Council 'buys into locum housing project

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Last fall a public meeting was held to address the need to attract locum doctors to Rainy River.
With the impending departure of long time Dr. Beller, Drs. Singleton and Chu Said they would stay in Rainy River if something was done, by the communities the medical facilities serve, to improve the locum situation.
With other communities providing incentives to attract much needed locums, or in essence, relief for regular doctors, it was decided to pitch the idea of building an attractive housing facility on the river.
This week that project took a giant step forward when both Rainy River and Lake of the Woods Township agreed to fund $25,000 each in start up costs. Other communities serviced by the clinic and hospital are being asked to do the same.

Other business
•Council granted the owners of the property at 317 Fourth St. a property tax rebate for 2010 for it being vacant.
•May 18, 21, 25 and 28, 2011 have been declared free dumping days at the Rainy River Landfill Site. Residents of the Town of Rainy River will not have to pay tipping fees those days.
•Council approved hiring ENL, at a cost of $22,000 plus lab fees, for the development of an engineering study of the THM levels at the RR water treatment plant.
Trihalomethanes (THM) are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with other disinfection by products when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in water.
The RR plant is getting close to having levels near acceptable provincial standards. ENL will hopefully find a solution for the plant to reduce them.
•Application to HydroOne's Save on Energy Proposal for lighting replacement at town buildings was approved.
•The town is leasing an office at the clinic to Cheryl Kallaste.
•Council approved a memorial fence project for the cemetery.
•Council donated $100 to RRHS Chem Free Grad.
•Council renewed its annual per capita contribution to Rainy River Future Development Corp. at a cost of $6,062 ($7 per capita based on pop. of 866).