By Tom Parisi

Provincial New Democrats say there’s still on big questioned to be answered in the Cliffs Resources deal.

With Cliffs set to process chromite ore in Capreol, the NDP are wondering if they’ll get a break when it comes to hydro rates. Timmins-James Bay MPP Gilles Bisson said he hopes this doesn’t turn out to be another Xstrata disaster.

“Two years ago Xstrata closed the met site in Timmins because of high electricity rates and the area lost hundreds of jobs. Minister Bartolucci needs to find a way to defy his own government’s policy and offer comparable rates to Manitoba and Quebec.”

Bisson added, the problem is the province looks like their doing something for Northern Ontario but as it’s stands they need to reverse their own policy to attract Cliffs and any other company looking to establish in the province.

Xstrata Copper and Zinc in Timmins was at the time the largest consumer of electricity in the Ontario.

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By Tom Parisi

One hotel leaves town, another is set to take it’s place.

The city is set to sell the old doran’s brewery land on spruce street south beside the bus station, to build a new 101 room hotel.

Director of community development and services Mark Jensen says, it’s been three years in the making with the Rancourt Company investing more than $13 millions in the development.

If approved, construction could take as little as 14 months to complete.

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Highway 560 remains closed as MNR Firefighters continue to battle a 200 hectare forest fire.

The highway is closed between Hwy 144 and Gowganda.

The town of Westree, Morin Village and surrounding rural areas were evacuated last night.

So far there have been no injuries reported.

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As Sunday’s west end fire continues to burn, Timmins Fire have reissued a STRICT FIRE BAN until at least Thursday.

 

Dry, warm conditions across the region have created dangerous forest fire conditions.

 

Timmins Deputy Fire Chief Gerry Sabourin said there is hope the rain in the forecast will help reduce the risk of major fires.

 

But with the potential for thunderstorms to affect the area, they are asking residents to keep an eye out for lighting strikes.

 

An update on the ban will be available this Thursday before the may run long weekend.

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By: Christina Hajjar and Rebecca Fryer

UPDATE: Monday, May 14

In response to yesterdays massive forest fire in the west end of Timmins, City Fire Officials have imposed a strict
FIRE BAN / NO OPEN FLAME until further notice.

Warmer temperatures and dry conditions have created favourable conditions for fires to spread easily.

For questions, concerns, and more information contact Timmins Fire Department

Timmins Fire has handed the reigns over to MNR Fire Management. The fire is considered contained but not under control. Officials will be on sight for the next few days continue dousing hot spots.

Dan Johnson from the MNR said all it would take is one big gust of wind to make things worse.

For now, no homes or properties are in immediate danger.

Sunday, May 13

An evacuation order because of a west end forest fire in Timmins has been lifted.

Residents from the Carrs and Pine Ridge Trailer Parks as well as Wallingford Road can return home.

All area fire crews, as well as the MNR water bomber have packed in for the night.

Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Sabourin said the fire dies down at night as the dew point rises.

“I’ll probably have a few municipal guys on watch to make sure nothing’s happening.” He said.

Sabourin added the MNR is taking over and will return at 6 a.m. Monday morning to make sure the fire doesn’t reignite as the day goes on.

Fire crews were able to save all homes and properties.

Fire crews responded to a call at a residence near Riverside Dr. and Jaguar Dr. behind Stealworks at about 2:50 Sunday afternoon.

At one point, the flames were 200 meters away from Wallingford area homes.

Sharon Litt lives on Wallingford and said the experience was a frightening one.

“We were sitting outside…we looked up and could see a huge cloud of smoke just over my next door neighbours house…and it looked fairly close so I called 911.” She said.

Fire crews arrived in the neighborhood and told the families to begin preparations for evacuation.

Litt said they didn’t realize how close it was until crews started putting sprinklers on top of the houses.

“It makes you realize how close it is. It’s like, what do I grab, what do I take?…It was really upsetting.”

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Release:

NORTH BAY – Northern mayors, assembled in North Bay for the Federation Of Northern Ontario Municipalities (F.O.N.O.M.) annual meeting, announced today they have had enough.

“We have run out of patience, we’re fed up and we have had enough.” Said North Bay Mayor, Al McDonald. “It is clear the liberal government of Ontario, the McGuinty government, is no longer working for Northerners.”

