Ontario Leaders Weigh-In On OPG Plant

Premier Dalton McGuinty isn't budgeting.

McGuinty says he's not going to stop the potential shutdown of the coal-fired generating station in Thunder Bay for what experts say could be energy savings of $400 million.

Speaking in Thunder Bay, the outgoing premier says it's all about meeting the energy needs of the north.

McGuinty says it would be reckless to proceed without looking at the advice.

Ontario's NDP leader Andrea Horwath says it's time to take the politics out of the power plant debate.

But Horwath won't say whether she would keep the plant open if she were premier

Horwath says it's clear the issue has become a political football.

Many Drawn To Fort Frances Social Media Sites

A move towards increase use of social media is bringing results for the town of Fort Frances.

Rainy River Future Development Corporation has helped establish a variety of accounts.

Manager Geoff Gillon says it's mostly young people that are being drawn to the blog, Twitter and Facebook sites.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says it's also helping town planners identify what's important to those making the posts.

No Hospital Bed Available in Thunder Bay

Problems for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

No hospital beds are available.

Spokesperson Mark Henderson says the presence of about 60 long term care patients now in hospital is part of the problem.

Travel Still Allowed For Hockey Teams

There's an issue developing between Hockey Northwestern Ontario and Minnesota Hockey.

HNO says there's a belief that it's not issuing travel permits to teams wanting to compete in Minnesota tournaments.

General Manager Trevor Hosanna says permits are being issued, once an event is sanctioned properly and Minnesota Hockey seeks approval from U.S.A. Hockey.

The only exception is for Novice teams because Minnesota's similar division does not play official games as they do in do in Canada.

Bold Explores Atikokan Area

A junior mining exploration company has identified areas near Atikokan is may conduct drilling operations in the future.

Bold Ventures has been studying property about 14 kilometres east of the town which has been the subject of gold exploration in the past.

The company says a recent survey identified several untested areas that it will explore further.

Experimental Lakes Not Being Sold - Rickford

A federal MP is denying reports the Experimental Lakes area near Kenora is up for sale.

A coalition trying to keep the research facility open claims the Harper government is negotiating with an unnamed buyer.

But Kenora MP Greg Rickford says that's is not true

Rickford says some of the research done at the site is being moved to Saskatchewan.

Are We Interesting?

Reader's Digest is looking for the most interesting town in Canada.

It's an on-line contest that offers people that chance to write stories of their communities in hopes of winning $5-thousand for themselves and $5-thousand for their hometown.

So far, no Rainy River district communities have been nominated.

The contest closes December 18.

Local Rewards Program Out In New Year

A key component of the Go Local campaign is about to be launched.

Consultant Tannis Drysdale says a rewards program, similiar to Air Miles, is expected to rolled out in the new year.

Consumers will be able to earn points that can be translated into gift cards to be used at participating businesses.

Drysdale expect as many as 50 businesses to take part.

The first phase of Go Local program, which includes a marketing program for businesses, was launched in Fort Frances last month with expansion across the district planned later.

Town On Track With Strategic Plan

Fort Frances town council is happy with the progress its making on its strategic plan.

Council is now into the second year of document.

CAO Mark McCaig says at total of 45 initiatives were brought forward.

McCaig says the proposed condomium project and effort to establish a regional airport concept are two area that haven't moved as far along as they'd like

Social Worker Critical of Methadone Use

A social worker from Toronto says the overuse of Methadone is doing serious harm to First Nations people across Northwestern Ontario.

Bridget Perrier says the use of the drug, which is prescribed by doctors to help addicts kick drugs like oxycontin, is only causing a more serious problem because it's simply transfering one addiction for another.

Perrier also claims doctors are over prescribing the drug and no one is supervising patients.

Mauro Out With Endorsement

More candidates are expected, but Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro already knows who he wants to succeed Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Mauro believes Sandra Pupatello is best to take on the Liberal Leadership because of her leadership qualities and understanding of the north

Mauro also believes Pupatello has the best chance to win the next provincial election, some speculate will happen next spring.

Price Increases Expected

Canadians should expect to pay more at the pumps and to heat their homes this winter.

The National Energy Board warns demand is expected to outstrip supply for all of the energy sources leading to hire prices for users.

Military Training Exercise

There will be some unusual action in the skies today in parts of Canada and the U-S and maybe in our area.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command will be conducting some flight exercises in several locations include in Minnesota.

Fort Frances Vying For Hockeyville Title Again

A Fort Frances resident is taking another shot at getting the town declared Kraft Hockeyville.

Jonathan Glueheisen's nomination in last year's contest failed to reach the finals.

He says he's better prepared this time.

The contest, which includes arena improvements and a chance to host an NHL exhibition game, begins December 15

Coalition Claims Environmental Lakes Up For Sale

There appears to be a new threat to the Experimental Lakes area near Kenora.

A coalition tried to keep the internationally-renowned research site open says the federal government is now in talks to sell it to an unknown buyer.

Spokesperson Diane Orihel says it's leaving scientists guessing about future research projects.

Orihel says three motions brought forward by the opposition to keep the centre open were recently struck down in closed door meeting by the Conservatives.

Public Offering Changed

Rainy River Resources has revised the size of a public offering intended to raise capital for its gold project in the Rainy River district.

It had announced late Tuesday a deal with a syndicate of underwriters that would generate over $75-million dollars for development and exploration activities at its project north of Barwick.

A reducing in the share price will now lower that figure to just over $57.5 million.

Changes To Annual Physical

The annual physical may soon be scaled back in Ontario for most healthy adults under a new agreement with the province's doctors.

Not all patients will undergo the same tests when the evidence demonstrates it is not of value, but it is a patient's needs that will determine the type of care a physician will provide.

Fees paid to doctors for those tests on healthy adults is also being reduced because their visit will take less time on average.

New Patient Relations Measures At Ornge

Ornge -- the province's embattled air ambulance service -- is introducing new measures to better connect with its patients.

Interim president Ron McKerlie says if Ornge service does not meet a patient's expectations, they will have a way to express their concerns and to receive a response.

McKerlie says the improvements include a more accessible patient relations section on the Ornge website and a streamlined complaints process.

Town Prepares To ReZone Former School Property

The town of Fort Frances is moving to rezone the area where the former Huffman School now stands to permit a housing development.

The town wants to create 16 lots.

Town planner Faye Flatt says they already have as many as 15 people interested and are accepting more names.

She says it doesn't mean people will be obligated to buy, or the town to sell one to them but will help move the process along when the lots do come up for grabs next year.

 A public meeting on the rezoning will be held November 26.

Temporary Fence Stays

The community garden in Fort Frances will have a fence around it this winter.

Fort Frances town council gave its blessing to having a temporary fence remain in place until the end of next year when a lease on the property expires.

It will also be marked with reflective tape to be seen by snowmobilers who drive by.

The fence was set up this year to keep deer away.

Garden organizers had requested the fence become more permanent.