Atikokan Sawmill Future

The planned sell off of the Atikokan Forest Products sawmill is becoming a election issue for candidates in Thunder Bay-Atikokan.

An auction of equipment is set to go at the end of this month.

Liberal MPP Bill Mauro says there's still some hope for that mill.

But NDP's Mary Kozorys and PC's Fred Gilbert say the current wood allocation process is prohibiting the mill from reopening.

Liberals Release Northern Platform

The Liberals have released their platform specific to northern Ontario.

Anthony Leek, their candidate for Kenora-Rainy River, says it means real and measurable progress for the area.

"I think its another step towards positive growth," says Leek. "Really expanding a foundation for the north and look at what's worked really well through the Heritage Fund as well as through energy grants and credits."

The Grits are promising, among other things, to increase the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund to $110-million.

NDP Northern Ontario Platform

The NDP is also out with its northern Ontario platform.

Kenora-Rainy River candidate Sarah Campbell says it includes improvements to the Northern Health Travel Grant.

"That would ensure that cheques are processed within 30 days," says Campbell. "If they are not received by people within the 30 days, people will receive interests from the Ontario government."
Campbell says the NDP would also implement an industrial hydro rate to help local mills.

Election Leaders Day

Ontario's provincial leaders all start their day courting votes in the Toronto area.

Premier Dalton McGuinty will speak at the Toronto Board of Trade, then head to Mississauga and Richmond Hill.

PC leader Tim Hudak is also in Mississauga, then heads to Kitchener and London.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath is in Toronto.

More Forest Fires in Northwestern Ontario

(Ministry of Natural Resources photo)

A lengthy warm spell has allowed the number of forest fires burning across northwestern Ontario to grow.

Almost forty new fires were reported over the weekend, pushing to 51 the number of those active.

Seven of were in the Rainy River district, most caused by lightning from previous storms.

There are seven fires still burning in the district.

BWCA Closed

(File photo)

A forest fire has closed a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near Ely.

Fire officials say dry air and north winds pushed the Pagami Creek Fire farther south on the weekend, forcing authorities to move campers out of the area.

The fire has grown to about 4,500 acres.

ERT in Town

(OPP Photo)

Ontario Provincial Police remind residents in Fort Frances of their Northwest Region Emergency Response Team training exercises.

Officers will be visible in the west end of the town until tomorrow.

Road Closure

Motorists who use McIrvine Road in Fort Frances will need to find an alternative route today.

The road is being shutdown near the old Bingo Hall so work crews can install water and sanitary sewer lines to an adjacent piece of property.

The work will begin at 7 a.m. today with the road reopening by tomorrow night.

Knights Honoured

The Knights of Columbus in the Fort Frances area celebrated their 75th anniversary on the weekend.

Bishop Fred Colli was among many dignitaries on hand.

"The Knights of Columbus here celebrating 75 years is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice and willingness of men and their families who have come before them to continue the strong work of the Knights of Columbus," says Bishop Colli.

The Knights used the celebrations to make their final contributions to Riverside Health Care's Care Close to Home Campaign and to the St. Mary's Church building fund.

Several members were also recognized for their years of service, including the last remaining charter member John Duchnicki.