Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is calling on the McGuinty Liberals for a strategy that helps secure the future of the province's forest industry.
His call comes in the wake of last week's announcement by AbitibiBowater to idle two paper machines at its Thunder Bay mill.
Hampton foresees the situation getting worse unless action is taken now.
"We could well see another paper mill close in northern Ontario in the next few months," says Hampton. "It would be very tragic and there's a real need for government action."
Hampton says that action must include the availability of affordable power to remain competitive with mills elsewhere in country and the United States.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A Change of Firefighters in B.C.
(Ontario FireRangers battling the heat and the blazes in British Columbia - MNR Photo)
A two week tour of duty in British Columbia has been completed by 122 fire rangers employed by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Melissa Austin of Dryden returned home Saturday and says fighting fires in British Columbia is much different than in northwestern Ontario.
"There we've been making a lot of hand-tool lines than making pumps and water to put out the fire," says Austin. "There's been a lot more helicopters helping to put out the fire.
The MNR sent another 122 fire rangers out back west to replace those who returned home.
Another 40 MNR personnel still will travel to B.C. today.
Conservancy Annual Meeting
A decade of protection and preservation of the Rainy Lake watershed was recognized on the weekend by members of the Rainy Lake Conservancy.
For the past ten years, the Conservancy has been involved in research, education and advocacy of the watershed.
At its annual meeting yesterday, president Anne Newhart said that will continue.
"Along with our regular program of public education, research and developing conservation partnerships, we hope to work more with private landowners who want to protect their land in the long-term through conservation easements or land procurement measures," said Newhart.
Strong public support was also cited as a reason for the Conservancy's longevity.
Membership has grown from an initial 11 members to over 200 today.
For the past ten years, the Conservancy has been involved in research, education and advocacy of the watershed.
At its annual meeting yesterday, president Anne Newhart said that will continue.
"Along with our regular program of public education, research and developing conservation partnerships, we hope to work more with private landowners who want to protect their land in the long-term through conservation easements or land procurement measures," said Newhart.
Strong public support was also cited as a reason for the Conservancy's longevity.
Membership has grown from an initial 11 members to over 200 today.
Friday, August 7, 2009
NAN Protest Goes to Queen's Park
Nishnawbe Aski Nation took its opposition to a bill seeking to map land in the Far North to the Ontario legislature to ask the government to scrap the plan.
Grand Chief Stan Beardy, along with several youth and other aboriginal leaders, says the bill infringes on First Nation treaty rights.
Beardy says the plan will give the government too much power to decide how to handle lands where First Nations live, and argues the consultation process is so rushed that it's not legitimate.
New Democrat Gilles Bisson says the government is ``mucking up''the process by leaving out the people most directly affected - just like with the Mining Act.
Bisson says even the industry agrees the process needs more time to clarify rules and avoid confrontations down the road.
The Ministry of Natural Resources insists there's still plenty of time to make changes to the bill - promises to protect at least 225,000 square kilometres in a network of conservation areas - noting the current round of consultations is just the beginning of a lengthy process.
Grand Chief Stan Beardy, along with several youth and other aboriginal leaders, says the bill infringes on First Nation treaty rights.
Beardy says the plan will give the government too much power to decide how to handle lands where First Nations live, and argues the consultation process is so rushed that it's not legitimate.
New Democrat Gilles Bisson says the government is ``mucking up''the process by leaving out the people most directly affected - just like with the Mining Act.
Bisson says even the industry agrees the process needs more time to clarify rules and avoid confrontations down the road.
The Ministry of Natural Resources insists there's still plenty of time to make changes to the bill - promises to protect at least 225,000 square kilometres in a network of conservation areas - noting the current round of consultations is just the beginning of a lengthy process.
10th Anniversary Celebrated
The Rainy Lake Conservancy will recognize its 10th anniversary this weekend.
The Conservancy will hold its annual meeting Sunday at La Place Rendez-Vous beginning at 2 p.m.
Dale Callaghan, one of the founding members, says the group has been effective in its work to preserve and protect the Rainy Lake watershed during its time.
