Sign In Register FORT FRANCES — If you live in the Fort Frances area and you need an MRI scan you’ll have to travel hundreds of kilometres to have it done which runs facilities in the Rainy River district aims to change that by bringing magnetic resonance imaging to the border town’s hospital Diagnosis fundraising campaign is also designed to fund digital radiography units at Rainy River’s hospital as well as Fort Frances' Currently people in the area who need MRI scans travel primarily to Thunder Bay or sometimes to another Ontario city or Winnipeg Riverside spokesperson Kathryn Pierroz told Newswatch The province announced funding to bring MRI services to Kenora’s hospital last November and then in late January it announced funding for a future MRI suite in Sioux Lookout Those developments will help increase access to MRI diagnostics in Northwestern Ontario but “having an MRI machine in Fort Frances … (would) save district residents a great deal of travel,” said Dr “Our communities deserve access to the best health care possible,” said Holly Kaemingh “With the addition of an MRI and new digital radiography units we’ll be able to deliver cutting-edge diagnostic services without the need for patients to travel.” The campaign’s fundraising goal is $1.6 million to help fund the MRI and digital radiography Kaemingh said additional funding would have to come from the province Kaemingh said no date has been set for the campaign’s closing yet but “I’m hoping obviously everything comes in as soon as possible.” “I’ve gotten a lot of community feedback and there’s a lot of excitement around a 50/50 draw “I’m just working to get all of that in place but definitely we’ve got lots of fun ideas coming up.” La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances currently has a range of diagnostic services that includes fluoroscopy x-rays and CT (computed tomography) – but not MRI The planned addition to diagnostic services at the Rainy River Health Centre are significant “Digital radiography enhances patient care by providing faster clearer images with lower radiation exposure enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment,” Riverside’s director of diagnostic services “Bringing this upgraded technology to Rainy River Health Centre means patients are getting the gold standard of care with their imaging.” Information on the campaign can be found at Riverside’s website and on social media pipelines and the state of the economy were just a few of the topics discussed in a recent Thunder Bay–Rainy River candidates forum moderated by Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas April 12 at the Fort Frances Senior Centre “The audience asked some really good questions,” he added “And I give all of the candidates a great deal of credit because they gave some really good answers.” Liberal incumbent Marcus Powlowski participated along with Conservative candidate Brendan Hyatt Sabrina Ree of the People’s Party of Canada and New Democrat Yuk-Sem Won The Green Party’s Eric Arner did not attend One audience member asked candidates how their parties would support health care in the region and whether they would work to protect the health-care system from privatization “We believe that it’s important to actually get (health-care workers) into rural areas and that’s how our Blue Seal program will work to meet that need,” said Hyatt “We have to actually fast-track people in health care because I believe everybody wherever they are should have access to health care irrespective of their income,” said Powlowski “We do want to give the provinces options to have privatized care,” said Ree Won said “health care is not something that should be parsed out with OHIP and your credit card.” The event was put on by Retired Teachers of Ontario (RTO) District 1 and the senior centre Cynthia Woodhouse of the RTO said she hopes the forum encouraged people to vote HeadlinesLatest NewsPodcasts (new window)EnglishENHomeSocietyFort Frances residents link at border crossing in show of unity About 150 people gather on the International Falls Bridge between Fort Frances on Saturday to show solidarity between the border towns despite the Canada-U.S Photo:  (Submitted by Mary Ann Woods Kasich) 'Hands Across the Border' event brings Canadians Mary Watters says she feels at home on both sides of the Canada-U.S at age six and spent much of her childhood in the northwestern Ontario community I went to high school in [International] Falls and my Fort Frances friends called me 'traitor' and my international new-to-be friends called me 'Canuck' — and so I was a teenager without a country for a while who has since settled in nearby Koochiching County In a time where many are feeling divided amid the escalating Canada-U.S. trade war (new window) Watters came up with an idea to bring people together Watters says Saturday's event brought a sense of healing to both communities which have endured similar challenges as border towns about 150 people gathered on the International Falls Bridge and linked up to form a line that spanned across both countries stay in the know with our newsletters and stream more on CBC Gem we're out on the edge of each other's country in the middle of nowhere Canadians and Americans collectively sang We Are Family a song Watters says speaks to the close ties between the border towns It was about extending goodwill and having a feel-good [moment] Watters said border staff on both sides were co-operative during the event, which was partially inspired by similar gatherings between Windsor and Detroit. (new window) I felt home on that bridge where we all stood Mary Ann Woods Kasich used social media to help spread the word about the weekend's event resident sold advertisements in Fort Frances and became involved in the Fort Frances Rotary Club and Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce she helped organize a run between both countries where participants took a boat back to Ranier we enjoy the Canadian fireworks on the waterfront in Ranier and celebrate The Americans on this side gather in Ranier or boat down to the historic Cantilever bridge for the fireworks we have such a strong connection with our Canadian friends It enlarges all our world on both sides 100 per cent Fort Frances and International Falls have both gone through similar challenges as border towns she said she wants people to remember their similarities instead of differences Sarah Law (new window) · CBC News International fugitive returned to B.C. after being arrested in Middle East International fugitive returned to B.C. after being arrested in Middle East. Posted: 3 hours ago. VPD say Cody Casey disappeared in 2022 after removing his ankle bracelet while on bail Alberta premier’s Mar-a-Lago visit cost more than $10,000, documents reveal Alberta premier’s Mar-a-Lago visit cost more than $10,000, documents reveal. Posted: 5 hours ago. CBC News obtains travel details through Freedom of Information request Conservatives signal they are willing to back Carney’s Liberals on some legislation Conservatives signal they are willing to back Carney’s Liberals on some legislation. Posted: 8 hours ago. Tory House leader says party will stand with Carney in U.S E.M. recalls details of ‘degrading’ alleged sex assault in testimony at trial of … E.M. recalls details of ‘degrading’ alleged sex assault in testimony at trial of ex-world juniors players. Posted: 7 hours ago. 'It was all just a joke to them,’ complainant tells London Hudson’s Bay backtracks on cutting workers’ commission pay, but still won’t offer … Hudson’s Bay backtracks on cutting workers’ commission pay, but still won’t offer severance. Posted: 6 hours ago. Flip-flip follows CBC News report and grievance filed by some in the workers' union RCI NEWSLETTERWherever you are in the world Radio Canada International is CBC/Radio-Canada's multilingual service that allows you to explore and understand and gain perspective about the reality of Canadian society as well as its democratic and cultural values All rights reserved © Radio Canada International 2025 'Hands Across the Border' event brings Canadians In a time where many are feeling divided amid the escalating Canada-U.S. trade war and linked up to form a line that spanned across both countries.  Bracing subzero temperatures, Canadians and Americans collectively sang We Are Family Watters said border staff on both sides were co-operative during the event, which was partially inspired by similar gatherings between Windsor and Detroit. Sarah Law · CBC News VPD say Cody Casey disappeared in 2022 after removing his ankle bracelet while on bail CBC News obtains travel details through Freedom of Information request 40-year-old man charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm Flip-flip follows CBC News report and grievance filed by some in the workers' union 'It was all just a joke to them,’ complainant tells London Tory House leader says party will stand with Carney in U.S Cybersecurity expert warns Air Canada customers could be ‘sitting ducks’ after couple’s travel credit stolen Officials discuss Gaza plans on condition of anonymity as Israeli military calls up reservists Country is making co-ordinated push to work with Canada amid uneasy U.S Revised result close enough to be subject to automatic recount As the Liberal Party prepares for its fourth consecutive term and its first under Prime Minister Mark Carney The airline says it dropped the case because court hearing her recollections of night that led to charges against 5 accused 1980198197988119796041979103197637119760791974871 1958921195892119372951937286193577619286831924669188794118643221811249181121218111761810939181066118103401810035180957318093741808813 say they lived in dirty housing and were underpaid Prime Minister Mark Carney says he'll call a byelection quickly: 'No games' the family of Frank Ernest Bruyere wishes to inform his extended family and friends of his passing on Wednesday to Claude and Mary Bruyere; he joined his elder siblings Fred He graduated from Fort Frances High School and attended Confederation College receiving Diplomas first as a Hospital Orderly/Ambulance Attendant and later as a Social Service Worker Frank worked at La Verendrye Hospital before a workplace injury forced his departure first with the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman and then with The Native Community Branch Ojibway Child and Family Services in Kenora before returning to Fort Frances to assume the position of Executive Director Together they raised three children – Claudette Frank and Judy dearly loved their one and only grandchild He volunteered on Muskie hockey while in high school He was his grandson’s biggest supporter when Jace was in Minor hockey taking his little champion to tournaments across Northwestern Ontario Frank was predeceased by his wife Judy (2014); his parents Claude (1992) and Mary (2001); his oldest brother Fred (1996); his in-laws Gerald (2005) and Hilda (2020) Moran; his brother-in-law Mike Lowndes (2011) and his niece Keisha Sheyenne Arissa Weber (2018) Frank is survived by his children – Claudette (Dennis) Nick and Ben (Heather); his grandson Jace Alexa; brother Ken and Ken’s children Justin and Valerie of Baudette and sister Cathie of Fort Frances; his Marathon family sisters-in-law Gail Gagnon (Bob) and their children Kelly (Dan) and Eric (Carolyn); Betty Watt (Paul) her daughter Christina (Ken) and Betty and Paul’s children Rob (Lindy) and Tammy (Bill); and Irma Lowndes (Michel) and her sons Adam (Nicole) and Brad (Dayna) The family would like to extend its thanks to the health teams of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre and La Verendrye Hospital who participated in providing Frank with the highest level of professional care in the past two years Frank wanted us to express his everlasting thanks to Dr and compassion – a truly remarkable physician Frank will be interred with his wife Judy at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. FORT FRANCES — More than 60 people from Canada and the United States walked to the middle of the border crossing bridge between Fort Frances and International Falls on Saturday to meet at the plaque marking the International Boundary Line The idea for residents to come together on the bridge started with Mary Watters She said she came up with the idea and posted it on social media last Monday night where it took on a life of its own and pretty much organized itself Mich. had done this… maybe a month ago but they just yelled and cheered each other (on) from across the Detroit River “And then there was a little piece in the Wall Street Journal about International Falls (and) Fort Frances that the gist was how lonely we were for each other (and) what the border was like And so… I was thinking about Detroit and I thought friends hugged and there aren’t words for how wonderful it was for everybody And my heart is still so happy,” said Watters she said they held hands across the span of the bridge from country to country and sang even if they didn’t know the words, We are family “It couldn’t have been a more wonderful day because we need some good news right about now,” said Watters Watters has a long history with both countries Her biological dad was a bush pilot in Quetico and after a divorce leaving all their friends on the Canadian side It was through many trips through customs that her mother married a customs officer and ended up in Fort Frances where she was culturally raised in a Canadian Ukrainian family she went to International Falls for high school everybody in Fort Frances, who I knew they called me Canuck,” said Watters “And so I was a teenager without a country for a little while but I was really at home on that bridge.” Watters said she reunited with her best friend as the first two people to hug on the bridge the bridge was not only a meeting spot to connect with family and friends but also for allyship and fun the drinking age in Minnesota was 21 and Ontario dropped its drinking age to 18 there would be Canadian folks that would walk us to the bridge because we didn’t want to drive over,” said Katherine She said she would come over almost every weekend order a drink (and) dance our little tootsies off,” said Katherine not much has changed other than the Ontario drinking age rising to 19 their gathering also meant happiness for the two communities Ryan said she crosses the border once or twice a week to visit her family “We all have family that live on both sides of the border I never ever dreamt anything would ever separate the two communities,” said Ryan To revitalize connectivity between the two communities she encourages people not to let any anger or hatred come into their hearts and to keep their hearts open to the people on both sides Ryan hopes all the bad stuff will go away with what’s going on with politics Tonight will see a few showers ending near midnight then remaining cloudy with a low of 4 C (39 F) Tomorrow will be cloudy with a chance of showers throughout the day and overnight with a high of 12 (54) and a low of 2 (36) Friday will see cloudy skies during the day before becoming clear overnight with a high of 11 (52) and a low of -3 (27) Saturday will be sunny and clear with a high of 20 (68) and a low of 5 (41) and Sunday will continue to see sunny and clear skies with a high of 23 (73) and a low of 10 (50) The record high for today is 32 (90) set in 1952 and the record low is -7 (19) set in 2003 FORT FRANCES – Riverside Health Care is launching a specialty and diagnostic shuttle service between  La Verendrye General hospital in Fort Frances and Atikokan the organization said the service will be provided to patients in need of transportation to health appointment at the outskirts of the district such as a visit to a pacemaker clinic or an MRI mental health meetings and other qualifying health-care needs at specialty clinics in the area “We are excited to be able to improve the health of our communities by expanding their access to critical care,” said Joanne Ogden Riverside Health Care’s quality assurance auditor and OHT executive “This opportunity will allow many individuals in need of services they can’t access within our district to get the care they need without worrying about the restriction of logistics or expenses that may have previously prevented their travel.” Patients are expected to cover some of the costs of the shuttle service and are responsible for their own accommodation costs should the trip require an overnight stay The one-way price is $55 from Fort Frances to Thunder Bay and $35 from Atikokan to Thunder Bay The fee does include one support escort for those needing assistance The schedule is approximate and is dependent on weather and traffic conditions Hospital officials noted additional stops may be possible Those living outside of Fort Frances and Atikokan may call for more information and about coordination to the departure zone “Leveraging other existing transportation programs at Riverside Health Care and with partner organizations we are able to reach across the district and into remote or rural areas to ensure participation is possible for all,” said David Black “We’re excited about the potential for this to enable better outcomes for our most vulnerable community members.” For more information or to find out if you are qualified to reserve your ride, individuals can reach out via email at [email protected] or call (807) 271-0650 (weekdays between 8 a.m A printable waiver and more details can be found at riversidehealthcare.ca/regional-transportation THUNDER BAY — Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas was happy to hear an answer to his question at the Ministers Forum on the last day of the 2025 Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference but he wasn't so happy with the answer Hallikas had asked if the province will increase the presence of OPP and conservation officers on Ontario boundary waters to crack down on U.S.