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Nipigon-Red Rock Gazette Vol. 44 Number 2 Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 Price 80 cents incl. GST EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN!! Read the newspaper, books, magazines, ect. Studies show that reading keeps the mind sharp. Give your brain a boost. Subscribe to the newspaper and expand your mind with a world of imagination!!!! Canadian Cancer Society Societe Canadtenne du cancer LET’S MAKE CANCER HISTORY For information about cancer, services or to make a donation phone 1-888-939-3333 www.cancer.ca Alcoholics Anonymous Nipigon: Grace United Church Monday & Thursday 8:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous NDMH: Rotary Room Meetings Sunday 3:00 p.m. Serving over 6000 readers in Nipigon, Red Rock, Dorion, Hurkett, Beard-more, MacDiarmid, Jellicoe & Area A Message from Mayor Harvey for 2008 As I sit and reflect on the year passed I am taken aback by the fact that just a short year ago I was brand new to the position of Mayor with a predominantly new council and excitement about the future and the direction we were moving. As Mayor and council we had recognised the need to move towards diversifying our economy and tackle the task of economic development head on. Only one month into 2007 we were faced with possibly the greatest challenge Nipigon has ever faced, the devastating fire that destroyed Multiply. As a town we could have allowed the fire to destroy us yet as a community we banded together to face the challenges head on. It has been a difficult year and there are still many challenges facing us in the years to come, but there have also been some wonderful successes as well. Through the hard work of council we have been able to raise the profile of Nipigon’s plight and have received commitments from all levels of government to assist us in our recovery. Although not being rebuilt in Nipigon we have been able to get commitments to have Multiply restarted in our area so that the workers displaced by the fire will be able to return to work. We have accomplished a lot this last year and will do even more next year, but more than anything, I have attempted to bring a new transparency to our town and an openness to hear the voice of the people. It has been my aim this year to truly establish an “open door” policy so that every citizen feels that there views and opinions are valued and respected. As we move into 2008 it is my desire to continue building on our successes and to move ahead to a revitalized economy. We have many projects underway for the year ahead of us. We are moving ahead with plans for the new Library and Municipal offices on Front Street. Designed to resemble the old CPR station it is presently undergoing final design considerations by the architects with construction starting in the spring. We are also currently underway on the $4.6 million Downtown Revitalization which will give a whole new look to our downtown core As we move ahead looking for investors and inviting visitors to our community a revitalized downtown will be a key factor in our success. Infrastructure is always an important part of municipal needs and we are currently putting together the final funding to complete the sewage treatment upgrades as well as work on streets and roads. One of the highlights of 2007 for our community was the visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to announce the formation of the New National Marine Conservation Area. This is something that I had committed to fighting for during the election and will continue to move ahead as quickly as possible. The economic spin-offs for our municipality from this are immense and I believe that it is imperative that we continue to keep this issue, and Nipigon’s role, front and centre in everyone’s mind. Along with this council has also started a plan to establish an RV park and campground at our Marina as well as discussions with Oceans and fisheries for the upgrading of our marina. As a council we have been meeting with numerous other potential investors and are committed to continuing to actively pursue each and every potential investor. At the same time I recognise that for those who have been displaced from work by the recent difficulties there is a desperate need for work now. I have been in discussions with both the provincial and federal governments to look for ways to provide assistance for displaced workers as our economy shifts and recovers. I have been very encouraged by the commit-ments made to provide funding for workers in the Continued on Page 2 G0PS Supports Local Children’s Aid Society Once again this year, the staff of George O’Neill Public School supported the local Children’s Aid Society. Teachers, Educational Assistants, Custodians and Support Staff not only raised funds through their “Casual Dress Days” but they also purchased toys to donate to local children. R: Patti MacAlpine (Educational Assistant and Library Technician), Shelby Salo (Children’s Aid Society) and Mike Modin (Grade 7/8 Teacher) making the presentation. Submitted: Nicole Morden Cormier Thunder Bay District CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-222- TIPS January has been designated as Crime Stoppers month. Statistics for the Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers for the year 2007: Number of arrests - 81 Number of cases cleared - 75 Property recovered -$78,087.00 Drugs seized - $112,275.00 For further information contact: Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers -807-684-1309 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS