Exton Viable to Site Cliff's Refining of Chromite from Ring of Fire

MEDIA RELEASE

New report concludes Exton is viable site for Ring of Fire Refinery

THUNDER BAY – September 20, 2011 - A report released today concludes that siting a ferrochrome refinery at Exton for Ring of Fire minerals is technically, environmentally and economically feasible. George Smitherman and Don Huff were contracted by the Municipality of Greenstone to push for establishing a Chromite refinery at Exton. Exton is located adjacent to the railway in the Municipality of Greenstone between Nakina and the Aroland First Nation.

"NW KICK START"

"Our analysis, with specific emphasis on the viability of supplying electricity to service the proposed arc furnaces concludes that Exton is well positioned to serve as the refinery site,” stated former Ontario Deputy Premier George Smitherman. Smitherman observed, "The Exton site has the significant advantage of fitting with the territorial expectations of First Nations and is economically feasible."

The Municipality of Greenstone asked that three major themes be addressed: 1. The Exton site must mesh with First Nation aspirations; 2. The viability of supplying adequate power; and 3. Sustainability considerations.

The specific request to review sustainability was made because developing any project of this scale has impacts – and there needs to be an awareness of how to avoid, minimize or mitigate them. If sustainability issues are not adequately addressed, there are risks to Ontario's natural environment and reputation and to the corporate evaluations of participating companies.

"The prospect of moving massive amounts of unrefined ore hundreds of kilometers past Exton (the terminus of the proposed north-south rail link to the Ring of Fire) is unnecessary, costly and undercuts sustainability principles," added Don Huff, President of Environmental Commutation Options, an environmental consulting firm with decades of experience in Ontario's environmental, energy and natural resources sectors.

"An Exton location minimizes impacts and contributes the most to project sustainability,” Huff added. “It also has the significant attribute of following the principles laid down by area First Nations, who appropriately insist that the value-added exercise of refining must be done in close proximity to the point of extraction. Refining the ore at Exton also saves at least 28 million dollars per year in transportation costs.”

Ferrochrome refinery arc furnaces consume large amounts of electricity. They also result in significant power quality concerns for other customers connected to the system. In Ontario it is tthe responsibility of the load customer creating the power quality issue to pay for any mitigation required. Given that (at least initially) there would be no other load customers connected to the 230 kV transmission within at least 100 km of the ferrochrome facility, the need for mitigation measures and hence the related costs may be significantly delayed or reduced at the Exton site compared to the other sites (Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Timmins) being considered for the ferrochrome facility. However the basic question was can the Exton site be supplied with adequate electricity. The task of answering this question was undertaken by Larry Doran of Imperium Energy Ltd. Mr. Doran, who is extremely knowledgeable about transmission issues and specifically the northern Ontario electricity grid, indicates it can be done.

Mr. Doran stated, "Not only is it technically feasible to get the required electricity to Exton, it can be done in a timely and cost-effective manner". He added, "In fact, my analysis shows that supplying electricity to Exton will provide electricity system benefits for the region. The associated benefits of a stronger expanded and reinforced energy supply system will generate economic and social benefit across northwestern Ontario."

Greenstone Mayor Ron Beaulieu, on receiving the report from Smitherman, Huff and Doran observed, "What began as a research project to assist Greenstone has emerged as a very real opportunity to build a new backbone for the economy of northwestern Ontario. It is clear that a decision to site a refinery in Greenstone will do the most to accelerate opportunity throughout our region.”

“Area First Nations will not stand by and watch our economic opportunities being shipped out of the region or to another jurisdiction,” said Chief Sonny Gagnon of Aroland First Nation. “This report provides Cliffs and the Governments of Canada and Ontario with a game plan for moving forward.”

Standing with Raymond Ferris, Ring of Fire Coordinator for Matawa First Nations, Mayor Beaulieu concluded, "We will continue to work with the First Nations as we make our case to Cliffs and to the Governments of Canada and Ontario."