-based fishing guides and their clients who “use Canadian resources and do not contribute to the Canadian economy in any way.” “I appreciate the question,” Todd McCarthy “I thank you for bringing it to our attention and to my attention in particular I will simply say it’s a matter of great concern “I accept that and I will take this back to the solicitor general and the minister of natural resources as well.” Hallikas told Newswatch afterwards the answer was less than hoped for but then the matter is not within McCarthy’s ministerial responsibilities so clearly I wouldn’t be happy with it,” he said because the minister I really wanted to talk to was the solicitor general and I would like to have spoken to the minister of forestry but they weren’t there today.” Hallikas added that he was glad to have the issue raised in a popular forum of the annual NOMA conference which draws representatives from more than three dozen municipalities across Northwestern Ontario “I asked a similar question last year but the situation has changed somewhat in that now there’s a lot of pressure on us both from the federal government and the American government about border security and this is clearly a border security issue in addition to being a conservation issue “So the key for us now is enforcement and we’ve been saying this now for a couple of years More conservation officers are needed as well “because the boundary waters here are huge Rainy River and Lake of the Woods – that’s a vast area.” At last year’s NOMA conference, Hallikas asked Graydon Smith about strengthening border protection to tackle the problem of fishing guides from south of the border taking business from local guides “while heavily utilizing our resources.” Smith said he was he working with conservation officers on both sides of the border to get the situation resolved Seven other cabinet ministers – including Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce Rural Affairs Minister Lisa Thompson and Kevin Holland associate minister of forestry and forest products – participated in Friday’s forum also addressed the conference before the forum as did cabinet colleagues George Pirie (Northern Economic Development and Growth) and Rob Flack (Municipal Affairs and Housing) formerly mayor of Conmee, said it was his 34th NOMA conference whose cabinet porfolio includes the Ring of Fire and Indigenous affairs was scheduled for the forum but did not attend ON) – A missing person has been located deceased and one person has been arrested and charged with second degree murder in Fort Frances members of the Fort Frances Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a missing person a 41-year-old male of Rainy River First Nation police located the male deceased in a residence on Fifth Street West A postmortem will be conducted at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) in Toronto a 53-year-old male of Fort Frances was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences: The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Wednesday Residents can continue to expect a police presence in the area for the investigation The OPP North West Region Crime Unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the OFPS Assistance is being provided by OPP Forensic Identification Services Anyone who has not yet spoken with investigators and has information in relation to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Fort Frances OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca FORT FRANCES — The Town of Fort Frances is gearing up for significant work on the water tower in order to keep it in tip-top shape providing pressure and reserves for the system for decades to come The discussion of the water tower and the work it requires was one of the key parts of Monday night’s special meeting of council regarding the 2025 budget While councillors and town administration discussed myriad items within the proposed capital budget for 2025 staff felt that the issue of the water tower was deserving its own item According to a report prepared for council by Town of Fort Frances operations and facilities manager Travis Rob the water tower last saw major work done in 2008 when the exterior of the tower was re-coated the town has used a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) every five years to survey the interior water tank to monitor its condition there have been issues the town has been keeping an eye on for some years now the condition rating of the interior was ‘good to excellent,’ the exterior was ‘fair condition’ with a recommended re-coat in 5 - 7 years,” Rob wrote in his report to council “The report noted substantial deficiencies in the fall arrest and high angle rescue systems within the tower along with structural and finish repairs to be completed or watched with an estimated repair cost at $910,000 to $940,000 USD there was already substantial fading and chalking of the exterior finish on the tower another ROV inspection was completed and noted not only the fall arrest and high-angle rescue work to be done but further substantial deterioration of the exterior coating Rob noted the condition of the tank interior was downgraded to “fair to poor,” and the exterior coating was deemed “poor.” The report also noted that the cost of doing the work at that time was estimated to be $2.75 million to $3.25 million and it would take one to three years to complete Rob shared that further delays to the project would increase the cost of the overall project by $400,000 per year roughly 10 percent per year if the project were delayed one to two years or 15 to 20 percent per year if the project was delayed beyond two years though he also noted it would be difficult to determine the true cost as the deterioration of the tower would increase at an “exponential” rate “Longer delay in work is difficult to determine as deterioration happens on an exponential curve and with out additional ROV inspections where we are on the curve is hard to predict,” Rob wrote a 15-20 percent per year increase is likely an underestimation.” Rob reiterated the project would be costly and time-consuming but that the work would likely ensure the tower was good to go for the next few decades without a need for further significant financial investment “There’s really a lot of components to this,” Rob explained this isn’t a ‘once every five year’ sort of project This is a ‘once every 35 year’ project The tower was originally constructed in 1984 so the next time we’re going to be looking 25-30 years down the line at another re-coat before we get back to another situation like we’re in right now where we have to bring it back to bare metal and do a complete recode it requires erection of scaffolding up to and around the entire tank hoarding so that obviously the sandblasting powder doesn’t go everywhere It’s quite an intensive project.” In a round of questioning that followed Rob’s report to council noting that even though Rob said the project would keep the tower in good condition for roughly three decades it was less than two decades since work was last done on the tower which the operations and facilities manager acknowledged McTaggart followed up by asking if the three major components of the project – the interior tank and the fall arrest systems – could be separated out and dealt with over a period of two years in order to offset the financial strain on the town.  Rob explained that though they are separate components most of the work will require significant scaffolding to be erected and it would be more cost-effective to have to only erect scaffolding once “It’s about a month’s worth of work,” Rob said “It’s about a million dollars to do that they have to do scaffolding inside the tank And in order to get access for that scaffolding "So those two projects may seem like they could happen independently of each other it is more cost-effective to do it as one project than separately.” Picking up on one of Rob’s possible scenarios presented to council specifically the possibility of decommissioning the tower Steve Maki asked what its ramifications would be though he made sure to stress he was not advocating for actually decommissioning the tower Rob noted that as the tower is responsible for pressurizing a large portion of the town’s water supply as well as adding some chlorination to keep levels at necessary levels into the west end of town removing the tower would require significant investment into additional pressure pumps and an additional chlorination system it would significantly impact the town’s overall water supply with Rob noting the tower holds roughly one million gallons of water which wouldn’t last long in an emergency “In the event that there is an emergency condition if your water main break major structural fire we can burn through a million gallons in the Water Tower in an awful hurry "If we take our overall system capacity and cut that in half that time goes down substantially in the event of some sort of emergency where we can’t draw our source water out of the river we have about a day and a half worth of water between the plant and the tower that we can run without actually treating any new water again So there are lots of little issues with decommissioning the tower.” Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas weighed in on the discussion by acknowledging the importance of the tower to the town’s water supply and asked Rob what it might look like as the work is being done as the tower would likely have to be emptied for a significant period of time Rob explained that the water tower would mostly remain operable but when the time comes to do the interior of the water tank the town would likely implement restrictions on non-essential water usage as it did during the work done in 2008 Other plans would have to be put in place for emergency and fire response during that time Some councillors raised the question of spreading the work out over multiple budget cycles to lessen the impact or potentially taking on a loan of $4 million to allow the town to pay the costs over two years Rob reiterated the increasing costs of putting the work off for too much longer and town treasurer Dawn Galusha cautioned that taking a loan of that size would likely incur more cost in the long run due to higher interest rates than what the town sees on its reserve funds Discussion eventually boiled down to council agreeing the work should be done in one go but differing on whether to do it in 2025 or push the work one year to 2026 with councillors eventually agreeing to go ahead with the project in the 2025 budget with work estimated to be done in six months beginning in spring 2025 and “going to completion next fall,” said Rob Fort Frances Times / Local Journalism Initiative In addition to major road work being undertaken on Third St West and the eastern side of Scott Street near the Memorial Sports Complex the Town of Fort Frances is undertaking several additional projects as the weather warms Town of Fort Frances Manager of Operations and Facilities Travis Rob says people will notice contractors working around the town in other areas as well we’re doing a refurb on the water tower,” Rob said “So people are going to start seeing activity happening there I think they’re planning on starting the first week in May.” Work also continues on the roof at the Memorial Sports Centre “We’re going to be doing a fairly substantial roof rehab at the Memorial Sports Centre so you’re going to be seeing that happening,” Rob said “And then we have a bit of work left at the splash park.” This includes fixing the fence near the corner of the park which was hit by a car not long after its installation last year After school is out there will be work being done on the traffic lights at Armit Avenue and Second Street as well as Crowe Avenue and Second Street Several roads in the north end of town will also be seeing surface treatments Another big project will be work at the water treatment plant on Agamiing Drive “It’s a regulatory compliance thing,” Rob said which is something we do regularly to keep them clean and keep them filtering effectively our backwash water goes out and back into the river where the source water comes from There’s new regulation from the federal government which limits the chlorine that can be discharged into the natural environment So we disinfect our drinking water with chlorine there’ll be a tank there where we can let the chlorine dissipate out of the water before we discharge it back to the environment.” There will also be shoreline remediation taking place along the riverside providing the currents cooperate as they haven’t since the floods of the spring and summer of 2022 “We have the shoreline remediation still from the flood that’s going to happen along the riverfront this summer,” Rob said “Hopefully we have lower flows in the river this year than we did last year That’s why we didn’t get it done last year as the flows are really “It was flowing pretty good all summer long through our permits with the ministry and Department of Fisheries we have very specific windows of time when we can work,” he added we just didn’t have the time to get the work done.” The necessary work includes bolstering the shoreline where there was a significant amount of erosion during the high water period three years ago now from around the overpass over to the Sorting Gap Marina For more information