More Concerns With Changes To Bear Response

There's pressure mounting to have the Ministry of Natural Resources continue trapping and relocating nuisance bears.

It wants to hand those responsibilities onto police, and in some cases, municipalities.

In the legislature, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says there's already been a number of close calls involving the public and bears since the announcement and accuses the government of making changes without having an alternative plan in place.

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says Ministry staff will still work with local authorities in emergency situations.

No Surprises To Increase In Seniors

Some municipal leaders are not surprised to see the district's senior population on the rise.

16 per cent of residents are now 65 or older with about half of them living in Fort Frances.

Fort Frances councillor Andrew Hallikas says the change in demographics is a main reason why the town wants to see the Sister Kennedy Centre become a hub of senior programming.

Atikokan had the district's biggest increase, but Mayor Dennis Brown expects that to change when several economic development initiatives begin attracting younger families.

Canada Day Group Halts

There's been a set back in the planning of Canada Day events in Fort Frances.

Sandra Allan, who formed the group "It's Eh Celebration" in response to the faltering of the Fun in the Committee, has announced she's won't be continuing with its events.

The group was looking at staging a number of activities for July 1st, but is still proceeding with a dance scheduled for June 29.

Meantime, other groups still involved in Canada Day activities plan to meet today.

Exhibition Hall Gets Attention

The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society is looking to upgrade the exhibition hall at the Emo Fairground.

It's been around for over one hundred years.

Board member Robin Payeur says they've embarked on fundraising campaign with the first event planned for this weekend.

The band Country Blend will perform at the Emo Legion Sunday night..

Rainy River Resources Seeks Public Comment

Another chance today to provide input and learn more about Rainy River Resources gold project north of Barwick.

The company's is out with a draft terms of reference.

Kyle Stanfield, a company vice-president, says it will be the bases of an upcoming Environmental Assessment.

Today's open house at the Barwick Recreation Centre goes from 3 to 8 tonight.

Travellers Caught at Border

A number of travellers are a little light in the pocket book for trying to undervalue the cost of their U.S. purchases at the Fort Frances border.

Canadian Customs officers seized goods in nine cases and issued warnings to another 15 travellers last month.

In one case, a U.S. resident entering Canada declared $572 in goods he planned to leave in Canada.

When officers did an inspection, they found another $740 in undeclared items, costing the man $606 in penalties to get them back.

He would have paid $49 if he had legally declared the extra goods.

Forest Fire Hazard Low

MNR photo

All is quiet on the forest fire situation in northwestern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is still dealing with the only active fire - that at the southern end of Lake of the Woods at Falcon Island which has been declared under control.

The forest fire hazard remains is low right now, but the Ministry says the forecast for a clearing trend could move it up to moderate within days.

Use Bear-Wise Hotline First

The town of Fort Frances is encouraging the public to contact the government 's Bear-Wise hotline first to report nuisance bears.

Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says it will help determine what course of action residents can take when encountering bruins in their yard.

The number is 1-866-514-2327.

The town is looking currently looking at striking a deal with the Ministry of Natural Resources allowing by-law enforcement staff to handle bear complaints.