More Help for Rainy River Health Centre

Interim help continues to keep the emergency room at Rainy River Health Centre open.

Speaking in the legislature yesterday, Health Minister Deb Matthews says any concern emergency services wouldn't be available during the Christmas holidays has been alleviated.

Matthews says the Ministry is working with area health officials to find further help for the communities lone full-time doctor.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says more long-term solutions are needed.

User Fees Go Up in Fort Frances

The cost to access most town programs and services in Fort Frances will go up about 3 per cent next year.

Bag tags were not touched, but the minimum charge at the landfill goes will go from 16 to 18-dollars.

Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says it will help offset rising costs due to recycling.

Fees at use the Townsend Theatre will also not increase, but Community Services Manager George Bell says they are looking at upping a surtax applied to ticket sales to raise money for facility upgrades.

Non-Residents Not Paying Fair Share?

The cost paid by non-residents of Fort Frances to access to town services still a bone of contention for some members of council.

Most fees are 25 per cent higher than that paid by residents.

But councillor Paul Ryan says they may still be too low.

Non-residents fees were also effected by the 3 per cent increase.

Falls Water Rate Increase

Residents of International Falls will pay more for water in the new year.

Councillor Cynthia Jacksa says the fact people are using less water is impacting on the water budget.

Rates will go up $2.00 a month on the minimum in-town rate and $3.48 to the out-of-town rate beginning January 1st.

Fort Frances Trustee Returns as Chair

A Fort Frances trustee is back as chair of the Northwest Catholic District School Board.

Anne-Marie Fitzgerald has been a trustee since 1994 and the board's chair since 2006.

Fitzgerald also serves on the Provincial Board of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association.