on the main road work projects and detours that will take place in Fort Frances this summer have a look at the front page of the April 23 edition of the Fort Frances Times or access fftimes.com Allan Bradbury He studied journalism at the College of the North Atlantic in St John’s and before that he studied at Tyndale University in Toronto Allan wrote for CBC NL and Saltwire Network FORT FRANCES — The Town of Fort Frances is currently looking into the feasibility of accepting international waste from Koochiching County into its aging landfill site 20 meeting a town council discussion turned to an administrative report from the town’s operations and facilities division which suggested Fort Frances begin looking into developing a cost for accepting international waste at the municipal landfill prepared for council by operations and facilities manager Travis Rob the town has been approached by representatives for Koochiching County in the United States inquiring as to whether the town might be able to accept waste in light of the county not having its own landfill site “Administration has been discussing the opportunity with Koochiching County Environmental Services for a number of years to accept waste from their transfer station in International Falls at the Fort Frances Landfill site,” Rob wrote in his report “Koochiching County does not currently own or operate a landfill their waste is shipped and landfilled in Hallock and their agreement is due to expire at the end of the year Koochiching has asked if the Town would be interested in providing a price currently to accept the waste for consideration in their evaluation of options at the expiry of their contract given the significant reduction in shipping related costs.” Rob notes that the town has subsequently engaged with the Ministry of the Environment and Canada Customs Agency in order to determine what regulations would be in place surrounding accepting international waste however one of the larger considerations to be made is what exactly the town would charge the county in order to accept and dump the waste into the local landfill Currently the town has no framework in place to charge for this specific situation and before administration got to work on it Rob wanted to see if the idea was one council would entertain in the first place “With the waste being international in nature it must be handled in a specific way so the cost to tip would not be the same as a local contractor however before Administration undertakes the exercise of determining a cost Council needs to determine if they are interested in entertaining this request,” Rob wrote “Koochiching County represents a very similar population to the Town of Fort Frances and as would be expected generates very similar quantities of wastes annually Administration will work with the respective ministries and Landfill Operator to develop a cost for the works required to accept the waste.” Rob explained to council that the existing landfill is currently expected to reach its end of life in roughly ten years and that by accepting additional waste from our neighbours the south that lifespan would likely shorten by half the additional income generated by charging the county and potentially even other municipalities and communities within the district for this service could also be put towards the next iteration and location of the town’s landfill site “The reality of it is we have limited opportunity to expand in our current site not due to lack of available land or anything like that it’s really contained within the regulations that we have to operate the landfill site within,” he said we’re now 20 years away from having to have a brand new landfill site in the scheme of how long it takes to create a new landfill site We are heading down the path of a new site that’s going to have that 30 - 40 year life cycle and the more agencies like this that are coming and asking to utilize that will help us design that site for the total waste that we’re anticipating having If we design it for just the Town of Fort Frances’ current waste and then we have other people coming to the to the table So we want to have all of these interested parties at the table early saying we might be interested down the road,’ so we can design and build for that as we work through this process.” Rob further explained that while there is a cost to the municipality to process waste it doesn’t go up at a rate equal to the additional waste coming in so taking in more waste from Koochiching County and surrounding communities would present an additional opportunity for generating revenue that would help offset future expansion and operating costs There is also additional work to be done in looking into what regulations and rules might surround accepting waste across an international border though he did note there was “not as daunting red tape as one might expect” and that Koochiching County sends its waste to a transfer station before it’s taken away which means anything coming to the Fort Frances landfill site would have been sorted with “better diversion” of recyclables and other materials not fit for landfill than our own waste The operations and facility manager stressed that no agreement has been reached with Koochiching County at this point only that they were examining their options to determine what the best course of action would be for them as their existing agreement reaches its end date Rob recommended that council accept the report in order to begin costing out what that service might look like in the near future and allow the municipality to engage with other interested parties who might see diverting their waste to the Fort Frances landfill as a better option for their communities Council ultimately approved the recommendation to begin a cost analysis though no timeframe was given for when the item might return to council chambers for further discussion Fort Frances Times / Local Journalism Initiative It’s a lose-lose situation as the owners of the Fort Frances-International Falls bridge struggle to keep up with aging infrastructure 2024’s annual general meeting of the Rainy River District Municipal Association (RRDMA) held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #29 in Fort Frances new Aazhogan Limited Partnership (LP) president and Rainy River First Nations councillor Cassandra Kaysaywaysemat provided an update to the assembled mayors councillors and administrators on the status of the Fort Frances-International Falls bridge which was purchased in sections in 2021 and 2022 in conjunction with the BMI Group becoming the first Indigenous-led acquisition of an international bridge in North America The purchase was commemorated at the time with ceremony and celebration who became Aazhogan president in September 2024 and was not a member of Rainy River First Nations council at the time the bridge was purchased noted that the bridge had long been operated at a loss by previous owner Resolute Forest Products who subsidized it owing to the fact it allowed them export of products into the United States which in turn allowed them to keep crossing prices relatively the same for an extended period of time the stark reality of the situation has left its operation and upkeep an exercise in frustration for the First Nations group “Currently we look at a few different things,” she explained “The traffic levels are obviously one of the determining factors of the pricing and we are only sitting at approximately 70 percent from our pre-COVID traffic levels three months out of the 12 we have passed that 70 percent One of the more recent factors is the change in government that will be taking place in the next couple of weeks and we’ve already seen a drastic change which obviously affects many people’s travel to and from there as I think all of Fort Frances is aware of.” Another significant factor in the cost of the bridge is owing to the fact that as a private entity who owns an international border crossing Kaysaywaysemat said Aazhogan is responsible for the upkeep of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) building located at the corner of Central Avenue and Church Street “We pay for the maintenance and anything inside of the building itself “We’ve talked about solutions with some of the higher up governments It would be nice to be able to hand off some of the costs Kaysaywaysemat said the costs involved in maintaining the CBSA building are roughly $300,000 to $400,000 annually Kaysaywaysemat said inspections have been ongoing and engineers have been putting together a list of fixes that need to be made in the coming years will be a replacement of the concrete pad on the Canadian side of the border that drivers going in and coming out of the country make use of The project is expected to be complete by the end of summer but will likely have an impact on crossing numbers and time With significant additional work identified and needing to be addressed in the next few years Kawsaywaysemat acknowledged one method of trying to come up with funding has been through raising the price of the commuter cards a move she said sparked considerable backlash and racism towards the Aazhogan group even as they have been working to find solutions with both the U.S talks between both governments have ground to a halt due to upcoming and anticipated changes in administration and leadership “We’re just trying to work together with local government federal and the American governments to try to find solutions on ways we can effectively run this business without losing money but also not keep raising the prices for our locals,” Kaysaywaysemat said and we don’t have any immediate solutions There’s some short-term solutions committees we’re hoping we won’t have to be raising the price on the commuter cards besides regular inflation We know that everything in the past five years has nearly doubled and that includes the price of construction all those things that go into trying to make the bridge a good bridge to have to travel on because right now it’s a little rough getting on and off We’re just hoping that some of these things in the next five years will start to level off When asked by a member of the delegation how productive talks have been with the governments Kaysaywaysemat said she has not been contacted by anyone in her time as president despite reaching out every so often to “poke them a little bit.” She noted even being able to offload the costs associated with the CBSA building would be a considerable burden lifted and might even have had an impact on crossing card prices but they have thus far not been able to work out any agreement with the federal government A rumour alleging that Rainy River First Nations members do not pay to cross the bridge was addressed with Kaysaywaysemat replying that all members are required to pay cross the bridge She also noted that as much as the Aazhogan group is a partnership only 50 percent of the partnership is represented in the district and that 50 percent is the force working hard to keep the cost of crossing the bridge from rising even higher “Although there was a lot of backlash when the prices were raised only 50 percent of that partnership received backlash,” Kaysaywaysemat said “The other 50 percent who owned the bridge get to sit in their offices in Toronto They don’t have to see people in Safeway or Cloverleaf They don’t get called racist remarks or saying that they’re ripping off people When someone sits in a building in Toronto and they rip someone off but they don’t care that it’s happening if it were strictly owned by a bunch of people that were sitting in Toronto and doing nothing we’d probably be paying $200 for a card right now.” While Kaysaywaysemat said that there’s still hope one day the bridge will become profitable when asked by another delegate if the group had considered going so far as to threaten to close the bridge down in an attempt to force governments to come back to the table or even buy it outright she acknowledged the group has no aspirations to keep the bridge long-term if its going to continue to be a significant burden but we’re not set on owning this,” Kaysaywaysemat said these discussions had been going on when the numbers crossing were a lot more than they are right now I think they thought it was a great investment at the time we’re just not getting the crossings “It’s just unfortunate that the bridge you bought was in such poor shape,” another delegate commented “It was in very poor shape at the time of purchase FORT FRANCES — A house in Fort Frances that collapsed while under renovation will have to be demolished The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon at a property at Crowe Avenue and Second Street The one-and-a-half storey home had been lifted onto cribbing to permit the replacement of the foundation and the construction of a full basement The Fort Frances Fire Department reported the OPP used a drone to confirm no one had been caught beneath the building the chief building official for the Town of Fort Frances confirmed Wednesday that an order has been issued for the house to be demolished because of the risk to public safety 2025 – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a Fort Frances man with second-degree murder following the discovery of a deceased individual reported missing earlier this week officers from the Fort Frances OPP Detachment began investigating the disappearance of Curtis MEDICINE Medicine was located deceased inside a residence on Fifth Street West in Fort Frances The circumstances surrounding his death have led to a homicide investigation has been arrested and charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada: Failure to Comply with Release Order – Section 145(5)(a) Desrosiers has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Ontario Court of Justice in Fort Frances on Wednesday A post-mortem examination will be conducted by the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) in Toronto to determine the exact cause of death residents in the area may notice a continued police presence as the investigation progresses The case is being led by the North West Region Crime Unit and the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch with support from the Office of the Chief Coroner Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the investigation to come forward. If you have not yet spoken with police, you are asked to contact the Fort Frances OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca After a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease Brad peacefully entered his final rest on February 22 after which he attended Confederation College and completed his apprenticeship and became a journeyman and ultimately a master electrician who was destined to become his lifelong partner where their daughters Lindsey and Holly were born Brad and Ev then built another home in Alberton and graduated from Fort Frances High School they found an island property on Rainy Lake and built a cabin from the ground up bringing materials out by boat in the summers and over the ice in the winters Many happy summertimes with family and friends were spent there Their next project was to build their retirement home on Rainy Lake There they enjoyed days on the beach with grandchildren Jordyn and Camron (Lindsey) and Bryson and Gavin (Holly) and many a beautiful sunset together Brad had limitless energy and enthusiasm for new projects and challenges From restoring old tractors and an antique milk truck to decoding the latest in technological developments in his profession there was no challenge too big for Brad to tackle and succeed in Brad was a sharp thinker with a quick wit and a vibrant sense of humour His inner compass was strong in both his personal and professional life Brad was predeceased by his mother Lorraine; and his brother Laurie Left to remember him with love are his wife of 51 years and Gavin; father Jim Norris; as well as extended family and friends The family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors nurses and all those who cared for Brad during his time at Rainycrest professionalism and friendship will forever be remembered A private gathering will be held at a future date to celebrate Brad’s life No flowers please.Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd. FORT FRANCES — A decision could be made this spring on a venture that could that could see a revolutionary new industry take root in Fort Frances Work is already underway to assess the viability of a biofuel plant A location on the northeastern corner of McIrvine Road and 8th Street West is being considered with environmental testing ongoing to ensure the site will be appropriate In a media event on Jan. 7 at Seven Generations Education Institute's Rainy Lake Campus, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski made the announcement of $2.5 million that will be going to Wanagekong-Biiwega'iganan Clean Energy Corporation (WBCEC) The investment from the federal government will help fund the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase of a project that is working to establish an industrial plant that will turn local wood waste into low-carbon fuels WBCEC is an entity made up of the ten local First Nation communities in the southern end of Treaty #3 working in partnership with Vancouver-based Highbury Energy Inc Highbury Energy CEO Len Bykowski said the FEED is one of the first steps along the path to opening the facility They have so far completed a feasibility study for the project he said the work should be completed by March or early April of this year which would allow a financial investment decision to be made in May “We're already well into the (FEED) phase of it and all indications are looking good,” Bykowski said Based on a successful outcome in the middle of April then the investment decision to move forward on the project overall can then be made Once that's made in probably May of 2025 then immediately the financing has to be completed and concluded for that project because now you've got all your ducks in a row Procurement and Construction] contractor is engaged.” Bykowski said that phase and the final engineering work for the project should be complete by the end of 2025 which would allow a groundbreaking in early 2026 and “15 to 18 months beyond that” for the final construction as the plant itself will be of a modular design Bykowski said the plant would be up and running for mid-2027.” Bykowski said the decision to work with the WBCEC came from the regions willingness to participate with new businesses Highbury Energy first conducted talks with the Town of Fort Frances to see if they would be willing to host such a plant with Bykowski noting they found municipal representatives to be open and receptive to the idea as the area First Nation communities had representation for how the Boundary Waters forest could actually be used it was determined the best way forward for everyone was to work with all of the First Nations through the WBCEC “The fact is that there was a lot of work done on the ground in terms of engaging with the First Nations and that was all sort of covered,” Bykowski said “They've all sort of come to the come to the realization that this is a great economic opportunity for them plus it's an opportunity to address the environment to start generating revenue for the individual First Nations.” In a previous press release from the WBCEC president and Mitaanjigamiing First Nation chief Janice Henderson noted the high demand for biofuels across different industries and the benefits that demand could have for the region and heavy truck operators are increasingly seeking low-carbon fuel sources to meet stricter emissions regulations,” Henderson said “Our proposed biorefinery could sustainably produce 20 million litres of low-carbon fuels annually using regional wood waste offering both environmental benefits and competitive pricing for these sectors.” who was making the announcement on behalf of federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Johnathan Wilkinson the $2.5 million investment comes from the Natural Resources Canada Energy Innovation Program (EIP) and the Clean Fuels Fund “The aim of both of these funds is to enable the shift to more affordable lower carbon meaning that for the burn and energy there is less new carbon put into the atmosphere and this is in an effort to further develop high potential one of those being hydrogen,” said Powlowski The study for a commercial fuel plant in Fort Frances renewable diesel and renewable naphtha using wood waste and fibre from the Boundary Waters forest,” he said you're using existing carbon which is already in the ecosystem as a fuel source rather than taking it out of the ground and producing new carbon that's going into the air.” Powlowski noted he felt that the shift in industry to green technologies like biofuel production is a modern equivalent to the industrial revolution meaning those who get in on the ground floor of the technology will be able to leverage it to their advantage economically e noted that when mills closed in the region some of those who lost their jobs turned to the oilsands in Alberta for work adding that new facilities like the proposed biofuel plant would help to create jobs that would keep people in the region The Great Canadian Road Trip 2.0 featuring Jason McCoy Jason Blaine and Chad Brownlee stops at the Townshend Theatre in Fort Frances on Tuesday Singer-songwriter Jason McCoy is on his second iteration of the Great Canadian Road Trip which he previously toured with Doc Walker and Michelle Wright McCoy says the artists’ agents were instrumental in coming up with the idea for the tour “I think it was our agents that had this idea,” McCoy said “They said ‘Hey we should get all these acts that are all looking to tour and what if we made a package show of it?’” The tour is different from many tours where acts play the same show The three singers are all on stage for the duration so we’d all be on stage at the same time,” McCoy said So we’re doing the same thing now with Jason Blaine McCoy says there is a real sense of quality throughout the show as the three performers all get along and enjoy each other’s music we’re fans of each other and that’s why we’re out doing it,” he said “While Chad’s singing I’ll play guitar for him and while I’m singing Jason plays guitar for me it’s way better value to the ticket buyer because you don’t have to sit and wait while the other band gets ready and all that kind of stuff McCoy said they’re happy to be bringing a show across Canada right now given some of the political climate we’ve got the Four Nations Face Off [Finals between USA and Canada] on Thursday and with all this tariff war and all these types of things I think Canadian pride has never been greater so that will be a part of the great emphasis on the Canadian Road Trip.” who is a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame McCoy has won the Canadian Country Music Award (CCMA) for Male Vocalist of the and has earned five Juno Nominations for Best Country Male Vocalist Blaine is also a CCMA award winner and has written songs for country stars like Parmalee Chad Brownlee originally tried to make a career as a hockey player and was even drafted by the Vancouver Canucks He played college hockey at Minnesota State in Mankato and played for the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL before injuries forced him to take a different path which led to country music Brownlee landed his first number one hit with Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere there will be video projections behind the band “We’ve got some footage of Chad playing hockey It just adds some comedy and some personality to the whole thing While not a Tour de Fort passport season show the local music organization has been selling tickets and promoting the show in Fort Frances Tickets are available at tourdefort.com or in person through the Fort Frances Library or Ski’s Variety The Great Canadian Roadtrip gets underway at the Townshend Theatre at 7:30 p.m FORT FRANCES — The union for public library workers in Fort Frances says the library is facing significant cuts but Mayor Andrew Hallikas says funding for the institution on Reid Avenue will increase this year A news release put out March 20 by Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 65 said the town council is chopping $25,000 from the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre’s operating budget told Newswatch on Friday the library budget is going up this year to $613,256 from last year’s $611,392 He said he found the union’s $25,000 assertion puzzling “because They got a $2,000 increase in funding.” Library worker and CUPE member Evan Miller said Friday the slight budget increase is effectively a decrease in funding because the library needed “in excess of $27,000” in extra funding The CUPE news release also warns of “significant cuts to library services in the year ahead.” Management has said they intend to reduce the child and youth services coordinator position to part-time from full-time reduce library hours and eliminate student shelving positions Hallikas said questions about such matters should be directed at the library’s management and board “I’m not a spokesperson for the library.” told Newswatch “there has been no discussion about reducing hours.” But the library board “has been forced to look at staff hours,” and reducing the child and youth services position to part-time is one option being considered for putting items back on shelves in proper order have been vacant for a while and might not be filled Those cuts are concerning because “any kind of staffing decreases will affect the experience of our patrons,” said CUPE’s Miller The union’s news release emphasized that it’s important for the public to know what’s happening at their library “A library is more than a book depository; it is the heart of the community,” CUPE member Evan Miller “We provide a huge range of services and are the one public space that is open to everyone we’re having to provide more and more services to a population facing more and more challenges We need our community to voice their concerns and for management to rise to the challenge Fort Frances library workers organized under CUPE represents workers in 66 library systems provincewide last year and are in bargaining for a first contract Tight funding “is not a unique problem to Fort Frances,” said Hallikas “There’s always tension in library funding between the library board and a municipality because … the libraries are covered by the (Public) Libraries Act which says the municipality has to fund them but the municipality also has to fund all of the other departments “So the library board has always wanted to get more funding and municipalities are always trying to balance funding (requests) over all of their departments “That creates a little bit of tension and that’s happening right across Ontario right now especially with the cost of living going up.” Hallikas noted that the town had a relatively big tax increase of 5.5 per cent “So our budget process this year was very thorough and went through very many rounds where every department was asked to sharpen their pencils roll up their sleeves and reduce (spending) as much as possible without reducing services.” At the end of this year's process “we were able to get away with a 1.9 per cent tax increase.” He said every part of town operations was asked to keep costs down “and that’s including the library.” “And so the library was treated no differently than any other department they actually got a bit of an increase.” FORT FRANCES – CRIME REPORT – A coordinated drug trafficking investigation by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of drugs and suspected crime-related property in Fort Frances and Rainy River members of the Fort Frances OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with assistance from the OPP North West Region Intelligence Unit Kenora OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and specialized units including the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) executed multiple search warrants in both communities police arrested seven individuals and seized approximately 130 grams of cocaine and other items believed to be linked to criminal activity Two individuals have been formally charged and held for a bail hearing: Possession of a Schedule I substance (cocaine) for the purpose of trafficking Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime Both accused have since been released on bail and are scheduled to appear at the Fort Frances Ontario Court of Justice on April 28 The Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) is a specialized policing program that merges local drug enforcement teams and street crime units under the umbrella of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau The CSCU is designed to tackle drug trafficking and property crime at the community level Units are stationed throughout all five OPP regions Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or leave an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.tipshelp.com FORT FRANCES — A local man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a person from Rainy River FIrst Nations OPP on Sunday evening announced they had discovered the body of 41-year-old Curtis Medicine in a residence on Fifth Street West in Fort Frances but was last seen in Fort Frances on March 31 The accused is 53-year-old Joseph Desrosiers of Fort Frances Desrosiers is charged with second degree murder and failure to comply with a release order He was remanded into custody with a court date of April 9 OPP said there is no threat to public safety but a police presence will remain in the vicinity as the investigation continues It is with profound sadness that the family of Curtis Medicine announce his tragic passing on Saturday Curtis was born in Fort Frances on August 11 to Angeline Medicine and George Pitchenese Curtis was raised in his home community of Rainy River First Nations alongside his brother Jonathan and his sister Kristi Although he moved between the town of Fort Frances and the community Curtis always viewed Rainy River First Nations as home Curtis was many things to those around him – a son Curtis’s greatest accomplishment were his five children Curtis’s motivation to pick himself up when he stumbled were his children and his desire to be a part of their lives Curtis spent many years working in his home community as a general labourer and enjoyed his years working alongside family and friends at Manitou Forest Products Curtis was a fun-loving guy who could be found walking through town and the community Curtis will be remembered for his sense of humour the kindness he showed to his family and friends and Hadley along with their mother Sherri Smith; his sister Kristi; his Uncle Joe (Florence); his Aunts Berla and Liza; siblings Marcel (Lisa) Heather; nephew Marcus; nieces Angel and Shurelle; and numerous other family and friends Curtis will be welcomed to the Sprit World by his parents Angeline Medicine and George Pitchenese; his older brother Jonathan Medicine; siblings Derek and Darryl Horton and nephew Haiven Horton; along with many other family and friends who have gone ahead The family wishes to share