Council Says No to Building Contract

2009-04-14

06:51:19

Fort Frances town councillors voted down last night a construction contract for the new library and technology centre.

Nearly fifty library supporters left dejected after a 5 to 2 vote against accepting the $3.7 million contract. Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says it was the overall costs of $4.7 million and the town's portion that swayed him to vote no.

"My concern is that if you look at the potential expenditure of this project," say Wiedenhoeft, "the potential expenditure could be in the high of $1.5 to $1.6 million....if things don't fall into place. I think if you look at a project of this size, you have to look at the potential expenditure as being a possibility."

Councillor Ken Perry also felt the town was not in a position to proceed.

"I think the plan for the library is too grand of scheme for us," says Perry. "I'm afraid that down the road we're not going to be able to afford the budget of a new library. When you build a bigger building, the budget for the new building is bigger than the old one and that's what's going to happen here."

Chair of the Fort Frances Library Board Joyce Cunningham was disappointed by the decision. The board's been working toward a new library for nearly 15 years. Cunningham doesn't believe there's anything more than board can do.

"This is something that would be good for the citizens of the community, but it would also be an economic stimulus," says Cunningham, "and in fact when we received the $1.6 million (from the Ministry of Culture) that was a major part of the reason we got that. so I'm extremely disappointed by what has happened."

Cunningham also stands by comments made last week that a no vote would essentially kill the project. The decision by council came as word of a $25,000 donation from an unidentified donor was set to be announced.

While all of council agreed there was a need for a new library, only councillors Sharon Tibbs and Andrew Hallikas felt council should have accepted the contract.

On-Line Passport Service Shutting Down

2009-04-13

12:31:42

In a couple of weeks, it'll be the end of the line for Passport On-Line.

Passport Canada says it will stop accepting online applications at the end of the month. The move to cancel the service follows complaints from Canada's privacy commissioner about sloppy security and an embarrassing online security breach more than a year ago.

 

Support for Christine Elliot

2009-04-13

12:30:45

Christine Elliott picked up a couple of endorsements today in her bid to become the new Ontario's Progressive Conservative leader.

Both Janet Ecker and David Tsubouchi _ cabinet ministers in the Ernie Eves and Mike Harris governments _ say they'll vote for Elliott. Elliott _ the wife of federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty _ is one of four declared candidates vying to replace John Tory as party leader.

The others are Tim Hudak, Frank Klees and Randy Hillier.

U-I Claims Up in Koochiching County

2009-04-13

12:29:55

More than 200 claims for unemployment insurance were made in Koochiching County during the month of March.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, that's almost double from February's figure of 104.

Seatbelt Blitz

2009-04-13

12:28:48

The Ontario Provincial Police will be on the lookout for drivers who fail to wear their seatbelts.

The OPP's Spring Seatbelt campaign gets underway this week, and officers will be checking for proper seatbelt use. The annual campaign also targets children's car seats.

The blitz will run from Wednesday through to April 26.

More Council Decisions

2009-04-13

12:27:42

The proposal to move the tugboat Hallet and fire tower is also up for discussion at tonight's council meeting.

That project also faced opposition at last week's meeting - most aimed at the fire tower with some councillors suggesting it not be saved.

Also tonight, the Northwest Youth Action Alliance will be recognized for its promotion of no-smoking at the Memorial Sports Centre. The town recently changed its by-laws to prohibit smoking in front of the centre's doorways.

The public portion of tonight meeting begins about 5:45 p.m.

 

Chamber Supports Library Project

2009-04-13

12:24:58

Monday night's Fort Frances town council meeting could have a very large audience on hand.

Members of the Library Board are expected to be joined by members of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce in a show of support when council decides if it will move forward on the new Library and Technology Centre.

President Cathy Emes says council should proceed.

"All of the time and effort and fundraising that's gone into it," says Emes, "as well as the need for a new library. It's not just the library, it's the technology centre, that's important for the community."

Council deferred making a decision on a construction contract at a meeting last week after some councillors expressed concern with the town's commitment toward the project estimated at little more than a million dollars.

Sunset Country Bowlers Win Team Title

2009-04-13

07:21:55

Members of the Men's Sunset Country Bowling team captured the team title at the Northern Ontario provincial 5-pin bowling championships held in Dryden on the weekend.

The team, which included Fort Frances' Andrew Stamarski, defeated a team representing the North Bay area.

Medical Officer of Health Welcoming Role

2009-04-13

07:17:41

The Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit is settling into to his position just fine.

Doctor James Arthurs has been the region's acting chief medical officer since January 1st, and says its been a rewarding experience so far.

"I'm really having a good time," says Arthurs, " and enjoying learning more about where Kenora fits into the northwest, where the northwest fits in with the province and how all of us need to work together for better health for all of us who live here"

Arthurs is not sure when the "acting" part of his title will be removed. The Minister of Health still has to confirm his appointment.

Minnesota Elk Public Meeting

2009-04-13

06:57:28

Minnesota’s elk management plan will be the focus of an upcoming public meetings to be held by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Greenbush.

The D-N-R says the plan will address population levels, crop depredation and hunting season management of wild elk in northwestern Minnesota.

Elk are native to the state but faced near extinction in the early 20th century.

Ontario Graduation Rates

2009-04-13

06:56:30

Five years after Ontario eliminated Grade 13, only 69 per cent of students completed the four-year high school program in four years.

The Education Ministry reported a 77 per cent graduation rate for Ontario high schools last month, but that included students who go back for a fifth year.

Education Minister Kathleen Wynne says both graduation rates are good news because they show more students are completing high school.

Confederation College Graduate Survey

2009-04-13

06:53:46

Confederation College has scored high marks from its graduates and the companies who hire them.

A survey conducted by College's Ontario says almost 87 per cent of the graduates were satisfied with the education received at the college. Eight per cent seemed pleased with the overall quality of services, programming and resources available.

Almost 98 per cent of employers, the highest of any college in Ontario, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the educational preparation of Confederation's graduates.

 

 

Koochiching County Road Work

2009-04-13

06:52:03

Two projects in the Koochiching County area are among this year's work planned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

This July, M-DOT will begin replacement of a bridge on Highway 11 in Clementson at a cost of $2.9 million dollars.

M-DOT also plans to dismantle the historic Silverdale Bridge on Highway 65 in August. The bridge will be moved to the St. Paul area where it will reconstructed as a recreational trail bridge. 

Emergency Food Program Assistance

2009-04-13

06:50:57

Koochiching County is receiving some federal dollars to assist with area emergency food and shelter programs.

The county received almost $12,000 through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board and another $5,600 in federal stimulus dollars.

The money will be disbursed among local service agencies.

Robert Moore School Goes to Tender

2009-04-13

06:46:29

The Rainy River District School Board is planning to seek tenders this week on the new Robert Moore School.

