2009-05-19
12:34:09
Homeowners in Fort Frances may learn later today exactly how much property taxes will be rising this year.
Town councillors are holding a special meeting this afternoon to go over the budget, which includes the projected 2009 tax Rates and levies.
Councillors are also expected to discuss potential financing options of local capital projects.
The meeting at the Civic Centre at begins at 4 p.m.
2009-05-19
12:33:18
Local residents will get an opportunity this week to meet the developer of the new condominium project in Fort Frances.
Robert Zanetti will be hosting on open house as part efforts to attract potential buyers.
The project is planned for property on Nelson Street.
Thursday's open house will be held at the Fort Frances Civic Centre beginning at 4 p.m.
2009-05-19
11:55:08
Ontario's Tory's have launched a website to show residents what the impact will be from the planned merger of the provincial sales tax and the federal G-S-T - something Conservatives are calling D-S-T or the Dalton Sales Tax.
Interim Leader Bob Runciman says they felt it was their duty to provide a forum for residents to learn what the tax means to them.
They're also asking visitors to sign a petition against the merger.
2009-05-19
08:44:18
The National Weather Service says International Falls set a late season snowfall record over the weekend.
On Saturday, the weather service says 0.3 inches of snow fell.
That broke the old May 16 record of 0.1 inches of snow set in 1962.
The snowfall brings the total since last July to 125.6 inches, with almost 33 inches falling since March 1.
In northwestern Ontario, Pickle Lake residents were forced to bring out the snowblowers and shovels Saturday after being buried by almost 45 centimetres of snow.
2009-05-19
08:27:08
The Rainy River Future Development Corporation is continuing its efforts to promote local foods and help the district's agricultural industry.
The corporation hired a rural ag coordinator three years ago.
Jeannette Cawston says her work is helping people better understand the value of the local farms.
"That's what we're hoping to do," says Cawston, "is bring more awareness to local foods and buy local products. Then it brings more of the economic value to our communities."
Cawston says local farmers are also doing more to increase their visibility in the district and elsewhere.
2009-05-19
08:13:46
A coalition of environment, labour and industry group is confident Ontario residents will embrace the new Green Energy Act.
The act became law last week.
Mike Layton with Environmental Defence says a recent survey found strong support for the act, especially in northern Ontario.
"We new that elements of the Green Energy Act really focus on getting jobs to where people need them," says Layton, "and northern Ontario is one area that is struggling in keeping manufacturing jobs and the forest industry. These are things that will stand to benefit under the Green Energy Act."
93-per cent of those surveyed in northern Ontario supported the act, the highest anywhere in the province.
2009-05-19
07:50:36
The town of Fort Frances is going making it easier for people to get married in a civil ceremony.
A proposed change to current by-laws will see staff authorized to perform civil marriages allowed to do so after hours at the Civic Centre and on weekends at other locations.
Town clerk Glenn Treftlin says demand led to the change in policy.
"There has been a number of requests over the years since we started performing marriages," says Treflin. "I understand there have been fourteen requests for marriages other than what we were able to perform before under the current bylaw."
The cost of an after-hours civil marriage is $300 while a weekend ceremony will be $350.
2009-05-19
07:49:35
Police are reporting fewer crashes related to alcohol on provincial roads this holiday long weekend.
But they say it's too early to determine whether Ontario's new drinking and driving penalties are playing a role in the downturn.
Since May 1 there's been at least 6-hundred people given three-day suspensions for driving while in the warn range.
Previously, motorists only received a 12-hour licence suspension for driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08.
2009-05-19
07:40:28
Another fundraiser for medical equipment in the Rainy River district is underway.
A area group is hoping to raise $50,000 for an Ultrasound unit for the emergency department of Riverside's Health Care Facilities' hospital in Rainy River.
Co-chair Larry Armstrong says it will help hospital patients who need a quick diagnosis.
"It's an ultrasound for the emergency room which allows for immediate diagnosis," says Armstrong."If somebody comes in with a stomach pain or they're bleeding, the doctors can then immediately do an ultrasound on it rather than try to determine and send them out for an ultrasound. We think it's a big step in the right direction."
