The H1N1 flu virus remains prevalent in Northwestern Ontario.
41 cases have now been confirmed in the region, none considered serious.
The Northwestern Health Unit says residents should take the necessary precautions against the virus through regular hand-washing and by avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth if you are sick.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Outreach Centre Opens
A new outreach service centre for family and children's programs is now open in Fort Frances north end.
The centre is located at one of the apartments on Webster Avenue North and was formed with several community agencies.
Outreach worker for the Best Start Hub Christine Badiuk says it was important to have such a centre in the area.
"There's not really anything on this side of town that is easily accessible for people if they don't have a vehicle," says Badiuk. "So we just thought this would be a great place. It's kind of their own little community here, and if they can make it downtown, its right here in their back yard.
The centre is open to parents from across the town at no charge.
The centre is located at one of the apartments on Webster Avenue North and was formed with several community agencies.
Outreach worker for the Best Start Hub Christine Badiuk says it was important to have such a centre in the area.
"There's not really anything on this side of town that is easily accessible for people if they don't have a vehicle," says Badiuk. "So we just thought this would be a great place. It's kind of their own little community here, and if they can make it downtown, its right here in their back yard.
The centre is open to parents from across the town at no charge.
MNR Firefighters Return Home
Some of the Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters sent west last week have returned home.
An easing of the fire situation in British Columbia allowed about 175 MNR fire rangers and support staff to return back to northern Ontario yesterday.
Another 96 fire ranger personnel and support staff are still in northern Alberta.
In northwestern Ontario, there are 24 active forest fires, none in the Rainy River district.
An easing of the fire situation in British Columbia allowed about 175 MNR fire rangers and support staff to return back to northern Ontario yesterday.
Another 96 fire ranger personnel and support staff are still in northern Alberta.
In northwestern Ontario, there are 24 active forest fires, none in the Rainy River district.
LCBO Workers Strike Looming
It could be a little dryer in Ontario if LCBO workers go on strike tonight at midnight.
A strike would be the first for the Liquor Board and about 800 managers are expected to step in to provide limited service.
The strike threat hinges on the use of casual employees at liquor stores.
The agency maintains a staffing mix of about 43 per cent full-time workers and 57 per cent casual employees to ensure it can respond to fluctuating consumer demand.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says casual employees receive no vacation, sick time or benefits, and can be called in for as little as two hours work at a time.
Many casual workers make up to $18.70 an hour
A strike would be the first for the Liquor Board and about 800 managers are expected to step in to provide limited service.
The strike threat hinges on the use of casual employees at liquor stores.
The agency maintains a staffing mix of about 43 per cent full-time workers and 57 per cent casual employees to ensure it can respond to fluctuating consumer demand.
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says casual employees receive no vacation, sick time or benefits, and can be called in for as little as two hours work at a time.
Many casual workers make up to $18.70 an hour
Fence By-law being Enforced
A Fort Frances couple allowed by the town to extend an existing fence to keep deer out of their property are now being told to take it down.
Councillors agreed last night to enforce a town by-law governing the height of fences against the 6th Street homeowners.
Chief Building Officer Rick Hallam, who gave initial approval, says he always felt it was only going to be temporary.
"I my mind temporary was throughout the winter months when the deer are actively feeding on peoples yards," says Hallam, "once they start to fade into the bush. Unfortunately, the people in question have a different understanding of the meaning of the word temporary and that's become an issue for me."
Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the real issue for the town is to deal with the deer that's forcing residents to take measures to protect their properties.
Councillors agreed last night to enforce a town by-law governing the height of fences against the 6th Street homeowners.
Chief Building Officer Rick Hallam, who gave initial approval, says he always felt it was only going to be temporary.
"I my mind temporary was throughout the winter months when the deer are actively feeding on peoples yards," says Hallam, "once they start to fade into the bush. Unfortunately, the people in question have a different understanding of the meaning of the word temporary and that's become an issue for me."
Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the real issue for the town is to deal with the deer that's forcing residents to take measures to protect their properties.
Projects Updates
Work continues on road work at Nelson Street and Victoria Avenue where crews have completed the installation of new sewer lines.
The fire tower at Pither's Point Park has been completely dismantled and pressure washed.
Community Services Manager George Bell says its now being inspected to determine if additional work is required before it's put back together at the waterfront.
Bell says they're also seeking a work order from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Federal Oceans and Fisheries to float the tugboat Hallet to its eventual resting spot.
The fire tower at Pither's Point Park has been completely dismantled and pressure washed.
Community Services Manager George Bell says its now being inspected to determine if additional work is required before it's put back together at the waterfront.
Bell says they're also seeking a work order from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Federal Oceans and Fisheries to float the tugboat Hallet to its eventual resting spot.
Road Projects Still on Hold
No news is not good news for the town of Fort Frances regarding two road projects.
Work at the Portage Avenue underpass and Scott Street from Reid Avenue to Colonization Road East continues to be on hold.
With the underpass project, Mayor Roy Avis says the town is still waiting for CN to approve the results of soil anchor tests. Results its had for nearly two months.
"I was hoping to see an end to that project this year," says Avis, "but if we don't get any cooperation from CNR, it's not going to be completed this year.
The start of construction this year on the east end of Scott is also becoming doubtful. Avis says the town has been anxiously awaiting word on its request for provincial funding for the job.
"To date, I haven't received an e-mail, message or phone call, nothing. It just seems be tight lipped. We're continually pushing as hard as we can to get funding whenever it becomes available."
Work at the Portage Avenue underpass and Scott Street from Reid Avenue to Colonization Road East continues to be on hold.
With the underpass project, Mayor Roy Avis says the town is still waiting for CN to approve the results of soil anchor tests. Results its had for nearly two months.
"I was hoping to see an end to that project this year," says Avis, "but if we don't get any cooperation from CNR, it's not going to be completed this year.
The start of construction this year on the east end of Scott is also becoming doubtful. Avis says the town has been anxiously awaiting word on its request for provincial funding for the job.
"To date, I haven't received an e-mail, message or phone call, nothing. It just seems be tight lipped. We're continually pushing as hard as we can to get funding whenever it becomes available."
Library Projects Gets Go Ahead
It was a unanimous vote.
Construction of the the new library and technology centre in Fort Frances will go ahead.
This after town councillors agreed last night to a more than $4 million dollar construction contract with Thunder Bay-based Aurora Construction.
Community Services Manager George Bell says with some minor changes to the project, the total budget is now nearly five million dollars.
"And that is completely funding," say Bell. "We will not incur long-term debt or tap into reserves if everything goes as planned."
Councillor Paul Ryan, one of the most vocal opponents, agreed to the contract, but still has concerns.
"I still have the concern that I've always had with the size," says Ryan. "and how do we live in later, and what legacy that we're leaving for later on operational costs."
The total project budget is pegged at almost $5 million dollars.
Bell says he'll be meeting with the contractor Thursday to discuss a construction schedule.
Construction of the the new library and technology centre in Fort Frances will go ahead.
This after town councillors agreed last night to a more than $4 million dollar construction contract with Thunder Bay-based Aurora Construction.
Community Services Manager George Bell says with some minor changes to the project, the total budget is now nearly five million dollars.
"And that is completely funding," say Bell. "We will not incur long-term debt or tap into reserves if everything goes as planned."
Councillor Paul Ryan, one of the most vocal opponents, agreed to the contract, but still has concerns.
"I still have the concern that I've always had with the size," says Ryan. "and how do we live in later, and what legacy that we're leaving for later on operational costs."
The total project budget is pegged at almost $5 million dollars.
Bell says he'll be meeting with the contractor Thursday to discuss a construction schedule.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Chamber Seeks Help
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is looking for some help with next week's Quest for the Best Talent Show.
The chamber is looking for volunteers to help out at the gate and the bar.
Anyone interested can call Robin 274-6688
Next Tuesday's talent show will feature singers, comedians and dancers from around the area.
The chamber is looking for volunteers to help out at the gate and the bar.
Anyone interested can call Robin 274-6688
Next Tuesday's talent show will feature singers, comedians and dancers from around the area.
Radar Sites Cleaned Up
Sixteen abandoned Cold War radar sites in northern Ontario will be cleaned up over the next six years at an estimated cost of more than $100 million dollars.
The province will provide $73 million to clean up toxic materials at all 16 radar sites.
The federal government will contribute up to $30 million to help clean up 11 of the most highly contaminated radar stations.