Manager of Plant operations, Raymond Roy says prospective contractors will have about a month to make their submissions. Roy says site preparation continues.

"We've elected to use a strategy known as pre-loading," says Roy. "We've preloaded the site of the new school. This generally that will consolidate the soils. We had two options to do the current pre-load option or go with piles."

Roy says because of the soils, using piles would have driven up the cost of construction significantly. Construction of the school could begin as early as this June.

 

Council Meets Monday Night

2009-04-13

06:43:56

The fate of two projects in Fort Frances could be decided Monday night when town councillors gather for their regular meeting of council at the Civic Centre.

Council will review a Fort Frances Library Board recommendation to accept a tender with Aurora Construction for the building of the new library and Technology Centre at a cost of $3.7 million. At a special meeting last week, some councillors expressed concern with the town's commitment of a about a million dollars toward the total budget of $4.7 million.

Council is also expected to discuss a proposed contract to refurbish and relocate the tugboat Hallet and fire tower. At last week's meeting, some councillors felt the fire tower should not be saved. Tonight's meeting begins at about 5:45

Town of Fort Frances Heads to Court over Pither's Point Park

2009-04-13

06:42:50

The town of Fort Frances is headed to court this week over Pither's Point Park.

Legal representatives for the town will be asking a court judge Wednesday to consider a notice of motion that would allow the town the ability to continue operating the park until litigation between area native bands and the federal, provincial and municipal governments is resolved, or for as long as an Ontario Order in Council that declared the area a park - remains

The notice of motion was filed in court last week. A 99-year leased signed by the town is set to expire at the end of this month.

Attawapiskat

2009-04-09

07:48:09

If Ottawa gives the O-K, Ontario says it is prepared to take a larger role in Attawapiskat -- the northern aboriginal community that's being plagued by toxic fumes.

Community Safety Minister Rick Bartolucci says if community leaders ask the feds for help, it's possible Ottawa could ask Ontario to do more. The fuel fumes -- leaking into homes and the elementary school -- stem from an underground leak that took place 30 years ago.

Marathon Pulp Profits

2009-04-09

07:46:14

A northwestern Ontario pulp company that filed for bankruptcy this year is showing a tidy profit.

The accountants are now scrambling to correct the report, which had told creditors Marathon Pulp lost nearly nine-million dollars by the end of September 2007. But information released this week by the operation's trustees shows the mill had net earnings of 6-point-2 million.

Officials attribute the difference in numbers to a typo.

Legal Clinics Merge

2009-04-09

07:42:11

The Kenora and Rainy River community legal clinics have united to enhance their services.

The Kenora, Fort Frances, and Atikokan offices are now known as the Northwest Community Legal Clinics. Kenora Clinic Spokesperson Nan Norman says it will help them better serve the area.

"It's the best scenario following the departure of our previous director," says Norman. "And as staff we're happy. For the public, there's more resources than there were previously."

Staff at the three locations will share clients and manage workloads together.

Highway Project to Continue

2009-04-09

07:38:28

Koochiching County commissioners had decided to proceed with their plans for a reroute of the northern section of Highway 332.

A request to end that project was rejected by a 4-1 voted at their meeting this week.

Chair Mike Hanson says they were advised to continue and let litigation through the Minnesota Court of Appeals to continue.

"We're in proverbial limbo right now," says Hanson. "As long as litigation is ongoing, the county board has been advised by its legal folks when we make our comment to make them on what we know and not to form an opinion on something that may nor may not happen."

International Falls City Council is appealing a Minnesota Department of Transportation decision that supported the county's position on the project. Several businesses have voiced their opposition.

 

Tourism Outlook Dismal

2009-04-09

07:22:14

The Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association is bracing for a slow tourist season.

With North America experiencing a recession, the tourism group expects this summer's tourist season to be a bust. Executive Director Gerry Cariou says there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

"I think this is going to be the low of the low, "says Cariou, "in terms of the cycle of travellers to here because where the low of the recession, especially in our key market the United States. So were going to have to hang on this year, but I do expect things picking up next year."

Cariou says in 2010, the tourism industry will have to deal with the impact of the a 3 percent increase in taxes on accommodations resulting from the merger of the provincial sales tax and the federal goods and services tax.

Smart Board Gift

2009-04-09

07:17:47

So-called smart boards are coming to Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board has received a more than $10,000 from the Rainy River First Nation for the purchase of the equipment that includes the touchscreen white-boards.

The board hopes to have the new equipment in place by the fall.

More Defibs Coming

2009-04-09

07:14:52

There are more defribrillators coming to the Rainy River District.

A media conference Thursday morning will announce the placement of the life-saving units in local schools. In February, funding through the Heart and Stroke Foundation helped with twenty units being placed in several municipal facilities across the district, including three in Fort Frances.

Details will be revealed at 10:00 a.m. at Robert Moore School in Fort Frances.

Budget Talks Continuing

2009-04-09

06:52:10

It's looking a little better for residential ratepayers in Fort Frances.

While an exact tax rate has yet to be finalized, preliminary figures suggest homeowners could be paying less than one per cent more than last year - depending on which taxing option council selects. Meantime, the operating budget will see the town spend about one-hundred thousand dollars less than it did last year. Treasurer Laurie Witherspoon says changes in costs has driven up this year's capital spending.

"The total budget for capital went from $13,909,000 to $14,655,000," says Witherspoon. "The long term debt has changed from $1,497,000 to $2,131,000."

Council is still waiting for some additional information from the province before it can finalize the budget.

New Taxing District in International Falls Area

2009-04-08

07:46:22

A group looking to establish a special taxing district to help fund emergency medical services in the International Falls area got its blessing from the city this week.

Officials say it will help with local efforts to bring an advanced life support service to the Falls Ambulance Service. Terry Ehrman, chair of the group, says the district will help bring a services that 's badly needed.

"We feel it is the best way in try to move forward with funding this endeavour," says Ehrman. "and ensure the Ambulance Service of International Falls and ALS to the community."

Ehrman says the new district would governed by a board with representing Koochiching County and the cities of International Falls and Ranier. The group hopes to obtain grants for  start-up costs.

Softwood Lumber Dispute

2009-04-08

07:44:34

The U-S is slapping a 10 per cent duty on Canadian softwood lumber imports in a test of the 2006 softwood lumber agreement.

The United States Trade Representative says the U-S is owed almost $55-million U-S in penalties  from four provinces, including Ontario, for not sufficiently lowering exports of lumber as prices dropped. In February, an international tribunal found that Canada didn't properly calculate quotas on exports for the first six months of 2007.

Canada plans to appeal the new tax.

College Policies Under Review

2009-04-08

07:26:52

Confederation College is reviewing its policies after a student stole a plane and flew over three states Monday.