their appreciation for the support received from Giishkaandago’ikwe Health Services and Behavioural Health Services Weechi-it-te-win Family Services – Counselling Services and Robert Horton and Seven Generations Education Institute The family also wishes to acknowledge the professionalism compassion and respect for traditional Anishinaabe ways demonstrated by the Ontario Provincial Police as they continue to support the family through this difficult time A traditional service was conducted by Elder Albert Hunter Jr Internment will take place on Rainy River First Nations in the family plot Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd It is Newswatch policy not to name people facing criminal accusations when we are unlikely to follow the case to its conclusion in the courts George Clarence Boyd Councillor “Mataamikwebinens” of the Makwa (Bear) Clan has passed away on December 21 to Geraldine Councillor and Clarence Malcolm in Fort Frances When George was a young boy that’s where his love for pow-wows and singing started In his years he loved to travel the pow-wow trail Making friends with everyone along the way he loved his “drum bros” specifically the “Core 4” which consisted of Dillon Smith It was these four that started the drum group “Footprint” George had big plans for the 2025 Pow-Wow season He had plans with his bros to revive Footprint It was always a dream to dance alongside his children – he was in the process of creating a regalia just in time for Summer ’25 What he loved more than his culture were his beautiful children He was always there for them and was proud of their accomplishments and when he spoke of them to people you could hear the love that he had for them in his voice He loved his home community of Naicatchewenin and was very vocal about it Family has always come first to George; He was very close with all of his cousins – constantly teasing but made sure to always tell them that he loved them He was particularly close with cousins Stephanie They were his go-to’s whenever he felt like he needed someone to talk to or needed help in any way He was always willing to return the favour When he loved you or considered you a friend He loved fiercely and would have your back He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him He was always willing to help or lend a hand in any which way He had a knack for creating long lasting friendships and making someone feel truly special George was always working on vehicles alongside his father Clarence who taught him everything he knew Singing karaoke was one of his favourite things to do Once you heard that intro to “Lodi” you knew you were in for a treat He was known for his sense of humour; he always found a way to make something a joke and the way the environment would change when he spoke He was passionate about things he truly believed in he would always remind everyone “never be afraid to speak your mind He loved his siblings and had strong ties and a special relationship with each and every single one of them His loss will be felt across Canada and the U.S. George will forever be remembered by his children: Tyrell Delaney and his mother Robin Kallum Councillor and their mother Courtney; stepfather Clifford Courchene; his sisters Crystal Malcolm Shantelle Cyr (Bruce) and Michelle Cyr; his brothers Bradley Malcolm and Riel Councillor (Kersten); numerous nephews and nieces that he loved like his own children; and a very large extended family George was predeceased by his parents Geraldine Courchene (Councillor) and Clarence Malcolm; Auntie-Mom Phyllis Ulrich; stepbrother Jeffrey Cyr; and niece Amyy Lynn Cyr A traditional wake was held at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Community Hall beginning at 4:00 p.m A traditional Ceremony took place at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Community Hall at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Elder Gilbert Smith on January 4 Honorary pallbearers were his nephews and nieces whom he was so proud of and a ’68 Fastback looks like a hatchback next to me” It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda LaRocque on Saturday in Fort Frances with her family by her side as the second eldest of four to John and Irene Huntley She lived her entire life in the Rainy River District attending school and volunteering for many community organizations over the years Linda was married in August of 1970 to Terry Beadle and became “Mom” to four boisterous children They shared many common interests of family and being very active in the Fort Frances Racing Association with Ice-track racing Linda started work at an early age with her Mom first at A&W Restaurant and was a familiar face to many as bookkeeper for Maurice Fillion Accounting Services She wanted to set an example for her children so worked hard to complete her high school diploma in 1988 Many people will remember Linda for the countless hours she served in the community and an active member of both the Hospital Auxiliary the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary and also acting member of Branch #29 executive You could find her cooking for the Ladies Auxiliary and finally on the entertainment committee for the Legion Branch #29 She had her favourite bands that she enjoyed dancing to at the Legion whenever possible and tanning in the sun both at the LaRocque cabin on Hopkin’s Bay and summers spent camping at Lake of the Woods and Caliper Provincial Parks She was the expert in charge of the fire…always Some of Linda’s favourite memories were her trips to Florida with the Shine family fishing/camping at Lac Seul and most recently her trip to Prince Edward Island with her special friend Glen and his family Linda leaves to mourn her special friend Glen Wright; her children Teressa Darrah (Luc Gagnon) She was the “cool” Nanny that would “hang” with all her grandchildren’s friends whatever they might be up to Surviving to treasure their memories with her are DJ (Kayla) Also surviving are her siblings Art Huntley Jane Hayes (Bill); sisters-in-law Lorraine Huntley Vivian (Terry) Smith and brother-in-law Leonard (Betty-Ann) LaRocque; along with many extended family and friends Linda was predeceased by her husband Dan LaRocque; her parents John and Irene Huntley; brother Gordon Huntley; and granddaughter Jonelle Haas The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nurses and doctors in the Continuing Care unit at Riverside and patience truly meant the world to Mom and all of us We’d also like to recognize our Auntie Jane Hayes for her countless hours daily with Mom’s comfort being her first priority Friends are welcome to join the family for a luncheon on Sunday upstairs at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 in Fort Frances from 1-3 p.m in memoriam donations requested to Tamarack House He left for a period of time and returned in 1978 to raise his family and operate Fort Floral successfully for 42 years He wishes to thank everyone in Fort Frances for their patronage over the years and all the staff that helped make Fort Floral a success Fort Floral was his passion and life’s work and there you are!” He thought it was fitting for this time He was always a comedian and loved a good laugh We would love to hear your stories. Please visit Dad’s online obituary to share with us. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12258699 FORT FRANCES — The area was left off the list of places where the province is funding its new Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs but officials in the Rainy River district hope their bid can be revisited at some point This week, the Ontario government announced Kenora will host one of 17 additional HART hubs joining nine others that had already been approved Mayor Andrew Hallikas said a partnership of Rainy River district organizations that applied for a facility is happy for the northern Ontario communities that were successful Hallikas also serves as vice-chair of the District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) which led the bid for a HART hub in Fort Frances The board bought an old church and renovated it for use as a cold-weather shelter and short-term and longer-term accommodation for people dealing with addiction or mental health issues in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association Hallikas described it as a unique facility providing a continuum of care we're short on funding....We have partners lined up We were hoping we could get a HART hub here It just fits in with what we're already doing," he told Newswatch in an interview Wednesday Groups collaborating in the bid included: "We had hoped the province would be favourably impressed by the number of partners community members that are coming together to try to do something locally about homelessness because it's exactly the type of thing the province is pushing," Hallikas said Although he feels the challenges Fort Frances has are no worse than elsewhere in Ontario he said there are also some unique circumstances in the district We're so remote we're in a different time zone we don't have a regular airline flying in...Because of all that we just don't have the resources to call upon and that's why we need a little bit of help now and then from the province." He said if the government puts out a call for more applications for HART hubs in the future there will definitely be another bid from the Rainy River district the DRRSB described HART hubs as "a vital step forward toward addressing systemic challenges in our community offering comprehensive resources to empower individuals on their path to recovery and stability Our dedication to pursuing this initiative with our Rainy River District Ontario Health Team partners remains strong." the family of Robert William (Bob) Armit announce his peaceful passing on Sunday Bob showed remarkable resilience and determination After losing his father in a tragic hunting accident at the age of six Bob stepped up to help his family by delivering newspapers to put food on the table he continued to work all through his school years he often worked midnight shifts at the Rainy Lake Hotel and then struggled to stay awake in class the next day These formative years instilled in him a strong work ethic that became a cornerstone of his character Bob did manage to graduate from Fort Frances High School and embarked on a 28-year career with the local paper mill where he rose to superintendent of the finishing and shipping departments Bob’s most transformative moment came on December 27 when he chose a life of sobriety and never looked back Bob offered outreach and support to countless others on similar journeys Bob started a second career as a chartered and certified financial planner with Investors Group building lasting friendships and helping them achieve their dreams His captivating singing voice had the power to deeply move listeners and brought joy and comfort to countless people over the years where he could put to use his sharp mind and winning strategies he was often the first on the course and continued playing well into his 80s he followed the news closely and researched a wide range of topics ensuring he always had something interesting to share in conversation Bob took immense pride in his Calder Clan and Armit family roots which were tied to the early history of Fort Frances He also often mentioned how proud he was of his children He found great joy in playing games or fishing with them screaming with them on rides at Disneyworld or exploring family history together in Scotland while flying home from a family trip in Scotland This marked the beginning of a challenging 17-month journey through various health issues Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years Erma; his sister-in-law Marjorie Vautrin; his children: Lori Holmes and her children Alicia (Jordan) Nastiuk and Justin Holmes (Sarah Sigurdson); Wanda Botsford and her children Robert (Christine) Botsford and Miriah Botsford (Nate Wainwright); Victor (Penny) Armit and their children Kyla (Aaron) Beckett and Adam Armit (Adam Killam); and Donald Armit and his children Ethan (Rebecca) Armit and Joclyn (Ryan) Hron Bob was a proud great-grandfather to Ayden and Olivia Nastiuk; Ava Bob and Erma also opened their hearts and home to many exchange students and boarders and Emke Nijssen (Holland); Javier Machado (Venezuela); Philip and Henrich Mader (Austria); Cassie Jenkins (Australia); Miriam Hartman (Germany); and Todd Statham (British Columbia) Their families forged close bonds with Bob and Erma Bob is now reunited with loved ones who predeceased him including his parents Charles and Cecilia Armit; parents-in-law Victor and Ida Raiche; son-in-law Richard (Dick) Botsford; siblings Cecile (Dede) Egan and Louisa (Tippy) Johnson; brothers-in-law Ken Egan and Joseph Vautrin; sister-in-law Bernice Armit; maternal grandparents Edward and Nancy Calder; paternal grandparents David and Rebecca Armit; and many aunts A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the summer of 2025 in Fort Frances memorial donations can be made to the Fort Frances Senior Centre We are deeply thankful for the moments we shared with him Jason Scott Allan was born to Patricia Allan in the town of Fort Frances It is with profound sadness that we announce his peaceful passing on January 6 Jason was a man whose heart and kindness touched many Jason was more than a family man; he was the cornerstone of his entire family and brother Bruce Allan (Brody); aunts Jackie Garon Karen Garon and family with whom he shared infinite cherished memories His memory and spirit will be forever in our hearts A service will be held for a celebration of life at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances on January 17 With the Mushkegowuk-James Bay riding being decided by just four votes The unofficial results from Elections Ontario show NDP incumbent Guy Bourgouin with 3,606 votes (45.4 per cent) and PC Dave Plourde with 3,602 votes (45.35 per cent) and if you’re reading this before 8:00 p.m you still have time to make your voice heard which in Fort Frances this year will be the Fort Frances Public Library Technology […] In Tuesday’s edition of the Fort Frances Bulletin it was noted that advanced voting for the Ontario election was the be held at the Memorial Sports Centre from today until Saturday This was based off information available on the Elections Ontario website at that time the provincial election will be only eight days away For persons living in Northwestern Ontario this election almost seems like a non-event I have seen only one lawn sign buried in a deep snowbank adjoining a resident’s sidewalk Only one piece of literature has found […] He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba and Bachelor of Education in Indigenous Learning from Lakehead University Anthony returned to supply teach in Rainy River District was twice elected Councillor for the Township […] John is 59 years old He is originally from Northwestern Ontario he developed his love of community service at a young age he sat on many committees of council – including the Parks and Recreation Committee He also chaired the Economic Development Committee I am a long-time resident of the Rainy River District; I am an Educational Assistant at St I hold a social services diploma and have worked in the district in many professional capacities I have served on many boards and committees in the district A lifelong believer in Northern Ontario’s potential with deep roots in the region through his professional nursing career and personal life Greg served as Ontario’s Minister of Northern […] After seven terms as Chief and Councillor for Grassy Narrows Rudy