"We're involved in water testing," says Callaghan, "something we've been involved with since we started. We've promoted science and research on Rainy Lake. We have a board member on the Rainy Lake Fisheries Charity Trust. We promote clean water and healthy shorelines."
Callaghan says the work they're doing now is all for the future of the area.
The meeting is open to the public.
The guest speaker will be Rachael Hill, district planner with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The Conservancy will hold its annual meeting Sunday at La Place Rendez-Vous beginning at 2 p.m.
Dale Callaghan, one of the founding members, says the group has been effective in its work to preserve and protect the Rainy Lake watershed during its time.
"We're involved in water testing," says Callaghan, "something we've been involved with since we started. We've promoted science and research on Rainy Lake. We have a board member on the Rainy Lake Fisheries Charity Trust. We promote clean water and healthy shorelines."
Callaghan says the work they're doing now is all for the future of the area.
The meeting is open to the public.
The guest speaker will be Rachael Hill, district planner with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Canoe Race Returns
Quetico Provincial Park continues to celebrate its Centennial Anniversary with the return of the legendary Cross Quetico Canoe Race.
The 200-kilometre endurance challenge takes competitive paddlers over lakes, portages, rivers and creeks.
This year's race starts tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. and is expected to end Sunday night at 6 .p.m.
The starting and end point is the Main Beach of French Lake at the Dawson Trail Campground.
About twenty teams from Minnesota and Ontario are scheduled to compete.
The 200-kilometre endurance challenge takes competitive paddlers over lakes, portages, rivers and creeks.
This year's race starts tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. and is expected to end Sunday night at 6 .p.m.
The starting and end point is the Main Beach of French Lake at the Dawson Trail Campground.
About twenty teams from Minnesota and Ontario are scheduled to compete.
Nurses Appeal to Supreme Court
Some Ontario nurses are asking the Supreme Court of Canada for permission to sue the province over the SARS crisis.
In May, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed the action.
But the Ontario Nurses' Association says that ruling leaves nurses at risk during outbreaks, like the current H1N1 flu pandemic.
In May, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed the action.
But the Ontario Nurses' Association says that ruling leaves nurses at risk during outbreaks, like the current H1N1 flu pandemic.
H1N1 Spread Slows
The spread of the H1N1 virus seems to be waning in northwestern Ontario.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Health show no new cases of the virus in the region in the past week.
There are currently 70 confirmed cases of H1N1 in the northwest, but the symptoms are considered mild.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Health show no new cases of the virus in the region in the past week.
There are currently 70 confirmed cases of H1N1 in the northwest, but the symptoms are considered mild.
Housing Funds Announced
A number of First Nation communities in the Rainy River District will benefit from federal funding for new housing units.
A total of $14.4 million dollars will be shared by 84 native communities in Ontario.
Nicickousemenecaning, Big Grassy and Onigaming First Nations are among those to receive a portion of that money.
A total of $14.4 million dollars will be shared by 84 native communities in Ontario.
Nicickousemenecaning, Big Grassy and Onigaming First Nations are among those to receive a portion of that money.
Underpass Closure Extended
The closure of the Portage Avenue underpass in Fort Frances has been extended.
The roadway was to open at 4 p.m. today, but the town of Fort Frances says fears soft soils encountered during this week's excavation and the proximity of the water table could result in those soils turning to mud and making the area inaccessible if vehicles were allowed to pass through at this time.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the extended closure will allow the contractor to complete the installation of concrete along the west lane.
It's forecast that task will take about two weeks to complete and 7 days to let the concrete cure before traffic is permitted through the underpass.
The roadway was to open at 4 p.m. today, but the town of Fort Frances says fears soft soils encountered during this week's excavation and the proximity of the water table could result in those soils turning to mud and making the area inaccessible if vehicles were allowed to pass through at this time.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the extended closure will allow the contractor to complete the installation of concrete along the west lane.
It's forecast that task will take about two weeks to complete and 7 days to let the concrete cure before traffic is permitted through the underpass.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
A Few More Houses in Koochiching County
There's been a slight increase to the number of housing units in Koochiching County
The U-S Census Bureau says the more than 8,100 homes identified in the county last year is five per cent higher than that in 2000.
