Town to create heliport

Ken Johnston

Rainy River Town Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday evening and agreed to several key initiatives.
The first item on the agenda was the creation of an air ambulance heliport.
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, crossing the border with patients in an ambulance to have them picked up by an air ambulance in Baudette has become increasingly difficult.
In an effort to alleviate that situation an to improve patient care levels a proposal has been brought forward by the District Social Services Board to create heliports in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances.
Dan McCormick of DSSAB told council that the area needed for the heliport is 200 square feet. He noted that it would involve erecting special highly reflective cones, which the Ministry of Health would provide.
The municipality would be responsible for maintenance to the site and cones.
Council passed a motion to enter into an agreement with the MoH and DSSAB to put a heliport for the air ambulance behind the local public works garage.
Councillor Glen Armstrong asked if helicopter lifts from Rainy River to Fort Frances would take place.
McCormick said that it would depend on the circumstances but noted, “Air ambulance services are still 100% funded by the Ministry of Health.” Land ambulance services are not. “If we can save money that will free up some of our resources.”
Council to buy land
Pending the satisfactory completion of a $3,770 sub-surface environmental investigation of property formerly owned by 912189 Ont. Inc, council passed a motion to purchase land parcel 25912, being parts of lots 19 and 20, River Range, designated as Part 3 on Plan 48$-3646, at a cost of $35,000.
Council refused to specifically identify where the property is exactly located and who the numbered company is. They did say they are buying the land for economic development purposes.
Sewer Rates going up
Town council passed a motion to raise sewer rates by $6 per month effective January 1, 2003.
The increase is allocated specifically for capital improvements.
Town borrows money
Council passed its annual borrowing bylaw to borrow up to $300,000 to meet town expenditure needs until taxes can be collected.
Other business
•Council appointed former Mayor Gord Armstrong as chair of the Rainy River Centennial Committee. He asked council to budget $10,000 in each of 2003 and 2004 for the event.
•A fax was received from the Twp. of Alberton asking Rainy River council to support their resolution asking for the the dismissal of Dr. Peter Sarsfield as Chief Medical Officer for the Northwestern Health Unit.
Rainy River council tabled the request.
•The Rainy River District Municipal Association’s annual meeting will be held Jan. 25, 2003 in Stratton. Councillor Larry Armstrong noted that Dr. Sarsfield will be at that meeting.