Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Platinex Resolution

The provincial government says it has reached a settlement with a mining company over a disputed claim in the Big Trout Lake area of northwestern Ontario.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says they will pay Platinex five million dollars in return for dropping all lawsuits againstthe crown and the Big Trout Lake First Nation.

As part of the settlement, Platinex will surrender its mining claims and leaseson its Big Trout exploration properties.

The company will also receive a potential future royalty interest on the land.

The province is also withdrawing the property around Big Trout Lake fromstaking and mineral exploration.

Taxis Kenora

The City of Kenora is proposing to make some changes to the Taxi Licence By-Law to help protect passengers and drivers alike.

The city recently took over jurisdiction of taxis from the former Kenora Police Service and is looking for more accuracy in the fare structure.

Mike Mostow is a spokesperson for the city and says there seems to be some discrepency from taxi to taxi in terms of fares.

Mostow says he would like to calibrate the meters on all taxis each year and seal them so they cannot be tampered with.

Council is also planning to defer any rate increases for taxi drivers until June 1st, 2010, instead of January 1st.

KPDSB Tell them for me Survey

Students with the Keewatin Patricia District School Board will be telling school administrators how they feel about their education facility.

Tell them for me is an online survey that's being administered to students across the region right up until the holidays.

Director of Education Larry Hope says the survey is for Grades 7 to 12.

Hope notes the report will talk about how students feel about their school, and what they can improve upon.

Christmas Hampers

Christmas Hampers will be available for pick up at the Salvation Army store starting on December 21st.

Anyone who wants to donate toys or food for the hampers can do so up until Friday, December 18th.

Captain Debbie Gosse says they'll also need food after the holiday season.

There are tin for the bins at the Kenora Recreation Centre, and anyone who wants to drop food off can do so at the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

Hampton Winter Break

Members of the Ontario Legislature are now on their Christmas Break and will not return to Queen's Park until mid-February.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says the Fall session was dominated by the controversial HST.

Hampton says any promised cuts to corporate and income taxes will pale in comparison to the amount of money people will have to pay when HST takes effect next July.