By: Martha Dillman

The largest hydroelectric project to be built in Ontairo in the past 40 years is under construction north of Kapuskasing. The $2.6 billion dollar Lower Mattagami River Hydroelectric project will create over 800 jobs, and Minister of Energy Brad Duguid says it’s an important step towards green energy.

By: Martha Dillman

Tents, mosquito nets and tarps – these are just some of the items recently sent to Pakistan by the Canadian Red Cross. Timmins resident Carole McIntyre just returned home from helping to deliver the supplies. She says the disaster is still unfolding in Pakistan and encourages you to donate what you can.

By: Jessica Horne

Applications are available online now for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit. The credit is available to low and middle income households to assist with the increased cost of hydro in the winter. Minister of Northern Development Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle says you only need to apply once, and you will continue to receive the credit every year that you are eligible. For more information, visit the Ontario government website.

By: Amanda Young

Blueberry season is coming to an end but bears in the area still have a while before they lay down for their long winter’s nap. You can reduce the smells that draw bears by keeping fallen fruit picked up and picking ripe fruit. Also make sure to keep barbecues clean and freeze meat before putting it in the garbage…which should be set out the morning of garbage pickup, not the night before.

By: Martha Dillman

Students heading to university or college this fall will have an easier time applying for loans. The Ontario government says students will fill out fewer forms for financial assistance and students will be able to keep more of the money they earn through part time work during the school year.

By: Amanda Young

Parvo, a virus that affects dogs, has been reported in the area. Signs of infection include nausea, diarrhea and dehydration. The virus can be fatal but there is a vaccine available.

By: Martha Dillman

Our local MP is encouraging organizations to apply for funding to improve accessibility. MP Charlie Angus says groups can get up to $75,000 to install wheelchair lifts to a community based vehicle or construct ramps. For more information visit the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada website.

By: Jessica Horne

Over 100 kayakers ranging in age from 6 to 77 and 3000 will be taking over the Mattagami River this weekend for the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge. The boat launch at the end of Commercial Avenue, as well as the beach west of the Riverside Drive bridge will be closed to the pubic. Boaters who are accessing the river from private docks are asked to slow down, minimize the wake, and yield the right of way to kayakers.

By: Martha Dillman

The Timmins Police responded to two serious motor vehicle collisions over the weekend. On Saturday, a motorcycle and van collided on Algonquin. The driver of the motorcycle was taken to the Timmins and District Hospital with serious injuries. On Sunday, a 6 year old boy crossed on to the street on Balsam North into the path of an SUV. The driver fled the scene on foot and is facing charges. The boy is being treated in hospital in Toronto.

By: Amanda Young

Think you’ve got what it takes to be mayor? The municipal election is coming up and candidates are being accepted until September 10th. If you’re interested in running, or helping out with the election get in touch with city hall.