understands what it takes to make government work for the people Rudy’s fights for accessible housing and healthcare in the North Rudy will stand for all Ontarians and isn’t afraid to take on bureaucratic governments and profiteering corporations FORT FRANCES — A number of local projects will potentially see funding in 2025 as administrations presents town council with next year’s capital budget Council of the Town of Fort Frances held a special meeting on Monday This particular meeting focused on the proposed Draft Capital Budget for 2025 the document that lays out the needs and wants of the various departments within the municipality and brings forward the projects items and goals each has in order to get council’s approval The Draft Capital Budget 2025 amounts to $29,310,695 with $4,094,050 coming from the town’s capital reserve funds and a further $10,531,421 coming from the town’s Water and Sewer Reserve Funds The remaining funds come from various levels of government notes that it intends to align with the Town of Fort Frances strategic plan by advancing its goals in several priority areas “The top strategic priority areas which are covered through this capital budget are: 1) Quality of Life through the Memorial Sports Centre Museums and Sunny Cove Projects,” the report reads various road reconstruction projects and building upgrades 3) Economic growth will be achieved as we progress through the Woodyard development project as well as the Microgrid study 4) Partnerships are a key in the success of the Town.” The report notes that the Draft Capital Budget 2025 document contains partnerships with both the Rainy River District School Board (RRDDSB) and Fort Frances Power Corporation (FFPC) through several joint projects Galusha read through the list of capital budget items on a category-by-category basis stopping after each category to allow councillors to ask questions about or discuss particular line items The first category in the budget document was a holdover category for unfinished or not-yet-started capital items that were approved and budgeted for 2024 Galusha noted the capital carried over from 2024 amounts to $12,247,165 Included in the capital carried-over items are the birthing for the Hallett and Owandem project which Town of Fort Frances operations and facilities manager Travis Rob said is struggling to attract contractors to bid on the RFPs the 52’s Arena brine pump controller upgrade replacement of the HVAC system at the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre along with reconstruction of both Scott Street from Reid Avenue to Mosher Avenue and Third Street West from Central Avenue to York Avenue Also carried over from 2023 is $695,000 in funding for the rehabilitation of Sunny Cove Camp Rob noted that both road construction projects from 2024 have been tendered and awarded and that the town is working to have a “very early spring start” in order to see the road projects done within the 2025 calendar year He also noted that administration is finalizing drawings and specifications for the Sunny Cove Camp project and Rob said he is hopeful they can begin the tender process over the winter and be in place to begin work in spring 2025 Rob said most of the other outstanding items should be “very much achievable” in 2025 though some will be weather-dependent to see completion The budget also features a section of items that Galusha said are dependent on receiving funding to move ahead the most significant of which would be a $600,000 project to rehabilitate the McIrvine Rink and Park in the town’s west end which the draft budget notes would focus on a covered pad and would potentially receive funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOFHC) Another similar line item is a planned rehabilitation of the East End Hall which would focus on dampproofing the basement and would also be dependant on NOHFC funding John McTaggart questioned the proposed expenditures at these two locations and Rob noted the McIrvine rink is “by far” the town’s most heavily used outdoor rink while the East end Hall work would be interior work that would allow the town to “fully utilize it for what it could potentially be.” Another significant line item in the draft budget is a $2,739,841 reconstruction of Scott Street from Mosher Avenue to Armit Avenue which the Budget notes would receive funding from the provincial government’s Connecting Links program and would thus provide $2,250,776 towards the project with the town covering the remaining $489,065 through the Federal Gas Tax Reserve That portion of Scott Street also has an additional $985,760 allocated for the sanitary sewer replacement and $876,910 for the water distribution system replacement both aspects of the project not eligible under Connecting Links but which will be partially funded through provincial grants The town is also planning to do reconstruction work on a number of road surfaces within town limits in 2025 with $985,760 being budgeted for work on Lillie Avenue North The town is also seeking to replace two aging pieces of equipment in one of its tandem dump trucks and one of the accessibility vehicles or “Handi-Vans.” Rob noted both vehicles are nearing the end of their usability due to wear and tear with the dump truck having reached 15 years of operation and facing a $15,000 exhaust system replacement and potentially a motor replacement within the next two years and the town’s Handi-Vans being “severely rusted out” according to Rob The operations and facilities manager noted he has been trying to keep the budget requests to one large ticket item per year recognizing that many of the town’s vehicles are in need of replacement but wanting to spread the financial impact out as much as possible “What I’ve been trying to do over the last probably five years is to space out the replacement of our large equipment,” Rob said We still have an old grader that needs to be replaced We have a street sweeper that’s coming up on due for replacement "We have other things in the future that we’re trying to stay cognizant of as well so that we’re not stuck having a multiple large equipment purchases in any given one year.” Monday night’s meeting was the first of the official budget deliberation meetings though it did accept input from the public at a previous meeting According to the town’s schedule of budget deliberations the next meeting will be part of council’s regular meeting on Monday where council will discuss user fees and water rates All council meetings are open to the public and can be joined online by viewing the meeting agenda on the town’s website at www.fortfrances.ca The draft capital budget 2025 can be viewed in full by accessing Monday night’s council meeting agenda FORT FRANCES – An influenza A outbreak has been declared at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances According to a release issued on Thursday evening the outbreak has been isolated to the first-floor in-patient unit of the facility Medical masking is required for all visitors on the first-floor in-patient unit and staff may require visitors to wear additional personal protective equipment as the situation warrants All visitors are being asked to screen for symptoms and avoid visiting the hospital if symptomatic Hospital officials will continue to monitor the situation “We understand the challenges and hindrances posed by outbreak and thank everyone for their understanding and continued cooperation and support,” said Henry Gauthier president and CEO at Riverside Health Care FORT FRANCES — The mayor of Fort Frances is part of an alliance he says is aimed at standing up for the rights of Canadian border towns as the United States government continues to threaten heavy tariffs against the country As part of his regular update to council made at Monday night’s regular meeting Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas announced that he had been invited to join forces with other mayors of Canadian border towns as part of the the Border Mayors Alliance has been formed as a united front in response to threats of 25 percent tariffs U.S president Donald Trump has been promising to implement on all goods imported from Canada into the country According to a CBC News story about the alliance Dilkens said the tariffs will “affect joint cross-border ventures and ripple through border communities and be felt on ‘every level.’” Hallikas noted that he accepted the alliance’s invitation and while he was unable to attend their first meeting due to being on the road to the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) meeting he said the alliance has kept him informed “Now it’s really come to the forefront with the President of the United States issuing all sorts of threats “It started with the mayor of Windsor for mayors of border communities to work together and this is border communities right across Canada unfortunately it was a virtual meeting while we were traveling to Toronto but I did email and contact them to say that I was unavailable for that meeting but I definitely wanted to be part of that We’ve issued our first press release.. and there’ll be more comments from this coalition of border mayors where we’ll be speaking with one voice on border issues.” Dilkens said the alliance has begun to identify alternative supply chains to “mitigate immediate disruptions” when the tariffs come into effect and are “working together to develop contingency strategies,” calling upon federal and provincial politicians industry leaders and “our American neighbours” to join them in their “crucial moment for unity.” Speaking on other international issues being experienced in the region Hallikas also spoke on the ongoing allegations surrounding U.S fishing guides exploiting systems to benefit their clients at the expense of Canadian tourism and industry Hallikas noted that while he has continued to speak with Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski on the issue it has also begun to gain more traction with other northwestern Ontario municipalities “The issue with American fishing guides bringing parties of Americans staying at American resorts into Canadian and not contributing in any way to the Canadian economy “It’s died down a bit during the winter I’ve been in contact with our MP Marcus Powlowski on this issue and I wanted to mention that I will be attending a meeting of stakeholders being held in Sioux Narrows Hallikas also seemed to suggest the issue could be one the new Border Mayors Alliance could speak on in the future as the international nature of the dispute could impact other municipalities that share waterways with the United States the mayor provided an update on the town’s delegation to the ROMA conference held in Toronto from January 19 councillor John McTaggart and Town of Fort Frances CAO Marcel Michaels were able to meet with representatives from the Ministries of Health and the Solicitor General’s office during the conference “It was an excellent conference,” the mayor said “I do want to thank councillor McTaggart and our CAO has already reached out to our CAO for a follow up discussion.” The Town’s Facebook shared a post made on January 21 Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing where the minister noted he and his team had an “informative talk” with Fort Frances’ representatives regarding “how to make sure they can get their shovel-ready projects off the ground so that their community has the homes they need.” Hallikas shared that the meeting with the Solicitor General’s office was of particular import given the unexpected bump in cost to the town’s policing budget While the government stepped in to offer funding in a one-time relief effort the mayor has been vocal about how the problem has not been solved for next year and thus seeking change in how the province funds police in Ontario for small and rural communities going forward Hallikas noted the conversation the town had with the delegation from the Solicitor General’s office was “excellent.” with his background as the chair of the previous Police Services Board and the new OPP detachment board was instrumental in getting some very very good points across,” Hallikas said “One thing that I was very pleased about is that they did mention that they’re going to be reviewing the funding formula in the fall So hopefully we’ll see some relief there because we’re certainly not the only municipality that’s concerned with police funding.” We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beautiful son Steve Steven James Krag was born in Fort Frances The shores of Rainy Lake were his home for his first 17 years He was an active and inquisitive boy who loved people From an early age he demonstrated the qualities that served him and those around him for the rest of his life – generosity These qualities earned him many lifelong friends not only in his younger years but through his life as he forged his way into adulthood He loved Rainy Lake and was fortunate enough to look at it every day through his front window when he was home tube and jumping through the holes he cut in the ice after warming up in the sauna that he built with his dad He travelled many miles by canoe in Quetico but none were more special than his trip in his early teens down the first 500 miles of the Mississippi with his Dad the McTaggarts; a trip he vowed to one day complete to the Gulf of Mexico Steve loved to play hockey and golf in his youth but became passionate about the game of squash at a young age when he was introduced to the sport by his dad He soon told his family that he had to quit hockey as it was interfering with squash He competed as part of his university team and could claim the title of being the first Sunset Country Squash Club team member to compete at a university level Steve began his work career as a kid working at The Great Bear in Fort Frances He had a great work ethic and worked hard to do a job that he could take pride in even if it was just lawn mowing or weed eating Even as a young child he would say “I proud” when he knew he did a job well He was a very smart young man and could pursue any career he wished He chose engineering and completed his degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo The co-op program enabled him to travel and work from coast to coast in the United States During those university years he made lifelong friends and lived life to the fullest He reconnected with many of those close university friends in person during the summer of 2024 After his graduation he chose a job in Boise He wanted to experience the outdoors in the mountain country He competed in the notorious Leadville 100 mountain bike race billed as one of the most prestigious races in the world but considered the Butte Montana 100 to be a bigger test Idaho introduced him to an area that became his favourite camping destination and he later achieved his Professional Electrical and Power Engineer designation He loved to work with wireless industrial applications and control systems and worked in that business for 12 years before starting his own company cry once” – buy quality tools that will last a lifetime His extensive collection included hand tools it was a strength that enabled him to execute his hobbies with pride Many people were fortunate to receive one of the custom cutting boards that he created When he was was a young boy he always said he wanted to be good man He had a very close relationship with his mother and father demonstrating and speaking his love for them his whole life would hang around her and her friends and could be seen trying to imitate her dance moves he took such joy in fixing peoples’ household problems or helping them with