Officials say the pilot, 31 year old Adam Leon, was trying to commit suicide by having U-S fighter jets shoot down his plane. College president Pat Lang says Leon had not shown any questionable behaviour.

"He was a good student," says Lang. "He was described as being very personable, very polite, very pleasant, very engaged. He's was described as an excellent students by his faculty members."

While the college is reviewing its policies, Lang says security was not compromised because aviation students have access to the airport hangar. Leon has been charged with transportation of stolen property and illegal entry. He'll appear in court in St. Louis on Friday.

Beef Recall

2009-04-08

07:24:40

There's a warning about some beef products sold at Canada Safeway.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat certain lean ground beef because it may be contaminated with E. coli. The agency says the meat was prepared for certain Canada Safeway stores in northeastern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The affected packages bear a best before date of March 19th.

There has been no reported illness linked with consumption of this product.

Causeway Work to Continue

2009-04-08

06:56:16

The second phase of work on the Noden Causeway is expected to take place this year.

The work includes further repairs to the steel piles that support the structure. Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the northern Highway's budget is still being reviewed, but he's committed to keeping the work moving.

"This is a project we remain committed to," says Gravelle. "It's one that's very, very important. And there's a certain sense of urgency which is why we're continuing to support it in a very significant way."

Last year, Gravelle announced the province would help fund the work over a five year period.

E. Coli Warning

2009-04-08

06:55:28

There's a warning this morning about some beef products sold at Canada Safeway.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat certain lean ground beef because it may be contaminated with E. coli.

The meat was prepared for certain Canada Safeway stores in northeastern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The affected packages bear a best before date of March 19th.

There has been no reported illness linked with consumption of this product.

Police Chief to Retire

2009-04-08

06:54:19

The city of International Falls has asked its police chief to take an early retirement.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says the retirement of Chief Chris Raboin is being made strictly for financial reasons and not personal.

Raboin's retirement at the end of April is expected to save the city more than 300-thousand dollars over the next five years.

Raboin has been the police chief for International Falls since 1998.

Tenders for Road Work Opened

2009-04-08

06:49:06

Another major capital project in Fort Frances now has some costs attached.

Tenders for road and sewer and water repairs around Abitibi-Bowater's biomass boiler were opened Tuesday afternoon. The four bids will be reviewed before a final selection is recommended to council later this month. The bids are;

LTL Contracting Ltd., Thunder Bay - $6,332,935.04

K.R. Wagner - $6,490,214.13

Bay City Contractors, Thunder Bay - $5,415,588.15

George Armstrong Co. Ltd., Fort Frances - $6,820,983.75

 

 

New Sideway for Lion's Park

2009-04-07

08:55:12

A new sidewalk proposed for Lion's Park in Fort Frances will get built this year.

The Fort Frances' Lions Club's commitment to the project was boosted after the Ontario Trillium Foundation announced the club would be getting $15,000 for the project.

President Jacques Fiset says its makes the park truly accessible to everyone.

"We have enough money set aside to go ahead and finish the project so people who are in wheelchairs can enjoy the park like everyone else," says Fiset.

Fiset says new concrete walkway will go from the children's play-area at the west end to the washrooms and gazebo to the east.

Ignace Water Plant on Hold

2009-04-07

08:54:15

Operation of the new Water Treatment Plant in Ignace has been delayed, yet again.

The community was hoping to have the facility up and running on April first. Mayor Lionel Cloutier says a number of issues need to be addressed before commissioning can take place. Cloutier says some deal with the compliance of Health and Safety laws and to meet regulations under the Clean Water Act.

Ignace residents have been forced to boil their water since July 2007.

 

Stolen College Plane Lands in Missouri

2009-04-07

08:48:01

The suspected pilot of a small plane stolen from Confederation College's flight school in  Thunder Bay is in custody in Missouri.

Highway Patrol Sergeant Marty Elmore says authorities arrested 31-year-old Adam Dylan Leon near Ellsinore in southeastern Missouri. Military officials say the four-seat Cessna plane was stolen from Thunder Bay Monday afternoon. Confederation College vice-president Judy Maundrell says a man was seen climbing a fence at the college's flight centre, and taking off with the plane.

American F-16 fighters intercepted the Cessna, which flew erratically through three American states and prompted the evacuation of the Wisconsin capitol. But the pilot did not respond to radio calls or other signals before landing on a road in Missouri and fleeing.

According to a report out of the U-S, Leon is a former Turkish national who became a Canadian citizen last year.

It's not clear why he took the plane in the first place.

Health Unit Budget

2009-04-07

08:13:23

The Northwestern Health Unit says it has no plans to increase its municipal levy this year.

The Health Unit has finalized its 2009 budget. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jim Arthurs says local towns and cities don't have to worry about a hike in their contribution.

Instead, the province has promised to increase its share of its funding to health units across Ontario by three percent this year.

 

Gateway Corridor Project

2009-04-07

07:58:31

The refurbishing of a fire tower located on the American side of the border is part of an improvement project being examined in the International Falls area.

The Gateway Corridor proposes to improve the area between Highway 53 along Highway 11 to Voyageur's National Park. It includes renovating a State-owned building at the corner of Highways 53 and 11 intro a Central Wayside Rest. The plan also proposes corridor streetscapes and an extension of the bike trail from Voyageur's National Park to the city, signage, along with the improvements to the former fire tower located near the park.

Task Force Chair Terry Stone says the next step is to identify champions to help move the projects forward. Stone says many of the projects would qualify for federal funding.

Fire Tower Move Questioned

2009-04-07

07:49:32

Members of Fort Frances town council are expressing concerns with plans to move the tugboat Hallet and fire tower from Pither's Point Park to the Fort Frances Waterfront.

Community Services Manager George Bell told councillors at their meeting Monday night Tom Jones Construction will do the work for 1-point-4 million dollars. While there was support for moving the Hallet, some councillors weren't as keen on the fire tower.

Councillor Ken Perry says it has no historical significance to the town.

"The boat is significant to this area and we should save it," says Perry. "The tower should come down, yes, but not resurrected."

Councillor John Albanese called the project a waste of money. Bell says much of the project costs would be covered through provincial dollars with the town on the hook for about $230,000.

New Library Debated

2009-04-07

07:27:21

The chair of the Fort Frances Library Board is warning the project could die if town council fails to accept a $3.7 million contract to build the new library and technology centre.

Joyce Cunningham made those remarks as council debated yesterday a recommendation to enter into an agreement with Aurora Construction. The library board has been working towards a new library for 13 years. Cunningham says the town can't afford further delays.

"The longer you wait, the higher the price goes up," warned Cunningham. "That (provincial funding) money  was given to use, all of the money was given to us, was for a stand alone library and that's where we are. Today, if we don't go ahead, the project is dead."

