Atikokan (on) Progress september 8, 2014

Celebration Edition

ATIKOKAN

September 8, 2014

PROGRESS

Atikokan-Quetico, Canoeing Capital of Canada

A NEW DAWN at the Atikokan Generating Station

After 28 years as a coal-fuelled station, the Ontario Power Generation AGS has been successfully converted to North America’s largest 100% biomass-fuelled power plant.

It’s a new start for the plant, and a key part of the revitalization of Atikokan, after a long decade of uncertainty. The Progress presents a celebration of the conversion, and of the community.

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Atikokan’s Max Clement

Seven decades and counting on the trapline

by Jessica Smith ome say God was tired when He made it; Some say it's a fine land to shun; Maybe; but there's some as would trade it, For no land on earth - and I'm one.”

Max Clement's feelings about the trapline he has worked for 50+ years are pretty clear when we stop to ponder an ice-edged river and he's moved to quote poet Robert Service.

He knows his three trap lines north of Atikokan like the back of his hand, including the habits, highways, and habitats of its resident wildlife, and on a mild day typical of this November, bush road trapping with him proves a lesson in wildlife observation.

“What kind of tracks do we have here?” becomes a query nearly every time the truck rolls to a stop, as Clement again spots evidence of wildlife.

Noting the abundant and subtle signs of marten, mink, fox, rabbit, squirrel, beaver, otter, fisher, and timber wolves, come as second nature to Clement. The tracks of a pine marten or the fresh cuttings of a beaver are just some of the evidence that, despite the stillness, the shy wilderness is in fact teeming with life.

Clement has worn many business hats in his life since he moved to Atikokan in 1942 but he considers his career that of a trapper first and foremost. Even though the business isn't as lucrative as it once was - with declining fur prices, new trap requirements, high fuel prices and last year's economic downturn all factors Clement still has an MNR harvesting quota of 100 beaver (and takes about that amount of marten) to fill on his 350 square kilometre block of traplines that include over 100 lakes. With one of the largest land masses of any trapper in northwestern Ontario, he is busy every day this time of year with sets to check either daily, or every two to three days, depending on the type of trap used.

Trapping has been in his blood since he was a child in Stratton, and one of his first introductions to the romanticism and lore of the trade was the RCMP hunt for the fugitive known as the Mad Trapper of Rat River (Albert Johnson). Clement recalled listening to the drama unfold on a homemade radio at his father's store during the 1930s, where old men would “sit around a barrel of peanuts and argue about whether the sound was coming out of that box or not.”

Clement began trapping at age 11, when he and brother Don began catching muskrat on a neighbour's trapline along Split Rock River in the Lake of the Woods region, north of the family homestead.

“My brother and I used to take a blanket and hike 20 miles into the bush and trap Muskrat for our Easter holidays.” The Depression was on and the money the boys earned was very welcome. “My dad was working all winter on a government road job for $2 a day as foreman. We came in with about 150 muskrat that spring and Lake of the Woods rats [the best on the market; their furs were bigger and thicker] went for about $3.25 each.”

At 16, Clement moved to Atikokan to run a piece of heavy equipment known as a Latourneau scraper at Finlayson Lake as part of the mine project. Then followed a stint in the army (he was to be stationed to the Pacific as a Sherman tank operator and mechanic, but the war ended before he made it overseas), from which he returned with diesel mechanic certification.

In 1946, Clement went to work on log drives south of Flanders for MANDO forestry company, where he worked on a diesel tug boat overseeing the hauling of

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Max Clement sets a beaver trap on his line north of Atikokan; and at right, at his Marmion Lake trapper’s cabin.

7,500 cord of logs from Wagita Bay down the Seine River to its destination, Rainy Lake. He was also a logging camp foreman for that company.

The Rompass Cat Trapping was still in his blood however, and in 1957, shortly after he opened Clement's Service (the Main St. Husky Station station and garage), he and Don were also able to pick up two traplines here. He built his own snowmobile with a Volkswagen engine, a few years before the first commercial snowmobile was on the market. (“I was the first trapper who mechanized”) His “autoboggan” caused a bit of a flap when he unveiled it a month before the town's snowmobile races and inadvertently trumped the unveiling of the first-ever snowmobiles at Atikokan stores, he recalled.