Scott Country, which includes the city of Shakopee, led all Minnesota counties with an almost 49 per cent increase since 2000.
The U-S Census Bureau says the more than 8,100 homes identified in the county last year is five per cent higher than that in 2000.
Scott Country, which includes the city of Shakopee, led all Minnesota counties with an almost 49 per cent increase since 2000.
Lipizzaner Stallions Coming
Fort Frances will be on the itinerary for the "world famous" Lippezanner Stallions.
They will perform August 28th at the 52 Canadians Arena as part of a 40th anniversary tour.
Master of Ceremonies Troy Tinker says the type of performance is a reason for its longevity.
"It's not the kind of show that has lots of explosions and special effects," says Tinker "The focus is on the horse and that partnership they forge with that human. It just a fun, entertaining and educational show for the whole family. There's a lot of great things in the show that gets kids youngster involved, history, classical music, along with horsemanship."
Tickets are now on sale at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts and online at tickets.com
They will perform August 28th at the 52 Canadians Arena as part of a 40th anniversary tour.
Master of Ceremonies Troy Tinker says the type of performance is a reason for its longevity.
"It's not the kind of show that has lots of explosions and special effects," says Tinker "The focus is on the horse and that partnership they forge with that human. It just a fun, entertaining and educational show for the whole family. There's a lot of great things in the show that gets kids youngster involved, history, classical music, along with horsemanship."
Tickets are now on sale at Northwoods Gallery and Gifts and online at tickets.com
More Bass Fishing This Week
Kenora is the next stop for bass anglers.
Today kicks off three days of fishing on Lake of the Woods during the Kenora Bass International.
The competition includes an event that pits the top five Canadian and American teams from last year against each other.
Canada's team includes four anglers from the Nestor Falls-Sioux Narrows area.
Scott Walsh of Ely is one of two Minnesota anglers represented on the U-S team.
Today kicks off three days of fishing on Lake of the Woods during the Kenora Bass International.
The competition includes an event that pits the top five Canadian and American teams from last year against each other.
Canada's team includes four anglers from the Nestor Falls-Sioux Narrows area.
Scott Walsh of Ely is one of two Minnesota anglers represented on the U-S team.
Airport Usage Down
The number of take-offs and landings at the Fort Frances airport in May was down slightly from the same time last year.
Statistics Canada says there were 587 aircraft using the airport, compared with 609 in May of 2008.
Among the users this year included 122 private planes and 31 government aircraft.
Statistics Canada says there were 587 aircraft using the airport, compared with 609 in May of 2008.
Among the users this year included 122 private planes and 31 government aircraft.
Christmas in July, Anyone?
It was a record breaking month, weather-wise, in July for the Rainy River district.
Environment Canada's Sandy Radecki says the average temperature was well below normal.
"The average temperature for the month was 15.3 C," says Radecki. "This is about 3.5 C below what is typical for Fort Frances. Historically, the records we have go back to '77 and this is the coldest July ever."
Radecki says the highest temperature recorded during the month was on July 26th when the thermometer reached 26 C or 79 F.
The lowest was on the July 12 with the overnight low dipping down to 2 C or 35 F.
The area also say about 99 millimetres of rain, about 5 millimetres greater than normal, but Radecki says about 2/3rds of that fell over a two day period.
Environment Canada's Sandy Radecki says the average temperature was well below normal.
"The average temperature for the month was 15.3 C," says Radecki. "This is about 3.5 C below what is typical for Fort Frances. Historically, the records we have go back to '77 and this is the coldest July ever."
Radecki says the highest temperature recorded during the month was on July 26th when the thermometer reached 26 C or 79 F.
The lowest was on the July 12 with the overnight low dipping down to 2 C or 35 F.
The area also say about 99 millimetres of rain, about 5 millimetres greater than normal, but Radecki says about 2/3rds of that fell over a two day period.
Profit for Boise
(International Falls Mill - Photo Courtesy Boise Inc.)Boise Inc., owners of the International Falls mill, is reporting net income of $51 million in the second quarter of this year.
