Council gets thumbs down on keeping Tourist Info. open

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Rainy River Town Council ended its regular monthly meeting on a high and a low note Monday evening.
At the end of the session, a motion was introduced by Economic Development Chair, Councillor Gord Armstrong, to hire Urban Design Associates to come to Rainy River to speak to council and other stake-holders about a plan for the future of the community's business core.
"I had a phone call from him asking what we are doing for the future and how we are coping with all the downsizing that is going on," said Armstrong.
Mayor Deb Ewald said she sat in on the call and the company has done some great work for other communities. "We checked his references and he checks out!"
Armstrong said that the company will come here just to talk and give some ideas of what is possible for $1,500.
Council agreed to try it and passed the motion 4-0.
The low note came after the meeting when the Record asked if the town had heard anything from the Ministry of Tourism about keeping the Travel Info.Centre open in Rainy River.
"I received word today that it is a no go to for this year," said Mayor Ewald.
She did say that the ministry wants to hear ideas that the community has for keeping it open.
Other business
•Public Works Chair, Councillor Larry Armstrong reported that the town is indirectly benefiting from the privatization of MTO in the community. The Ministry of Transportation is giving its stockpile of road mulch to the town.
•Property tax rebates were awarded for properties at 307-309 and 317 Main St.
•Wilson Signs and Monuments was hired at a cost of $300 to replace the sign at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
•The 2012-13 levy for Rainy River Future Development Corporation was approved at $7 per capita for a total cost of $6,062.
•Fire Chief Gerry Armstrong has given notice that he will be resigning effective June 30th.
•The town will rent a double booth at the annual Trade show at a cost of $110.
•Council approved $100 donation to the RRHS Chem Free Grad Party.
•Council renewed its contract for five years with Pwi-di-goo-zing Ne-yaa-zhing Advisory Services to provide Chief Building Services. Alain Tanguay was then appointed to be the Chief Building Official for RR.
•On a lighter note, Council unanimously proclaimed May 29th as Day of the Honey Bee.