“The police came over to tell me I couldn't compete because mine was homemade.” Thanks to Mayor Syd Hancock however, the 32-horsepower vehicle (also known as the 'Rompass Cat') had its moment of glory.

“He knew I had it and said 'Would you let me use yours for the VIP races [up Main St.]?' He said, 'I passed the rest of them just shifting into third gear. There was nothing around here that could touch it; it was ahead of it's time'” Clement was called in to break the trail down to Little McCauley Lake for Ely, Minnesota snowmobile racers and the machine generated a lot of attention.

“A lot of people said I should have patented it.” He didn't however, and the very next year Arctic Cat came out “with an almost identical model.”

The vehicle took him on many excursions as he continued trapping even while working again at Caland in 1965 to oversee its fleet of Ford service trucks, and throughout the time as fire chief during the construction of the Atikokan Generating Station.

“Trapping always came first. [My employers] understood that trapping was my main job. I'd put in my eight-hour shift at the mine, and then go trapping. I'd say if I don't show up tomorrow, you'll know something came up on the line.”

During his time at AGS, he built a trapping cabin on the shores of Marmion Lake. It was just down the road from the station, so he would head out after work each day to work on the cabin, and using

a complex pulley system single-handedly built the structure from large logs.

Driftwood Classic The lake front view from his cabin serves as the convergence point for his two passions: trapping and golf. The second passion he discovered a little later in life. For the past eight years he has hosted the Driftwood Classic golf tournament, where teeing off on spring ice amidst the countless stumps and deadheads (for which the 'Floodwaters' are famous) creates a one-of-a-kind challenge.

He discovered the sport while recovering from a snowmobile accident when brushing trail out on the line a few years back. His leg got caught between the machine and a fallen tree, and “I looked down and the leg bone was poking through my rubber boot,” he said. His sons and a friend loaded him onto a toboggan and placed him on a doubletrack snowmobile “ran it pretty careful” back to the truck parked at the old Caland airport. It was a lengthy recovery and his wife Louise bought him golf clubs during his convalescence. “She now says she created a monster,” he jokes.

It wasn't the only mishap over 50 years of trapping. “I've had two or three close calls on Floodwaters,” but taking precautions has eliminated many more, he says.

“You've got to read the ice if you live in this part of the country. I carry an ice chisel and all the time and a flashlight.”

One of the founders of the Atikokan Sportsmen's Conservation Club, and its volunteer search and rescue service, he has seen the danger of heading out into the bush unprepared and unaware.

“I've spent all weekend hunting for people who didn't have a compass. I found one guy three times.” That particular disoriented outdoorsman bought a compass on Clement's recommendation, yet ended up lost two more times. The reason? “He said, 'I used the compass, but it kept pointing north, and I didn't want to go north,” Clement recalls with a chuckle.

He also taught trapping courses as president of the Atikokan Trappers' Council and showed students how to set traps, skin (he can skin four beaver in an hour), and stretch furs - and how to harvest their lines responsibly.

On his own lines, he said he tries to take two beaver from each house every second year. “If you take the surplus off every year, the beaver population never crashes.” He is also known for getting the biggest, glossiest beaver furs: evidenced by the numerous times his pelts have earned the honour of being selected as the 'top lot' - representing the ten top quality beaver pelts selected out of well over 40,000 furs at the Fur Harvesters Auction.

The secret of getting the biggest ones, such as the 50 lb. beaver he caught last Friday, is “to set [the traps] in the main tunnels and right on the lake bottom that's where the bigger ones come out,” he said.

Clement has also shared his knowledge with local conservation officers who have occasionally rode along on a day of trapping to learn the business and how to spot poaching.

These days, Clement acknowledges wryly that “not many trappers have more whiskers than me,” yet he has no immediate retirement plans. “I guess I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't enjoy it.”