"It allows for better patient management,” explained Dr Singleton. “As a physician, it is important to know what I am dealing with before deciding to send a patient to a larger centre or treating them within our hospital.”
An Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool. In most cases, x-ray technologists administer ultrasounds, however, it is becoming increasingly more common to see doctors utilizing this device in Emergency rooms.
Dr. Beller concurred with Dr. Singleton about the need for an ultrasound in the ER department and and the potential for life-saving care. “This is a quick way to assist in diagnosing a patient.” “It has the potential to reduce unnecessary travel for the patient and will mean better patient care," said Beller. Tammy McNally, who is the Nurse Manager at Rainy River Health Centre, is pleased to have the community support of this project. “Our community has shown time and time again how much they value and support health care,” she enthused."The Auxiliary and Riverside Foundation partner to ensure our health care needs are met”, she said.
The public is being asked to support this project by making a pledge over 3 – 5 years or a one-time donation. Armstrong is optimistic about reaching the target early this fall. “The sooner we reach our goal the sooner we get this equipment” stated Armstrong. “We have a committed group of individuals who will be working very hard over the next couple of months to solicit support."The first public push for funds will happen Wednesday at the hospital Auxiliary's strawberry social.
2009-05-15
14:29:15
The federal government has once again extended its amnesty for long gun owners who haven't registered their firearms.
Treasury Board President Vic Toews says it's still the government's intention to kill the registry for long gun owners.
But for now the government is giving people another year to sign up their unregistered, non-restricted firearms.
It's also waiving fees for licence renewals and upgrades for another year.
2009-05-15
14:28:37
Replacement of the oldest bridge in LaVallee township will take place this year.
Township council agreed to award a tender to T and K Sharp Construction out of Stratton for the Black Bridge project on LaVallee Road South.
Funding from the provincial government is helping to cover the one-point-one million dollar price tag.
2009-05-15
14:28:04
Provincial fisheries staff will be out on nearly 100 area lakes this summer.
They'll be monitoring the lakes’ health and gathering information to help manage fish populations effectively.
Crews will survey lakes north of Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Kenora by plane and boat beginning tomorrow, collecting water samples and setting nets.
2009-05-15
14:27:25
MNR forest fire fighters in the Fort Frances region were called out for the first time this season yesterday.
A fire located two kilometres south of Gore Bay Road in the Nestor Falls area was extinguished by M-N-R ranger crew.
Another fire at Little Pine Lake drew the actions of members of the Chapple township volunteer fire department.
Both were caused by high winds toppling trees onto power lines and small in size.
2009-05-15
14:21:29
It's expected many people will be using the May long weekend to opening their camps or venturing out to a favourite campsite.
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority wants to ensure you a have a safe, fun-filled weekend
Spokesperson Bernadette Celis says make sure you a thorough check of your camp.
"Most importantly having any fuel fired appliances checked out and maintained during the season, that's really important," says Celis, "because that's certainly your first line of defence to making sure there isn't going to be any build-up of carbon dioxide in the cottage."
Celis says its also important to check for any damage to electrical lines and that bar-b-ques connections are secure and aren't leaking propane.
Other pointers for a safe, fun-filled weekend courtesy the Technical Standards and Safety Authority
At the Cottage and Campsite
Now that you are planning that great city-escape, take along a few simple tips - and enjoy the great outdoors. Make safety second nature.
Cottage
- check burners and exhaust systems of all appliances for blockages or obstructions such as insects, rodent nests, rust fragments or other debris that could lead to dangerous levels of CO;
- get your propane or gas-fired appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and heaters inspected and/or repaired by a certified technician;
- replace batteries in your CO and smoke alarms and test them to ensure they are working properly;
- clean your barbecue and check for any fuel leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap; and
- keep in mind that barbecues are approved for outdoor use only and should not be stored inside any structure.
