ISSN 0834-6283

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 $1.19 plus 6 GST, $1.25 U.S.

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Volume 115 Number 16 PAP No. 07429

www.fortfrances.com

ISSN 0834-6283

Alberton council votes down re-zoning request

By Elisabeth Heslop Summer reporter Alberton councils decision to deny a re-zoning amendment application last Wednesday night is not necessarily the end of the long and controversial story. According to councils resolution, its decision was based on concerns the proposed use of the land does not sufficiently conform to the townships official plan and the intentions behind the Business Park zoning currently in place there. If the application had been approved, the proposed purchaser of the property in question, Weechiit-te-win Family Services Inc., would have moved its Training and Learning Centre (TLC) to Alberton from its current location in Watten Township. The applicant, township resident Gayle Arpin, has the option to appeal councils decision to the Ontario Municipal Board although neither she nor her agent, Cecil Horne, have said anything definite about their plans. The bottom line is that we were disappointed in the decision, Horne said the day after the council meeting. Other than that, theres not a whole lot that we can say right now. We have the timeframes that we have to work within and we have other options that we have to consider, he added. We need to look at what the rules are ahead of us and how were going to proceed. According to the provinces Planning Act, written notice of the councils decision must be given to the applicant no later than 15 days after the date of the decision. The applicant may file an appeal no later than 20 days after the giving of notice is completed. Township administration completed the giving of notice on Friday, Aug. 14, so the last day on which Arpin can file an appeal is Sept. 3. During last Wednesdays meeting, Weechi-it-te-wins legal representative, Clint Calder, said that Weechi-it-te-win is firm in its resolve that they believe they have the legal right to be there, and they believe that thats the best property that theyve been able to identify and theyre going to pursue it to the end. But until Arpin and Horne decide whether or not to appeal councils ruling, Weechi-it-te-win is Please see Alberton, A7

No signs of West Nile virus this summer

By Duane Hicks Staff writer The miserable weather this summer appears to have put a damper on any West Nile virus activity in the Kenora-Rainy River Districts. Al Mathers, environmental health officer with the Northwestern Health Unit, said they once again have been trapping mosquitoes on a weekly basis in the Fort Frances, Kenora, and Dryden areas, and testing them for the virus, but no positive signs of it have turned up yet. We catch mosquitoes, but theres no virus being detected. Theres just not enough cumulative days of sufficient heat to get the virus moving in the mosquitoes, noted Mathers. Its been a very, very quiet year. Its been quiet because theres been no amplification of the virus within the mosquito, he added, noting that as far as hes aware, there seems to be a lull in West Nile activity elsewhere in Ontario and the rest of Canada. Mathers explained that, quite literally, the temperature has to be warmer for a sustained period of time for the virus to circulate in the Culex breed of mosquito which carries it. If theres no high heat, it just doesnt occur. I think if we had had a hot summer, we would have seen something different across the province. But with the cool, damp summer this year, there just wasnt enough nice days to get them moving, he remarked, adding theres certainly mosquitoes out there biting, theyre just not carrying the virus. Mathers said if the summer had been hotter, he believes testing would have turned up some West Nile-positive mosquitoes in the region. I dont think there would have been that many of them because this is a low-risk area, but I think we would have found a little bit. And across the province, I think we would have seen a lot more activity, especially in the southern regions where the Culex mosquito is in larger abundance. For sevens years now, health unit staff have used the traps to collect mosquito samples from late June to September. The purpose is to determine what species of mosquito are most common in the two districts. In past years, only a small percentage of all the samples collected in the region were specimens of the main virus-carrying mosquito species, the Culex (or common house mosquito). This means the chances of seeing the Culex breed (and thus the virus) here remain slim. Mosquito season usually tapers off in September, and any mosquitoes spotted in the latter part of Please see No, A7

Champion steer
First year 4-Her Nick Teeple, 10, proudly showed off his Charolais-Simmental cross named Buddy, who took the Grand Champion market steer title at the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Societys Fall Fair in Emo over the weekend. The steer was purchased by Dan Loney of Cloverleaf Grocery for $2.64 per pound. Heather Latter photo

Pow-wow grounds set to open

By Peggy Revell Staff writer After years of hard work and planning, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation is set to celebrate this weekend with the communitys newly-built pow-wow grounds. This is designed for our people, for many generations, Chief Gary Allen said about the new grounds that overlook a sandy beach on Rainy Lakes Swell Bay. Its for everybody, he stressed, extending an invitation to everyone to join Nigigoonsiminikaaning this weekend for its annual powwow that will celebrate the new grounds. All of the facilities are new, noted Chief Allen, since there have been no pow-wow grounds for some 3040 years within the community, which is located on Highway 11 about 40 km east of Fort Frances. The design of the grounds is a little bit different, said band general manager Judy Morrison, pointing to the U-shape of the arbour seatingdesigned so people can see out over the beach and onto the water. We wanted people to get as much as the view as possible, she Please see Pow-wow, A6

