Strategic planners honoured at banquet

By Jack Elliott
Correspondent

Tuesday evening, Oct 2, the Town of Rainy River honoured its volunteers for the hundreds and hundreds of hours they have donated to the Strategic Planning Committee. The banquet was hosted at the Rainy River Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Rainy River Mayor Debbie Ewald is pleased with the progress of the Committee.
“We’ve seen a lot of planning, which is a good start. It is very encouraging to experience the positive participation of the community and the sense of ownership townspeople have taken. We’ve also seen some concrete results like the work the Beautification Committee has accomplished,” stated Ewald referring to the general cleanup accomplished around town this year including the flower baskets, gardens and the ongoing memorial tree program.
The challenge now will be to take the other planning we’ve done and translate it into action. Reports gathering dust on the storage room shelf serve no useful purpose, she added.
Councilor Gord Armstrong reflected on past plans that were never adequately implemented emphasizing the need for strong Community Spirit to keep moving forward.
Ewald honoured the Rainy River Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for their exceptional contributions to the community, presenting a plaque to Legion president, Gerry Marchuk.
There followed short summary reports from various Strategic Planning sub-committees.
Norma Elliott outlined the work of the Demographics Committee. A mountain of data has been collected from various sources including Statistics Canada, and the salient points can be summarized as follows:
* With 110 of its 900 residents over 75 years of age, Rainy River will have a lot of homes for sale over the coming decade. There are currently over 20 on the market.
* There are over 30 seniors on the waiting list for Long Term Care. Rainycrest Home for the Aged has a waiting list of 100. This translates into about a five-year waiting list.
* The community will increasingly need assisted living facilities to bridge the gap between independent living and long term care.
* The population of the whole country will continue to shrink with population growth provided by immigration.
* The population of Northern Ontario will continue to shrink.
* Action plans for attracting new residents to the community must work within these parameters.
Elliott closed on a positive tone, noting the excellent Health Care facilities and Services we enjoy compared to many other centers.
Gord Armstrong briefly reported on Tourism, noting work is just beginning with the First Nations community on increasing tourism in the area. Armstrong also announced that the Town has received funding approval for hiring a Coordinator to handle some of the implementation of recommendations of the Strategic Planning. Advertising for the position will be published shortly.
Lance Lindal reporting on Community Promotion, stated the committee has developed an outline and content for the new Town brochure, a 9x6 inch, 12-page booklet, to be available for spring 2008. They are currently waiting on an appointment with a graphic artist to complete the design.
Jeanette Armstrong reported for the Beautification Committee, detailing the memorial flower baskets, Town cleanup, and complementing the summer student crew and the volunteers from Michigan for their excellent work this past summer. An earlier start is planned on the flower baskets for 2008.
2008 will also feature an incentive for residents, to enhance their yards, with the Chamber of Commerce, a holiday lighting program for the streets, and an expanded tree-planting program.
Larry Armstrong speaking on Economic Development noted an area identified with significant potential was retiring baby-boomers, many with roots to the area, selling their city homes at a premium and purchasing much more reasonably priced homes in Rainy as either year round or seasonal residences. This is in fact happening and he added his committee with Carla Armstrong spearheading the effort is developing a marketing brochure aimed at that sector.
In her presentation Carla noted, the changing definition of a retiree, and the necessity of being proactive and networking. If we all do a little bit, we’ll accomplish a lot she added, noting anyone who thinks just because you’re small, you can’t accomplish much, “has never shared a bedroom with a mosquito.”
Larry Armstrong noted the need for a professional dossier for entrepreneurs interested in locating in Rainy River. They are also meeting with the CNR exploring improved area opportunities.
Mayor Ewald heads the Infrastructure Committee saying the current sewer and water project is a major activity in the coming year. There are some other issues they are working on, with hopes of announcements in the near future.
Ewald closed the meeting on a positive note, thanking all the volunteers for the hundreds and hundreds of hours of effort they have dedicated to the improving the Town and encouraging them to continue the good work.