Area fire depts. may be merged

Ken Johnston
Editor

Officials with both the Rainy River and Dawson Fire departments met last Friday to discuss several issues that included the possibility of amalgamating them.

Town Administrator Deb Bowman reported that officials from the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office informed those present that there are many new regulatory changes soon to take effect. Bowman noted many of the changes will not be easily complied to, especially in rural areas. For instance she noted that one new regulation will state that ten firemen have to be at a fire within ten minutes of a call. "It is physically impossible for firemen from Pinewood to be at Oak Grove Camp in ten minutes," saidBowman.

Out of Friday's meeting it was decided to write the office of the Solicitor General and ask for their expertise in amalgamating the two departments. Acting Mayor Larry Armstrong stressed that this is only an information gathering process and that nothing has been decided and no agreements have been drawn up.

Council was notified this week that all the photographing of the town's sewer system has been completed. They will be holding a special meeting this Wednesday evening to discuss the results of that work.

Council received a letter from the local seniors group that uses the west end of the station. The seniors were complaining about the roof leaking.

Council passed a motion Monday granting permission to Administrator Bowman to solicit via advertising tenders for repairs to the building's roof.

Other Business

•Councillor Glen Armstrong reported under the Economic Development Committee that the committee has been in touch with a U.S. company regarding the possibility of them locating some of their operations in Rainy River. Armstrong noted that while he did not receive any firm commitment he did not receive a negative response either. "The company needs time to digest this information," said Armstrong.

•Mark Nault's application to join the Rainy River Volunteer Fire Department was approved.

•A rental contract with a chiropractor was approved and is now in the chiropractor&Mac226;s hands for signing.

•Council passed a motion to donate $400 to the Horticultural Society to purchase flowers for the planters in Rainy River.

Acting Mayor Larry Armstrong noted that there is also a group of people interested in doing some beautification work at the cemetery. He suggested council support the Horticultural Society since it is already organized but felt that maybe the two groups could get together and share manpower, something the Horticultural Society is in dire need of.

•Councillor Brent Anderson read a letter to council from the RR Figure Skating club. It extolled praise upon the employees at the arena and the board members for their hard work.