This story was written in the fall of 2009, and appeared in the Atikokan Progress then. Max Clement continues to tend his trapline, is a regular on the links at Little Falls, and is still disappointed when ice conditions aren’t right for the Driftwood Classic.

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS, CELEBRATION EDITION, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

From the editor’s desk

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by Michael McKinnon

What are we celebrating?

Almost ten years ago, the province announced it would close the Atikokan Generating Station.

The news was a dire blow to this small community; Atikokan was to lose the single biggest contributor to its municipal government, and one of its largest employers.

There had been political rumblings about putting a stop to coal-fuelled generation in Ontario for several years (in fact, three of the major political parties had endorsed the idea). But here, it was very hard to conceive that the province would simply walk away from a facility into which it had invested almost three-quarters of a billion dollars.

Provincial officials tried to allay local concerns by promising major investments that would foster new growth and more than replace the jobs lost in a plant closure. But Atikokanites had been working hard to grow the community for 25 years (in fact, the AGS was one of the major success stories in that effort). We knew exactly how challenging it would be to replace the station in the Atikokan economy.

The original driving force behind the closure was the smog problem. Smog alerts had become a regular part of summer weather reports in much of southern Ontario, and the 'smog season' had started to expand into winter. We could understand that, but at the same time the science was telling us the Atikokan plant was not contributing to that problem.

Concerned citizens formed an energy group that pressed the case for saving the plant here - either by investing in technology to burn coal more cleanly, or by converting the plant to some other fuel (peat moss from the region was one such idea).

Gradually, however, the main argument against coal-fuelled generation changed to the greenhouse gases it produced. It soon became fairly clear the province was not going to budge - coal had to go.

In 2006, the province committed $4 million to bio-energy research and development, and made the AGS and the Northwest the focal point of the effort. Although it was noted here, at the time it did not seem to have any direct import to what Atikokan was facing. It wasn't until the first successful tests of wood pellets in the AGS boiler in 2008 that there seemed any light on the horizon.

By that time, however, Atikokan was caught in a perfect storm of economic woe. Both the particleboard mill and the lumber mill - the other two major employers here - had failed, throwing hundreds out of work.

Atikokan has been a resource extraction town since the late 1940s, when iron ore started to be removed from beneath Steep Rock Lake. So we know that when recession strikes, it's the resource extraction towns that feel it first.

And Atikokan was feeling it. This downturn would cost us about 20% of our already small population.

Ironically, the provincial effort to ease the impact of the coal-plant closure made Atikokan better able to withstand the economic tornado unleashed by the financial meltdown of late 2008. With three years of planning completed, and considerable support from senior government (mostly the province, but the feds were on board, too), Atikokan was able to renew itself in a big way.

The Atikokan Mineral Development Initiative - a sophisticated, multimillion dollar geo-physical surveying project proposed as one way to help mitigate the AGS closure - contributed massively to a mining exploration boom. One project in particular - a gold deposit at Hammond Reef - generated well over $200 million worth of exploration and development over the next five years. A dozen smaller projects in the area likely added at least half as much again to the regional economy.

Meanwhile, the Town was able to use special economic development funds from the province to avert the razing of what remained of the particleboard mill, which would later become a wood pellet production plant.

Provincial support also helped spur cottage lot development here, and allowed our summer festival, the Atikokan Bass Classic, to take a huge step forward. The Town was able to upgrade the water treatment plant, create a gem of a recreational area at Charleson, rebuild Main Street, and repave the Atikokan Airport, all thanks to provincial (and federal) support.

Without the planning that started with the AGS closure announcement, we would have been fortunate to have completed a third as much.

Meanwhile, despite some setbacks, the conversion of the AGS inched ahead. Then, in 2012, it moved into full construction... meaning another $170 million investment here over three years, and a solid future for the station.