Pelepetz crowned 2009 fair queen

By Elisabeth Heslop Summer reporter Stunned, shocked, overwhelmed. . . . Those are the words Taylor Pelepetz used to describe her reaction to winning this years Emo Fair queen crown after the talent show last Thursday evening. But if those words made it sound like she didnt want the honour, her enormous smile immediately proved otherwise. Flanked by First Princess Marissa Kinnear and Second Princess Tasha-Lynn McNally, Pelepetz said shed hoped, but not really expected, to win. She added the various events leading to that moment all were part of the experience. It was a blast, Pelepetz enthused, adding the hard work was definitely worth it. Kinnear, who also was chosen by her fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality, agreed it was a worthwhile experience. Im feeling pretty good, she remarked. Id recommend it to anyone. It was a little hard with me and my sister both doing floats, admitted Kinnears sister and fellow princess, McNally, but she also said the whole experience was great fun. Now that the suspense is finally over, the three young women can get down to the business of representing the Emo Fair at various events. But Pelepetz also had some immediate goals. Now? Take these heels off and take a shower, she laughed, then looked a little farther into the future. And then, make some memories, she said. The four contestants, who also Please see Pelepetz, A7

Dress rehearsal
Dana Elders, left, Lauren Gurski, and Brittany Hayes rehearsed their Honey Honey number Sunday afternoon in preparation for the upcoming True Up North Mamma Mia musical, which will be performed tomorrow through Saturday (Aug. 20-22) at 7:30 p.m. at the Townshend Theatre. Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $6 for children under 12, are available at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts here. Heather Latter photo

Inside
Tanner now just a typical kid
Tanner McCormick has spent the first few years of his life battling the effects of being born with an interhemispheric cyst inside his brain, but miraculously the now four-year-old is just like any regular kid. He likes to do all the things a typical boy his age likes to do, said his mom, Kristen. He just doesnt stop all day longits amazing.

Sports
Dominos makes it a three-peat
It was young versus younger in the Borderland Soccer Associations mens final last Wednesday evening at the Struchan L. H. Gilson Soccer Pitches, so it seemed only fitting that a rookie notched the game-winning goal in Dominos 2-0 win over Emo. Mike Sandes goal early in the second half gave Dominos all the cushion they needed before Tyler Barker salted away the victory with an insurance marker.

Lifestyles
New fitness option for athletes
Sport-specific training was a label yet to be conceived two decades ago, but that trend has taken a 180-degree turn over the past few years. Terry McMahon was recently certified as a sport conditioning coach through Twist Conditioning, and has brought this specialized form of training here, offering one-on-one sessions that steer away from equipment and machines towards functional hands-on training.

See story on A5

See story on C1

See story on C4

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A6 FORT FRANCES TIMES

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Pow-wow grounds set to open

More from A1 said, noting the design also means room for those attending powwows to set up lawn chairs. People also can take in the view from the two observation areas that have been built further back from the water that overlook the site. Constructed near the communitys roundhouse that was built two years ago, the grounds also include campgrounds, room for vendors, access to the beach, as well as a loop road and access roads being built all the way around the site. An important part of the set-up design of the grounds was making it accessible for the elders, Chief Allen said, explaining theyve located elder parking right next to the stadium, vendors, and other facilities. With the sod for the dancers having been freshly laid down this week, they will be ready to go for this weekend, he said, but will continue to make additions to the groundssuch as laying down more sod in the parking area afterwards. I find it really exciting, Morrison said of the project, adding theyre slowly looking at what else can be added to the site in the futurefrom a childrens playground, spray park, docks, and further campsites to possibly even eco-tourism. And with the building of these grounds, or any projects which the community is working on, Chief Allen encouraged anyone with questions to come see them. We like to see people here,

Sunny weekend in store

Expect showers and thunderstorms tonight, along with patchy fog. Look for an overnight low of 12 C (53 F), with southeast winds gusting up to 15 m.p.h. Tomorrow will see possible showers and a thunderstorm, along with a high of 18 (64) and low around 10 (50). Friday will bring partly sunny skies, along with a high of 20 (68) and low dropping to eight (46). More sunshine is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, with highs reaching 22 (72) and 24 (75), respectively. Lows will be around 10 (50) and 12 (53). The extended outlook calls for a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Monday, with a high of 24 (76) and low near 12 (54). Then Tuesday will be partly cloudy, along with a high of 22 (72) and low back down to eight (46). The record high for today is 34 (93) set in 1976 while the record low is one (34) set in 1977. Normals are 24 (75) and 11 (52). Sunset tonight is at 8:20 p.m., with sunrise tomorrow at 6:14 a.m.

See me

first

for healthy living

Ask about the Safeway Pharmacy Med-Pak Program!

Construction was busily underway last week at Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation to finish the communitys new pow-wow grounds which overlook Swell Bay on Rainy Lake. The community will be hosting a pow-wow this weekend to celebrate the new groundsand are Peggy Revell photo inviting all to attend.
come and ask questions, he said, stressing its part of education to build understanding between communities and neighbours. Come and see us, were very open, he remarked. The building of the new grounds has been a really big community effort, said Larry George of Fort Frances, who was the general contractor for the project. The band has committed a lot of resources to the project, Chief Allen explained, with the funds being raised within the community. Local residents have been employed to build the grounds, as well, he added. Its leaving a legacy, a positive legacy, for children, Chief Allen said about being involved with a project like this. It really instills pride in the community. For those who wish to see the new grounds, Chief Allen said they should come out their sixth annual pow-wow running Aug. 21-23. Warm-ups are scheduled for the Friday. Then on Saturday, grand entry is scheduled for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a fish fry also that evening from about 5-6 p.m. On Sunday, the grand entry is scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The community will be welcoming numerous guests for the grand opening, added Chief Allen, including Chief Shining Turtle of Whitefish River First Nation (located on Manitoulin Island), Angus Toulouse, Ontarios Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations, and local MP John Rafferty. For more information about the new grounds, as well as this weekends pow-wow, visit www.nigigoonsiminikaaning.ca

Do you take more than one medication? Ever find yourself forgetting to take your medication? Med-Pak is a convenient bubble-pack card designed to hold multiple medications. Please contact your Safeway Pharmacy for more information.

FORT FRANCES SAFEWAY PHARMACY

PHONE (807)274-0363
Please ask your Safeway Pharmacist for details by inquiring at the Pharmacy department.

Nursery School
R E G I S T R AT I O N
Wednesday, August 26th
10:00 am - 6:00 pm Upstairs Knox United Church 340 Church Street, Fort Frances Laurel Basaraba 274-5653
A fun pre-school program offering a variety of stimulating and educational activities to enrich your childs development.

RAINY RIVER DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION BOARD SEEKS ALL LOW INCOME HOMEOWNERS IN THE RAINY RIVER DISTRICT NEEDING REPAIRS TO THEIR PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE.
Interested homeowners should apply to take advantage of the Northern component of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Qualifying homeowners will receive funding from RRDSSAB to undertake repairs of modest and affordable ownership housing. The Northern component of the AHP aims to maintain the affordable housing stock in northern Ontario. Applications and additional information are available from Metis Nation of Ontario, Housing Branch, 226 South May Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1B4, acting as delivery for RRDSSAB. Business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). For more information contact: Robynn Maluga Shawna Beaulieu Metis Nation of Ontario, Housing Branch 226 South May Street Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1B4 1-800-891-5882 ext. 23
Paid for in part by the Government of Ontario.
Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board

HOMEOWNERS

Rainy River District Campus

CHILD & YOUTH WORKER PROGRAM

Do you have experience working with Children and Youth?

Confederation College is pleased to offer a Part-Time Child & Youth Worker Program Classes begin September 2009! Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Contact us at: Confederation College - Rainy River District Campus 440 McIrvine Road Fort Frances, ON P9A 3T8 Phone: (807) 274-5395 Fax: (807) 274-2462 Email: fortfrancescampus@confederationc.on.ca

www.confederationc.on.ca

CHILDREN AGES 2 TO 5 WELCOME

Choose any Sessions Monday through Thursday 8:45 to 11:15 or 12:45 to 3:15 Bring your childs immunization record.

Fort Frances High School Opening

1. All students who did not register in June are requested to pay fees in the FFHS Atrium Area/Main ofce between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the following dates. Students are asked to use the Main Entrance.

Prepare your Preschooler for school Success!

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 - GRADE 12 Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 - GRADE 11 & 10 Thursday, August 27th, 2009 - GRADE 9
New and returning students are welcome to register on Wednesday or Thursday, however they will require an appointment with an Administrator at the Main Ofce before registering for classes. Please call the Main Ofce at 807-274-7747 for an appointment time. **New students refer to students who are coming to FFHS from another School District, Province, or Out of Country and returning students refers to those students who have previously withdrawn from FFHS. 2.The rst day of classes for students at Fort Frances High School and UNFC is: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. 3.Student Registration Fees for 2009-10: Grades 9-12 Activity Fee: $25 Year: $25 Total: $50 Textbooks and Internet privileges will be made available once the registration fee has been paid. Outstanding debts for equipment, textbooks, and library books may be cleared up at this time. **All students who are taking a Physical Education course will be required to purchase a school uniform or use the one purchased from last year, costs are as follows: T-shirts $10 Shorts $20 Pants $25 Gym clothes will be available Thursday, August 27th. (Please issue a separate cheque for clothes--Thank you). 4. Students are reminded that school photos have been scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2009. Photo information packages are available in the main ofce. **All students will be required to have their photo ID taken since it will also be used as a library card. 5. Students will be pre-assigned lockers. Locks are provided by the school. Information and updates regarding school activities can be located at http://muskie.rrdsb.com This will be the nal time registration will take place in August. Registration for classes in 2010-2011 at Fort High will take place in June, 2010.

Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difculty level of the Conceptis Sudoku increases from Monday to Friday.

Bettys Summer Sale Continues

Point Zero Tops & Bottoms Tribal Tops & Bottoms TXT Carbon Tops
from $999 from $999

from $999

Special Rack Miscellaneous Tops $999 Special Racks Price Souvenir T-Shirts $999 Adult Canada Fleece Hoodies Reg $7999 $2999

Yesterdays solution

266 Scott Street 274-9565

Open Monday - Saturday 9am to 5pm

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