There are more protests planned at some provincial parks in southern Ontario this weekend.
Student workers plan to stop vehicles to inform park users vacation and holiday pay is being denied to 3,400 high school, college and university students working for the province this summer.
Students received such pay in the past, but the government said this year the Crown is exempt from that section of the Employment Standards Act.
That decision also impacts students working at parks in northwestern Ontario, but there are no plans yet for any protests.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Portage Avenue Underpass Closure Revised
A planned closure of the Portage Avenue underpass has been extended.
The town of Fort Frances says the underpass will be closed beginning next Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., reopening Friday August 7th at 4:00 p.m.
Initial closure plans called for that section of Portage to be shutdown beginning Wednesday to replace the sanitary sewage line.
The underpass will be open to one lane of traffic this weekend.
The town of Fort Frances says the underpass will be closed beginning next Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., reopening Friday August 7th at 4:00 p.m.
Initial closure plans called for that section of Portage to be shutdown beginning Wednesday to replace the sanitary sewage line.
The underpass will be open to one lane of traffic this weekend.
More Firefighting Help to B.C.
More forest fire fighting resources from Ontario are being dispatched to fire-ravaged British Columbia.
The Ministry of Natural Resources says over 230 firefighters and support staff will leave for the west coast from Sudbury and Dryden tomorrow. About half will come from northwestern Ontario.
It's the fourth deployment this month and brings to 570 the number of MNR personnel to head to B.C.
The Ministry of Natural Resources says over 230 firefighters and support staff will leave for the west coast from Sudbury and Dryden tomorrow. About half will come from northwestern Ontario.
It's the fourth deployment this month and brings to 570 the number of MNR personnel to head to B.C.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Lipizzaner Stallions Coming
The "world famous" Lipizzaner Stallions are coming to Fort Frances.
A performance at the 52 Canadians Arena on August 28th is part of a 40th-anniversary tour through northwestern Ontario.
Tickets for the show, presented by B-93, are now on sale at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts or from Tickets-dot-com.
A performance at the 52 Canadians Arena on August 28th is part of a 40th-anniversary tour through northwestern Ontario.
Tickets for the show, presented by B-93, are now on sale at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts or from Tickets-dot-com.
Halt in Logging Requested
An environmental group is urging Ontario to halt all logging and road building in endangered woodland caribou habitat.
The Wildlands League says six out of nine known populations below the 51st parallel are at risk of collapsing.
The group says the habitats of six caribou populations have already been disturbed by logging and fires and may not be able to sustain the animals.
Woodland caribou are among the first species to be actively protected under Ontario's new Endangered Species Act.
The Wildlands League says six out of nine known populations below the 51st parallel are at risk of collapsing.
The group says the habitats of six caribou populations have already been disturbed by logging and fires and may not be able to sustain the animals.
Woodland caribou are among the first species to be actively protected under Ontario's new Endangered Species Act.
Supportive Housing Funding
The North West Local Health Integration Network is investing over 188-thousand dollars in the region.
The money will go towards 16 supportive housing units to help people living with addictions increase stability and security in their lives.
The supportive housing units will also help reduce pressure on hospital emergency rooms.
A list of specific housing units benefiting has not been released.
The money will go towards 16 supportive housing units to help people living with addictions increase stability and security in their lives.
The supportive housing units will also help reduce pressure on hospital emergency rooms.
A list of specific housing units benefiting has not been released.
"JUST DRIVE" Campaign
("Just Drive" billboard posted on the rear of a transport to alert drivers of things they shouldn't be doing when driving - Photo Courtesy Highway Safety Committee in NWO)Eating, using your cellphone and texting while driving are all activities the Highway Safety Committee in Northwestern Ontario wants to eliminate.
It's launched a new campaign called "Just Drive."
OPP Sergeant Rod Brown says that message will also be posted on the back of area transport trucks.
"It's a matter of trying to raise this awareness so people start thinking about it," says Brown, "and are less accepting of the person they are driving with or other motorists when they see them trying to text-message, receive e-mails, talk on the phone or do other things that takes their mind off the road and the task at hand and that's driving."
A provincial ban on the use of cellphones while driving comes into effect in October.
Health Unit to Check Camp Water Systems
The Northwestern Health Unit is taking over the responsibilities of testing the water systems at area resorts and fly-in fishing camps from the Ministry of Environment.
To help, the province is providing the health unit with more than 300-thousand dollars for travel and training.
The Health Unit estimates it will take about three years to inspect the more than 12-hundred water systems in the Kenora and Rainy River districts.
To help, the province is providing the health unit with more than 300-thousand dollars for travel and training.
The Health Unit estimates it will take about three years to inspect the more than 12-hundred water systems in the Kenora and Rainy River districts.
Border Numbers Decline in May
The number of Americans visiting northwestern Ontario continues to decline.
Statistics Canada says about 32-thousand Americans entered Canada at the border in Fort Frances in May
That's about 2-thousand fewer crossings than the same period in 2008.
At Rainy River, 6-thousand entered Canada, a drop of about 500 from a year ago.
Statistics Canada says about 32-thousand Americans entered Canada at the border in Fort Frances in May
That's about 2-thousand fewer crossings than the same period in 2008.
At Rainy River, 6-thousand entered Canada, a drop of about 500 from a year ago.
Deer Problems Reviewed
Public awareness and education is being seen as the most practical solution in dealing with deer in the town of Fort Frances.
Town officials met recently with representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Ministry supports the town's wildlife feeding by-law which prohibits the feeding of deer within town limits, but feels it will still be a couple of years before the deer are impacted.
Plans are in the work to have Ministry personnel discuss the district's deer population and how it relates to Fort Frances at an upcoming council meeting.
Town officials met recently with representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Ministry supports the town's wildlife feeding by-law which prohibits the feeding of deer within town limits, but feels it will still be a couple of years before the deer are impacted.
Plans are in the work to have Ministry personnel discuss the district's deer population and how it relates to Fort Frances at an upcoming council meeting.
State Aid Front and Centre
A loss in state aid is the focus of attention of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities this week.
The state's municipal representatives are in Brainard after their annual conference.
International Falls City Administrator Rod Otterness says the lost of state aid has impacted many communities.
"Rural communities are in a position where they don't have sufficient property taxing ability to pay for necessary municipal services for their communities," says Otterness. "Local government aid was developed over thirty years ago to address this problem."
International Falls will lose over $700-thousand in state aid over the next two years.
Otterness says with Governor Tim Pawlenty stepping down next year, municipal lobbying efforts over the next few months will be aimed at key their representatives in the state legislature.
The state's municipal representatives are in Brainard after their annual conference.
International Falls City Administrator Rod Otterness says the lost of state aid has impacted many communities.
"Rural communities are in a position where they don't have sufficient property taxing ability to pay for necessary municipal services for their communities," says Otterness. "Local government aid was developed over thirty years ago to address this problem."
International Falls will lose over $700-thousand in state aid over the next two years.
Otterness says with Governor Tim Pawlenty stepping down next year, municipal lobbying efforts over the next few months will be aimed at key their representatives in the state legislature.
Tax Bills Now Out
Residents living in the province's unorganized townships are just now beginning to receive their tax bills.
The bills were to be issued at the end of June.
A Ministry of Revenue spokesperson says because of a change in the billing process, the ministry wanted to ensure there were no mistakes before they were sent own.
Anna Giannini says instalment dates for payment of August 15th and September 15 will remain in place.
The bills were to be issued at the end of June.
A Ministry of Revenue spokesperson says because of a change in the billing process, the ministry wanted to ensure there were no mistakes before they were sent own.
Anna Giannini says instalment dates for payment of August 15th and September 15 will remain in place.
Hampton Speaks Out
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says residents concern with plans of a native youth centre in Alberton township are unfounded.
