Seniors Get Letters for Beds Elsewhere

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is questioning why seniors in Fort Frances are being told they have to leave the community if they want to access long-term care beds.

Hampton says in one case, a resident at Rainycrest Long Term Care, was offered a bed in Terrace Bay, a 550 kilometres, 7 hours drive from the Fort.

"Terrace Bay is 550 kilometres, or seven hours, away from Fort Frances where her family and friends reside," says Hampton. "Is this the McGuinty Liberals’ idea of quality long-term care for Ontario seniors? Send them 550 kilometres—seven hours—away from their family and friends?"

Health Minister Deb Matthews says she would look into why the woman received such a letter.

More Paramedics Added

The city of International Falls is adding more paramedics to its ambulance department.

City councillors last night accepted a recommendation from their Advanced Life Support Committee to hire three paramedics in 2011.

Committee Chair Terry Ehrman says an increase in runs and changing demographics warrant their need.

"The population of the baby boomers is getting older," says Ehrman. "There's going to be more elderly people requesting the service. There's going to be an increase in the service as well with that."

The task force estimates cost of having now four paramedics on staff at about $825-thousand with net revenues to the city coming in at about a quarter-of-a-million.

Fight on Blight Continues

The city of International Falls fight on blight campaign continues.

The push to have old derelict building torn down has resulted in fourteen homes, five mobile homes, eleven garages and six sheds demolished this year.

Building Inspector Kelly Meyers says they're hoping to have at least three other burned-out buildings and some garages brought down in the near future.

Walking the Path

A group of police officers and community members are gathering this week in Couchiching First Nation to learn about a new educational program for youth.

Walking the Path focuses on teaching native and non-native students about the history, beliefs and traditions of Aboriginal People.

Carol Clarke of the OPP's Aboriginal Policing Bureau says they seeing success in area's that now have the program.

"Once it comes into an area, people just snowball, they want it everywhere because it's so fun," says Clarke. "The kids love it. The community loves it. The schools love it. It's self-empowering for these kids to learn about their culture."

Clarke says they're working to spread the program across the province.

Children's Fair Today

Children's agencies and services from the Rainy River district will be showcased at a event today at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances

Miranda Sigurdson of the Northwestern Health Unit says a number of groups are taking part.

"We're going to have different health representatives like an audiologist from the Ear Clinic," says Sigurdson. "There will be the Dental Centre and representation from the Health Unit and the different programs there. The Karate Club and Kids and Company will also be on hand."

The event goes from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and is put on by the Coming Together for Kids Coalition.