Business

Most taxpayers in Fort Frances will be paying more this year although some will see their taxes go down.
The 2012 budget was explained at Monday night’s council meeting.
Tax levy increases are as follows:
•Residential—2.49 percent;
•Multi-residential—2.69 percent;
•Commercial—1.02 percent;
•Industrial—1.1 percent;
•Large industrial—1.23 percent;

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell said residents in Northwestern Ontario need to pay close attention to the provincial budget and speak up for the programs and services important to them.
Finance minister Dwight Duncan will release tomorrow the government’s fiscal plan for the next 12 months, which is expected to include significant cuts in hopes to balance the budget.

An annual report issued in accordance with the Municipal Act shows how much the mayor and councillors were paid in 2011, with Mayor Roy Avis ranking as the highest-paid and having the most expenses.
Mayor Avis, who also sits on the Fort Frances Power Corp. board of directors and local Police Services Board, had expenses and remuneration totalling $38,800.

Oakwood Road will be used as a temporary detour route this summer so work can be done on Highway 602.

The Ontario government has received a report from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) that proposes modernization of the system, an increase in its revenues by more than $1 billion a year, and the creation of 2,300 net new jobs in the gaming industry and nearly 4,000 additional jobs in the hospitality and retail sectors by 2017-18.

New fees
are frozen
Ontario is extending for one year a cap of five percent on overall increases to tuition fees at colleges and universities.
In addition, the province will place a moratorium on increasing or establishing flat and deferral fees for 2012-13.

Green’s Countrywide Furniture officially will be known as Green’s Brand Source Home Furnishings later this month.
Travis Green said the buying group Green’s belongs to has decided to change its name to Brand Source.

In anticipation of increased land ambulance costs if the Rainy River Health Centre emergency room has to close due to a lack of doctors, the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board is having district municipalities pay a supplemental levy.

The provincial government has to get its finances in order and at least for the near future, municipalities are on their own.
That’s the message delegates heard at the 2012 ROMA/OGRA combined conference in Toronto last week.

Town council accepted a proposal from Union Gas for a “Helping Hands” project at its regular meeting Monday night.
As previously reported, Union Gas has offered to apply for grants—and offer up manpower—to help repair damaged arena seats at the Memorial Sports Centre.
As well, council: