Branding Exercises Continues

The work on a branding exercise for the town of Fort Frances continues.

Twist Marketing of Calgary has been working on the initiative for the past couple of months.


Marketing strategist Chris Field says it's more than just creating a logo.


The firm is currently gathering and reviewing information collected with the intent of bringing forward recommendations back to the town's Economic Development Advisory Committee by next spring.

Campbell Opposing Gas Tax Plan For Transit Expansion

More opposition to a proposed plan to raise gas taxes to pay for public transportation expansion in southern Ontario.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell calls it a slap in the face to northerners.

Campbell says the extra 8-cents a litre charged since the implementation of the HST should be going to public transportation across the province.

But Ontario's Liberals says northern Ontario residents will not be funding the transit expansion project in southern Ontario.

In an open letter, Transportation Minister Glen Murray says the final decision on how costs will be covered has not yet been made.

He adds they will be reviewing recommendations with the proposed plan to be included in the spring budget.

Pre-Budget Hearing Planned

Northwestern Ontario residents will get an opportunity to provide input into the provincial budget.

A legislative committee will hold a pre-budget hearing in Thunder Bay in the middle of next month.

Those wishing to make a presentation, must contact the clerk of the committee by January 9

Tentative Settlements Reached

Tentative settlements have been reached in two class action lawsuits against former provincially-run institutions.

The combined settlements of over $32-million dollars stem from lawsuits filed on behalf of former residents of the Rideau Regional Centre in Smith Falls and the Southwestern Regional Centre near Chatham who alleged years of abuse.

Both facilities closed four years ago.

The settlements come on a heels of a $35-million dollar one awarded to former residents at the former Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia earlier this month..

Christmas Dinners Tomorrow

A couple of community Christmas dinners take place tomorrow.

The Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau's annual dinner takes place at Knox United Church and spokesperson June Caul says they're ready.

It's free the public, but donations are accepted.

It begins at 11:30 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m.

In International Falls, the dinner takes place at the Roadhouse.

Deacon Lee Grimm with the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church says it's free to everyone, but they do use it as a fundraiser for the Falls Hunger Coalition.

The dinner goes from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas day.

Watch Ice Condtions

OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs are reminding snowmobilers to use caution when out on frozen bodies of water.

The groups say that with some areas freezing faster then usual riders may be given the impression that all lakes are safe to ride on.

OPP suggest riders carry ice picks and wear buoyant snowmobile suits if they do cross over ice.