Falls Mayor Steps Down

The Mayor of International Falls is stepping down.

It's so Shawn Mason can accept a position with the city as its new director of economic and community development.

Mason feels its a good move.

She's expected to start her new job next week.

She's been the mayor for the past 7 1/2 years and was not planning to seek another term this fall.

Councillor Tim McBride takes over as Mayor until this November's elections.

Assisted Living Facility Survey Results Released

CFOB file photo

A survey has found an overwhelming number of residents would stay longer in the Rainy River district if they had access to an assisted living facility.

It was conducted by the Assisted Living Action Group.

Chair Erma Armit says they'll use the findings towards trying to get a facility constructed.

Armit says many people expressed concern in the survey about the need for appropriate housing for the district's seniors.

Privacy Breach Reported

More information is expected today about a major breach of voter privacy in Ontario.

Sources say personal information on voters in more than two dozen ridings went missing from the office of the province's chief electoral officer.

Political party leaders have been notified and the provincial police are investigating.

New Police Contract

Members of the International Falls Police Department have a new contract.

It includes a wage increase of 5 per cent over the next three years and is retroactive to January of this year.

New Rental Inspections In Falls

Some landlords in International Falls are not happy with city plans to begin inspections of rental properties.

The city says it's being done to ensure the health and safety of tenants.

Lawyer Dan Griffith presented a petition to council last night says the new law isn't necessary.

The inspections will begin in 2014 with property owners charged 20-dollars for each unit they own.


Councillor Cynthia Jacksa says a task force will be set up with landlords to help them transition into the new rules.

Locum House Fundraising At Halfway Mark

The fundraising campaign to build a new home for locum physicians who travel to Rainy River is at the halfway mark.

Committee member Jack Elliott says they hope to add to the $155-thousand raised so far with a couple of fundraising events taking place, including a Pennies From Heaven initiative.

There is also a fundraising supper planned during this weekend's Railroad Daze.

Chiefs Gather Today

The chiefs of Canada's First Nations, including several from northwestern Ontario, are gathering in Toronto today for a national strategy session which will see them elect a national chief later in the week.

Former Grand Chief of Treaty Three Diane Kelly among the candidates.

The Assembly of First Nations' annual general meeting will also see the chiefs hammer out a policy agenda for the coming months.