The town of Fort Frances has its first candidate for this fall's municipal election.
Sharon Tibbs has filled her nomination papers to seek re-election as councillor.
"I still got the drive and energy to want to do the job for the community," says Tibbs. "Getting on the senior sides of my years, the demographics of the community, I can bring that flavour to the table. It's something I have a passion for and want to continue it."
Tibbs has been involved in municipal politics for sixteen years, broken up only by an unsuccessful mayoral bid in 2003.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Ontario Budget
Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan has tabled his $126-billion budget.
Hospitals will get a 1.5 boost to their base funding while $63.5-million will go to replace federal child care funding.
There is a $310-million increase in post secondary education funding.
Despite a $21.3 billion deficit last year and nearly $20-billion deficit next year, the Liberals won't re-balance the books until 2017-18.
Northern Ontario residents will get some relief from high hydro bills, and companies in the north will be able to access lower electricity rates.
A new, $150-million-a-year program will create a northern industrial electricity rate aimed at reducing hydro prices by 25 per cent for large industrial users.
The budget will also provide low-to middle-income families in the north with an annual energy credit of up to 200 dollars, while singles would get up to 130 dollars.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle calls the budget a good one, especially for the north.
It also includes another 10-million dollar increase to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
"We've gone from 60 to 70 to 80 to 90-million," says Gravelle, "and there's a commitment to go to $100 million next year. This is incredibly important to northern Ontario communities and businesses that are able to access the funds."
$770-million will be also spent to fix up highways in northern Ontario.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton was not as warming to the budget.
He says the introduction of lower power rates is good news, but have come too late for many mills now closed.
"If you actually do the numbers all that it will do is ensure that the hydro bills for OSB mill, sawmills and paper mills won't increase over the next three years," says Hampton. "The troubles is that those bills are already too expensive and that why so mills have shutdown."
Hampton says the hydro credit for homeowners won't even cover the cost of the HST when it comes into effect this July.
More than one million Ontario public sector workers got some bad news in the budget --notice of a salary freeze.
The budget imposes an immediate pay freeze on public sector managers, and vows not to fund salary increases for unionized public workers when their contracts expire.
Hospitals will get a 1.5 boost to their base funding while $63.5-million will go to replace federal child care funding.
There is a $310-million increase in post secondary education funding.
Despite a $21.3 billion deficit last year and nearly $20-billion deficit next year, the Liberals won't re-balance the books until 2017-18.
Northern Ontario residents will get some relief from high hydro bills, and companies in the north will be able to access lower electricity rates.
A new, $150-million-a-year program will create a northern industrial electricity rate aimed at reducing hydro prices by 25 per cent for large industrial users.
The budget will also provide low-to middle-income families in the north with an annual energy credit of up to 200 dollars, while singles would get up to 130 dollars.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle calls the budget a good one, especially for the north.
It also includes another 10-million dollar increase to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.
"We've gone from 60 to 70 to 80 to 90-million," says Gravelle, "and there's a commitment to go to $100 million next year. This is incredibly important to northern Ontario communities and businesses that are able to access the funds."
$770-million will be also spent to fix up highways in northern Ontario.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton was not as warming to the budget.
He says the introduction of lower power rates is good news, but have come too late for many mills now closed.
"If you actually do the numbers all that it will do is ensure that the hydro bills for OSB mill, sawmills and paper mills won't increase over the next three years," says Hampton. "The troubles is that those bills are already too expensive and that why so mills have shutdown."
Hampton says the hydro credit for homeowners won't even cover the cost of the HST when it comes into effect this July.
More than one million Ontario public sector workers got some bad news in the budget --notice of a salary freeze.
The budget imposes an immediate pay freeze on public sector managers, and vows not to fund salary increases for unionized public workers when their contracts expire.
3-G Deal
3-G wireless is coming to the Rainy River district.
TBayTel is partnering with Rogers to give all of northwestern Ontario improved wireless services.
TBaytel President Don Campbell says customers are the big winners.