That compares with a net loss of $18 million during the same period in 2008.
President Alexander Toeldte says demands for their products held up well despite a sluggish economy.
"Our core businesses delivered solid earnings and cash flow during second quarter 2009 as
demand for our office papers, label and release papers, and agricultural-based packaging products held up well despite the sluggish economy," says Toeldte. "We reduced working capital and ended the quarter with a much strengthened liquidity position."
demand for our office papers, label and release papers, and agricultural-based packaging products held up well despite the sluggish economy," says Toeldte. "We reduced working capital and ended the quarter with a much strengthened liquidity position."
The company also benefited from the receipt of nearly $59 million in alternative fuel mixture credits.
Hampton Lashes Out at Premier
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is lashing out at the McGuinty Liberals’ over what he calls continued apathy to Northern Ontario’s forestry crisis in the wake of AbitibiBowater's announcements.
Hampton says the premier's weak leadership and inability to stand up for the industry has driven thousands of jobs out of the region and is putting thousands more at risk.
Hampton also renewed calls for an industrial hydro rate to protect mills and their employees.
Hampton says the premier's weak leadership and inability to stand up for the industry has driven thousands of jobs out of the region and is putting thousands more at risk.
Hampton also renewed calls for an industrial hydro rate to protect mills and their employees.
Newsprint Machines Shutting Down
Another blow for the forest industry in northwestern Ontario.
AbitibiBowater says it is shutting down two newsprint machines at its Thunder Bay mill indefinitely, putting 360 employees out of work.
Spokesperson Jean-Phillipe Cote says poor market conditions are being blamed.
"We certainly understand and do regret the impact that this difficult decision will have on those workers, their families and the community," says Cote. "It's a difficult decision, but the context make it that we have no choice but to proceed that way."
Cote say one of the machines may eventually be re-started.
AbitibiBowater is also cutting its head office staff by 25 per cent as part of a plan to trim its overhead expenses by 100-million dollars U-S a year.
Most of the 175 laid off full-time and contractual employees in Canada and the United States will be announced by the end of this month.
The company has about 700 employees working in head office functions, including 400 in Montreal.
AbitibiBowater says it is shutting down two newsprint machines at its Thunder Bay mill indefinitely, putting 360 employees out of work.
Spokesperson Jean-Phillipe Cote says poor market conditions are being blamed.
"We certainly understand and do regret the impact that this difficult decision will have on those workers, their families and the community," says Cote. "It's a difficult decision, but the context make it that we have no choice but to proceed that way."
Cote say one of the machines may eventually be re-started.
AbitibiBowater is also cutting its head office staff by 25 per cent as part of a plan to trim its overhead expenses by 100-million dollars U-S a year.
Most of the 175 laid off full-time and contractual employees in Canada and the United States will be announced by the end of this month.
The company has about 700 employees working in head office functions, including 400 in Montreal.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
College and LU Receive Funds
The Provincial Government is give Lakehead University and Confederation College a financial shot in the arm.
The College is getting 1-million dollars to launch its new Trades and Technology program and increase space for another 260 students.
Lakehead is receiving 285-thousand to fund research that will look at the utilization of wood as a value-added project and another 150-thousand to study new harvest planning strategies.
Deadly Long Weekend in Ontario
It proved to be a deadly weekend on Ontario's highways and waterways.
The Ontario Provincial Police concluded their Civic Holiday long weekend safety initiative midnight Monday.
A total of 12 people died on the roads, trails and waterways patrolled by O-P-P over the long weekend, including ten as the result of motor vehicle collisions and two deaths related to boating incidents.
During the 2008 Civic Holiday long weekend, four people died.
None of this year's deaths were in the Rainy River district.
The Ontario Provincial Police concluded their Civic Holiday long weekend safety initiative midnight Monday.
A total of 12 people died on the roads, trails and waterways patrolled by O-P-P over the long weekend, including ten as the result of motor vehicle collisions and two deaths related to boating incidents.
During the 2008 Civic Holiday long weekend, four people died.
None of this year's deaths were in the Rainy River district.
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