Housing Co-Op Considered In Atikokan

A solution to address the need for seniors apartments in Atikokan will be explored today.

Seniors are being asked for input into a not-for profit housing corporation to oversee development and management of a multi-

Garry McKinnon of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation says it stems from talks with seniors and others on how to fund the project.

McKinnon says because options are limited, a housing co-op is seen as a home grown solution.
unit facility.

The meeting at the Corporation's office goes at 2 p.m.

Osisko Scales Back Spending

Osisko Mining is cutting back on spending at its Hammond Reef gold project near Atikokan.

The company's looking at a $3.5 million reduction to its planned budget in light of falling gold prices.

Permitting and Environmental Impact Assessment work is currently taking place, but Osisko says any decision to proceed further won't be made until a final feasibility report is issued later this year.

Mayor See Some Hope On MPAC Concerns

There appears to be a hint of optimism from a coalition of northern Ontario mayors concerned with how the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's has mill properties in their communities.

The group, which included Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis, met with the province's Deputy Finance Minister yesterday in Toronto.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says the government agreed to continue dialogue on how to help communities impacted.

Friday, Finance Minister Charles Sousa announced his Ministry would re-visit MPAC's decisions.

PC Plan For Northern Ontario Promoted

Ontario's Progressive Conservatives are promising to create new employment in northern Ontario.

It's part of their plan for the region, leader Tim Hudak says has focus on the mining and forestry sectors.

It includes permitting at least ten new mines and initiatives to strengthen the mining and forestry industries Hudak says will bring them back to being number one in Canada.


Hudak also wants to bring more of the decision making for northern Ontario back to northerners.

Youth Jobs Money Revealed

The Ontario intends to spend $300 million over the next two years to fight youth unemployment.

It's the latest sneak peak at Thursday's budget -- and appears to be part of an effort to gain the support of the New Democrats.

Relay For Life Nets Big Dollars

Organizers of the Koochiching County Relay for Life in International Falls are calling its a "perfect day."

Over $21-thousand was raised by eight teams of walkers who took part in Saturday's event at Rainy River Community College in support of the American Cancer Society.

The eight-hour event was capped with a special luminary ceremony and a few quiet laps to honour and remember those who have walked and battled the journey of Cancer.

Canada Day Cash Lottery Early Bird Winner

A Rainy River woman is the winner of Riverside Foundation for Health Care's early bird prize in its Canada Day Cash Lottery.

Ella Bernie won the fishing package courtesy of Manitou Weather Station Fishing Lodge.

The winning ticket was drawn during Saturday's Business and Community Expo.

Atikokan Makes Plea For Canoe

It doesn't appear Atikokan will be getting the Centennial Canoe.

The Neebing Voyageur Brigade in Thunder Bay is in control of it and it's spokesperson Bob Slusar doesn't believe his fellow members will agree to let it go.

Atikokan Mayor Dennis Brown made an impassioned plea to Thunder Bay council last night to have to canoe moved his community for display.

The canoe was used by an Ontario team of paddlers, four from Atikokan, that competed in a cross-country race commemorating Canada's 100th birthday in 1967.

Jail and Bail Next Week

A number of "celebrity" criminals are seeking for your support in bailing them out jail next week.

The Voyageur Lion's Club is staging its first ever Jail and Bail May 11 at Canadian Tire in Fort Frances.

Chair Diana Lynn Laroque says each participants has been instructed to raise at least $300 that will be used by the club around the community.

They'll then be arrested and brought before a trial judge to face their charge, using their bail money to get out of jail.



The person who raises the most will be recognized with the Top Convict award.

Not Word From Minister On Hunting And Fishing Fee Hikes

Ontario's Natural Resources Minister isn't saying much about possible fee hikes coming for hunters and anglers in this week's provincial budget.

The Ministry has been polling outdoor enthusiasts in the northwest about service fee hikes they might accept.

But David Orazietti isn't revealing his hand.

Orazietti says if there are increases, they won't happen without input.

Question Of The Week

Should the province consider raising the cost of hunting and fishing licenses?

Let us know on our website, 931theborder.ca.

In response to last week's question, 59 per cent of respondents don't think Fort Frances council did enough on the budget to keep the tax increase to a minimum.

Rail Safety Week

Ontario has the worst record in the country for pedestrians being struck by trains -- and there's a big push on this week to turn that around.

This is national Public-Rail Safety Week.

Operation Lifesaver's Mike Regimbal says the goal is to keep you alive.

So far this year, at least eight people in the province were struck and killed by trains.