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For additional information or to schedule an interview contact:

Vicki Blanchard, Economic Development Officer Cell: 807-853-1000 Email: vicki.blanchard@greenstone.ca

Greenstone (Canada 2006 Census population 4,906) stretches 200km along TransCanada Highway 11 from Lake Nipigon to Longlac. It is one of the largest incorporated municipalities in Canada. Formed in 2001, it combined the Townships of Beardmore and Nakina, the Towns of Geraldton and Longlac with large unincorporated portions of Crown Land covering an area in excess of 3,000 sq.km.

The Ring of Fire is the area in the James Bay Lowlands in Northern Ontario, currently the site of major mining exploration projects (over 30,000 Claims have been staked). It has the potential to be the most significant mineral development in Ontario in over a century. It is centered on McFaulds Lake, 286 km from Greenstone on First Nation traditional lands.

Spring 2011 Ward Newsletter

Dear Citizens,

Gateway to the Ring of Fire – Building Capacity:

On June 7^th between noon and 1:30 p.m., you’re invited to meet with our Economic Development Officer, Vicki Blanchard when she is in Nakina. Vicki was recently hired this past December and has been working feverishly with numerous companies, businesses and funding partners. The resurgence in mining activities and the exciting prospects associated with developments in the Ring of Fire are forefront in her day-to-day work. The majority of the day will be spent introducing Vicki to our community and increasing her familiarity with Nakina and surrounding area. At our Council meeting of May 24^th, two important motions were introduced by Vicki that responded to encouragement from both FEDNOR and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and Forestry, which Council supported. The two motions will allow the Municipality to apply for two funding applications of $125,000 and $176,500. If successful, the funding will support Municipal coordination of the mining industry, federal and provincial governments, trade unions, Aboriginal peoples and environmental groups. The co-ordination efforts will focus on community development associated with power and transportation infrastructure, land acquisition, housing construction and the partnerships needed to fund the required investment. Nakina has the potential to be significantly impacted by the Ring of Fire developments. Our E.D.O. is tasked with ensuring we are investment ready and responsive to the opportunities and inquiries that are made of her.

Building Capacity

Economic Development Officer, Vicki Blanchard

June 7^th, 2011

Noon – 1:30 p.m

Nakina French Club

A light lunch will be served

Also this week, Council awarded the successful $ 4.3 M contract to C. Villeneuve Construction Co. Ltd. The contract is for the rehabilitation of the Nakina E Ruddick Airport runway and taxiway with replacement of edge lighting and the installation of a new auxillary power generator. The contract will be completed this summer. This project which is 100% funded by an ACAP federal grant and will ensure that the airport is upgraded and will better serve the region for many years.

Council has had numerous budget meetings this past month in preparation for passing the approved budget. I am optimistic that three main roads in Nakina will be repaved this summer with revenue coming from the Gas Tax Rebate. The roads include Cordingley Lake Rd (Center Street to the airport), Center Street (Main to Kingsland), and Main Street (Center to Railway).  Roadwork and granular fill to improve Twin Lakes Road has been identified.

The internet blog, “Greenstone Matters” can be viewed at http://jay--daiter.blogspot.com/ The ward newsletter and other personal posts will also reside at this site. You can easily comment on the posts and your participation is encouraged. We’re also on Facebook under “Greenstone Matters.”

Regards,

Jay Daiter (Nakina Ward Councillor)

Municipality of Greenstone

4th Annual "Greenstone Loop" Poker Rally

The Nakina Sno Club is holding the 4th Annual Greenstone Loop Poker Rally on Saturday, February 5, 2011.

The Greenstone Loop will allow snowmobilers the extreme pleasure of riding on 200km of the finest groomed trails anywhere. Don't miss this snowmobile run. Our fantastic snow conditions and immaculately groomed trail system are calling out for you.

Nestled in Northern Ontarioand accessible from the OFSC A trail, this 200km loop winds its way through the boreal forest connecting the communities of Geraldton, Longlac and Nakina.

Hospitality

Come experience this scenic loop, the excellent snow conditions and warm hospitality that Greenstone has to offer. Accommodations are available at Pennock's, R & D Apartments and Schallock's. The arena canteens in Longlac, Geraldton, and Nakina will be open. A casual, light, hot meal will be available in Nakina.

Poker Run

All hands will be made available when sledders arrive at the Nakina Sports/Arena Complex. The pass will be collected in Nakina at this check-in prior to receiving their poker hands. Each registrant will receive their 3 hands (included in the registration). Additional hands may be purchased in Nakina for $10.00 each.

For more information visit www.snowmobiling.greenstone.ca

December 2010 Newsletter

Dear Citizens,

Thank you to all of the residents of Nakina who showed tremendous interest in their community, and to all of the residents who came out to vote in the October 25th Municipal Elections. I'm very appreciative of everyone who supported me in my re-election. I'm eager, refreshed, and am looking forward to working as a member of the newly-formed Council, and to continue advancing Greenstone's collective interests. The turnout at the inaugural meeting two weeks ago was very well attended with an air of optimism and revitalized interest.

There have been some important events over the past 3 months. The official signing ceremony forming a partnership between the Municipality and Aroland First Nations is of ongoing importantance in our joint economic interests related to the Ring of Fire. Quite simply, we want the same things, which are jobs and economic development opportunities that are linked to future mining and processing facilities. In early November, I attended the three day Canadian Aboriginal Mining Conference in Winnipeg. The largest Canadian conference in this format, “Seeking Consent, Seeking Resources” was very rewarding as I gained a deeper understanding of the necessary steps to get permissions for mining activities and exploration to take place on Treaty Lands. Our Greenstone booth was extremely well visited which displayed the Ring of Fire region to the north of Greenstone. The interest in the Ring of Fire is enormous and was discussed in several conference sessions.  

In mid November, a group of business people, GEDC staff and three members of Council travelled to the Red Lake area as guests of Red Lake’s Municipal and Economic Development staff. The site visit was organized and was funded through Greenstone Economic Development Corporation. The team was provided with a better understanding into the issues, challenges, and impact on a municipality like Red Lake, which it is being affected by new mining developments. Red Lake has seen a tremendous restart of it’s world class gold mines. Issues related to it’s airport expansion, housing, pressures placed upon municipal infrastructure, acquiring and zoning lands for development, opportunities and challenges, were all introduced to the 19 members of this delegation. A final report is being prepared by GEDC and will be released to the public. Lessons learned can be applied to Greenstone.

The Thunder Bay Municipal League Meeting on November 19 & 20^th was valuable and informative and provided the first regional forum to meet some new faces in the Mayor’s Chairs, and to acknowledge the contributions made by outgoing municipal councillors and mayors. The first business meeting of the new Council occurred on December 13^th with our second meeting held on December 20^th.  I am planning to work with camp / home owners in the New Year to support them by seeking improvements to the Twin Lakes Road. If you’re interested in helping, please let me know.                                 

                                               

The internet blog, “Greenstone Matters” can be viewed at http://jay--daiter.blogspot.com/ The ward newsletter and other personal posts will also reside at this site. You can easily comment on the posts and your participation and comments / input is encouraged.

Holly & I both enjoyed recently attending the Senior’s & French Club Christmas get-togethers. Great community spirit. 

Wishing each of you a Festive Season filled with joy as you share with friends and family. Have a wonderful holiday.

Regards,

Jay Daiter, Councillor, 

Nakina Ward, Municipality of Greenstone

Jay Daiter

Nakina Ward Councillor

Thank you to Holly, all of the residents of Nakina who showed tremendous interest in their community, and to all of the voters who came out to vote in the October 25th Municipal Elections. 

I'm very appreciative of those friends who actively supported my bid for re-election, especially for their moral support and encouragement.

I'm eager, refreshed, and am looking forward to working as a member of a newly formed Council, and to continue advancing Greenstone's collective interests. Our voter turnout almost 70%!

