Councillor questions if Rainy River should go after mega dump too

Ken Johnston
Editorial@RainyRiverRecord.com

Rainy River Town Council discussed a proposal that would see Emo become the home of a super or mega dump.

Councillor Gerry Marchuk said, “Shouldn’t we be looking at doing something in our area?”

Mayor Gord Prost explained that the project is in its infancy stages but noted that there has been some talk of partnering in the project. He explained that it involves digging holes and placing liners in them and harvesting the gases produced by the refuse to generate electricity.

Marchuk said that he heard that it may employ as many as 200 people.

In other waste related news, council received word that Kenora has opted to remain in the current recycling program and that NORA (Northwestern Ontario Recycling Association) will continue to pick up recyclables status quo until the middle of 2002.

Mayor Prost reported that Recool has backed off looking at doing recycling in the area at a rate of $9 per house. “It was felt that they might not of had a handle on the (scope of the) area.”

Council also received two delegations Monday.

Public Health Nurse Gayleen Jasper approached council with some work that the Northwestern Health Unit has done with regards to what they see as an impending threat.

She noted that about every 35 years there is a Flu Pandemic and that one is expected in the next 5 to 10 years. NWHU has begun to plan for that event should it occur.

Council agreed to have its Emergency Measures representatives set up a meeting with NWHU to work on the plans for the pandemic.

Sgt. Steve Loshaw of the Ontario Provincial Police visited council as a part of the OPP business planning process. Every 6 mos. they meet with council to discuss policing in Rainy River.

Councillor Glen Armstrong asked if there has been any further consideration to put clerical staff in the new OPP station in Rainy River.

Loshaw said, “You got your answer and I don’t think it is going to change...it is a dead issue.”

Mayor Prost noted that council would like to work on staffing the facility with volunteers like Emo does.

Mayor Prost asked Loshaw if he is aware that the Rainy River Customs will have the power to arrest people for things like impaired driving in the spring and if that has been considered in staffing formulas for Rainy River.

Loshaw said they are aware of it and if all on duty staff are away from RR when needed they can always call someone out.

Other Business

•Council loaned the Rec. Board $10,000 to cover its payroll.

•Council defeated a motion to pay over $1,900 to help with the consulting costs of a new remand center in Fort Frances.

•Council voted to stop the practise of hauling water to local residents. Currently there is only one household receiving the town delivery.

•Council passed a bylaw setting out procedure for the sale of real land owned by the town of Rainy River.

•Council approved a six month extension to provide fire protection to Dawson Twp. for $2,800. Dawson is hoping to take over complete fire coverage itself after that time.