Budget Discussions Begin

Fort Frances town councillors sat down last night to begin their discussions on the 2011 budget.

Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says while the operating budget is coming in "bare bones," the capital budget is still concerning.

"If we took a look at it as it stands right now, we would decrease our reserve funds by approximately 21.6 per cent," says Witherspoon, "and we would increase our long term debt by approximately 40 per cent. So you know we have a long ways to go."

The capital budget is currently at $8.5-million dollars with over $3-million targetted to come from reserves.

Water and Sewer Rates Discussed

Fort Frances town councillors held off making any decision on new water and sewer rates at their meeting last night.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas says they first want to hear about a financial asset management report that comes to council Monday.

"By looking at this report and the trends it reveals, it's going to show council exactly where we might have to apply ourselves in terms of taxation this year," says Hallikas.

It was noted that a one per cent increase in rates would bring in about $51-thousand in revenue.

College Program to be Adopted Locally

A local committee is looking at how to implement Confederation College's RESPECT campaign across the Rainy River district.

Trudy McCormick, co-chair of Celebrating Diversity, says the campaign, recognizing the value of diversity, would be a good fit for the area.

"It's very accessible," says McCormick. "What we want to look at is not just one issue or a narrow area of issues. It's a very broad focus. It aligns with the focus of the Diversity Committee to celebrate diversity in all its facets."

McCormick says they've formed a separate committee to review how aspects of the RESPECT campaign can be adopted.

Ontario "Hoodwinked"

Energy Minister Brad Duguid says Tory Leader Tim Hudak is trying to "hoodwink'' Ontario residents on energy.

Hudak is blaming smart meters, the Green Energy Act and massive subsidies to the foreign company Samsung for causing electricity bills to skyrocket.

Duguid says the real reason is the cost to build a clean, modern reliable energy system for the province.

Snowmobile Safety Week in Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs are asking snowmobilers to make smart choices this winter.

This is Snowmobile Safety Week in Ontario.

OPP Sergeant Michael Price says there have already been five snowmobile fatalities this winter.

"Unfortunately our latest fatalities took place on a lake," says Price, "so we're stressing that the safest place to operate a snowmobile is actually on an OFSC trail."

A 55-year-old man died when his snowmachine went through the ice near Kenora last month.