Re-elect Jay Daiter for Nakina Ward Councillor

Re-elect Jay Daiter

Nakina Ward Councillor

Following two terms on Council as Ward Councillor for Nakina, I am running as your ward representative for a third term. There are challenges and opportunities that I am prepared to influence. I want to keep the momentum going, especially where Nakina is concerned.  This is not the time to drop the ball. Local activities associated directly with The Ring of Fire are of immense importance to growing our local economy. I am deeply committed to seeing the benefits of the early work and efforts which have begun.

Until I meet with you personally, you can download my election brochure. (You can easily make the pamphlet easier to read by using the zoom buttons at the bottom of the document page)


Some of the benefits provided to Nakina residents over my term on Council, are described in this document.


If you were unable to attend the Nakina Ward 'Meet the Candidates' meeting, you are encouraged to read my address to better understand my interests on your behalf.

I am asking for your vote as Nakina's Ward Councillor in the upcoming Municipal election on October 25th. Please note that you may vote in the Advance Polls beginning on Monday, October 18th at 9:00 a.m. I plan to stop by and talk with you to gain your confidence and support.


You are encouraged to contact me by:


home phone:      329-5804
e-mail:                jay.daiter@bell.net
My Blog            
Facebook


I look forward to meeting with you during this election campaign.



Respectfully,

Jay Daiter

August - September Nakina Councillor Newsletter

Dear Citizens,

Another major investment at the E. Ruddick airport for airside development is underway. Building upon the increasing air traffic and fuel requirements associated with the Ring of Fire mining explorations to the north of Nakina, the Council will support a funding application request to the NOHFC. As the application is being developed, I expect that the plan will address an expanded apron, paved access to the eight lots, as well as the development of commercially available lots with support services. In the interim, discussions are continuing with three companies who have expressed interest in operating airside at the E. Ruddick Airport. All three companies wish to conduct their business at the E. Ruddick Airport commencing this fall. Property will be prepared that will be leased to them and which supports their business interests. Petro Value, Graham Energy and NorOnt are all aware of the development opportunities associated with their private business ventures that can be supported by allowing a larger airside lot as the overall project extends into next summer.

On August 9^th, Council supported and approved the engagement of E.B.A. Engineering Consultant’s Ltd. to prepare a design plan for the R. Elmer Ruddick Airport expansion. At a cost of just over $18,000, the plan will generate the data the Municipality requires to more accurately identify the requirements when we complete and file the NOHFC application for funding to support this expansion. The scope of the project is expected to address the apron design, lighting, lot preparation and service installations, and service road access to 8 airside lots. The improvements to the Nakina airport are being made strategically and are expected to maintain and attract the interest of businesses and developers especially as the mining activity ramps up in the Ring of Fire.

Representation from Council was made to three Provincial Ministers in mid-August at the annual AMO Conference. Significant to improving the local economy were two meetings with the Minister of Northern Development, Mines & Forestry (Honourable Michael Gravelle) and the Minister of Energy & Infastructure (Honourable Brad Duguid) when they were presented with two briefs addressing electricity to The Ring of Fire.  Our request to both Ministers described in the briefs reads:

That the Minister take all actions necessary to ensure the construction within 3 years of a new transmission line from Cameron Falls to Nakina, in an already existing transmission corridor, to provide the electricity necessary to meet the electric arc furnace requirements at the Nakina site, And that the Minister work with the Premier and Cabinet to provide electricity costing for this project competitive with adjacent provinces.

Here is an extract from our briefs that invites optimism:

·       176 Miles – That’s how close the largest chromite deposits in the world are to the community of Nakina in the Municipality of Greenstone

·       These chromite deposits in the Ring of Fire have a life expectancy of 50 to 100 years at an extraction rate of 15,000 tons per day or 5 million tons annually.

·       Processing of the ore is initially projected to be done in Nakina using electric arc furnaces.

·       The development of the project could take another 6 years; however, the bulk of the construction work would probably occur over the next 3 years

·       This project will create 2,300 direct jobs over the 3 year period and cost more than $2 billion.

·       Estimated provincial tax revenues during the 3 year construction phase would be in excess of $ 414 million while annual provincial tax revenues would be in excess of $112 million for every year of operation.

·       The project will provide incredible economic benefits to our region and the province.

·       First Nation organizations are adamant that the ore be processed / refined in their area for the benefit of the people in that area – not for the benefit of others elsewhere, either in, or out of the Province.

Two streets in Nakina in need of restoration and resurfacing, will be completed this fall. The section of Ontario Street which was excavated late last summer, is one street which has a very poor road base but will be restored.  Main Street will also be repaved following the required work to address the upgrades to the water lines. Local roads which are high on the list of restoration also include the area of the min-sub (Aspen Drive, Manaham Bay, Mackie Drive, Balkham Rd.) and Center Street.

The Nakina Volunteer Fire Department will soon have it’s new Rescue Unit Vehicle as it is being retrofitted with the necessary new equipment. The total cost of the rescue vehicle will be approximately $60,000.

The completion of back-up generating power to the K.C. lift station to avoid potential and past instances where residents have had backup flows into their basements, is now completed.  I was pleased that a direct power line was laid running under Balkam Creek last winter, between the water treatment plant and the lift located at the entrance to Northwood Drive, rather than employing a back-up generator that was an earlier consideration.

The official status of our A.C.A.P. announcement related to the E. Ruddick Airport should be made within the next few weeks. The ACAP project details the design for the runway rehabilitation (repaving), runway lighting upgrades and an auxiliary power generator for the R. Elmer Ruddick Nakina.  The cost of this project is approximately $4 million and is expected to be fully- funded through the ACAP program. This is a major local project which will enhance Nakina’s role in providing necessary air service to our northern communities and to the mining / exploration sites to the north of us.

Progress continues on the development of a permanent, all season road from Nakina to Marten Falls. As another strategy to promote the regional economy, especially as it relates to realizing the Ring of Fire opportunities for our area, the Council voted to support this venture through a motion providing $10,000 as one funding partner in an NOHFC application to acquire financial assistance for this road construction. Another example of how the importance of Nakina’s location is relative to the development to the north of us.

As the chair of Tourism Committee of Council, I’m pleased that we’re starting to see visible results of our early efforts to increase the visibility of Greenstone through better promotion and marketing. Now supported with our newly-hired tourism intern (Brent Henley), Travis Schallock and Danny Michel guided Jim Hoey (The Dimestore Fisherman) and his film crew recently while in Nakina. As one highlight of the five-day video shoot across Greenstone, Jim described at supper, a stellar fishing experience for smallmouth bass on Cordingly Lake. One week after the very successful 25^th Annual Nakina Bass Tournament, and enjoying two recent editorial reviews by Gord Ellis (one in Ontario Outdoor Life and the second in the Chronicle Journal), The DimeStore Fisherman has indicated he’d like to join in on the event next year after being treated to another of Greenstone’s signature tourism events. I listened with interest to the dinner conversation in our “Country Kitchen” as Danny, Travis, Brent, and Jim spoke of ideas to ensure the Bass Derby continues to be an event that is actively supported by anglers, the volunteers of the Nakina Fish and Game Club and this renewed tourism initiative. I enjoyed the opportunity to help profile the Kenogamisis Golf Course in the same video shoot and introduced Jim and the film crew to some of the key players on the Club’s Executive and to capture footage of our superb 18 hole course. Streaming video content for our community portal as well as television broadcasts both in Canada and the U.S. are included in this tourism promotional project.

Congratulations to Magali Roy and the supporters of the CornFest sponsored by Le Club Francais. While the crowd wasn’t huge, the spirit was gigantic. I was joined by many who enjoyed the games of horseshoes, washers, the inflatables for the youth, the social gathering and the refreshments.  It is reassuring to see the spirit of our Club is vibrant.

The internet blog, “Greenstone Matters”  can be viewed at http://jay--daiter.blogspot.com/ The ward newsletter and other personal posts will also reside at this site. You can easily comment on the posts and your participation is encouraged.

Regards,

Jay Daiter, Nakina Ward Councillor

Greenstone Welcomes Tourism Intern Brent Henley

Greenstone is pleased to welcome Brent Henley to assist in further unlocking Greenstone’s tourism potential. Mr. Henley joins us as the successful “Tourism Intern” candidate for a one-year internship. The Municipality of Greenstone captured $27,500 through an application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to access the Northern Ontario Youth Internship and Co-op Program. In early May, another $5000 from FedNor, through an Local Initiative Contribution was announced to support a marketing-promotion application to engage “The DimeStore Fisherman.”

This Tourism Steering Committee of Council has been assigned several responsibilities all linked to improved marketing and promoting of what has been identified as our Signature Assets.

Brent’s  responsibilities will encompass:

·    Market and promote Tourism Events & Attractions for Greenstone.

·    Implementation of the recommendations presented to Council from the Steering Tourism Committee (February 2^nd, 2009)

·    Research possible relationships opportunities through regional promotion and marketing partnerships and compile a listing of potential promotional and marketing options to promote Tourism Events & Attractions in Greenstone.

·    Identify all local volunteer organizations and their events.

·    Assist local volunteer organizations in promoting their events through the community portal and other free media outlets.

·    Promote all municipal signature events through news stories, the community portal and any other possible promotional means.

·    Develop and distribute print and electronic brochures designed to market and promote tourism events & attractions in Greenstone.

·    Create, maintain, distribute and promote a current schedule of tourism events & attractions.

It is expected that Mr. Henley will be highly visible throughout Greenstone as he becomes increasingly familiar with our Municipality and gets to know and interact with the residents in the hospitality and tourism sector. You are encouraged to contact Mr. Henley at:

brent.henley@greenstone.ca

or by phone at 853-0009

In a complimentary tourism initiative, Brent will also be promoting an engagement with Jim Hoey, “The DimeStore Fisherman” who will be coordinating a pan-Greenstone video shoot from August 12th-18th. 

Nakina Ward Spring Newsletter

Dear Citizens,

There is little doubt that most of the questions and inquiries I

receive regularly (from far and near) are related to the Ring of Fire developments. Optimism abounds as many key indicators suggest that this economic opportunity is going to impact significantly on the regional economy. The recent turnout of the large public gathering at the information meeting held in Nakina on February 18^th bears out that the area residents are keenly interested in these developments.

That Canada is seen as rounding the corner on the recession, the strength of the loonie on international markets, the recovery and improved stability on the Canadian stock markets and current commodity pricing, are some indicators which will positively and directly influence mineral development and investment in the Ring of Fire.

Significant public announcements at Queen’s Park all pave the way for the Ring of Fire activities to advance including:

• The appointment by the Ontario government in the 2010 budget speech of A Ring of Fire Secretariat to lead our collective efforts to advance the area’s economic promise
• The province announcing the reduction of electricity prices by almost 25 per cent for large industrial users
• The announcement by the province contained in the budget announcements that “We’re investing $45 million over three years for a new skills training program to help Aboriginal Peoples and northern Ontarians benefit from jobs in the Ring of Fire region.”

Several weeks ago, I was uncertain that the key provincial ministers may not understand the extent of the opportunities in the Ring of Fire. I am more reassured but I’ll continue to influence when opportunities arise. Watch for a new sign along Highway 584 with a logo (similar to one above), “The Ring of Fire Highway.”

I was pleased that Council supported the motion to help promote Greenstone by tagging our location to the Ring of Fire area and related developments. We will all be hearing lots of continuing ‘buzz’ about the developments to our north. Our Council is taking steps to meet with First Nations leaders. A meeting is planned for next week with Chief Sonny Gagnon and His Council. While at NOMA in Marathon, there was an opportunity to speak with both the Minister Gravelle and His Deputy Minister. It was an opportunity to describe expectations face to face by stating, “the potential smelting of the extracted ore must occur in Northwestern Ontario and that the energy requirements must be in place to enable industry to be competitive and to sustain a refining operation in Northwestern Ontario.” While at NOMA in Marathon last week, the following Resolution reads in part: “that the Little Jackfish hydro-electric project be designed to provide sufficient power to upgrade the existing line from Beardmore to Longlac TS and Nakina and to power the future line to the Ring of Fire.” Nakina couldn’t be in a better location.