The sites, part of the old Mid-Canada advance warning line, are contaminated with PCBs, hydrocarbons, mercury, and asbestos.
The province will provide $73 million to clean up toxic materials at all 16 radar sites.
The federal government will contribute up to $30 million to help clean up 11 of the most highly contaminated radar stations.
The sites, part of the old Mid-Canada advance warning line, are contaminated with PCBs, hydrocarbons, mercury, and asbestos.
Folk Festival A Go!
A folk festival planned for the Fort Frances area is moving ahead.
The event is scheduled for July18th at the Little Beaver Snow Park.
Organizer Alex Maruzyk says much of the key elements are in place.
"The site is booked and ready to go," says Maruzyk. "The sound is ready to go. We have the stage. All of the really important parts are set up, now its just the little things we don't know about. We find out new things we have to do every day, but the foundation is set."
J-P Hoe of Winnipeg will headline the event. Supporting acts include include The Auditor General , The Me Monster , Triptych, The Mud Lake City Boy, Maverick Judson , Haphazard, Myron Hawrylak, Mike Procyshyn, Jon Thompson, Lauren Gurski with Mike McCaig, Alex Marusyk with Joelle Barron, Gordo Matheson, Andrew Morrish, Shawn Galusha, Justine Christie, Fort Dance Studio Dancers and The Fort Frances Highlanders Pipes & Drums
Tickets for the festival are currently on sale at the Fort Frances Library, Fort Frances Museum and Sight and Sound. "Day Pass" tickets are going for $20 for adults, $15 for ages 15-18- $10 for ages 6-14. Kids under 5 are free.
The event is scheduled for July18th at the Little Beaver Snow Park.
Organizer Alex Maruzyk says much of the key elements are in place.
"The site is booked and ready to go," says Maruzyk. "The sound is ready to go. We have the stage. All of the really important parts are set up, now its just the little things we don't know about. We find out new things we have to do every day, but the foundation is set."
J-P Hoe of Winnipeg will headline the event. Supporting acts include include The Auditor General , The Me Monster , Triptych, The Mud Lake City Boy, Maverick Judson , Haphazard, Myron Hawrylak, Mike Procyshyn, Jon Thompson, Lauren Gurski with Mike McCaig, Alex Marusyk with Joelle Barron, Gordo Matheson, Andrew Morrish, Shawn Galusha, Justine Christie, Fort Dance Studio Dancers and The Fort Frances Highlanders Pipes & Drums
Tickets for the festival are currently on sale at the Fort Frances Library, Fort Frances Museum and Sight and Sound. "Day Pass" tickets are going for $20 for adults, $15 for ages 15-18- $10 for ages 6-14. Kids under 5 are free.
Ash Border Concerns
The discovery of the Emerald ash borer in St. Paul is having some concern in northern Minnesota.
Koochiching County has more than 124-million ash trees.
John Snyder, a biologist with Voyageurs National Park says the public should take precautions to avoid bringing the ash borer up north.
Snyder says because so few tree species can thrive in a black ash swamp, the area may have trouble recuperating from a decline in ash.
Koochiching County has more than 124-million ash trees.
John Snyder, a biologist with Voyageurs National Park says the public should take precautions to avoid bringing the ash borer up north.
Snyder says because so few tree species can thrive in a black ash swamp, the area may have trouble recuperating from a decline in ash.
K-9 Unit at Border
There is a new officer at the U-S Border at International Falls.
Chico, a three-year-old German Shepard, is part of a new U-S Border and Protection Services K-9 unit that will be sniffing out illegal drugs and illegal aliens trying to cross the border.
K-9 Enforcement officer Pete Benedix says the first step was getting Chico acclimatized to the area.
"There's some different smells in the area," says Benedix, "so it's a slow process. You've got vehicles running, you got trains, so the break-in period was very critical. He's responded very, very well."
Benedix says he and Chico went through an extensive training program before has been placed at the border.
Chico, a three-year-old German Shepard, is part of a new U-S Border and Protection Services K-9 unit that will be sniffing out illegal drugs and illegal aliens trying to cross the border.
K-9 Enforcement officer Pete Benedix says the first step was getting Chico acclimatized to the area.
"There's some different smells in the area," says Benedix, "so it's a slow process. You've got vehicles running, you got trains, so the break-in period was very critical. He's responded very, very well."
