Bombardier TTC

By: Canadian Press

2009-04-30

06:38:27 

Toronto's contract to spend a (b) billion dollars on streetcars to be made in Thunder Bay has hit a problem.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says they haven't budgeted for their one-third share of Toronto's 1.2 billion dollar deal for Bombardier streetcars. 

Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman says he was surprised by Toronto's commitment.

The premier says they also have to talk with Ottawa about their one-third share. Toronto Mayor David Miller could not be reached for comment yesterday.

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Ontario Mining Act

By: Canadian Press

2009-04-30

06:27:05

About 100 years after it was first enacted, Ontario's Mining Act will receive an update today.  

There have been complaints over provisions in the Act that allow prospectors to stake and explore on private lands. 

The Canadian Press has learned the changes will modernize the way companies stake claims to be more respectful of private land.

Sources also say the legislation will clarify the rules on how mining companies deal with First Nations' communities.

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Moose Tag Review

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-30

06:26:19 

Area hunters who were unable to attend a series of public meetings on the Province's Moose Tag allocation system still have a chance to voice their concerns.

Outdoors enthusiasts have until the end of today to send in their thoughts via the Ministry of Natural Resources website.

Spokesperson Brad Allison says they hope to have a draft report available before the end of the year.

Some Northwestern Ontario moose hunters blame the group tag allocation system for the lack of adult tags available to local hunters.

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Save Sunset Country

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-30

06:25:36

Lodge owners, City Representatives and Tourism Officials piled into the Super 8 on Wednesday to discuss the future of Sunset Country.

Ontario's Ministry of Tourism plans to create a super tourist region for Northern Ontario that would encompass Sault Ste. Marie to the Manitoba border.

Sunset Country Travel Association Executive Director Gerry Cariou says its about time the Ministry understands that people don't like their proposal.

Cariou adds they would like the Ministry to continue with its 11 proposed regions, but leave Sunset Country as its own seperate region.

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Kenora Fire Hazard

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-30

06:14:03

The threat of a large scale fire in the Kenora area is starting to worry the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Aviation and Forest Fire Program Officer Terry Popowich says the escalating problem of storm and insect damage has led to volatile conditions.

Popowich says the consequences of lightning or human-caused fires is quite dangerous in that area and they are taking steps to prepare for any blaze.

Popowich adds the area is of special concern because of the number of rural and recreational properties.

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