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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2011

Printed in Canada Volume 117 Number 44

Board finds Kircher breached code

By Peggy Revell Staff writer

INSIDE

By a 4-2 vote last night, the Rainy River District School Board found newly-elected trustee David Kircher had breached confidentiality, but current trustees remain outraged over the outgoing school boards actions to amend senior administration contracts at its final meeting. Bottom line, if Im sanctioned, I certainly think its worth the censure to go through that and have this information public as opposed to not, Kircher said after the vote, which came after he shared with members of the public that the outgoing board had voted

behind closed doors in November to amend the contracts of both the director of education (Heather Campbell) and superintendent of business (Laura Mills) so each would receive four years salary plus benefits in severance pay if let go by the new board. The new board originally discussed the contract issue in-camera at its meeting in January, and that the two contracts had been changed was noted in the public minutes. The issue arose again in public discussion at Februarys meeting when trustee Dan Belluz, chair of the former board, stated more details concerning the contract amendments originally discussed

in-camera had been shared with the publican action Kircher took responsibility for. The 4-2 vote at last nights meetingheld at Donald Young School in Emowas in favour of a resolution that Kircher had breached the Trustee Code of Conduct. I was a little surprised, but not overwhelmed or anything, Kircher said. I can appreciate the other trustees thinking that I had breached the Trustee Code of Conduct and theyre entitled, obviously, to their opinion. I didnt breach, as far as Im concerned, the in-camera portion of anythingI just publicly stated what the amendments were about, Kircher said, standing by the expla-

nation he gave at Februarys board meeting as to why sharing this information wasnt a breach, including that the amendments were put into open session and that both the Freedom of Information Act and Education Act dictate that the substance of the amendments is public information and should have been disclosed. Kircher now has 14 days to respond to trustees. Then at Aprils board meeting, trustees will vote to confirm or reject the motion passed last night, explained board chair Michael Lewis. If confirmed, there then will be a recommendation for a consequence, Lewis noted, the least of which would be a censurespecifi-

cally, a letter of reprimand. I dont know what the board will do, conceded Lewis, who was joined by trustee Ralph Hill in voting against last nights resolution. By April 5, I certainly will make a recommendation as to what I think the consequence will be and then the board can vote on that, yea or nay, he explained. I really struggled with [the decision] because I also believe it was information that should have been in the public in the first place, said board vice-chair Dianne McCormick, who ultimately voted that there was a breach of confidentiality. Basically, whether or not the Please see Board, A6

Trudeau talk likely to sell out

Shes been called inspirational, genuine, and an amazing speaker, which is why Sandy Skirten, director of services with the local branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, is sure tickets for Margaret Trudeaus upcoming talk here will sell out quickly.

See story on A2

Town asking where savings went

By Duane Hicks Staff writer Starting in 2008, the province began uploading various programs it previously had downloaded to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, reducing some of the DSSABs program costs and, theoretically, the levy amount district municipalities should have to pay. But the Town of Fort Frances feels it and other district municipalities have not been getting the full benefit of the uploadingand is asking the province for answers. According to information contained in the 2011 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) allocation notice Fort Frances received, the town says it should be realizing $420,400 in savings from uploaded programs, including a Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) of $57,900, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) administration component ($48,500), ODSP benefits component ($307,700), and Ontario Works benefits ($6,300). Based on the 2011 allocation notices for other district municipalities, the total 2011 uploaded savings for Rainy River District should be more than $887,200 (this total does not include the Town of Rainy River, which had not received its 2011 OMPF notice as of Monday). However, the DSSAB has indicated the total uploaded savings for the entire district this year is only $448,238. It says the town is misinterpreting the numbers. Coun. Ken Perry, who is the Fort Frances rep on the DSSAB board, said the allocation notices are pretty straightforward and he cant understand where DSSABs administration is coming from. [The OMPF allocation notice] tells you what is there, and theyve interpreted them a different way and I have no idea why, Coun. Perry noted in an interview Monday. The numbers are the numbers and I have presented them at board meetings, I have presented them to other board members, and theyve been convinced by the DSSAB administration that the numbers that we got from the province arent really correct, he added. I dont know what else I can say. This is driving me crazy, Coun. Please see Town, A7

Auction to benet art trip

Fort High students are organizing an art auction and dinner to raise money for a trip to the Big Apple later this spring. The Taste of New York fundraiser is slated for this Monday (March 7) from 6-8 p.m. at the high school cafeteria.

Book challenge
Carla Harris Grade 1 class at St. Michaels School here was the winner of the Winter Book Challenge held there through January and February. The goal was for the students to read 2,011 books collectively, but they exceed that amount by reading a total of 2,991. Harris class read 448 books, with each student receiving a poster for being the top class. Heather Latter photo

See story on A5

Condo open house Board suggests OPP set for next week talk to town council
By Duane Hicks Staff writer Those behind the proposed La Verendrye Parkway Village condominium here are excited about the renewed interest in the project, with an open house scheduled for next Wednesday (March 9) at the Civic Centre. The public is encouraged to drop by from 5-8 p.m. to meet Thunder Bay developer Robert Zanette, as well as builder Wayne Kaun of Ed Kaun & Sons Ltd. and Re/Max sales rep Kathy Judson. They will be on hand to answer questions as well as show floor plans and other drawings of the project, which is proposed to be built on a riverfront lot located at Front Street and Mosher Avenue (to the east of the current Riverwalk Condominiums). Basically, we want people to know that, yes, we are here, we are in, we are doing this, so come out and ask any questions you want to, Judson said in an interview Monday. She said all parties involved are looking to get going with the project, which has gained a more local marketing focus with the addition of her to the team. The project had first been talked about in 2008, with an open house last held in May, 2009. But the project has been somewhat slow going until recently. Judson said one of the difficulties has been that Zanette has been extremely busy with real estate contracts in Thunder Bay, Phoenix, and Kelowna. Likewise, Re/Max broker Mario Tegola, who was in charge of selling units, also was based in Thunder Bay and busy with matters there. Judson, whos worked on condominium conversions, new construction projects and resale units in Vancouver, Winnipeg and the Greater Toronto Area over the past three decades, came into the picture last summer when she returned home to Emo to care for her mother. After her mothers passing, she decided to move her from Toronto, reactivate her real estate license and stay in the district. So, I looked around and decided to join Re/Max, Judson recalled. With a project like this, Please see Condo, A7 By Duane Hicks Staff writer In response to a question from council as to why the Town of Fort Frances seemingly has a higherthan-average number of police officers, the local Police Services Board is suggesting the OPP make a presentation to council addressing this query and much more. At its monthly meeting Friday, the Police Services Board discussed the question brought up by Coun. Ken Perry at the Feb. 14 council meeting, when he wondered why the national average for police officers in communities is 2.0 officers per 1,000 people, but the ratio here is about 2.5 per 1,000? OPP detachment commander A/Insp. Steve Shouldice said hes spoken to OPP S/Sgt. Rod Case, senior analyst and case manager, and is not aware of any place in Canada where police staffing is based on a ratio. Rather, its based on calls for serviceand only after the fact would such a ratio be calculated. He added the OPP is looking at updating its staffing formula further so it better suits the area policed, as it currently fits southern Ontario better than Northern

Local rinks fall short

It wasnt the results they wanted but the experience of vying for a provincial crown on home ice was something Judy LaBelle and Roz Broman certainly will remember.

See story on B1

Ontario. For example, it does not include Mental Health Act or Liquor Licence Act occurrences, but it does include calls out to alarms going off at residences, which are far more common in the south than in the north. So its kind of skewed, admitted A/Insp. Shouldice. Were looking at catering it for a detachment arealets get a snapshot of what that detachment should look like in order to be able to adequately and effectively police, he added. He also noted S/Sgt. Case is willing to come here and talk to council about staffing, as well as contracts, adding S/Sgt. Case went to Atikokan when it renewed its contract with the OPP. With the town looking at renewing its contract with the OPP, Police Services Board chair John McTaggart said that maybe council should be provided with more information. Would a presentation on adequacy and effectiveness and what that entails for policing, and some of the services that are included in this contract but not paid for as such, to council by Steve [be a Please see Board, A7

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A6 FORT FRANCES TIMES

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Date set for Bag Lunch

Press release Previously known as the Old Bags Lunch, the Riverside Foundation for Health Care has scheduled Saturday, April 16 as the date for this years event. To be held once again at the Fort Frances High School cafeteria, it will include a buffet-style lunch, goodie bags, entertainment, and lots of fun and games. Tickets, as well as more information, will be available at a later date. Reservations for tables of eight also will be available again this year. If it aint broke, dont fix it, reasoned new Foundation director Nicke Baird. So were planning a very similar event to previous years, but with a new menu and a new look on the promotional end of things, she explained. Were excited to be planning this event and are going to play a lot of the games that were played in the previous years, echoed Allison Hyatt, new chair of the Foundations special events committee. Were also going to put together some great goodie bags, Hyatt added. Were already receiving bag donations, noted Baird. But we are looking for more donations for our different bag categories, including every-day purses, evening purses, kids bags, foreign bags, and designer bags. We would also like to feature local artist bags, and have a table for local business bags to promote artists and businesses in the area, she added. Donations can be dropped off in the garage at 911 Frenette Ave., at 525 Scott St., or at the Foundation office. You also can call Baird or Hyatt for a pick-up at 274-4803 or 276-0029. We only have 160 tickets available and already have some on hold, noted Baird.

Board finds Kircher breached code

More from A1 issues should have been dealt with in-camera or not, it was still being discussed in-camera, she reasoned. The proper course would have been for it to be publicly released in one form or another before trustees spoke about itwhether or not they believe it should have been, she added. Belluz, who voted that there was a breach, refused to comment to the media following last nights meeting. Also voting in favour of the resolution was Marg Heyens and Chief Earl Klyne, who represents the areas First Nations on the board. Kircher did not vote. Im very concerned about the process that took place on Nov. 2, 2010, stressed Lewis. I believe it was not right. It was legal, but I dont think it was ethical, he added, pointing to how it was known in November that only two trustees from the old board would be returning. Lewis also said lame duck legislationalready in place for municipal councilsneeds to apply to school boards by 2014. What [the former board] did was effectively, theoretically, harness this board with a possible payout which was considerable, he argued. I dont believe that will ever come to pass, he added. It doesnt matter, though, as in theory it could. I didnt accept their reasoning that somehow or other this nefarious group of trustees who had just been elected were going to come down and do something silly like fire administrators, Lewis remarked. While Kircher had been vocal

The proper course would have been for it to be publicly released in one form or another before trustees spoke about itwhether or not they believe it should have been. Dianne McCormick
about issues such as the missing funds from Fort Frances High School, he never mentioned anything about getting rid of employees, Lewis noted, nor have the other new trustees. Lewis said he wrote to local MPP Howard Hampton as a citizen this past fall concerning lame duck legislation after actually hearing rumours on the street that such contract amendments were in the works. Which to me is kind of odd because that would mean that someone on that [former] board breached the code of conduct, or how would I know [through rumours] that they were going to do that? he reasoned. Since the new board learned of the contract amendments in January, Lewis said hes since written to all three provincial party leaders over the issue but has received no response so far. He said he also contacted the Ministry of Education, who told him that it was a Ministry of Municipal Affairs problem, and was, in turn, told by Municipal Affairs that it was a Ministry of Education problem. Lewis also wrote to the Ministry of Government Services, but has not yet received a response. Meanwhile, the need for lame duck legislation for school boards was something Hill brought up this past weekend when he was in Toronto for an Ontario Public School Boards Association meeting. As the local boards rep to the OPSBA, Hill raised the issue with other members, including the OPSBAs executive director and first vice-president, who will be looking into the issue, getting a legal opinion, and seeing how to proceed. One of them felt it makes all public school boards look bad to the public, and it also makes them look bad to the Ministry of Education, Hill said of the reaction to the former boards actions here. I certainly talked with people from Stratton to Emo to Sault Ste. Marie to Toronto and everyone is disgusted with the actions of the old board, he added. Thats 100 percent unanimous. People felt that after an election to make that kind of [decision] everyone is absolutely disgusted, he remarked. As for a breach of confidentiality, Hill agreed with Kircher that the release of this information falls under the Freedom of Information Act. Public money, as much as possible, should be public, he stressed. To me, the crime in no way, shape, or form is the breach of trust, but is the actual act of putting us on the hook for $1.3 million after being voted out.

Showcasing talent
Wab Kinew entertained a full house Saturday night during the Hometown Heroes concert at the Couchiching multi-use facility. Organized by the United Native Friendship Centres Cultural Connections for Aboriginal Youth program as a trip fundraiser, the concert also featured performances by comedian Ryan McMahon, as well as singers Angus Johnson, Larissa Desrosiers, and Mack Sickz (with special guest Dustin Davis a.k.a DUBZ). Heather Latter photo

Submit your photos online at

SHARI HAS MOVED!

Shari Humphrey has moved to
A LITTLE OFF THE TOP
(Next to McTaggarts)

Seats are lling fast-Were 60% full already!

www.fortfrances.com

Tuesday & Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm oking Thursday & Friday 1pm- 9pm Im lo seeing old friends, forward to my chair. Saturday 9am - 3pm l as new ones, in
All gift certicates and coupons with Shari will be redeemable at A Little Off The Top

274-0336

NEXT COURSE STARTS IN APRIL

as wel

An ideal student age is about 3 Includes 4 days in class and 13 private in-car months prior to lessons. Call 274-1309, please leave your name their 16th birthday. and mailing address and an information package will be sent to you. www.drivewisesafety.com

March at the Museum

Opening here March 8 until closing April 16. the ever popular

Threadworks!

Help an extraordinary Ontarian get recognition

Nominate someone from your community for the Order of Ontario.
orderofontario.ca
Deadline for nominations: March 16, 2011

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVIDERS

throughout the Rainy River District

TAKE NOTICE
The Rainy River District Womens Shelter of Hope
has received special funding from the Department of Justice Canada to complete a Needs Assessment Survey of the Rainy River District to compile data to be returned to each of the participants at the end of March 2011 for your use in your own agency. Ms. Connie Terlesky is the Research Project Coordinator, and she will be contacting community service providers over the next few weeks for assistance with this. If you work with people, and have not received a survey by March 15, please phone Connie at (807)597-2425 or complete the survey online at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/RRCommunityNeedsSurvey Your input is critical to achieve an accurate idea of the problems facing our district. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. In appreciation of your participation, you will be invited to a workshop at the end of March which we will host free of charge, which will conclude with amazing entertainment!

This years theme is Trees. Come see the exceptional creativity and talent expressed through handstitching, beadwork and embroidery. Truly a must-see!

March Break Activities

Keeping in mind our Threadworks exhibit, well be incorporating both textiles and trees! Mon. Mar 14Beaded Bracelets
Learn how to weave together embroidery thread and beads.

Wed. Mar 16 Rug-hooking & Cross-stitch

This is your chance to work on two heritage crafts: Work on our community What Hooks You Here project, or learn the simple art of cross-stitching.

Tues. Mar 15Fabric Art

Using many of the same items as the artists in our Threadworks exhibit, well make our own masterpieces with fabric, thread, beads and buttons.

Thurs. & Fri. Mar 17 & 18 Re-creating Treebeard.

Remember the Ents in Lord of the Rings? Thursday will be spent making a papier mach mask; on Friday, well complete it with paint and accessories. All classes run 1-3 p.m. $3.50 per day per child covers the cost of supplies. Please call 274-7891 to reserve a spot.

Yes, you can still register for the

Genealogy Workshop
with Janis Higgins on Saturday, March 12 1-3 p.m. at the Fort Frances Library There is a $10 fee.

Dr. Sher Ali Mirza of Thunder Bay An authority on structural engineering practice 2006 Order of Ontario appointee

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

259 Scott Street, Fort Frances 274-7891

Fort Frances Area Forecast

Kenora

THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ALBERTON NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CONSENT

Section 53(5)(a) of the Planning Act The following Application for Consent has been received and will be considered by the Committee of Adjustment for The Corporation of the Township of Alberton at a Public Meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Alberton Municipal Of ce. APPLICATION NO. C1-2011--Applicants: Marlyce Huitikka (for owners Olavi Huitikka and Marlyce Huitikka) in respect of the property described as Part of PIN 56021-0069 (LT), Parcel 14920, See Rainy River, being Part of Lot 7, River Range, Crozier, as in SLT57134 & SLT57135, Municipality of Alberton. The purpose of the application is to create one new residential lot. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the nature of the application, to invite public input, to advise on how to make comments on the application and to inform the public of future noti cation and appeal rights. Inquiries and written submissions may be made to the Secretary of the Alberton Committee of Adjustment by telephone at (807)274-6053 or by fax at (807)274-8449. Information about the application is available to the public at the Alberton Municipal Of ce during regular of ce hours. Appeal of a decision of the Township of Alberton Committee of Adjustment in respect of the above application may be made by any person or public body no later than 20 days after notice of the decision is given. If you wish to be noti ed of the decision rendered by the Township of Alberton Committee of Adjustment in respect of the proposed consent, you must make a written request to the Secretary at the address below. If a person or public body who les an appeal in respect of the proposed consent does not submit written comments to the Secretary before the Township of Alberton Committee of Adjustment gives a consent, the Ontario Municipal Board may dismiss the appeal. DATED this 2nd day of March, 2011. Dawn Hayes, CMO, Secretary of Alberton Committee of Adjustment RR#1-B2, #3 Hwy 611 South Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3M2 Phone: (807)274-6053 Fax: (807)274-8449

-16 / -6
Vermillion Bay Dryden

-20 / -5
Sioux Narrows

-18 / -5

Upsala

-21 / -5 MAR. 4 to 6, 10 to 12. Cooler temperatures. Mostly sunny skies.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Moffat Family Fund
Fort Frances has the good fortune of being selected to receive endowment funding of $37,500.00 for 2011 through the Winnipeg Foundation, speci cally the Moffat Family Fund, to support children, families and less advantaged communities. Organizations from outside of the Town of Fort Frances whose activities do not have a direct bene t to residents of Fort Frances, will not be considered. Individuals and organizations are invited to submit their requests stating the amount requested together with supporting rationale. Submissions should be typewritten and double spaced. In addition, charitable numbers for organizations must be included with their submission. Pease indicate if you have received funding for this project from any other sources. Please le your 2-5 page document on or before: 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2011 addressed and delivered to: Town of Fort Frances Attention: M. McCaig, Administrator 320 Portage Avenue Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 3P9 Fax: 274-8479 Email: mmccaig@fort-frances.com
An information package is available upon request at the above address or by phoning the information desk at the Civic Centre at 274-5323.
Rainy River Baudette

-19 / -6
Nestor Falls

-19 / -6
Emo

-18 / -4

-18 / -4
Fort Frances

-15 / -4
International Falls

-20 / -6 MAR. 3, 7 to 9. Normal temperatures. Cloudy periods. Occasional flurries.

Atikokan

www.weathertec.mb.ca 2011 Weather Tec Services. Inc.

Temperatures shown on the map are NORMALS averaged over a thirty year periiod. Arrows indicate general WIND FLOW patterns.

Thursday, March 3rd ... Cloudy skies. Occasional flurries. Normal termperatures Low near -19C. High near -6C. Friday, March 4th ... A mix of sun and cloud. Normal temperatures. Low near -11C. High near -3C.

FORECAST FOR THIS WEEK

Saturday, March 5th ... Mostly sunny skies. Cooler temperatures. Low near -21C. High near -10C.

Outlook for Sunday, March 6th to Saturday, March 12th, 2011 ... Mostly sunny skies on Sunday. Cloudy periods with occasional flurries expected on Monday to Wednesday. Mostly sunny skies on Thursday to Saturday. Temperatures will be normal to cool. Lows will be -22 to -17C. Highs will be -10 to -4C. Daylight on March 3rd lasts for 11 Hours and 8 Minutes. Sunrise: 6:52 AM. and Sunset: 6:00 PM.

WeatherTec Services Inc.

METRIC CONVERSION (to change mm to inches divide by 25) C 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25

F 95 86 77 68 59 50 41 32 23 14

-4 -13