Hydro Rates to Increase

Hard-pressed electricity ratepayers in Ontario should brace for more price increases.

The Ontario Energy Board says utilities can raise rates to cover $18-million in fines and court costs they had to pay after the courts ruled they were charging too high an interest rate on late payments.

The energy board is also expected to rule shortly on a request from Ontario Power Generation for a 6.2 per cent increase in electricity rates effective March 1.

Canada Day Group Needs People

The committee tasked with organizing Canada Day festivities in Fort Frances is again facing a manpower shortage

The group has a few individuals taking on specific roles, such as entertainment and fireworks, but several members from last year have stepped down and the committee is currently without a chair.

A meeting is planned for next Tuesday at the 52 Canadians Meeting room in hopes of attracting more help.

Residents Fight for Sidewalk

A group of Fort Frances residents wants the town to reconsider plans to remove a section of sidewalk on their street.

Marlene Deschamps says the north sidewalk on Third Street East between Portage and Mowat Avenues is vital to pedestrian traffic in the area.

"Foot traffic on this street is not light, it's heavy," says Deschamps. "It's convenient for exiting the underpass because you only have a sidewalk on the west side and the natural when you leave you walk on the north side of the sidewalk. You don't cross the street."

Deschamps says the sidewalk was also part of a local improvement project paid for by area residents.

Former Library Being Sold Off

The former Fort Frances Library building will be put up for sale by the town.

Town councillors approved last night an administration report that the town seek expressions of interest for the vacant building.

The town purchased the building from the Fort Frances Library Board for a dollar last fall.

Union Gas Replacement Work to Resume

(Union Gas photo)

Union Gas will resume its work in May to replace its aging infrastructure in Fort Frances.

Construction Manager Luke Skaarup says part of the work this year includes the abandonment of old underground natural gas pipe.

"Basically cut the main into sections," says Skaarup. "The sections will be every block or no more than 150 metres. Purge all of the gas out of it, cap it with wooden plugs, back fill and compact it."
Union Gas has already installed several kilometres of pipe and hundreds of new gas metres.

Head Librarian Honoured by Town

Another honour for Ontario's Public Librarian of the Year.

Fort Frances' Head Librarian Margaret Sedgwick was recognized by town council last night.

Mayor Roy Avis presented a plaque on behalf of the town last night.

"You're dedication to the town of Fort Frances is sincerely appreciated," said Avis. "On behalf of the town, thank you very much. You've done a wonderful job and we're seeing excellent results."

Sedgwick received the W.J. Robertson Medallion from the Ontario Public Library Boards' Association earlier this month.