TORONTO – With the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference well underway, North Shore mayors are ensuring their voices are being heard by upper levels of government.
Terrace Bay Mayor Paul Malasheski met with Natural Resource and Forestry Minister Graydon Smith to talk about the AV Terrace Bay Mill closure and the aftermath to the town.
“We had a good discussion on the mill closure and the impact it has on the workers and the economy of the Northwest township. We also expressed our concern over the impact on municipal tax assessment,” Malasheski said.
He explained that Smith was aware of the situation and that he was willing to do “what is necessary to reopen the mill.”
Smith also told Malasheski that it was up to the mill to begin “a dialogue with the province, which is something they haven't done with them yet.”
Nipigon Mayor Susanne Kukko expressed that her delegation was discussing many of the same things as last year.
“The overreaching scenes have been health, housing, and infrastructure. Coun. Mckenzie and I have met with two ministries in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and also Northern Development - to talk about our marina, specifically the replacement of our docks,” said Kukko, adding that she met with Liberal MP Diane Bourgeois about the lack of hydro chargers in the area.
Manitouwadge Mayor Jim Moffat met with the Ministry of Transportation and they confirmed that there will be more work done paving at the Highway 614 and 17, according to Moffat.
“We also were told that we're getting at least six culverts replaced on Highway 614. And that the tender has gone out for the sub patrol yard, which is just leaving Manitouwadge on the right-hand side so you should see some construction sometime this spring or summer,” said Moffat.
From the file of Al Creswell, CFNO