Cunningham adds that if the town doesn't proceed, all of the provincial money previously received will have to be returned. About $3 million has been received from Northern Development and Mines and the Culture Ministries.

But some councillors are concerned with the town's portion of the overall costs, estimated at about $1 million. Councillor Paul Ryan fears that portion could rise if federal funding can't be found and the existing facility can't be sold.

But Cunningham warned the commitment made today would be far less than what the town may have to spend to bring the existing library into compliance with provincial laws.

"I have told you about the Accessibility for Ontario Disabilities Act. It's moving through the process."

"We can number crunch. We can project. We can go on forever, " says Cunningham. "The time (to build) is now."

Council is to make a final decision on Monday. 

Snowy Fort Frances

2009-04-06

12:56:41

There was definitely a low of snow in the Fort Frances area in March.

Environment Canada says the area saw a total of 74 centimetres of snow - well above the monthly average of 13.

Meteorologist Sandy Radeki says the numbers were boosted by two significant storms.

"You had snow fall events reported on March 9th and 10th," says Radeki. There was 25 centimetres one day, and then 15. And on March 31st the area had 19 centimetres of snow."

Combined with a mid-month rainfall, the area saw more than 110 centimetres of precipitation in March.

Snowy International Falls

2009-04-06

12:55:39

There's also been a lot of snow in International Falls this year.

Last week's winter storm brought the city's seasonal snowfall to just over 121 inches - breaking the old record of 116 set back in the winter of 1995-96. Since November 1st, the city has  reported snow on 110 of the 151 days through to the end of March.

Local Foods Promoted in Schools

2009-04-06

12:54:21

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he hopes an Ontario apple a day will keep the recession away.

The premier is defending a $24-million investment over three years to help make Ontario-farmed foods available in more jails, schools and hospitals. He says that, in the past, provincial institutions have opted to buy whatever was easiest to get.

Now that the province is in the midst of a crippling recession, McGuinty says it's important to understand that buying Ontario apples, potatoes and lamb will help the economy. He says he's not taking aim at items like B.C. apples but simply wants to move his province's produce to forefront - just like the province did with Ontario wines.

And while he concedes it's difficult to get Ontario fruit in the winter and acknowledges some contracts may end up being more expensive, McGuinty says there are opportunities to promote
homegrown product everywhere food is served.

Green Energy Act Claims Disputed

2009-04-06

12:52:21

A new report commissioned by the Opposition says Ontario's Green Energy Act could hike electricity bills by hundreds of dollars a year.

The report says the average additional cost per household ranges from $280 to $780 per year
between 2010 and 2025. The study, which is being released later this month, says those
costs don't include the impact of tax harmonization, which will tack on another eight per cent on home heating costs starting in 2010.

The report says government claims that the legislation will create more than 50,000 jobs over three years are unsubstantiated. It says the act could actually costs jobs if the province becomes less competitive as a result.

The Progressive Conservatives say the report shows the legislation will add another burden to consumers struggling in tough economic times.

Rainy River Grant

2009-04-06

12:50:54

The township of Rainy River is receiving some money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

It will use more than $37 thousand dollars toward the purchase and installation of equipment  in the arena and community centre.

Riding Program Funding

2009-04-06

12:49:42

Northwestern Independent Living Services in Kenora-Rainy River will be hiring a coordinator for its equine (eh-queen) therapeutic riding program.

Funding for the hire will come out of a $97 thousand Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. Part of that money will also be used to purchase equipment, attract participants and volunteers.

Emergency Response Reviewed

2009-04-06

12:36:41

The Northwestern Health Unit is changing the way how it responses to medical and public health emergency situations.

Traditionally, the Chief Medical Officer of Health has also been on call year round. Doctor James Arthurs says the workload will now be spread among other senior managers.

"The change was made to spread that responsibility around," says Arthurs, "and begin communication between all of us who are cross-trained and able to do things in vacation or family-issue absents because one person can't do it all."

Arthurs says they are also looking at improvements in other areas such as environmental protocols, and after-hours incidents.

International Falls Cuts Considered

2009-04-06

12:35:56

The city of International Falls is considering delaying the purchase of several capital expenditures to deal with a potential half-a-million-dollar loss in local government aid.

City councillors will discuss the cuts at their meeting tonight. The proposal includes halting capital expenditures previously budgeted from the general government buildings, police, fire and ambulance departments.

Library Tender Being Reviewed

2009-04-06

12:33:53

Members of the library board will be on hand Monday afternoon to submit their recommendation on a preferred contractor for the new Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre to Fort Frances town councillors.

A special committee of the whole meeting at the Civic Centre is scheduled for 4:00 pm. Six companies submitted bids on March 17 with the lowest coming in at about $3.8 million.

Council will also discuss a contract for the moving of the tugboat Hallett and fire tower to the waterfront. The lowest bid for that work is about $1.2 million.

Preliminary operating and capital budgets will be discussed for what should be one final time before council seeks public comment.
 

Jenson Jumps for Gold

2009-04-06

07:29:32

Jake Jenson was the bright spot for the Falls High School track and field team at the Lion's Invite at Bemidgi State University on Friday.

Jenson captured first in the Pole Vault with a jump of 12 feet. The boys team finished 8th overall.

The girls team managed just a single point during the event with a 9th place finish by the girl's 4-by-800 relay team.

New Bells for Rainy Lake Ringers

2009-04-06

07:19:52

Rainy Lake Ringers Handbell Choir will be getting some new equipment.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is giving the group $12,000 to purchase new handbells to replace those the choir is now borrowing.

"We're very thrilled to have gotten our Trillium funding," says choir leader Diane Maxey. "We've been hoping it would go through. That will be the start of us owning our own bells. Now, we have to start raising some money locally to purchase the accessories that go along with that."

Choir leader Diane Maxey estimates the group needs to raise at least $6,000.

"We need to purchase music, books and stands," says Maxey.

The fundraising will be start in the coming months. Maxey hope to have the new equipment in place by the fall.

New Faces to Crimestoppers

2009-04-06

07:18:27

Some new faces to the Crimestoppers of Northwest Ontario and Northern Minnesota.

Terence Douglas of Kenora and Shirley Keesic of Red Lake were elected to the board of directors. One of the founding members, Bill Harrington of Dryden, has returned after a brief hiatus.

Summer Job Funding

2009-04-06

07:11:43

The federal government has added an extra $32 thousand to help students find summer jobs in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding.

A total of $237 thousand will be available to the riding's Canada Summer Jobs program. The money comes from the extra $20 million over the next two yeas set aside in the recent federal budget in recognition of the recession.

Spring Bear Hunt Cancellation a Mistake

2009-04-06

06:53:29

A Conservative MPP is admitting the Harris government was wrong in cancelling the Spring Bear Hunt ten years ago.