The forest industry finally started to rebound. Years of declining newsprint usage have decimated the pulp and paper industry, but Ontario's commitment to biomass offered a badly needed new market for forest fibre, and helped kick start the development of two new pellet mills, including the rebirth (fall, 2014 production) of Atikokan's former particleboard mill. The new wood biomass industry undoubtedly helped convince Resolute a multi-million investment in a new lumber mill in this area was warranted. (It is scheduled to start production in 2015.)

So, nearly ten years later after the Energy Minister announced the closure of the AGS, Atikokan, although smaller, has three major employers with what are essentially brand new facilities, and a much improved municipal infrastructure.

We're by no means out of the woods. (We really don't want to be - we love the bush!)

But Atikokan has always been the Little Town That Could. And we will continue to work at building a good place to live, a little off the beaten track and amidst nature's splendour.

Mike Ranta and Spitzii, April, 2014 in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta

Just out for a paddle, are ya, bud?

M. McKinnon Mike Ranta (AHS Outers, 1987-88) is the real deal.

In 2011, he paddled from Rocky Mountain House to Montreal, retracing the original Voyageur fur trade route.

That's 5,400 km. He did it in 130 days. By himself.

His 'support team': his dog Spitzii.

And friends, some new who he met along the way, some old who caught up with him to lend a hand.

In 2014, he went one better: he started in the Pacific Ocean (April 1) and headed east, aiming to get to Cape Breton before Hallowe'en. (He pulled into North Bay on September 4; no one is betting against him making it to Cape Breton.)

Thanks to modern technology, he isn't totally alone out there: he uses the SPOT locator system that regularly reports his position via GPS, and a cel phone that allows him to post daily updates online of his adventures.

And every day is an adventure. You can make all the plans you want in a canoe, but winds, weather, and balky equipment mean there always has to be a plan B, and a plan C. When the sun rises, he never knows where he will be when it sets. Somewhere further east, he hopes.

Ranta started paddling as a boy with his father Marty. Atikokan and Quetico were the perfect place for him to grow up, and his grade 11 Outers experiences reinforced his love for canoe tripping.

Work took him to the western oil fields, but the highlight of his year was always his summer trips in Quetico.

In 2007, he was the first Atikokanite to complete the Quetico Canoe Challenge, part of the Park's 100th anniversary celebration. He planned a two-week solo around the perimeter of the Park (the challenge involved visiting each of the ranger stations), and then surprised himself by completing it in one.

After years of hearing the stories of canoe adventurers Don and Joe Meany, he remained fascinated. Don is the founder of the XY Paddle Company (see page 14) and Joe (with wife Vera) was a Quetico Published Weekly by Atikokan Printing (1994) Ltd. P.O. Box 220, 109 Main St. E. Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0 Ph. (807) 597-2731 Fax (807) 597-6103 progress@nwon.com

Park ranger for decades. Both of them had completed the Voyageur marathon (Rocky Mountain House to Montreal) in 1967: Don as part of the Ontario team in the Centennial Canoe Challenge, Joe with partner Gene Tetrault in a kayak.

Did Mike Ranta have enough of the paddler's spirit to take on such a challenge? To him, the question became: What if he can't make it? He finally concluded the only failure would be the failure to try.

“I put my heart and soul into it, honestly and truthfully. You can't fail if you stay positive. Don't let anything hold you back - especially fear of failure.”

That's what he told the students at Atikokan High School after his 2011 trip.

And those students - the young people of Atikokan - are always near his heart. Dayto-day, his trips are about the journey, and the certainty that there was nothing else he'd rather be doing. But he has adopted the Atikokan Youth Centre as a partner for both trips, and whenever asked why he's taken on such a challenge, he shares a message for young people: Sometimes when we come from a small town, we think we're worth a little less... can't really expect to accomplish much, he says. But that's just not true.

“Anyone can do anything. There is nothing you can't do. It does take preparation, confidence, honesty and hard work nothing worth anything comes easy.”

Mike Ranta and his specially-made Souris River Canoe at the Atikokan Youth Centre prior to his 2014 trip. The wheels helped on the long (50 km-plus) portages; and of course, he uses XY Paddles.

www.AtikokanProgress.ca

Editor: Michael McKinnon Advertising: Eve Shine Reporting: Jessica Smith Accounts & Subscriptions: Christine Jefferson-Durand Printed in Fort Frances, Ontario • Since October, 1950 •

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Quetico: A true canoeing paradise M. McKinnon Vast. Wild. Truly accessible only to the intrepid.

Sigurd Olson, in The Singing Wilderness (1956), offered one of the finest descriptions of what makes Quetico a special place: “The Singing Wilderness has to do with the calling of loons, with northern lights, and the great silences of land lying northwest of Lake Superior. It is concerned with the simple joys, the timelessness and perspective found in a way of life which is close to the past. I have heard the singing in many places, but I seem to hear it best in the wilderness lake country of the Quetico-Superior, where travel is still by pack and canoe over the ancient trails of the Indians and voyageurs.”

Quetico Provincial Park is the wilderness gem in the Ontario Parks system, and is the reason Atikokan, which hosts the Park headquarters, calls itself the Canoeing Capital of Canada.

It is among the world's premier destinations for canoeists. Lonely Planet, the ultimate guide to exotic travel, lists Quetico among its top five boating destinations, saying: “Paddling along the glassy surface of Northern Ontario's pristine lakes puts you smack in the middle of the Canada's signature wilderness. Combine canoeing and camping to spot moose mooching at the water's edge or drop a line for a spot of sport fishing. The 4,800-sq-km park is known for its remote canoe routes (1,500 km of them), and there are opportunities for guided and selfguided forays in and around the park.”

“The origin of the park's name is a mystery. Locals say the park is named after the 'Quebec Timber Company', however, no such company existed. The name may also be a version of the French words quête de la côte which means 'search for the coast'. It may also be from an Ojibwe name for a benevolent spirit who resides in places of great beauty.” (Wikipedia) The Quetico Forest Reserve was created by a provincial Order in Council in 1909, and became a charter member of Ontario's parks system four years later, when the Provincial Parks Act was passed. It wasn't completely protected from logging until 1971; motor boats were banned in 1979.

(As part of agreement of co-existence, the Lac La Croix First Nation has some limited motor boat privileges. That agreement was struck during the 1990s, after the Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, apologized to the First Nation for the way the province had unilaterally cancelled the band's reserve in 1915 and relocated its people.)

A misty morning in the Quetico interior

Quetico is special Quetico Foundation This land isn't for the faint of the heart. With black bears, untamed rapids and challenging portages, it takes a certain kind of traveler to come here. But as cities and suburbs continue to grow, Quetico is a sanctuary of true wilderness in Northwestern Ontario.

Quetico is huge!

You could fit land the size of Prince Edward Island inside the Park!

Quetico includes 1,400km of canoe routes, 612 portages, over 2,000 campsites and over 500 lakes - lots of space for the hundreds of animal and plant species who call it home. A protected wilderness area of this size is both wonderful and rare.

Quetico is part of Aboriginal culture.

Aboriginal peoples have lived in this region for thousands of years.

In fact, 28 Aboriginal pictographs can still be sighted in the Park. For many Anishinaabe at Lac La Croix, these pictographs and their locations are sacred. To protect and respect this land, we're deeply honored to work with and learn from the Lac La Croix First Nation.

Quetico is Canadian history.

In addition to being home to Aboriginal peoples, Quetico houses the “Voyageurs' Highway” – once traveled by French explorers, Scottish traders, and the Hudson's Bay Company. The army even passed through Quetico on their way to the Louis Riel rebellion battles. Visit the Ridley Research Library to learn more.

Quetico is ecologically rare.

Quetico sits at the junction of three ecozones: the Great Lakes forest, Boreal forest, and prairie - all within the Arctic watershed. The continental divide runs through the Park. That makes it an ideal hub for long-term ecological research on subjects like climate change, forest harvesting, and other high-impact environmental issues.

Quetico is filled with wildlife.

The park is home to hundreds of species: from much-loved small animals like loons, chipmunks and beavers to big creatures like black bears and moose! We've even had rare sightings of lynx, deer and timber wolves. Lucky birdwatchers may spot over 250 different species.

Anglers will find lake trout, bass, walleye and northern pike.

The Quetico Foundation was created by letters patent in October, 1954. That's 60 years of wilderness preservation programs and initiatives, and 60 years of ensuring that Quetico Park is the same today as it was 60 years ago. Part of its anniversary celebrations included launching a new website at http://queticofoundation.org

Agnes Lake

A hidden beach on Beaverhouse Lake

Snake Falls, at Keats Lake Quetico Information Pavilion and the John B. Ridley DETAILS For more on Quetico Park, phone (807) 597- Research Library are at Dawson Trail, open summers; 2735. For reservations, call 1-888-ONT-PARK (1- winter camping, including yurts, is available Friends of Quetico and Quetico Foundation sup888-668-7275) or see www.ontarioparks.com Provincial Park campground, as well as the port the efforts of the park; ask how to become a member.

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS, CELEBRATION EDITION, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

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High school credit course a rite of passage here

Outers: Three generations of wilderness trekkers M. McKinnon “The Atikokan High School Outers program has helped generations of students develop character, achieve maturity, and reach their true potential through the challenges of trust-building and problem-solving activities in the natural physical environment.”

That's Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, in July, 2005, for the fortieth anniversary celebration of the Outers program.

The grade 11 credit program has become something of a rite of passage for Atikokan teens. And now, it's not uncommon for the Outers experience be one they can share with their grandparents, many of whom completed essentially the same program during their high school days in the 1960s.

Outers is built around ten wilderness trips: four in the fall, five during the winter, and one 12-day extended trip into Quetico Park in June. Students also have to complete a swim test, a wilderness first aid course, 30 hours of community service, a trip journal, and several dozen lunch hour planning and debriefing meetings.

Outers work in brigades of six (there are separate boys and girls brigades). AHS staff go out of their way to compose the brigades so that students are forced to work with students not in their usual social circle.

The program was launched in the 1960s by AHS staff (Bill Peruniak, Jim Smithers, Art Rheault, Al Kerr, and Gord Peterson) and was modelled on the Outward Bound program. Their vision still held to this day - was to make Outers an experiential learning program. Outers paddle their own canoes, choose their own routes, navigate for themselves, and sort out how their brigades get what needs to be done accomplished.

Staff do travel on all of the trips, but unless a brigade is headed for physical harm, staff will not intervene. If a brigade paddles off course, staff will follow - but it's up to the Outers to recognize their mistake.

The school provides packs, snowshoes, canoes, cooking gear, paddles and life jackets, but after that it's up to each Outers brigade to figure out what they need to bring. (That's what all those meetings are about. Also, with three generations of Outers in the community, it's never hard to find someone willing to offer advice.)

In the fall, the trips involve a one-day canoe orientation outing (portaging the six-person canoes, and practicing how to recover from a tipped canoe), a one-day navigation exercise, an overnight camp, and a double-overnight camp.

Once the snow flies, the students do two day hikes, two single overnight trips, and one overnight walk.

Each of the trips challenge the students in different ways, and the most successful brigades are those that have six members working together.

The spring 12-day trip is the highlight of the program. The boys and girls brigades take different routes - most years, they never even see each other - and the students always plan demanding routes. It's nine days of heavy-duty wilderness trekking.

Nine days?

Each Outer does a three-day solo during the spring trip. Staff put each Outer at a separate camp site, and then check on them daily. The time is their own, and the Outers ethic has grown strong over the years not to break solo (communicate with anyone else, except the staff checking on them).

The program is difficult and demanding in ways students do not experience in any other course work. And, when they paddle into Nym Lake, the traditional end point for the spring trip, a big crowd of family and friends is always on hand to welcome back the young people, each of whom clearly stands a little taller.