Campsite
- arrive with enough daylight left for a general safety check, and look for broken glass, sharp objects and natural hazards;
- ensure open-fires are permitted by local and provincial authorities. Clean up the fire pit and cut back any branches or brush that may have grown too close; and
- use only paper or kindling when starting a fire at your campsite. Be sure the fire is in a safe, open area, well away from flammables and other natural combustibles. Never leave a fire unattended.
Portable Heaters
While you may be tempted to pull out that portable heater, never use fuel-burning space heaters in any enclosed space such as a camper, tent, car, home or cottage. Every year, unsuspecting campers and cottagers are seriously injured - and, in some tragic cases, die - due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as a result of improper use.
If one of your last May 2-4 holiday stops happens to be a local LCBO store, look for TSSA's latest SummerSmart brochure for further safety tips on cottaging, barbequing, camping and RV use. You can also check it out on our website - www.safetyinfo.ca. Gain peace of mind, knowing you are protecting yourself and loved ones - and remember: safety is up to you.
2009-05-15
14:18:04
It‘s camping season in the Northwest.
Provincial parks across the region will open this weekend, and Ontario Parks reminds campers that open liquor will be banned in several parks over the Victoria Day holiday weekend.
Northwest Zone Parks Manager Tim Sullivan says they want to keep the opening weekend a family event.
"Conservation officers, the park warden, the park superintendent or the OPP will, if they catch you with alcohol, fine you," says Sullivan. "That's the law and they will enforce it."
Parks that are under the four-day alcohol ban include Rushing River near Sioux Narrows and Blue Lake near Vermilion Bay.
2009-05-15
14:17:23
Water restrictions for the town of Fort Frances kick in today.
Those who have odd numbered addresses may water lawns and gardens and wash vehicles at home on odd numbered calender days.
Even numbered homes can use water for non-essential use on even numbered days.
The restrictions are not in effect on the 31st of any month, but remain in place until the middle of September.
2009-05-15
14:16:40
The company involved in the replacement of the Sioux Narrows Bridge has been honoured by the Ontario Region of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction.
McCormick Rankin Corporation won an Ontario Steel Design Award for its work to the 72-year-old structure by incorporating modern steel girders with timber trusses to help preserve the historical significance of the bridge.
2009-05-15
14:16:11
The Ministry of Natural Resources is cautioning motorists to be aware of the potential of washouts and flooded sections of some access roads in northwestern Ontario.
Three roads in the Atikokan area remain closed.
The MNR says many other roads have soft sections and erosion, and travellers should use caution when travelling.
2009-05-15
14:14:54
An Ottawa man has been charged with hauling illegal cigarettes.
Police say officers found 81 cardboard boxes or 770,000 cigarettes in a trailer after stopping a vehicle near Thunder Bay.
A 35-year-old man was charged with four counts of possessing cigarettes and tobacco, as well as federal charges for possession of tobacco that wasn't legally stamped.
2009-05-15
14:09:55
Forestry was on the agenda both at Queen's Park and Ottawa yesterday.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton continued to question why the province has not offered AbitibiBowater similar restructuring funding given to Chrysler Canada.
"AbitibiBowater is also undergoing financial restructuring and 4,000 good jobs are at risk in communities like Thunder Bay," said Hampton, "yet the McGuinty Liberals have not advanced one penny in that financial restructuring. My question: Why is the McGuinty government completely missing in action in the financial restructuring of AbitibiBowater."
Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield says the province provided more than 150-million to the forestry company prior to its bankruptcy filing, and would be there to work with them as it works through its financial challenges.
In the House of Commons, the Harper government was attacked for not providing assistance to small businesses and suppliers impacted by the bankruptcy filings of both Abitibi-Bowater and Buchanan Forest Products.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says many small business in the district have been short-changed by both companies.
"The government's neglect of the forestry sector has hurt communities, workers, pensioners and now small companies," said Rafferty. "Small companies like T&M Logging in Atikokan are owed, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars by large bankrupt corporations like AbitibiBowater and Buchanan Forest Products. The proposed business credit availability program will be inaccessible to these smaller companies because they need overdraft limits of at least $400,000 to even apply. Where is the small in small business?"
Rafferty says the forestry crisis has also hit workers, pensioners and communities.