Randy Hillier, a candidate in the Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership race, is vowing to bring back the hunt if he wins the leadership race.

Hillier says the evidence today shows cancelling the hunt was a bad decision.

"It was the wrong decision back in 1999," says Hillier, "we know that to be truthful now. So it's incumbent upon us to fix those mistakes that we've created."

Hillier says reinstating the hunt will ease of burden for municipalities dealing with nuisance bears and help northern Ontario lodge owners.

"This is just not a problem in the far north. In my riding, Lanark-Frontenac, we have a number of tourist outfitters and a number of farms who've suffered significant crop damage. So it make senses everywhere (to reinstate the hunt).

The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters is among organizations that have welcomed the call for the hunt to be reinstated. 

Medical School Dean Remains

2009-04-06

06:51:19

The founding dean of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine will remain a fixture of the school for another five years.

Doctor Roger Strasser was reappointed by the school's board of directors for a term that will end in June 2014.

Medical School Concerns

2009-04-06

06:43:20

Concerns are being raised that some of the graduating students from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine might not end up working in the north.

Several municipalities, including the town of Fort Frances, have supported Sault Ste. Marie's request for the Health Minister to ensure med students who continue specialist training in the south return to the north. Sault Ste. Marie Mayor John Roswell fears cuts to hospital funding will prevent them from coming back.

"We set up the northern Ontario school of medicine to give us family doctors," says Roswell, "and they will be here for us, I know that. But the specialists that we need as bad as family doctors - there won't be positions for them to come home to because of the cutbacks in health care in northern Ontario with the hospitals."

"There is a real problem. There's a total disconnect right now because we're going to have our students, who are set up with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine to look after us as doctors in the north, not coming home because there's not going to be a specialty service in that town or city."

Roswell says the region is facing a shortage of specialists, and the province's policies only undermine the Medical School's full potential.

International Falls City Council Meet

2009-04-06

06:41:27

City councillors in International Falls also meet Monday night.

Their agenda includes a discussion of the Highway 53-11 Gateway Task Force recommendations and a report from the Advanced Live Support Task Force. Councillors will also look at proposed budget reductions to help deal with a loss in local government aid.

The meeting begins at 6:30 pm. 

 

Contractors to be Revealed

2009-04-06

06:40:15

Construction contracts for both the new Fort Frances Library and Technology Centre and the second phase of the Heritage Tourism project will be discussed at a special meeting of Fort Frances town council tonight.

Six firms were seeking to build the new library while five companies bid on the tourism project which includes the refurbishing and relocation of the tugboat Hallet and fire tower.

Councillors are also expected to finalize both the operating and capital budgets before seeking public comment.

The meeting at the Civic Centre begins at 4:00 pm.

Arpin 17th in Salem.

2009-04-05

14:50:06

A crash midway through the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 in Salem, Indiana, Sunday left Steve Arpin with a 17th place finish in his second ARCA-Remax race of the season.

Arpin started the race 10th following Saturday's qualifying session. He had worked his way up to the 2nd spot before the lap 94 accident forced him into the pits with a severely crumbled race car. It took more than 30 laps before his crew could finish repairs and get the Fort Frances native back on the track, minus the hood and front fenders of his Eddie Sharp Racing Toyota. He re-entered the race 21st and picked up four positions by passing drivers who had retired from the race.

Prior to the accident, Arpin managed to avoid potential disaster on two separate occasions. On lap 12, Arpin was involved in an incident with Ken Weaver that brought out the one of the first caution periods of the day. Sixty laps later, Aprin escaped a potentially race ending incident when he managed to avoid hitting Brett Hudson who spun directly in front of him on corner four. It was that accident that helped move Arpin into second.

Patrick Sheltra was the eventual winner in the race that included NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader in the line-up.

The next ARCA-Remax race for Aprin is April 19th at Rockingham Speedway in Rockingham, North Carolina.

 

Cournoyer Honoured

2009-04-03

07:11:53

Some honours for a former member of the Fort Frances Muskies girls volleyball team.

Michelle Cournoyer was recognized the most improved player with the Lakehead University women's volleyball team. The second year Kiniesology student finished in the top five in several team categories this year.

Arpin Back on Track

2009-04-03

06:57:16

Steve Arpin is back in his ARCA-Remax race car this weekend.

He's competing in the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 at the half-mile Salem Speedway in Salem, Indiana. Qualifying goes Saturday with racing Sunday.

There is no television coverage for this race.

Crash Victims Identified

2009-04-03

06:54:47

Two Brampton, Ontario, men died Wednesday night in a crash near Kenora that brought cross-Canada traffic to a standstill for more than 15 hours.

Manjit Chandi, 50, and Mohammad Zulkernein, 37, died when a westbound tractor-trailer unit crashed into another rig that had jackknifed across Highway 17 near the Highway 71 junction. Chandi was driving the westbound unit and Zulkernein was a passenger.

The crash happened around 9 p.m. and the highway was closed until Thursday afternoon when one lane was reopened. Police said regular traffic flow was expected to resume Thursday
night. Witnesses said that the backlog of vehicles stretched for 100 kilometres.

 

Domtar Shutdowns

2009-04-03

06:52:38

Domtar has announced downtime at its mills in Dryden and Ear Falls.

The Dryden pulp mill will be idled for roughly 10 weeks, starting April 25th. Domtar will idle its Ear Falls sawmill for about seven weeks, effective April 10th.

The move will effect 500 employees at the pulp mill, sawmill and related forestland operations.

Lawsuit Dismissed

2009-04-03

06:50:28

An Ontario Superior Court judge has dismissed a wrongful dismissal suit that was filed against several members of the Rainy River Cattlemen's Association.

Former sales Barn Manager Russell Richards launched court action in 2007 against the Association and seven board members after being let go from his position.

But in his ruling in February, Justice G-P Smith said Richards should not have sued the board members in the first place and should have responded to an earlier proposal from them.

Smith also order Richards to cover the Association's legal costs.

Spring Bear Hunt Proposal

2009-04-03

06:49:00

The president of the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters is applauding Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Randy Hillier for his stance on the spring bear hunt.

Doug Reynolds says the cancellation of the hunt in 1999 was a mistake that wasn't based on good science or good economics.

Hillier says reinstating the hunt would mean millions of dollars for the economies of northern and rural Ontario.

Education Funding being Reviewed

2009-04-03

06:41:57

The Rainy River District School Board is crunching the numbers from the recent provincial budget.

The Ontario's government is adding an extra $600 million for education.

Education Director Jack McMaster says they're still not sure how that impact's the local board.