Council also recently gave full support for the following motion: “THAT the Municipality of Greenstone partner with the City of Thunder Bay and Partners for an Economic Impact Assessment of the Development and Operations of the McFaulds Lake Chrome Project (Ring of Fire area) to be conducted by Doyletech Corporation of Ottawa.”

On April 29th, I attended a presentation in Thunder Bay with Globe and Mail Journalist and 2009 winner of Canada’s National Business Book Award - Gordon Pitts. The Key Topics were:

· Canada’s Global Economic Outlook - After the Global Recession

· Strategic Advantages of NWO to the Global Economy

· Natural Resources – Key to Growth

· NWO in 2015 - Critical to Ontario’s Future

Council supported a motion I introduced to table the motion that would have sought support to accept and award a tender for Airport Operation Services at the R. Elmer Ruddick Nakina Airport for one year to the Thunder Bay Airport Authority. In January, I requested information related to the operations and management of our airports. Council has not yet had the opportunity to be fully review this material. Of primary importance to me, is that the operations at our airports and particularly at the ER Ruddick airport, not be compromised and that they will serve well, all of the carriers and businesses using this airport.

Cost estimates are being prepared for an “Airside Business Park Development” at the Elmer Ruddick Airport consisting of 6 commercial lots. Inquiries have already been received from business considering leasing lots at both municipal airports. I am optimistic that Council will support this development in Nakina. This capital project is in the mix of all the capital considerations. Council has now met for three days in budget deliberations.

An A.C.A.P. announcement related to the E. Ruddick Airport should be made within the next few weeks. “THAT on the recommendation of the Airports Manager and with the approval of the Director of Public Services, an invoice for EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. for the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) Application and Preliminary Design for the Runway Rehabilitation, Lighting Upgrade and Auxiliary Power Generator for the R. Elmer Ruddick Nakina Airport in the amount of $19,800.00 plus GST be approved for payment as per By-Law10-05.” If successful, Transport Canada will cover 100% of the estimated $3,946,939.00 project costs.

A Tourism Intern is expected to be hired as the interviewing process is now complete. A recommendation to Council is expected to arise from the Tourism Steering Committee before the end of this week. 50% of the wage and benefits of this position are coming from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. As chair of the committee, I will be encouraging a transition from a one year internship, to a longer term position. A video shoot in each of Greenstone’s wards, will help to better profile our municipal assets and events through the production of a Greenstone DVD and a series of television programs on major US television networks through the engagement of the “DimeStore Fisherman”. A tentative itinerary for a 5 day Greenstone video shoot from August 13^th -17^th has been prepared.

Approved by Council and on the recommendation of Nakina Sector Fire Chief Mike McCool, Byron C. Magiskan and Martin Lavoie have be appointed as firefighters with the Nakina Volunteer Fire Department effective March 8, 2010. The community appreciates your services.

The Northern Ontario Energy Credit will provide relief from higher energy costs incurred by low- to middle-income residents of northern Ontario with a new annual credit of up to $130 for a single person and up to $200 for families (including single parents). The credit will be reduced for single persons with adjusted net income of over $35000 ($45000 for families). The first 2 payments will be made in the fall of 2010.

The consideration of adopting a ‘Minimum Attendance Policy’ pertaining to Childcare at our Day Care facilities has resulted in strong support from Council not to adopt the policy at this time and to put it on the back burner. The draft policy came forward again to Council in April that described a set of processes that would result in the closing of a day care if the minimum attendance was not sustained for three consecutive months. At the end of this 3 month period, parents would then be given 60 days notice that the center would close. I was supportive of the decision to not adopt and implement this policy. I anticipate that there will be a continued need for child care services in the near future.

The internet blog, “Greenstone Matters” can be viewed at http://jay--daiter.blogspot.com/ The ward newsletter and other personal posts will also reside at this site. You can easily comment on the posts and your participation is encouraged.

Regards,

Jay Daiter, Nakina Ward Councillor

cc: Mayor Power