“Every student who has been an Outer had a unique experience,” says Mike Lewis, a long-time teacher and administrator at AHS (and now chair of the Rainy River District School Board). “Not all students will say at the end of a trip, or a portage, or an overnight walk, or a twelve day trip in changing weather conditions, “it was fun”, or “I would do it again tomorrow”. However, nearly all participants after a time away from completing an Outers trip will say, “I am glad I took part in Outers”. For most participants that statement comes easily and quickly, for others it is a matter of the passage of time, and of some reflection, before that statement is uttered.”

Even at -30°C (the coldest temperatures Outers will face) staying warm on an overnight camping trip is possible, with a little brigade work. Richard Campbell, Dylan Matichuk, Brady Coulson, Robbie Derochie, and Erik Larson at their quinzee, February 9, 2012.

The Outers of 2011-12 arrive at Nym Lake at the end of their 12-day spring trip.

From the Outers student guide: Why 12 days??

One long canoe expedition is necessary to produce strong social, psychological and physical stress. Things begin to happen on the tenth and eleventh days that do not occur on shorter trips. This will put the Outer in ‘uncharted waters’, where they must get beyond personal differences and unite as a brigade to overcome obstacles - simply put: CHARACTER BUILDING!

KNOW THE FEELING? The 48th group of Outers (2012-13) successfully completed the tripping portion of the fall program - but that's not to say the portages were dry, or the waters deep, or the canoes any lighter! That's Kyle Bimm, Adrian Ricci, Brody Riding and Joe Anthony (fifth brigade member Dylan Gushulak is on shore) pushing through the muck on the haul between Plateau and Fire Lakes on the season's first trip. Next up, the 27 Outers will complete a Wilderness First Aid program, and then spend a service day at Quetico Park.

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Facing the wilds - with little knowledge and even less experience In 1912, a pair of adventure-loving New Yorkers gave up city life to settle on the shores of Steep Rock Lake. ‘Wilderness Wife’, Katherine Pinkerton’s first-hand of that experience, provides a unique glimpse of life during Atikokan’s very earliest days, writes Jacqueline Boileau

W

hen a young American couple turned up showing off the modernity of their surroundings in a in the tiny village of Atikokan in 1912 new gas-powered boat. Pinkerton was pregnant at announcing their intention of building a the time and wanted to prove that her new home was cabin in the wilderness, it caused quite a stir safe for a family. amongst the inhabitants. Pioneer/writer Katherine “The launch behaved so admirably we dared Pinkerton was amused to discover that rumours make a twenty mile trip to the farthest arm of the about her and her husband Robert ran the gamut lake to see the latest marvel, a farm. Several acres of from crime to forbidden love. level tree-less land had been discovered by Mr. [Tom “We were loading the toboggan for our return Rawn] when hunting. No one knew by what geologijourney when Mrs. [Mary Rawn], wife of the hotel cal or other force it had been laid bare, but he began keeper… revealed her own explanation of our immediately to improve it… We visited the farm in presence in the North when she said briskly, 'Live its hey-day when it had a cow and calf, some sheep, and let live, I say. Folks who've gone to all that chickens and a garden.” trouble to make a home deserve any happiness That farm was operated by Rawn's nephew Phillip they've taken.' Apparently she considered our cabin and his wife Anna, who were also expecting a baby a 'love nest,' though it did not seem to affect her (that baby was Myrtle (Rawn) Leishman, who opinion of us,” she later wrote. passed away at 93 in 2007.).

In fact, the very legally married couple came Pinkerton went 'out' for several months to give birth here because Robert's health could not stand a city to their daughter Bobs, and they added on to the cabin to reporter's lifestyle, and the two were looking for accommodate her, an expansion that took 40-45 adventure. They spent five years here, writing and cords of wood a year to heat. Fortunately, timber was trapping (and apparently mystifying the locals) and plentiful and Robert was not afraid of hard work.