"The government hasn't released their templates yet," says McMaster, "so Laura Mills our Superintendent of Business is doing an in depth look, line-by-line if you wish, to try to come up a bottom line for our board. It's much easier if we had the templates, but we have to wait another week for them."

McMaster says the funding increase, though, does look encouraging, but the board is still moving forward with multi-year plan that proposes a draw from its reserve fund for education purposes.

"When you look to the future, a provincial budget generating a $14 billion deficit and $56 billion over five years, we have to take this one year at a time and I thing we have to project cautiously.

Rafferty Returns from Columbia

2009-04-02

07:22:44

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty has returned from a fact-finding mission in Columbia.

Rafferty participated in a four-day junket with Federal Minister of State of Foreign Affairs for the America's Peter Kent. The trip comes on the heels of last weeks decision by the Harper government to introduce legislation aimed at implementing a free trade agreement signed with Columbia in 2008.

"I wanted to get a good sense what it will mean for us," says Rafferty, "but alway want to make sure if you implement something like that workers, indigenous people and others in Columbia don't get the short end of the stick."

"I meant with all kinds of groups, civil society groups, women's groups, union groups, business owners, small business, big business, Canadian business."

Some opposition members are opposed to such a deal with Columbia because of that country's poor human rights record.

Cigarette Sellers Complying with Laws

2009-04-02

07:21:17

Northwestern Ontario may have higher cigarette smoking levels than the rest of the country, but fewer businesses are selling to under-aged youth.

A Northwestern Health Unit report found 97 per cent of area businesses  selling cigarettes are abiding by provincial regulations. That's a 3 per cent improvement over two years ago and well above the national and provincial averages.

The Health Unit adds fewer businesses are actually selling cigarettes these days as well. 

Forest Fire Season Officially Underway

2009-04-02

06:59:03

The forest fire season in 2009 is starting where 2008 left off. Last year was one of the quietest ever recorded in northwestern Ontario.

April 1st is the traditional start to the forest fire season. Ministry of Natural Resources fire information officer, Debbie MacLean, says they're don't expect much activity for at least a few weeks.

"It does look we're going to head into the fire season with nice wet weather," says MacLean, "so that's obviously going to help us in the early part of the season meaning that we're not going to have an early start to the fire season with fires that come up that have to be dealt with immediately." 

MacLean says they are using the slow period for training purposes and ensuring all necessary fire fighting equipment is ready when needed.

Gotcha, Again

2009-04-02

06:57:50

The small northeastern Minnesota town of Ely used April 1st to announce a bid for the 2016 summer Olympics.

The community, just south of here, set up a website and a video on YouTube as part of its submission. The only hitch was that it was all just a joke.

Last year's hoax of Canada trying to buy Ely was such a marketing success that officials decided to do another this year

Wastewater Discharges Concerning

2009-04-02

06:57:03

First Nations are concerned that communities on both sides of the border are bypassing wastewater into the Rainy River and endangering lake sturgeon.

They are calling for the elimination of such bypasses and want a plan to ensure that aging infrastructures are upgraded or replaced.

Rainy River First Nations Chief Jim Leonard says wastewater coming from treatment plants in International Falls and Rainy River are going into the river.

OMB Decision Out in 30 days

2009-04-02

06:54:51

There was no decision coming out of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing held in Fort Frances Wednesday.

The hearing heard arguments surrounding the town's October 2008 decision to rezone the United Pentecostal Church site on Emo Road to allow it to be redeveloped into apartments. O.M.B. Chair Gary O'Connor heard more than four hours of testimony from town officials and residents living in the area who are against the rezoning and the project.

O'Connor is expected to rule on the case within a next month.

Pither's Point Park Discussed

2009-04-02

06:41:44

A hint of what may happen if a Fort Frances town lease for Pither's Point Park is allowed to lapse at the end of this month was revealed at a town hall meeting Wednesday night.

About 50 people, including about a third of them from the native communities affected by the issue, attended.

Meeting organizer Andrew George read a letter from Ontario and federal legal representatives that warned both the town and the four First Nations bands in September of the importance of reaching a deal then.

"It is the view of both Ontario and Canada the lands are unsold surrendered lands which would be unencumbered by any lease," read George. "The lands will not automatically revert to First Nations, nor would the town have any continued legal right to occupy or to use the lands."

At least two band councillors from Couchiching First Nations did attend the meeting, but all of the First Nations chiefs and elected representatives from the town of Fort Frances stayed away.

"We elected those people, we put them in office. Why aren't they here?" questioned Ida Linklater.

Residents plan to initiate a letter writing campaign asking all levels of government to keep the park open to the public.

Helicopter Fleet Purchased

2009-04-01

12:46:29

Canadian Helicopters has decided to sell Ontario's air ambulance service the helicopters it uses in northwestern Ontario.

Ornge President Doctor Chris Mazza says the decision to purchase the helicopters and aviation assets was a financial one.

"The aviation assets exist and they work in Kenora, but they work and we pay a private company for their use," says Mazza. "Now we own them."

"There's a number of fiscal benefits (to owning them). Basically, we can do the same service in a more cost effective manner."

Ornge paid 30 million dollars for the fleet of helicopters and aviation assets.

No Electronic Recycling Depots Yet in the District

2009-04-01

12:40:54

Communities in the Rainy River district won't be able to immediately participate in a new recycling program aimed at keeping old electronic equipment out of the landfill.

The Ontario Electronic Stewardship has set up depots across the province for people to bring their old T-Vs and computers in for recycling, but so far, none of the depots are in the Rainy River district. Executive director Carol Hochu says they're working to change that.

"An interesting thing that will happen later this year is that Sears Canada is going to do some pilot with us," says Hochu, "particularly in the north with their catalog stores where people be able to return waste electronics to those stores."

Hochu says they are also working with area municipalities in hopes of setting up other depots.

Tenders for Hallet and Fire Tower Opened

2009-04-01

12:35:26

The town of Fort Frances now has the figures for the cost of refurbishing and relocating the tugboat Hallet and fire tower from Pither's Point Park to the Fort Frances Waterfront.

Four Thunder Bay companies and one Fort Frances firm submitted bids for the project ranging from a low of $1.2 million to a high of $2.2 million.

The bids include;

Tom Jones Construction, Thunder Bay - $1,220,415.00

Manshield Construction, Thunder Bay - $1,808,606.26

Woodbridge Construction, Thunder Bay - $1,571,850.00

George Armstrong Construction, Fort Frances - $1,359,850.00

Sacchetti Construction, Thunder Bay - $2,239,020.00 

The estimated costs of moving both town landmarks was pegged at around the $1.2 million mark. The selection of a preferred contractor is expected later this month.

More Condo Details

2009-04-01

12:34:08

More details are emerging over a planned second condominium project for Fort Frances.

The town of Fort Frances confirmed that a purchase agreement for a vacant parcel of land at the corners of Front Street and Mosher Avenue is with Thunder Bay developer Robert Zanette. A release issued by the town today says the agreement is contingent upon Zanette pre-selling twenty of the units by June 1st.

Zanette is expected to begin a marketing campaign in the near future.

 

Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition a Crown Jewel

2009-04-01

07:52:13

The Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition is being hailed a crown jewel among Safe Communities in the country.

Wendy French, the provincial lead for Manitoba for Safe Communities Canada, was among those on hand Tuesday for the coalition's strategic planning session.

She says the Rainy River group is well ahead many others in developing a long range plan.

"Rainy River's always one of the leaders," says French. "We call them the crown jewel of international safe communities here in Canada."

"I've been to four of these priorities setting events in different communities across Canada, and its wonderful. You get all this perspective and knowledge, and it really does help build cohesion and vision."

French says all communities recognized by Safe Communities Canada are now required to develop a long-range strategy.

AbitibBowater to work on New Plans

2009-04-01

07:51:18

AbitibiBowater is now considering new restructuring options after missing a deadline to refinance debt for its U-S subsidiary.

Debt exchange offers meant to help refinance Bowater's 1-point-8 billion debt expired Tuesday night and have been terminated. The refinancing was to be a crucial part of an overall two-point-4 billion recapitalization effort. AbitibiBowater is hoping to avoid seeking bankruptcy protection and says it is exploring other restructuring alternatives.

Wednesday's announcement comes a day after company failed to submit its quarterly and year end financial reports and ratings service Standard & Poor's lowered several ratings for Abitibi-Consolidated, the company's Canadian subsidiary.

Schools Delay Openings

2009-04-01

06:50:00

It may be called a spring blizzard, but winter weather is still alive and kicking in northwestern Ontario.

The region is digging out today - some communities to the east of Fort Frances received as much as 30 centimetres of snow over the past twelve hours. Environment Canada forecaster Geoff Coulson says heavy snowfall amounts were  expected along Lake Superior's northwest shore.

The snow may also be very wet and heavy as temperatures will hover around the freezing mark or slightly above zero at times which could make travel hazardous.

Meantime, officials with the Littlefork-Big Falls and Indus schools have delayed openings by two hours Wednesday. There are school bus cancellations in the Rainy River district.

OMB Hearing Begins

2009-04-01

06:47:46

A proposal to convert a Fort Frances church into apartments will be the subject of a hearing at the Fort Frances Civic Centre Wednesday.

The Ontario Municipal Board is holding a hearing to investigate whether the town erred in its rezoning of property on Emo Road to permit the redevelopment of the United Pentecostal Church by Fort Frances developer Dave Petsnick.

Residents, living nearby are opposed to the development, and claim council rezoned the property without allowing them an opportunity to voice their concerns.

The meeting is scheduled to get underway at 10 am.

Another Condo Project for Fort Frances

2009-04-01

06:46:30

A Thunder Bay developer has been identified as that considering a second condominium project along the Fort Frances Waterfront.

Fort Frances town councillors accepted a purchase offer for land on Front Street from a numbered company held by Robert Zanette. It's not certain when construction might begin, but Mayor Roy Avis says it's his understanding it could a 24-unit complex.

Earlier in March, council rezoned the vacant property to permit such a development.

Pither's Point Park Meeting

2009-04-01

06:44:13

The key players in the Pither's Point Park dispute may not be participating in tonight's town hall meeting on the issue.

Organizer Andrew George says a recent email from the town of the Fort Frances suggests it would not formally participate, but it's not clear whether any members of council will show anyways. George says none of the chiefs from the four First Nations communities involved have responded to his requests to attend either.

Nonetheless, tonight's meeting will still go ahead at the East End Hall beginning at 7:30.

No Break on Liquor taxes

2009-03-31

12:52:51

A planned tax harmonization in Ontario won't result in lower alcohol prices.

The merger of the eight per cent provincial tax with the G-S-T next year was expected to bring down taxes on alcohol, but the government says it will add new fees to make up the difference when the blended tax takes effect. A government spokeswoman says the fees on alcohol will ensure social responsibility.

Saskatchewan Woos Ontario Grads

2009-03-31

12:51:19

Saskatchewan's premier is leading a contingent of politicians visiting Ontario in an attempt to woo recent grads to the Prairie province. Premier Brad Wall is targeting university and college graduates, offering up to $20,000 in tuition rebates to move to Saskatchewan.

Advanced Education Minister Rob Norris says the government wants to show it's serious about recruiting workers because the province has more than 6,200 unfilled jobs. Wall attended a business community luncheon Tuesday and a job fair on Wednesday.

It's the second time in six months that politicians from Saskatchewan have brought their pitch to southern Ontario. In September, Wall targeted workers in Ontario's battered manufacturing sector.

Electronici equipment Diverted from Landfills

2009-03-31

12:43:13

A new network of collection sites for electronic waste is being launched across Ontario in a bid to divert 160,000 tonnes of garbage over five years.

Starting Wednesday, companies that sell electronic products will pay a stewardship fee to have their goods recycled or reused. That fee may or may not be passed onto consumers. The fee will pay for 100 per cent of the cost of collection, transportation, processing, research and development, and public education programs.

The first phase of the disposal program will accept products like televisions, computers, mice, keyboards, monitors, printers and fax machines. A second phase will also collect the likes of cellphones and cameras.

Premier defends Sunshine List

2009-03-31

12:41:53

More than 53,500 Ontario public sector workers were paid over $100,000 last year, an increase of 11,500 over 2007.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is defending the big increase in the so-called sunshine list released by the Finance Ministry each year. McGuinty says it's only natural for the list to grow because of
inflation, but he admits the size of the premier's office keeps increasing.

Public Salary Disclosed

2009-03-31

12:30:00

The Ontario government has released the salaries and benefits of Ontario Public Service and broader public sector employees who were paid 100-thousand dollars or more in 2008. The so-called Sunshine List includes a number of Fort Frances residents.

Among the highest paid in the Rainy River district is Riverside Health Care Facilities Chief Executive Officer Wayne Woods who earned a salary of over 245-thousand dollars last year. Riverside also reports ten other employees in the 100-thousand dollar income bracket, including four registered nurses.

The Rainy River District School Board also reports eleven employees hitting the magic number led by Education Director Jack McMaster at over 162-thousand dollars.

And just one town of Fort Frances employee on the province's list with Chief Administrative Officer Mark McCaig reporting an income of over 120-thousand dollars.

Here is a partial list of the public sector employees as identified by the Ministry of Finance.