The issue over divestiture of the ONTC has reached the breaking point for Northern mayors who have continually attempted to meet with the premier and senior government officials, only to have every offer rejected.

“We reached out to this government in the hopes they would take an open, transparent and fair approach to the issue. They are not. They have clearly made up their mind on the matter, and in so doing, have left Northerners and the North out of all discussions.” added McDonald.

The timing of the F.O.N.O.M. meeting couldn’t have been better. This annual gathering brings together representatives from across the North to work on issues that affect the North.

“The ONTC issue has direct impacts for all of us.”, said Cochrane Mayor, Peter Politis. “If the government is allowed to get away with bulldozing the north on this issue then they will continue to do as they please, when they please, to whom they please without consultation. We are drawing a line here today.”

The ONTC matter continues to be a sore spot across the North.

F.O.N.O.M. President and Mayor of Kapuskasing, Al Spacek said, “Each of us was elected to represent the interests of our communities, part of doing so means having dialogue with the provincial government and working with the province on solutions that make life in the North better. This government has basically slapped us in the face by refusing to bring northerners to the table to work on the future of the ONTC.” Spacek added,
“We expected more, we have been let down.”

Timmins Mayor, Tom Laughren said, “We have decided to send the provincial government a clear message. We will be flying the Ontario flag at half mast to send a message to Queens Park that they are killing the North. They have no plan, they have provided no direction, they have held no discussions with the very people most affected.”

North Bay Mayor, Al McDonald closed the announcement by saying, “The Northern Communities Working Group, which is currently made up of Northern municipalities, ONTC Union Representatives and the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce is undertaking a campaign to raise awareness and to build regional inclusion. Today we are launching our website, nd4on.ca where information can be found and our campaign can be followed. In the next few days, additional materials will be rolling out across the north. We are inviting all Northern communities and indeed all Northerners to join our efforts. Visit nd4on.ca to find out how.”

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By: Christina Hajjar

A flock of ravens is called an ‘unkindness’ or a ‘conspiracy’ and that’s exactly what’s happening at St. Anthony’s Parish in Timmins.

A couple of ravens have nested on the second top tier of the scaffolding where crews are working on renovations.

Crews will have to wait until the chicks fly from the nest to continue working on the top section.

Looking on the bright side, at least the parish wont have a rodent problem.

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PRESS RELEASE:

New Democrats from across northern Ontario and beyond will gather in Timmins for the annual Northern Council May 25th to 27th at Timmins Inns and Suites. Special guests will include provincial leader Andrea Horwath and federal opposition leader Tom Mulcair.

Timmins-James Bay Riding Association President Louis Clausi says the weekend will be very special. “We are honoured to have both Andrea and Thomas in Timmins for the convention. Furthermore, Members of Parliament and Members of Provincial Parliament will join delegates in a weekend of discussion and debate.”

Clausi expects delegates from Sudbury, North Bay, Parry Sound, Sault Ste Marie, Temiskaming Shores, Thunder Bay and Timmins.

“We think our theme ‘Jobs in the North’ is timely indeed.”

MP Charlie Angus is looking forward to talking with delegates. “Last year was a very good year for New Democrats in the north. And with an increase to the size of the northern federal and provincial caucus, we should have some very productive discussion.”

Timmins last hosted Northern Council in 2007.

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By Tom Parisi

The Xstrata mine emergency response team will look to defend their title at the Mine Rescue competition.

The two day competition will features teams from Kirkland lake to Attawapiskat showing their chops in various events.

The competition kicks off Thursday at 6am at the Whitney Arena and will feature the jackleg competition between area mayors.

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By Tom Parisi

Some of the most dangerous jobs that Northern Ontario can muster will be on display thanks to a new film studio in Cochrane.

Mayor Peter Politis announced the founding of a new studio to rival the work being done in Alaska. He said he hopes to acheive the same level of success being put out from the the northern state.

“Their film industry brings in $200 million per year, so this is a great opportunity to diversify our economy, and getting local talent the exposure they need. We’re also exposing who we are and what we have to offer.”

The micro studios being set up offer easy interchangeable sets and quick change over times for crews and actors.

The programming will include, what is being called extreme outdoor programming. A show already in progress will include cerws following fire fighters battling a forest fire and the mining.

The studio will be located next to the Polar Bear Habitiat, and will use the back lot of the old Heritage village and a back drop to the scenery.

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