Mayor Ewald looks back at 2009 and towards the future

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Looking back at 2009, Rainy River Mayor Debbie Ewald said, “Overall I think it was a good year!”
Ewald said the biggest highlight of the year for her is the nearly completed sewer project, that she has said time and again is the key to Rainy River’s future.
For about 15 years the town’s hands have been tied against new development, whether it be commercial or residential. The reason for that is the existing sewer system was maxed out. Over the past two years the town has been working at rectifying that problem by building a new force-main and a sewer lagoon. “My hope is that it will be completed and running by the end of June,” said Ewald Thursday.
This week council met and passed a motion to tender the construction/installation of a new lift station and almost all the work is done at the lagoon.
Ewald said that while that work is nearly done, residents along Highway 11 from First St. to Tower Road will also be getting an improved sewer system. “We plan to replace the line along there this summer and repave the road.”
Another highlight for Ewald was the completion of the Railway Ave. project that saw the Little St. railway crossing closed, Government Road crossing beefed up, Railway Ave. paved, sidwalks built and fencing along the rail line installed.
She also feels the renovations to the town garage were a good investment for taxpayers. “It will save on energy costs and hopefully will pay for itself in about seven years.” She also feels the buildings life has now been extended at least another 20 years.
The mayor said that economic development committees in the community are on track and while they had a few leads on possible job creation projects last year nothing came to fruition. “With the economy being bad everywhere, we are finding other (district) communities are moving down to where we are. But we are confident that we are positioning ourselves to ready for growth.”
As for the town’s lack of a dentist, the mayor said every effort has been made to attract one but to no avail. “We may have a dental hygienist willing to set up here that can do xrays and cleanings, but that is still in the works.” She said there has also been talk of selling the dental equipment, “But I hate to lose anything we have had,” she said.
Transportation has been a issue in Rainy River for years and with the loss of the bus service through here a few years ago, council has been trying to find alternatives. Last year Riverside Health Care Facilities added a medi-van to transport people to medical appts. but Mayor Ewald said, “It is available but people aren’t using it.”
She notes that a committee has been struck to try and get some government funding to help provide a dedicated bus service here.
This is the final year of Ewald’s first term as mayor. She is confident that the council will have the sewer system all done and ready for the next council. She is surprised how fast the first three years have gone by and at the same time is frustrated how long it takes to get things done. “Dealing with government is a learning experience. However, I do feel we are in way better shape as a community than we were three years ago!”
While she will not say for sure she will seek reelection, she said she is leaning in that direction. “It has been a really rewarding experience. This council all have the best interest of the community at heart and have worked well as a team.”
Ewald said the job as a member of council requires a huge time commitment, but she urges people not to be afraid of that. “It is well worth it to work towards a better tomorrow.”
As for the rest of her term, Ewald said that she and council are currently working on accessing money for Heritage Square to do some work to the tourist attraction. “We hope to extend the roof (over 4008) to cover the museum and caboose and do more work to the station.”