                                                                                                 2008 Salary         Benefits

Legislative Assembly Howard Hampton, Leader, NDP..................$156,987.72         $284.82

Town of Fort Frances Mark McCaig, Chief Administrative Officer....$120,673.69         $305.04

Rainy River District School Board Heather Campbell, Superintendent, Education.................................................................... $126,521.00        $172.00

Rainy River District School Board William Daley, Principal........... $103,509.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Paul Elliot, Teacher................ $142,978.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Jody Labossiere, Principal........ $100,064.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Gordon McCabe, Principal........ $112,675.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Jack McMaster, Director.......... $162,719.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Laura Mills, Superintendent, Business..................................................................... $130,058.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Penelope Newman, Principal.... $104,258.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Sylvia Parker, Effective School Leader...................................................................... $106,979.00       $172.00

Rainy River District School Board David Ian Simpson, Vice Principal................................................................... $101,843.00        $172.00

Rainy River District School Board Robert Casey Slack, Student Success Leader..................................................................... $114,707.00        $172.00

Northwest Catholic District School Board Alvin Cesiunas, Superintendent, Education................................................................. $126,223.40        $421.20

Northwest Catholic District School Board Teresa Dennis, Principal.................................................................. $103,726.61        $263.28

Northwest Catholic District School Board Darlene Fejos Rousseau, Principal.................................................................. $102,016.69       $263.28

Northwest Catholic District School Board Christopher Howarth, Superintendent, Business................................................................... $126,223.40      $421.20

Northwest Catholic District School Board Brendan Hyatt, Principal.................................................................. $103,726.66      $4,085.28

Northwest Catholic District School Board Mary-Catherine Kelly, Director, Education................................................................. $173,906.93     $421.20

Northwest Catholic District School Board Mark Lugli, Principal................................................................... $101,181.20    $263.28

Northwest Catholic District School Board Jo-Ann Querel, School Effectiveness Leader..................................................................... $109,677.46    $263.28

Northwest Catholic District School Board Margot Saari, Principal................................................................... $103,726.61    $263.28

Northwest Catholic District School Board David Sharp, Assistant to the Director, Education.................................................................. $113,449.74    $4,261.14

Northwestern Health Unit William Limerick, Director, Environmental Health...................................................................... $115,819.75   $455.89

Northwestern Health Unit Valerie Mann, Director, Planning & Evaluation.................................................................. $110,530.45  $417.01

Northwestern Health Unit Mark Perrault, Chief Administrative Officer. ............................................................................... $111,542.54  $480.70

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Edith Bodnar, Rainycrest Administrator............................................................... $110,524.57  $704.39

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Debbie Canfield, Registered Nurse.........................................................................$102,926.84  $0.00

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Sheri Degagne, Registered Nurse.........................................................................$109,953.30  $0.00

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Soili Helppi, Rainycrest Administrator............................................................... $101,641.07   $579.35

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Andrew Lesko, Manager, Human  Resources....................................................................$102,019.82   $654.82

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Lori Maki, Vice President, Clinical Services..................................................................... $143,465.52   $894.45

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Marna Martin, Registered Nurse.........................................................................$112,727.98   $461.83

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Tammy McNally, Nurse Manager..................................................................... $102,233.78   $596.71

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Susan Ossachuk, Manager Nursing Practice......................................................................$102,172.95   $630.61

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. Donna Whalen, Registered Nurse......................................................................... $111,541.95   $469.41

Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc Wayne Woods, Chief Executive Officer........................................................................$245,417.38   $6,115.88

Family & Children's Services of the District of Rainy River Viktor Nowak, Executive Director.......................................................................$114,322.74  $11,113.29

 

Demand up at Salvation Army

2009-03-31

07:22:10

The economy is proving to be a challenge for the Salvation Army across northwestern Ontario and Manitoba. P.R. director for the division, Captain Les Marshall says demand for its services in the region has grown 20 per cent, but strong local support is helping them meet that need.

"We realize we aren't able to all the things that are needed by ourselves," says Marshall, "and so partnering with other community groups, organizations and companies it really makes our work so much easier."

Marshall says the agency has not considered offering Canadian ministries a similar grant being given to their U.S. counterparts, but is looking at other means of helping them cope.

Last Ontario Institutions Close

2009-03-31

07:11:56

Today marks the official closures of the last remaining institutions for developmentally disabled people in Ontario.

The province and community living advocates say it's the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one of social inclusion.At one time there were 16 institutions in Ontario -- today the last two will shut their doors.

Since 1987 thousands of former residents have been moved into the community, into such settings as group homes.

When the last closures were announced in 2004 many families dug their heels in because the institutions were the only homes their loved ones had known. Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur says families were afraid of the unknown.

She says now the province can move toward full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities into society.

    ---

Safety Coalition Plans Future

2009-03-31

06:56:54

A day-long strategic planning session lies ahead for member of the Rainy River Valley Safety Coalition. They're sitting down Tuesday with representatives from a number of agencies, community leaders and members of the public.

Administrative Coordinator Grace Silander says it should lead to a five year plan.

"The actual priority setting exercise itself is geared to identify top priorities," says Silander. "So we will start focusing on the top priorities, however that doesn't mean the priorities that are small aren't going to identified and worked on as well."

Silander says during the course of the day, they'll review current programs and identify new ones the coalition can work on in the future.

Winter Hanging On

2009-03-31

06:49:23

Don't put the shovels away just yet. Environment Canada says we could be dealing with yet another large winter storm.

Numerous warnings are in effect for parts of the Dakotas into Minnesota. Present indications are that most of the heavy snow will remain South of the border.

The areas which are likely to receive the highest amounts of snow will be over Thunder Bay and Superior west with near 15 centimeters likely by Wednesday morning. The remaining regions west of Lake Superior can expect 5 to 10 centimeters with 10 to 15 near the international border.

AbitibiBowater Shutdown Extended

2009-03-31

06:47:21

A lack of orders has prompted AbitibiBowater in Fort Frances to extend a current shutdown of its operations.

Two paper machines - 5 and 7 - and the kraft mill will now remain idle until April 13 - extending a planned two week shutdown an extra week. The mill's paper machine number 6 will resume production May 3. The company had planned to resume production at that machine Sunday.

Dam Purchase not that Simple

2009-03-31

06:42:32

The Fort Frances Power Corporation says it will take an active role in protecting the town's interests in the pending sale of AbitibiBowater's hydro-electric assets in Fort Frances.

AbitibiBowater has yet to finalize a deal with Brookfield Asset Management for the dam, along with other assets in Ontario. The Corporation's board chair Doug McCaig says if that offer moves ahead, the corporation will seek intervener status when the two sides seek a license amendment with the Ontario Energy Board.

McCaig adds that a call by a group of residents wanting the power corp. to purchase the Fort Frances dam is not a new concept, but one that is not as simple as being suggested. He says there are many complex issues that would have to be reviewed before any purchase can be considered.