"We're going to be providing to call customers in the region expanded services, expanded access to hand-sets and content and worldwide roaming," says Campbell.
Rogers customers will have the same coverage as TBaytel and while TBayTel customers will have access to the Rogers network and the latest new phones.
Officials expect services in the Rainy River district to come online by the early part of 2011.
Fort Frances Trio Advance to National Event
Three Fort Frances High School students will head to Ottawa in May to push their business case for a funeral home.
They're among thirty school groups across Canada that won the right to compete in a business planning competition for native youth sponsored by Business Development Bank of Canada.
Grade 12 student Stephen Mitchell says they now have to push their plan at the national event.
"We have to set up a booth,"says Mitchell, "like we have a real-live business. We have to have pamphlets to hand out and a logo in front of the booth. Basically to try to sell what you have to the people that come by. Some of them might be judges, but they don't really tell you."
It's the first time students from Fort Frances have participated.
Joining Mitchell in Ottawa will be Max Calder and Ryan Strachan.
They're among thirty school groups across Canada that won the right to compete in a business planning competition for native youth sponsored by Business Development Bank of Canada.
Grade 12 student Stephen Mitchell says they now have to push their plan at the national event.
"We have to set up a booth,"says Mitchell, "like we have a real-live business. We have to have pamphlets to hand out and a logo in front of the booth. Basically to try to sell what you have to the people that come by. Some of them might be judges, but they don't really tell you."
It's the first time students from Fort Frances have participated.
Joining Mitchell in Ottawa will be Max Calder and Ryan Strachan.
K. I. Legal Expenses
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton wants the province to cover the legal expenses of a remote first nation community that was involving in a mining dispute with Platinex.
In the legislature yesterday, Hampton says Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation should be given the same consideration the province provided to the mining company.
"If the McGuinty government has $5 million for Platinex Inc., a company that showed no respect for First Nation rights, no respect for treaty rights," says Hampton, "will the McGuinty government do the fair, reasonable and decent thing and also compensate the First Nation, a very poor First Nation, for the more than $700,000 in legal costs they incurred in defending their constitutional rights?"
Hampton says the K-I band was forced to take money from its housing, recreation and education budgets to pay for its legal costs.
Mining Agreement
Six Treaty Three First Nations have signed a mineral exploration agreement with Sudbury based Canadian Arrow Mines.
The agreement formally recognizes the company's exploration activities in several locations around Dryden, Sioux Narrows and east of Fort Frances.
It also provides for employment and business contracts for the communities residents and compensation for any impact the company's work will have on aboriginal and Treaty rights.
The agreement formally recognizes the company's exploration activities in several locations around Dryden, Sioux Narrows and east of Fort Frances.
It also provides for employment and business contracts for the communities residents and compensation for any impact the company's work will have on aboriginal and Treaty rights.
Kenora Mayor Not Seeking Re-election
There will be a new mayor elected in the city of Kenora.
Current Mayor Len Compton says he won't be seeking re-election this fall after serving just one term.
Compton gave no reason for his decision.
Former Mayor Dave Canfield, defeated by Compton in the last election, and former Kenora councillor Andrew Poirier, have indicated their intention to seek the mayor chair.
Current Mayor Len Compton says he won't be seeking re-election this fall after serving just one term.
Compton gave no reason for his decision.
Former Mayor Dave Canfield, defeated by Compton in the last election, and former Kenora councillor Andrew Poirier, have indicated their intention to seek the mayor chair.
Supervising Coroner Appointed
A northwestern Ontario physician has been appointed the Regional Supervising Coroner for northern Ontario.
Dr. Michael Wilson will take on his new responsibilities next month, overseeing the region's forty investigating coroners.
Wilson, who's worked in Nipigon as a family and emergency physician for the past decade, is also an Associate Clinical Professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Dr. Michael Wilson will take on his new responsibilities next month, overseeing the region's forty investigating coroners.
Wilson, who's worked in Nipigon as a family and emergency physician for the past decade, is also an Associate Clinical Professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Flights Added
Delta Airlines is adding additional flights this summer at Falls International Airport.