Hampton spoke to township council last night about Weechi-it-ti-win Family Services' plans to relocate its Training and Learning Centre to property on Highway 11 near Ducharme Road. He
says residents should not fear the centre.
"These kids are no kids in trouble with criminal law," says Hampton. "These kids who are in need of help. They're kids who are at-risk and that's why children's aid societies establish group homes to help kids like that and help them integrate into the community."
Hampton says concerns expressed in Alberton are not unlike those expressed when T-L-C first opened in Watten township and says those worries proved be to untrue.
Council is expected to review the rezoning application at its next meeting in August.
Hampton spoke to township council last night about Weechi-it-ti-win Family Services' plans to relocate its Training and Learning Centre to property on Highway 11 near Ducharme Road. He
says residents should not fear the centre.
"These kids are no kids in trouble with criminal law," says Hampton. "These kids who are in need of help. They're kids who are at-risk and that's why children's aid societies establish group homes to help kids like that and help them integrate into the community."
Hampton says concerns expressed in Alberton are not unlike those expressed when T-L-C first opened in Watten township and says those worries proved be to untrue.
Council is expected to review the rezoning application at its next meeting in August.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Child Care Help in Minnesota
Child care advocates in Minnesota are hoping new legislation will offset the high costs of child care.
Child-care costs in Minnesota are third highest in the country.
James Carlson, director of public policy for Child Care Works, says finding affordable and quality care is difficult in Minnesota, but a bill to direct eight-million in federal stimulus dollars to families needing assistance will help.
"Thirty-eight percent of child care centers charge at or below what the state can reimburse a family for their care," says Carlson. "In addition, 45 to 48 percent of family care providers are collecting money at or below what the state can reimburse."
Carlson says by helping these families pay for child care, low-wage workers can remain in the work force.
Child-care costs in Minnesota are third highest in the country.
James Carlson, director of public policy for Child Care Works, says finding affordable and quality care is difficult in Minnesota, but a bill to direct eight-million in federal stimulus dollars to families needing assistance will help.
"Thirty-eight percent of child care centers charge at or below what the state can reimburse a family for their care," says Carlson. "In addition, 45 to 48 percent of family care providers are collecting money at or below what the state can reimburse."
Carlson says by helping these families pay for child care, low-wage workers can remain in the work force.
More MNR Help to B.C.
A third contingent of Ministry of Natural Resources personnel is head to British Columbia to aid in that province's forest fire fighting efforts.
Two Incident Command Teams – one each from East Fire and West Fire Region – comprised of 19 members each are scheduled to head to the west coast today.
The teams provides leadership and management on large fire incidents.
This latest deployment brings to 333 the number of MNR personnel in B.C.
Two Incident Command Teams – one each from East Fire and West Fire Region – comprised of 19 members each are scheduled to head to the west coast today.
The teams provides leadership and management on large fire incidents.
This latest deployment brings to 333 the number of MNR personnel in B.C.
"The Gathering" Comes to End
An effort to improve opportunities for native employment in the Rainy River district has come to an end.
NCDS, who facilitated the project called "The Gathering," has decided to discontinue its management of the roundtables.
In a letter to participants, the agency cites the project has "run afoul with politics."
Coordinator Paul Pirie says the roundtables did achieve some success with rejuvenated high school programs, increased community involvement by elders and a relaxing of territorial boundaries for construction apprentices.
NCDS, who facilitated the project called "The Gathering," has decided to discontinue its management of the roundtables.
In a letter to participants, the agency cites the project has "run afoul with politics."
Coordinator Paul Pirie says the roundtables did achieve some success with rejuvenated high school programs, increased community involvement by elders and a relaxing of territorial boundaries for construction apprentices.
Planning Documents Get Review
Alberton's township council will hold a special meeting tonight to review its official plan and zoning by-laws.
The review comes in the wake of opposition to a rezoning application which would pave the way for Weechi-it-ti-win Family Services to relocate its Training and Learning Centre to property currently owned by the Arpin Family.
Council said at its meeting last month that it would revisit the application following a review of its planning documents.
The review comes in the wake of opposition to a rezoning application which would pave the way for Weechi-it-ti-win Family Services to relocate its Training and Learning Centre to property currently owned by the Arpin Family.
Council said at its meeting last month that it would revisit the application following a review of its planning documents.
Doctors Seek Halt to Health Changes
Ontario doctors want the province to delay any major health care restructuring plans until a recently appointed panel makes its recommendations.
The government created the Rural and Northern Health Care Panel to recommend steps to improve access to care in those regions.
The Ontario Medical Association says the government should order Local Health Integration Networks and hospitals in rural and northern communities to put a hold on restructuring plans.
OMA President Dr. Suzanne Strasberg says doctors want a formal consultation process to ensure that the public and health care providers have their say before any decisions are made.
Strasberg says physicians can provide valuable input to help ensure decisions are made without compromising quality and timely access to health care services.
The OMA also wants the government's strategy to formally recognize the differing health care needs in isolated and rural communities.
The government created the Rural and Northern Health Care Panel to recommend steps to improve access to care in those regions.
The Ontario Medical Association says the government should order Local Health Integration Networks and hospitals in rural and northern communities to put a hold on restructuring plans.
OMA President Dr. Suzanne Strasberg says doctors want a formal consultation process to ensure that the public and health care providers have their say before any decisions are made.
Strasberg says physicians can provide valuable input to help ensure decisions are made without compromising quality and timely access to health care services.
The OMA also wants the government's strategy to formally recognize the differing health care needs in isolated and rural communities.
Rural Health Panel Formed
Ontario has officially announced the members of the new Rural and Northern Health Care Panel.
The panel, to be chaired by Kirkland and District Hospital CEO, Hal Fjeldsted, will provide recommendations to the government on how to better coordinate the delivery of health care services in Ontario's rural and northern areas.
The panel's members represent a broad range of stakeholders and health care professionals who will draw on their experiences working in rural and northern areas of Ontario.
Over the next six months will highlight current programs and services targeting northern and rural communities, identify rural and northern Ontario's unique health care challenges and recommend steps the government can take to improve access to health care in rural and northern Ontario using existing resources.
The panel will provide a report and recommendations to the government this winter.
The panel, to be chaired by Kirkland and District Hospital CEO, Hal Fjeldsted, will provide recommendations to the government on how to better coordinate the delivery of health care services in Ontario's rural and northern areas.
The panel's members represent a broad range of stakeholders and health care professionals who will draw on their experiences working in rural and northern areas of Ontario.
Over the next six months will highlight current programs and services targeting northern and rural communities, identify rural and northern Ontario's unique health care challenges and recommend steps the government can take to improve access to health care in rural and northern Ontario using existing resources.
The panel will provide a report and recommendations to the government this winter.
Municipal Support for Y.A.A.
Municipal support continues to grow for the Northwestern Health Unit's Youth Action Alliance.
The town of Fort Frances is the latest to pass a resolution calling for continued provincial funding for the youth-focused anti-smoking lobby group.
Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake councils have also passed resolutions in support of the Alliance.
Health Unit board chair John Albanese says that municipal support is important.
"The resolutions are going to the Premier, the Health Promotions Minister and whoever we can tap into," says Albanese.
Albanese says the Alliance has been very effective with its anti-smoking initiatives, and should be allowed to continue.
The town of Fort Frances is the latest to pass a resolution calling for continued provincial funding for the youth-focused anti-smoking lobby group.
Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake councils have also passed resolutions in support of the Alliance.
Health Unit board chair John Albanese says that municipal support is important.
"The resolutions are going to the Premier, the Health Promotions Minister and whoever we can tap into," says Albanese.
Albanese says the Alliance has been very effective with its anti-smoking initiatives, and should be allowed to continue.
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