News Around Town

Seniors Housing Needs

September 20, 2011

The firm of Habib Architects Inc. were engaged by the Nipigon Community Adjustment Committee to “undertake preparation of a cost analysis summary for the potential construction of barrier free senior housing facilities in the area. “ The work included a review of the results of two surveys conducted by the CAC as they related to housing needs and demand. Those results are reflected in the body of the report. The consultants first examined the likely demand for a stand alone supportive housing facility for seniors. The conclusion was that there was not a critical mass of individuals who would require that form of facility, but there was sufficient demand in the catchment area to enhance the services to residents in their own homes.

Find your copy of the Feasibility Study regarding Senior Housing Needs here.

Influential Women 2011

 

 

Congratulations to Nipigon Councillor Levina Collins on receiving the Influential Woman of Northern Ontario award in the Private Sector for 2011. Click here for further details.

 

Township of Nipigon learns more about Nuclear Waste

Photo: Standing in front of a dry storage container (DSC) at the Pickering Waste Management Facility are from left to right Greg Imhoff, Alec Blyth, NWMO, James Foulds, Gordon Mackenzie, Levina Collins, Richard Harvey, Sarah Lewis, Louise Dupuis, Lindsay Mannila and Bill Scott, OPG.)

For Immediate Release 24 October, 2011
(Nipigon, ON) Township of Nipigon representatives visited Toronto recently to meet with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to learn about Canada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The ‘learn more’ opportunity, funded by the NWMO, included a detailed briefing by NWMO staff, and a tour of the Pickering Waste Management Facility, where used nuclear fuel is currently stored on an interim basis.
 
“Regardless of where this Depository is eventually located it will have an impact on all communities” commented Mayor Richard Harvey. “As Community Leaders we feel it is important to be engaged in the process to protect the interests and concerns of our community.” The NWMO said that it anticipates that it will take between seven and ten years to decide on where to locate the deep geological repository and associated facilities. “This is a very long learning process that is just beginning,” continued Harvey; “Ultimately, there will have to be a compelling demonstration of willingness expressed by the citizens of any interested community, after a long period of site assessment, before it is selected to host the project.”

In June 2007, the Government of Canada selected Adaptive Phased Management as Canada’s plan for safeguarding the public and environment over the very long time in which used nuclear fuel must be managed. The plan requires that Canada’s used nuclear fuel be safely and securely contained and isolated from people and the environment in a deep geological repository in a suitable rock formation. In May 2010, the NWMO published a process for identifying an informed and willing community to host the project.

“Nipigon Council has not made any decision about the project whatsoever”, said Councillor Louise Dupuis. “As we learn about the deep geological project and the site selection process, it is important that the community, including neighbouring First Nations, learn along with us.” The Township is considering asking the NWMO to create an information kiosk for the Township where people can drop by and pick up material at their leisure. Backgrounders on various topics will be available and a touch screen television will be installed where people can watch animated videos of the project and on used nuclear fuel transportation.

The Nipigon delegation included Mayor Richard Harvey, Councillors Louise Dupuis, Levina Collins, Gordon Mackenzie and James Foulds, Chief Administrative Officer Lindsay Mannila, Economic Development Officer Sarah Lewis and Economic Development Committee member Greg Imhoff.

For more information about the NWMO, and the site selection process, please visit: www.nwmo.ca/sitingprocess

For more information about the Township of Nipigon’s visit with the NWMO, please contact:
Sarah Lewis, Economic Development Officer

Ph: (807)-887-3135 x26 E: sarahlewis@nipigon.net

Partnership to a TransCanada Trail

For release September 10, 2010
 
(Nipigon, ON) TransCanada Trail (TCT) Ontario, in partnership with the Townships of Nipigon, Red Rock, Dorion, Shuniah, and Thunder Bay Tourism, is focusing on trail development in the region for the next year by hiring a full time trails coordinator. Trails coordinator James Williams started work in early September. He will be building a regional trails committee serving the area from Nipigon to Pigeon River. The umbrella group will support the work of local trails associations. His first task, however, will be a feasibility study on converting the CN Kinghorn corridor between Nipigon and Thunder Bay into a multi-use trail.

Left to Right: John Cameron Thunder Bay Tourism Development Officer, Sarah Lewis, Nipigon EDO, Lisa Nyman Land of the Nipigon Waterways Development Association President, Kirsten Spence TCTO Trail Coordinator, James Williams TCTO Regional Trail Coordinator

Dreams Come True as Nipigon Opens Paddle to the Sea Park

For Release May 14th, 2010

(Nipigon, ON) Despite a bit of chilly weather, the opening of the Paddle-to-the-Sea Park was well attended and enjoyed international participation with a wooden Paddle-to-the-Sea carving sent all the way to Northwestern Ontario from Atlanta, Georgia, and two entries for the Dare to Dream Art Project from Florida. Nipigon Mayor Richard Harvey says, "It's amazing how well known the story of Paddle-to-the-Sea is around the world. The Paddle-to-the-Sea Park puts Nipigon on the map".

The winner of the Dare to Dream Art Competition is Desiree Boulter, who created two pieces of art about her dreams. The first dream is "My dream for the future of Nipigon, my family and myself is: That jobs will be made in Nipigon, that my dad will get a good job here (he will not have to work away any longer,) and we can be together. Especially because I don't want to have to move away." Desiree's second entry is "My dream is to be an author in my spare time. I hope to win several awards and make tons of money." The presentation of Art Awards was done by Roma Kopechanski from OPG, Bruce Hyer M.P. and Mayor Richard Harvey. Desiree received a limited edition Paddle to the Sea Park Paddle, which is also a donation to the Nipigon Curling Club Junior Curling Program.



Biology Tour of Clearwater Creek by Ministry of Natural Resources

It was a full day of activities for local schools. "The day was successful because it incorporated new activities into the Park, for example, the kids loved geo-caching which is all about geography, and a great way to get kids interested in tourism." said Barry Maurice, of the Land of Nipigon Chamber of Commerce. As volunteer Shauna Dampier explained to the students, Geo-Caching is like a high tech treasure hunt, where students use GPS units to find hidden caches within the Paddle to the Sea Park.


Council passes by-law promoting good forestry practices

On March 23, 2010, Council passed a Notice By-Law to promote good forestry practices in The Township of Nipigon. The By-Law establishes that a "Notice of Intent to Destroy Trees", if applicable, on properties 2 hectares or greater, must be filed with the Township and all abutting property owners not less than 30 days prior to destruction or harvesting of trees and outlines regulations for cutting.

For your convenience the By-Law in its entirety, including required forms, is attached here in pdf format. For further information please contact the municipal office at 807-887-3135.

Parks Canada joins Nipigon

The creation of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, the largest freshwater protected area in the world, was announced in October, 2007, when Prime Minister Harper visited Nipigon. On February 17, 2009, Nipigon received great news - the administrative centre will be located here! (Parks Canada Bulletin)

If you'd like more information on the Marine Conservation Area plans you can read about it at www.parkscanada.ca

Nipigon's Strategic Plan

View the Power Point Presentation . The committee welcomes your comments.

Financial Plan for water drinking system

In 2007, the Ministry of Environment released Regulation 453/07 requiring all municipalities to complete a Financial Plan for their drinking water system. The Corporation of the Township of Nipigon encloses its financial plan herein.