columbia on Sunday.

Another twenty firefighters have been in Manitoba since early last week.

The MNR expects to be called on for more assistance, especially in B.C. where the fire situation is worsening.

New Legislation Already Felt

At least two drivers have received licence suspensions under Ontario's new regulations for zero blood alcohol for young drivers.

They were both issued by police in Toronto.

Ontario Provincial Police say they will release complete numbers later today.

Under new regulations in effect this weekend, Ontario drivers age 21 and under must have a blood alcohol level of zero.

Maximum penalties include a 30-day suspension and $500 fine.

Water Park Opens

The township of Emo officially opens its spray park tonight.

A dedication ceremony will be held at 5 p.m.

The park became a reality this year following four years of local fundraising which topped well over $225-thousand.