Benedix says he and Chico went through an extensive training program before has been placed at the border.
PC Leadership Vote Underway
Voting to determine who'll lead Ontario's Progressive Conservatives is underway.
About 40,000 party members are being asked to rank the four candidates in order of preference.
Vying for the leadership are Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, Randy Hillier and Christine Elliott.
The winner will be announced June 27th at the party's convention in Markham.
About 40,000 party members are being asked to rank the four candidates in order of preference.
Vying for the leadership are Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, Randy Hillier and Christine Elliott.
The winner will be announced June 27th at the party's convention in Markham.
Health Resources Required
Two northern Ontario New Democrat MPP's are calling on the province to provide the health care resources needed to stop the spread of H1N1 flu in First Nations communities.
Howard Hampton and Frances Gelinas also want the Liberals to address underlying conditions that are making the communities more vulnerable to the flu.
Hampton and Gelinas say nursing stations at many northern First Nations are already stretched to the limit.
Howard Hampton and Frances Gelinas also want the Liberals to address underlying conditions that are making the communities more vulnerable to the flu.
Hampton and Gelinas say nursing stations at many northern First Nations are already stretched to the limit.
New Centre Opens
A new outreach service centre for family and children's programs will officially open its doors in Fort Frances today.
The centre on Webster Avenue North is a partnership of several community agencies and will offer users services such as Best Start Hub children's programs, parenting workshops and a variety of health-related services.
The centre on Webster Avenue North is a partnership of several community agencies and will offer users services such as Best Start Hub children's programs, parenting workshops and a variety of health-related services.
School Board Reviews Policies
The Rainy River district school board is ensuring its meeting the proposed Student Achievement and School Board Governance Act.
Among other things, bill 177 entrenches student achievement as a key aspect of education and redefines the role of trustees and directors.
Education director Jack McMaster says the board will be reviewing its policies to ensure they meet the act's guidelines.
"We see there will be a need for some changes," says McMaster. "Trustees have been talking about that. They had a discussion in finance this spring about some of the changes that will be required to provide some more flexibility."
The bill is expected to become law this fall.
Among other things, bill 177 entrenches student achievement as a key aspect of education and redefines the role of trustees and directors.
Education director Jack McMaster says the board will be reviewing its policies to ensure they meet the act's guidelines.
"We see there will be a need for some changes," says McMaster. "Trustees have been talking about that. They had a discussion in finance this spring about some of the changes that will be required to provide some more flexibility."
The bill is expected to become law this fall.
More Council Items
Also at tonight's meeting, Fort Frances councillors will provide an update on the activities of their various committees.
Updates on the town's road projects and the relocation of the tugboat Hallet and fire tower to the Fort Frances waterfront are also expected.
As well, council is to discuss a request by a local resident to ban dogs from riding in the back of pick-up trucks.
The public portion of tonight's meeting is expected to begin about 6:00 p.m.
Updates on the town's road projects and the relocation of the tugboat Hallet and fire tower to the Fort Frances waterfront are also expected.
As well, council is to discuss a request by a local resident to ban dogs from riding in the back of pick-up trucks.
The public portion of tonight's meeting is expected to begin about 6:00 p.m.
Library Vote Expected Tonight
A decision to proceed with construction of the new library and technology centre could be made by Fort Frances town councillors tonight.
A proposed construction contract with Aurora Construction comes back to the table at tonight's council meeting.
Councillors rejected the same contract back in April, but a recent influx of more than $2 million dollars in federal and provincial grant money is expected to help give the project the green light.
Construction costs were last estimated at nearly $4.7 million dollars.
A proposed construction contract with Aurora Construction comes back to the table at tonight's council meeting.
Councillors rejected the same contract back in April, but a recent influx of more than $2 million dollars in federal and provincial grant money is expected to help give the project the green light.
Construction costs were last estimated at nearly $4.7 million dollars.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Natural Gas Prices to Drop
For the third time this year, natural gas prices for Union Gas customers in Fort Frances are dropping.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved an 8-cent per cubic metre drop effective July 1st.
Union Gas says its customers should see a 15-to-20 per cent decrease in their bills in the coming month.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved an 8-cent per cubic metre drop effective July 1st.
Union Gas says its customers should see a 15-to-20 per cent decrease in their bills in the coming month.
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