Power Corp Worried With Energy Review

The Fort Frances Power Corporation is expressing concern with the province's review of the energy sector.

It includes a potential sell-off or amalgamation of municipally owned distribution utilities.

Chair Doug McCaig is worried the province may force the Power Corp being folded in with either Hydro One or other area utilities.

McCaig says such a move could impact on local rates, which are the lowest in the province.

New Forest Fires Reported

The Ministry of Natural Resources is closely watch if a storm passing through the area will provide any help to the number of forest fires burning across northwestern Ontario.

Ten new starts were reported yesterday, including two new lighting-cause blazes within Quetico Provincial Park.

A total of 70 across the northwest are active.

Drug Investigation Revealed Today

Details of a joint forces drug investigation are expected to be revealed later today.

Officials says it focused on the trafficking of prescription medication and other illegal drugs from southern Ontario to several communities in the northwest.

OPP, Thunder Bay Police, RCMP and Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service were null.

E-Waste Depots Set Up

There are now permanent depots in the Rainy River district for people to dump their old electronic equipment.

Asselin's Transportation and Storage is setting up two locations.

Co-owner Eldon Mose says one will be at main office in Alberton township.

A second site is at the Black Sturgeon landfill site located on Highway 502.


Materials collected will be shipped to recycling facilities.

Home Price Report Questioned

A report on rising Ontario home prices has drawn concern from a Liberal MP.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation says home prices in Ontario are up 17 per cent over the past four years, 26 per cent in the Kenora-Rainy River districts.

The corporation says the numbers suggest a strong real estate market.

MP John McCallum says the increase is high given the current economic environment.

Atikokan Showcased

Atikokan is showcasing its promising future to a Thunder Bay audience today.

The town's inviting developers, miners and investors to an open house at the Whitewater Golf Course to learn more about its activities.

The town's preparing for an economic boom in the energy, forestry and mining industries with as many as four projects, creating as many as 900 new jobs, about to proceed.

Parade of Boats Tonight

FFCBC photo

Just one more sleep before the fishing begins at the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship, but tonight anglers  showcase their boats and gear in the annual Parade of Boats.

This year, it starts at the Memorial Sports Centre, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and travelling west down Scott Street to Mowat Avenue.

Anglers will then head to Boston Pizza where you get your opportunity to rub shoulders and obtain a few fishing tips.

Home Sales Up

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation says the average home price in the Kenora and Rainy River districts has increased 26 per cent over the past four years. 

MPAC's chief assessor Larry Hummel says different forces affect the real estate market in northern Ontario, including the recent increase in activity in the mining sector.

Overall, Ontario's home prices are up 17 per cent.

Portage Avenue Underpass To Close

The Portage Avenue underpass in Fort Frances will be temporarily closed to traffic next week.

The closures happen next Tuesday and Wednesday, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., both days.

It's to allow crews working on the pumping station to install new electrical services.

A temporary pedestrian walkway will be set up on the east side of the road during the closure.

Mining Symposium Planned

Mining and skilled trades are the wave of the future in northwestern Ontario, so the federal government is giving a hand to help aboriginal youth gain access to those sectors.

Federal government's setting aside $46-thousand to support an Aboriginal Trades and Employment Symposium in Dryden.

The September event will include reps from various mining companies.