Moose FM CJJM 99.3 - Espanola

The provincial government says it will pay for repairing the terminals where the Chi Cheemaun ferry docks.  MPP for Algoma Manitoulin, Mike Mantha, says the government will commit the $292,000 needed to carry out the work.  The low water level in Lake Huron prevented the Chi Cheemaun from docking resulting in the ferry season beginning at least one week late.  Mantha is grateful to the province for the money and the quick response because it means minimal disruptions to tourism traffic.  The Chi Cheemaun carries 200,000 passengers each year and generates $25-milion in tourism dollars.

The NDP’s Olivia Chow has learned that the federal government wants the province to take over its federal docks on Manitoulin and Tobermory.  That’s what delayed work on the terminals where the Chi Cheemaun docks.  The feds wouldn’t carry out the work saying it’s a provincial responsibility.  As stated in earlier reports the repair work is less than $300,000.  Meanwhile, federal riding MP Carol Hughes says the feds have no problem spending millions on partisan politics but won’t pay for the dock upgrades.

A 56-year-old Sudbury woman has died while trying to save her dog.  Grace Milne was trying to get her dog back after it chased a ball into the Whitefish River on Saturday but she fell into the water.   OPP got to Milne in a boat but she was pronounced dead at the Espanola hospital.

The Domtar re-assessment Espanola is experiencing is going to cause some challenges.  Mayor Mike Lehoux says council is looking at cutting $1.2 million from its budget and adds that means service gaps.  Lehoux says the town has to look at new and create ways to deliver services and he’s hopeful that’s where volunteers can step up to the plate.   Lehoux says Espanola is a caring community and it’s going to be those volunteers that help it get through this re-assessment problem.  And although it’s a ways off, council will honour its volunteers on October 26^th.