Beginning June 10, Delta will add a 7 a.m. flight out of the Falls and an 8:30 p.m. return from Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The move restores a schedule the Falls Airport Commission had requested since Delta went to just afternoon slights last September.
The schedule will return to two flights in September, but the commission is hoping Delta will maintain the early morning and late evening flight.
Beginning June 10, Delta will add a 7 a.m. flight out of the Falls and an 8:30 p.m. return from Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The move restores a schedule the Falls Airport Commission had requested since Delta went to just afternoon slights last September.
The schedule will return to two flights in September, but the commission is hoping Delta will maintain the early morning and late evening flight.
Warning Issued
Authorities in International Falls are issuing warnings to residents there of plans by a level 3-sex offender to live in the community.
28-year-old Michael Duane Johnson is set to be released from prison and move to the Falls on April 2.
According to the Department of Corrections, Johnson has a history of sexual contact with girls age 12 to 14.
28-year-old Michael Duane Johnson is set to be released from prison and move to the Falls on April 2.
According to the Department of Corrections, Johnson has a history of sexual contact with girls age 12 to 14.
Atikokan Rejects Mail-In Balloting
Voters in Atikokan won't be allowed to mail-in their ballots in this falls municipal and school board elections.
Township council voted against the idea of mail-in ballots at their meeting this week.
Mayor Dennis Brown was among those who saw no good reason to allow them.
"One of the purposes of the mail-in ballots is to try and get more participation at voting time," says Brown, "but in Atikokan that hasn't really been a problem. In the last four elections the voter turnout has been well over 50 per cent."
Brown says the cost of providing mail-in ballots would have also increased the cost of holding the election.
Township council voted against the idea of mail-in ballots at their meeting this week.
Mayor Dennis Brown was among those who saw no good reason to allow them.
"One of the purposes of the mail-in ballots is to try and get more participation at voting time," says Brown, "but in Atikokan that hasn't really been a problem. In the last four elections the voter turnout has been well over 50 per cent."
Brown says the cost of providing mail-in ballots would have also increased the cost of holding the election.
NCDS Expands
A new program forcing Northern Community Development Services in Fort Frances to expand locations.
Coordinator Cathy Emes says the Workforce Literacy and Essential Skills program is aimed at helping people better improve their literacy skills.
"International Literacy has developed this system where there's five levels of literacy," says Emes. "Everybody who comes to our organization will be tested and we will work with them on the areas they need help in."
NCDS is hiring four additional employees to deliver the program at a new office at 242 Scott Street beginning in early April.
Coordinator Cathy Emes says the Workforce Literacy and Essential Skills program is aimed at helping people better improve their literacy skills.
"International Literacy has developed this system where there's five levels of literacy," says Emes. "Everybody who comes to our organization will be tested and we will work with them on the areas they need help in."
NCDS is hiring four additional employees to deliver the program at a new office at 242 Scott Street beginning in early April.
Budget Day in Ontario
We'll find out today what the McGuinty government has in store for Ontarians when it tables its budget.
Some details have already leaked out, including funding for20-thousand new spaces at colleges and universities starting this September.
Premier McGuinty has also promised the budget will include special help for northern Ontario residents who have been hit hard by the recession.
The budget is also expected to include money for day-care spaces, to make up for a federal subsidy that ends next month.
Some details have already leaked out, including funding for20-thousand new spaces at colleges and universities starting this September.
Premier McGuinty has also promised the budget will include special help for northern Ontario residents who have been hit hard by the recession.
The budget is also expected to include money for day-care spaces, to make up for a federal subsidy that ends next month.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hugh Dennis Recognized
A number of area residents gathered at Fort Frances High School last night to show their appreciation for the outgoing coordinator of the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team.
Hugh Dennis says his past three years with the SAP-Team have been very rewarding.
"To work in the district with seniors and young people and the Substance Abuse Team as a group has been fabulous," says Dennis. "Obviously it's been a work of passion, but its also been very, very rewarding."
An end in provincial funding is forcing the SAP-Team to continue without a full-time coordinator.
Hugh Dennis says his past three years with the SAP-Team have been very rewarding.
"To work in the district with seniors and young people and the Substance Abuse Team as a group has been fabulous," says Dennis. "Obviously it's been a work of passion, but its also been very, very rewarding."
An end in provincial funding is forcing the SAP-Team to continue without a full-time coordinator.
Northern Help On the Way
Premier Dalton McGuinty is promising some relief for the north in tomorrow's budget.
McGuinty wouldn't go into details about the exact measures northerners can look forward to, but says they will go beyond anything announced in the throne speech.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says it's about time the government came up with some sort of plan for the north, but adds this attempt will likely be seen by northerners as a last-ditch attempt by Liberals to show they care about communities they have ignored for years.
McGuinty wouldn't go into details about the exact measures northerners can look forward to, but says they will go beyond anything announced in the throne speech.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says it's about time the government came up with some sort of plan for the north, but adds this attempt will likely be seen by northerners as a last-ditch attempt by Liberals to show they care about communities they have ignored for years.
Day Care Funding Possible
The Toronto Star says this week's Ontario budget will include $63.5 million to save 76-hundred subsidized daycare spaces.
Sources say Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will use tomorrow's budget to announce the Liberals will replace federal funding that runs out April 1st.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says he is ''very reluctant'' to evict kids kids from quality daycare spaces and challenges for their families and parents.
He says it's "not an easy challenge'' to make up for the federal subsidy, but it will be addressed in the budget.
Sources say Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will use tomorrow's budget to announce the Liberals will replace federal funding that runs out April 1st.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says he is ''very reluctant'' to evict kids kids from quality daycare spaces and challenges for their families and parents.
He says it's "not an easy challenge'' to make up for the federal subsidy, but it will be addressed in the budget.
Parking Lot Concern
Concerns are being expressed with the new parking lot behind St. Mary's Church being turning into a playground for skateboarders and road hockey.
Church officials are asking the town of Fort Frances to erect signs in the lot prohibiting sports activities from taking place.
A letter to the town indicates such activities are already occurring and continued use cause further problems.
Church officials are asking the town of Fort Frances to erect signs in the lot prohibiting sports activities from taking place.
A letter to the town indicates such activities are already occurring and continued use cause further problems.
Warning: Thin Ice
OPP say the public should be weary about going on still frozen lakes and rivers.
Constable Anne McCoy recent weather should be caution for concern.
"Just be aware that we are late into our winter season," says McCoy. "We're getting into spring and the thaw is starting. We want people to be aware that they have to take extra precaution when they're venturing onto ice surfaces."
American authorities report at least two ATV's and one vehicle have broken through the ice on Lake of the Woods in recent days.
Constable Anne McCoy recent weather should be caution for concern.
"Just be aware that we are late into our winter season," says McCoy. "We're getting into spring and the thaw is starting. We want people to be aware that they have to take extra precaution when they're venturing onto ice surfaces."
American authorities report at least two ATV's and one vehicle have broken through the ice on Lake of the Woods in recent days.
Poop and Scoop Enforced
The town of Fort Frances says it will be enforcing a by-law that requires owners to pick up after their animals while in parks and the waterfront.
CAO Mark McCaig says the problem appears to have gotten worse.
"I just remind everyone that there's a $75.00 fine for not cleaning up," says McCaig, "and we will be enforcing it in the next little while because it's going worse a little bit over this past winter so we will be addressing it."
McCaig says pet owners should show consideration for others by helping to keep area's clean.
Portal to be Launched
A new website aimed at attracting more immigrants to northwestern Ontario is to be launched later today.
The Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal is the largest online collaborative immigration resource of its kind and will show case participating communities, including those in the Rainy River district, to potential immigrants.
The Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal is the largest online collaborative immigration resource of its kind and will show case participating communities, including those in the Rainy River district, to potential immigrants.
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