their projects It was never about what you could do for him We were so fortunate to have him in our lives Our family is eternally grateful for the compassion and generosity that has been extended to us during these difficult days For the friends that have called to express their support and to relay stories about their lives with Steve and to describe the depth of their friendships with him and how Steve helped them be a better person For offers of assistance without hesitation and without limits For the strangers that have helped us navigate this difficult process Preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Bud and Helen; and maternal grandparents Delorne and Nancy Survived by his loving parents Jim and Kris; sister Jennifer (Olivia); cherished nephews Adam A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at his home in Boise on January 24 followed by a celebration of life in Fort Frances at a later date Love your family and your friends; help those close to you and strangers alike; be generous to servers and the needy; and if you know anyone who struggles with a mental health illness please show them compassion and give them support in any way you are able the Fort Frances Fire Department responded to a call at Walmart in Fort Frances concerning a worrying smell Later that evening the department responded to a multi-vehicle collision on the Noden Causeway Interim Fort Frances Fire Chief Dave Robertson says the Walmart incident amounted to very little but the location required a full response given the potential for a poor outcome “It was barely even a minor incident,” Robertson said “But with a big box store the response has to be robust it’s almost automatically what we would call an all platoon response You would have seen a level of organization there dedicated incident commander and dedicated groups inside the structure and on the roof.” It’s the potential for disaster that necessitated the full response “While we had a call for mystery odour that may or may not have been some level of smoke or burning rubber our thermal imaging camera is not indicating any hot spots,” Robertson said “Even then with the size of the store and the challenges with that level of fuel load if there was even a small fire becomes a big fire very quickly if we don’t make 100 per cent sure that nothing is happening We kind of make 110 per cent sure which is why we were there for a fair bit of time and it looked like there was a lot of activity That activity was about checking and rechecking again.” Robertson says the crew that attended the incident at Walmart did their jobs with excellence Late yesterday evening the Noden Causeway was closed around 9 p.m when several vehicles including a snow plow were involved in a collision According to a statement from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) the Fort Frances Detachment of the OPP along with Rainy River District Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Couchiching Fire Rescue responded to a three vehicle collision on the Noden Causeway east of Couchiching First Nation “A vehicle attempted to pass a snow plow and lost control Five people were treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries The highway was shut down for approximately one hour while emergency services worked the scene,” the OPP statement reads A 25 year-old male driver from Thunder Bay was charged with one count of careless driving and is scheduled to appear in court in Fort Frances on Feb Robertson says that his understanding is that the vehicle was traveling west on the Causeway when it attempted to pass the snow plow at the top of the causeway Based on what he was told Robertson summarized the accident “He clipped the snow plow… and ended up head-on into a vehicle going East,” Robertson said “There was some minor extrication required I understand that they were able to reach inside the car and unlock it from the inside so it wasn’t like serious extrication efforts were needed.” According to the OPP report five people were brought to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries Robertson says that many accidents simply come down to speed of travel As in this instance the driver didn’t want to go slow behind the plow and tried to pass in an area where there is no passing allowed “Every accident comes down to speed,” he said “Every accident comes down to the ability to react The faster you go the less reaction time you have This was about somebody wanting to go faster apparently.” Conditions yesterday were snowy and windy making for poor visibility at times As hazardous weather continues throughout the winter driving season 511Ontario carries highway and road condition information available online or by phone FORT FRANCES – Emily Dickinson wrote that “hope is the thing with feathers.” In the border town of Fort Frances HOPE is now the place with short-term accommodations for persons experiencing homelessness located at the HOPE Centre on Victoria Avenue got its “soft launch” last month and official opening this week “We feel it’s important because we lack so many services and of course we’re in a housing crisis like everyone else is throughout the province,” said Sandra Weir the District of Rainy River Services Board’s integrated services manager (housing and homeless lead) A media release from the board described Hope Transitional House’s opening as “a crucial step forward in addressing homelessness in the Rainy River District The new program provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals transitioning to stable housing.” the facility offers “personalized support to help residents gain the skills resources and stability needed to achieve independence,” said the release Individuals can stay for up to one year while working with a housing and homelessness navigator a services board employee hired to assist them on the journey to independence “We recognize that housing stability is a complex issue requiring a thoughtful and coordinated response,” said Weir “HOPE Transitional House is a reflection of our commitment to providing practical compassionate solutions to help individuals regain independence and move forward with confidence.” The transitional housing program is a logical “next phase” after the winter Out of the Cold warming centre and a safe bed program put together with the local Canadian Mental Health Association branch The Rainy River district has “a lot of hidden homeless,” she said The district’s By-Name List – a registry of people experiencing homelessness – has 86 names It is with great sorrow we announce that Heather Dubois (nee Burling) of Fort Frances and was the oldest daughter of five children born to Frank and Wilhelmina Burling and spent 48 beautiful years together until his passing in 2018 She was the centre and foundation of our families She wasn’t just a part of our family; she was the heart of it She is the one each sibling or grandchild called for advice She was often working on updating her children’s homes drinking the freshest coffee every sunrise No matter the weather or season she could found doing all those things in one of the many pairs of slippers she owned She loved to share her own story and how she got saved at 30 years old and how He completely changed her life Attending church regularly gave her so much joy and spiritual connection to many Her nurturing spirit had her caring constantly “for the underdog.” She had such a motherly nature every single child in which she held so dear in her heart Oh what an honour it is to call you our Mom Left to cherish her memory are her five children Rosanne (Sean) She is predeceased by her husband Roland Dubois; parents; and five siblings A celebration of life will be held Saturday She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends The world’s best had to go a little too soon It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Jacob Riley Jones on Thursday Jacob lived his life in Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation He also had a love for singing and dancing at Pow-Wows cooking and helping in the community with ceremonies He received his Heavy-Duty Equipment and Welding Tech Certificates and enjoyed his job at Sodexo Canada Jacob is survived by his parents Trudy Jones and Peter Foy; his siblings Mitchell Jones Foy Bradan Lyons and Pierson Foy; his aunts and uncles Jennifer Spoon Tanya Foy-Hunter (Gerry) and Susan Smith; nieces Claire Jones-Foy and Maiyah Jones-Foy Colin Jones (cousin) and Delia Whitecrow (cousin) at the Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation gymnasium followed by a traditional funeral service on Sunday Honorary pallbearers will be John Spoon Jr Donations can be made to the Cancer Society Shirley dedicated much of her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her husband of over 50 years and their two children in their early years of life at a Stratton Dance and they were married on November 9 they moved home to the family farm in Pinewood Shirley began work at Riverside Health Care as a cook in 1998 and later retired in 2015 Shirley found many new hobbies and maintained her busy lifestyle Shirley’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family always having treats on the table for coffee and her holiday gatherings were eagerly anticipated by family Shirley’s love for nurturing things was evident in her beautiful garden and flower beds She was always very proud of her house and yard Shirley is survived by her husband John; son Kevin VandenBrand and daughter Nora (Mike) Plasky; and cherished grandchildren Daniel She also leaves behind her brothers Bob (Carol) and Wayne (Joyce); sisters Donna (Karl) and Bernice; brothers-in-law Rene (Donna) and Connie (Murray); and numerous nieces and nephews She is predeceased by her mother Hazel Pollard; father Andrew Pollard; brother Glen; sister Judy; and mother and father-in-law John and Josephine Vandenbrand at Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church in Pinewood It was 2016 and one of the wisest (and kindest) men of our town became a teacher As a regular customer of Betty’s of Fort Frances short talks with the late Doug Anderson soon turned into entire hours talking about local I began to reflect on what Canada means to me I share this because recent times have indeed been interesting times Listening to good friends over dinner conversation it is clear that ill-chosen remarks from the President and others to the south (notably remarks Canada as the “fifty-first state” and desires by some to acquire it economically) have brought forth similar sparks of reflection for others here in the north it’s an acknowledgement of why our home is so special many express why our home has grown to be one of the hopes of the world – one that continues to grow and simultaneously stand in (and forever reach towards) a northern light that they know and feel everyday but can’t describe when words fall kilometres short It truly comes down to the individual and one’s individual thought Being raised for many years in the suburbs outside Minneapolis Talks with Doug (and others) spurred a desire to learn history I think he knew it as he often told me about history He understood my family’s complex and complicated relationship with Canadian history but he unconditionally met this with an unspoken assurance to explore and not overlook seeing the gem of privilege and opportunity stood upon today I called the Hotel Indigo (currently the Metcalfe Inn) and made reservations for twelve months into the future I locked myself into being present for Canada 150 and for the next year I immersed myself in (and forced myself to absorb) everything I could I ate dinner learning about the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords I shared breakfast cereal with Pierre Elliott Trudeau I marathoned Canada: A People’s History and when I was well Before I got on the plane to continue to learn what this all meant to me at 150 in Ottawa again there was Doug behind the counter offering to silkscreen a one-of-a-kind unique shirt for the trip because they had sold out I said I couldn’t wait but his kindness was appreciated Even when exiting the store to begin the drive he seemed to appreciate me taking this journey of learning and discovery so seriously Special times of the country’s Renaissance in the 60’s and 70’s were both before my time but four experiences from this trip sit deep in my heart to which I’m forever grateful my first poutine at Gainsbourg Bistro and Brasserie (to which I almost melted off the high chair T-1000 style) I found myself at the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica After spending time taking-in that beautiful ceiling seeing occasional congregation people silently praying and the incredible care and detail put into wooden carvings in that small world under that gorgeous roof I finally understood why such places are so important Even though one may not share the same faith Making my way out of Parliament Hill towards Wellington Street following the fireworks I stumbled upon a sight that I’ve held deeply tucked-away in my heart since and I knew it was important not to let such a moment slip away Dozens and dozens of people sitting around the Centennial Flame Individuals from more backgrounds and heritages than I could count or imagine embracing the moment and appreciating momentous smiles passed between each I was sure there was something to be learned in this moment After spending some time reflecting and overlooking the horizon resting beyond Gatineau from a small viewing spot next to the Chateau Laurier above the Rideau Canal Perhaps to curl up under blankets en route to dream land after a day of celebration the only sounds I heard were my own footsteps in puddles from the gentle rain that came and went walking beside one another for kilometre after kilometre Coming to terms and seeking understandings It was almost as if the profound silence revealed the spirits and energy of so many influential leaders of the best sort (some well-known many not) who once made their way up and down those streets were still present and vibrant Not in any supernatural sense (or maybe so) As if the past and the present both coalesced and became one in a single place Walking down Sparks Street just hours before sunrise I discovered many tall pillars stretching for blocks and letters of people from all over the world Some born here with family arrived generations ago and appreciation of many things this country offers Their thoughts and expressions of joy as individuals were clear finding opportunities that were previously scarce or navigating challenges between a home they love and historical legacies that impacted one’s family As my plane touched down again in Thunder Bay Unable to step back within former frontiers of thought and conscience My footsteps making their way down Scott Street did not belong to the perhaps naïve perhaps impressionable kid they had once long ago they belonged to a man carrying personal lessons but a desire to continue learning – and in turn Reflecting in these interesting times today I realize that Doug was right and that the streets of Ottawa revealed something very important to me that still lives within me to this day: but there is something very special here in the north that is living and luminous (albeit complex beyond the intent or scope of this column) but also individual threads in the human family each rich with heritage A work in progress with tools of a healthy democracy available Something profound akin to the words of poet Shane Koyczan’s notable work “We Are More.” Something where reflections have begun to invoke a new reasoned Renaissance: not in any mean or nationalistic sense but something aggregate to the best of (and within) us all It is with great sadness that the family announces our beloved Tia-Raylene Medicine of Mishkosiminiziibiing (Big Grassy River First Nation) began her journey to the spirit world on January 29 the daughter of Sherrise (John) Copenace and David Medicine Jr She is predeceased by her maternal grandmother Melvina Copenace; paternal grandfather David Medicine Sr.; aunts Lorraine BigGeorge and Glendoris Medicine; uncles Donald Her memory will forever be cherished by her beloved son Legend Alec-James Archie who was her pride and joy; parents Sherrise (John) Copenace and David Medicine Jr.; brothers Damion (Lucy) Medicine and Zander Copenace; sisters Jerilyn Medicine and Elena Copenace; nieces Kimberly Morrison and Lance Bouchard; paternal grandmother Marion Medicine (nee Kingbird); maternal grandfather Jack Hawk; aunts Carol Copenace and Myron Medicine; also surviving Tia-Raylene is her former spouse and father of her child whom she still shared a mutual love and respect for; and many more relatives and friends Tia was a kind and generous person; if she could lend a hand or help someone out She had a smile that could light the darkest room The love that she had for her siblings was unshakable spending time with family – she always made sure to make it to any family gathering In her leisure time she could often be found drawing Upon completing the Azhemiinigoziwin Program through Seven Generations Education Institute she found a love for the Anishinaabe culture and enjoyed dancing at powwows She was also a certified eyelash technician – her favourite client was her mom Most importantly Tia was a devoted mother; her life revolved around her son – she was always there to provide her love Whether she was cheering him on the sidelines as he danced at powwows or encouraging him to always try his best she always showed up and never missed an opportunity to teach him something new at Big Grassy First Nation with a funeral service on Tuesday Starting this past Monday and running the full week the Point Park case is being laid out in the Fort Frances courthouse and a determination on which party or parties will have a say on any future development of the site the Town of Fort Frances had a lease on the land at Point Park According to the facta [legal arguments] the Town of Fort Frances rented the land for a dollar a day from the Government of Canada The Town of Fort Frances paid the rent for almost a century and would like to continue to operate the land as a public park and the Government of Ontario all think the Town of Fort Frances’ claims of ownership ought to be dismissed The Fort Frances Times contacted the legal teams of all parties involved in this case and all declined the opportunity to comment L Balanko-Dickson FORT FRANCES — A 42-year-old Fort Frances woman faces numerous charges after a traffic stop in the community last week According to a media release issued on Wednesday Ontario Provincial Police said they stopped what they’re calling a “suspicious vehicle” on March 7 in the 5th Street East area around 7:30 p.m The driver allegedly showed signs of impairment and was already suspended She’s been charged with impaired driving driving with open liquor and with cannabis readily available Police said she also faces charges of driving while suspended failing to comply with a release order and using a plate not authorized for the vehicle police said she also received a 90 day licence suspension and the vehicle was impounded for seven days The accused was scheduled to appear in court on March 12 FORT FRANCES – A Fort Frances councillor has abruptly resigned from her post Mandi Olson-Walton says it wasn’t an easy decision to make but after last Tuesday’s council meeting she doesn’t believe it’s a system she can continue to involve herself in and maintain her integrity Olson-Walton said she is leaving her post because of concerns with the town’s Indigenous Relations Advisory Committee after failing to convince mayor and council about the current policy noting there were significant inequities between committees and many committees were purposeless as the mandate wasn’t followed or are unnecessary with the newly implemented governance changes,” Olson-Walton writes Olson-Walton says she was encouraged to discuss recommendations she had provided to council and administration including the importance of language and the use of Aboriginal instead of Indigenous the importance of remuneration such as tobacco and a gift and the fact the committee appeared to be too top heavy with a notable power imbalance in the room “As I neared the end of the exhaustive list and this practice needing to inform all policies not just a policy on reconciliation,” she said Olson-Walton said at that point she asked the mayor but was rebuffed and told that for the purpose of the meeting it would not be addressed and that the committee could determine it “I must be honest in saying that for the first time I cried at the council table … It is now apparent that my intention of having robust and meaningful discussions are not welcome at this table This meeting validated for me that conversations of relevance or intent are to be surface level and quick Discussion and/or healthy debate does not happen at this table,” Olson-Walton said The now-former councillor said she was also concerned during the most recent budget process that taxpayer dollars were to be used to sponsor litigation in the Agency One/Point Park land dispute calling the amount “astronomical.” “It was never addressed at the council table,” Olson-Walton said encouraging the public to ask council how much has been spent thus far on litigation in the matter a First Nations community in the Fort Frances area has laid claim to Point Park and has asked the town to recognize their ownership of the lands while working together to manage the park and share the operating costs James William MacDonald left us on November 5 Jim was united in marriage to Linda (Pochailo) on May 2 and they spent their lives together in Fort Frances Jim (“the Big Guy”) was destined to be in the car business as was his Grandfather J.J Tyne in Rainy River and father William who operated the American Motors and International Harvester dealerships in Fort Frances with Jim he added Causeway Pontiac/Buick GMC to the business It was a great accomplishment to operate a four line dealership and he received many accolades for his dedication and acumen “JimmyMac” was an avid sports fan (baseball and football) and had a passion for keeping updated with the news He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends at his cabin at Bears Pass.Jim is survived by his in-laws Barbara Kircher Jim and Lori Pochailo; nephews James Asplund Frank Pochailo (Jacky) and nieces Christina (Chris) Green and Nicole (Matt) Bowering and their children Jim was predeceased by his wife Linda; parents Bill and Vivian MacDonald; mother and father-in-law Frank and Fern Pochailo; sister-in-law Janet (Greg) Asplund; niece Lauren Asplund; and his precious golden lab Goldie Mary’s with a luncheon to follow at the church Interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery The family would like to thank his ‘garage family’ for their loyalty and long term support Also thank you to his wonderful caregivers Julie and Laurie and the nursing staff at Home Care and Riverside Hospitals Mark Howarth is setting off onto his next chapter has officially retired from the family business he has been running for close to five decades It’s a significant milestone for a job he started as a teenager one that has grown over the years right beside him You think back to years and years ago and there’s been so many different changes Going from the small place on Portage Avenue Howarth shared that it was 1993 when the Howarths opened their doors on Scott Street the location that hundreds of residents have come to know in the year since the store was “mainly into electronics” according to Howarth meaning that something had to be done to use up the remaining space the larger store offered “Everything was over on the one side,” Howarth recalled “It was mainly all computers and electronic gadgets and parts and accessories my mom and dad had furniture in that little laundromat before the Radio Shack franchise we took on in 1975 That’s kind of when the electronics started to get bigger [The old store] was only about 1,200 square feet over there so it didn’t take long for electronics to push the furniture out the store looked something similar to what it is at the end of Howarth’s tenure but today’s younger shoppers might not remember the plethora of electronics that the store used to sell in addition to home appliances Howarth reflected that the store was one of the first partners to TbayTel noting that cellphones have been one of the technologies he feels has brought about the most change both within the industry and in the wider world we did cellphones for years as well,” he said “We were a TbayTel dealer when they first started back when they had the bag phones that first came out I remember I used to have one up at the cabin and you’d have to hold the bag phone up on the picnic table to get a signal then we went into Bell cellphones after that And now they’re kindof taking over.” Howarth said he began to think of doing more outside of the store Howarth noted he began seriously thinking about stepping away from the business about five years ago which led to a process that began in earnest two years ago which has now led to his official retirement I didn’t know long it takes to actually do it “It would be two years ago this summer that I officially announced and started talking to the accountants and all that but you start thinking of doing other things you don’t have time to do other things especially when you have two lake properties and the store and warehouse And we bought the old Kettles building back seven especially the customers and staff he said the store has always been lucky to have Howarth said he’s looking forward to getting back some of his time that has otherwise gone into running the business The store may be changing hands and name in the near future but the current staff have all been offered jobs to stay on have come to be known for will continue on leaving Howarth and his family plenty more time to enjoy spent together “Golf is kindof hard to do when you’re working and at the lake and everything We want to do some travelling before we get too old I’m starting to get advice from everyone now.” But does the storied businessman have any advice to give back Ken Kellar Ken Kellar is a reporter who was born and raised in Fort Frances After spending several years in various parts of the country for school and work Ken returned home to join the Fort Frances Times in 2019 He has an Advanced Diploma in Print & Broadcast Journalism from Humber College in Toronto and has contributed to the Humber Etcetera Humber Daily News and CityNews Toronto (formerly 680News) FORT FRANCES — Rainy River OPP arrested three individuals following a break-and-enter early Sunday morning OPP officers were dispatched to a Fort Frances address shortly after 1 a.m and observed signs that someone other than the owner had recently been inside the residence police arrested a 45-year-old local resident for breaking-and-entering and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose He was held in custody and appeared before the Fort Frances Bail Court on Monday and a 26-year-old Emo resident for possessing property obtained by a crime under $5,000 They were both released from custody and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice of Fort Frances in March Police ask residents with information regarding this incident to call 1-888-310-1122, anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous message online we were made aware that information was incorrect and advanced polls will be held at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre during the same time period those with voter cards that direct them to the Memorial Sports Centre will also need to cast their vote at the Library The Times apologizes for any confusion this may have caused a cherished educator and beloved family member Marilyn took her last breath at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances Marilyn grew up at 8 Phoenix Drive in Scarborough the daughter of Stanley and Celestine “Sally” Allan Marilyn was the older sister to Stanley Allan and spent her childhood immersed in a hockey-loving family attending countless games with her brother Marilyn completed her schooling early and pursued higher education at the newly established York University Her passion for education led her to a full-time teaching position at Fort Frances High School where she dedicated her life to inspiring students with her love for literature and the written word Marilyn taught English at Fort Frances High School for her entire career She was well liked and respected by her students She had high standards and demanded excellence from her students One of the highlights of Marilyn’s teaching career occurred when she took a sabbatical to attend a university to study a number of subjects unrelated to English Marilyn was a staunch and proud member of the Ontario Secondary Teachers Federation and actively supported her union She loved music and was a founding member of a popular musical group at Fort Frances High School in the late 60s and early 70s called the Young Canadians Marilyn cherished her summers spent back in southern Ontario She had a heart full of kindness and never forgot a birthday or special occasion always sending thoughtful Christmas packages and heartfelt messages She generously supported many charitable organizations and not-for-profits including the Fort Frances Public Library and the Fort Frances Museum She is predeceased by her parents Stanley and Sally Allan; and her brother Stanley Alexander Allan Marilyn leaves behind her niece and nephew Lindsay Allan and Ryan Allan; and was a loving great-aunt to Ryder Robinson and Haze Allan Marilyn had an unshakable love for books and music – two things that brought her immense joy and comfort never stop filling your head with knowledge We are sure she’s enjoying a game of euchre with her parents and brother Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Frances It is with great sadness that the family of Wilfred Arthur Belluz announces his passing on January 13 to Eden (Red) and Melba where he lived his whole life He is survived by his mother Melba; his wife Lynn (Sus); daughters Jennifer (Clay) Cain and Melissa (Jamie) Busch; grandchildren Ashley Carley (Maxwell) and Jonathan (Marie-Neige) He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Ava Edward (Sheri) and Danilo (Kirsten); in-laws Cathy (Jim) Mallory John (Monica) Sus and Bonny (Brian) Mueller He will also be greatly missed by numerous nephews Eden (Red) Belluz; his brother Paul; and inlaws Fred and Jane Sus Wilf worked for over 35 years in the mill as a scheduler as well as preparing income taxes for several people over many years His passion was curling and being the treasurer of the club Throughout the years Wilf also loved spending time watching his granddaughter and nieces curl and his grandson play hockey He was an avid Vikings and Blue Bombers fan and loved spending Sunday’s kicking his wife out of the living room to watch the games He will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him A celebration of Wilf’s life will be held at the Fort Frances Curling Club on Saturday The family gratefully requests that in memoriam donations be made to Curl Fort Frances Community Center.