Pinkerton, who had never been off a sidewalk nor Myrtle Leishman picked up a paddle, wrote of those experiences in After five years in this area, the Pinkertons Wilderness Wife, a fascinating tale of her life in the decided it was time to move on. They gave the cabin wilds of northwestern Ontario. to the master mechanic at the roundhouse in return “While I looked at that raw hamlet I tried to for his promise to treat it well and to burn it after he reconcile it with the clear circle and print on the left. That was a promise he didn't keep, since the map, and to remember that, after all, it had chosen building eventually fell into the hands of Sandy and us. It was the one railroad stop in two hundred miles Myrtle (Leishman) Johnston. One of the things they that had both store and post office. What we had salvaged from the cabin was the leather bellows that chosen was the wilderness around it, and that Pinkerton had found at the Sawbill Bay ghost town wilderness had receded only enough to permit a (pictured here). station, roundhouse, a few cabins, a store and a bar.”

“My husband Sandy Johnston got the bellows beThe pair purchased food and supplies from cause he bought the original house they built. It had storekeeper Frank Scheider and set out in their canoe “I'd give a good deal to know what those two folks did in passed through many hands before he bought it for a to look for a home site. camp,” said Leishman. “People kept taking the States that they've got to come up here and hide.” summer things from it in the wintertime and they disap“The quest carried us into a big lake peared eventually, except the bellows, which we connected with the town by a river. It was a took home because we had a fireplace in our logical choice, for it meant no portages. The camp. Dad used to use it in his workshop.” lake had possibilities. Shaped like an enormous During the Pinkertons' time, Atikokan was a 'M,' it extended in long traverses and deep tiny railroad town of about 300 people, with a arms.” post office, general store and hotel, run by That M-shaped lake was none other than Leishman's uncle and aunt, Tom and Mary Rawn.

Steep Rock Lake, and the Pinkertons soon Leishman's mother Anna came from Sweden picked out a spot on Wagita Bay that had at the age of 15, a young woman hoping to find everything they needed - a stand of gorgeous a job, and she ended up working in the Rawn's white pine, nearby portage, sandy beach, hotel where she met Tom's nephew Philip. After waterfall, and a spruce swamp in behind that they married they moved to Steep Rock Lake promised good hunting. Further exploration and became friends with the Pinkertons, who revealed a clearing containing an abandoned lived at the other end of the big lake. gold mine camp with two log buildings, still in “[Their daughter] Bobs and I were born, I good shape after 15 years. believe, on the same day,” said Leishman. “Mom The seasoned logs in the old ruins were The photos above are from A Home in the Wilds, the reprinted version of and Dad were friends of the Pinkertons; we lived perfect for building the cabin and meant a huge Katherine Pinkerton’s Wilderness Wife, and show the author on her trapline out on the Rawn farm about four miles north of time saving for the young couple, who went on and the home she and the family lived in on Steep Rock Lake, 1912-1917. Atikokan. The Pinkertons lived in quite a big a three-week canoe trip to explore their new Below, the late Myrtle Leishman with a family heirloom: the bellows the clearing where they were, near what we called neighbourhood and give Pinkerton a chance to Pinkertons found while living here.

Cedar Springs, which was a favourite picnic spot learn how to paddle and portage. As they travelled, for the whole town.” they stopped at the many settlements where people gathered to visit “All of Atikokan's small members used to go to Cedar after the lonely winters on the trap lines.

Springs for the 1st of July picnic. I remember I used to try to Kaw-win ish-quay! run races on the sand beach. It still exists of course, but when “My clothes fascinated the natives. Groups gathered around the lake was drained [for the mines] it made a difference in me. I thought it was admiration until the chief of a small band, the whole area. It was a beautiful spring. One end of the apparently a wit, convulsed his villagers by pointing at me and beach was all cedar trees and it was very special drinking repeating 'Kaw-win ish-quay!' Kaw-win ish-quay!' water. They had Indian pow-wows [there] and the whole “'Not a woman! Not a woman!' Robert interpreted. 'He town used to go. About 50 Native people lived in the area. It means your riding breeches.' The village roared and shrieked was a favourite meeting place for people.” its mirth. That became the summer's joke. And durable! Years Leishman's parents moved into town not long after the later I would turn a bend in a portage and hear a giggle, 'KawPinkertons left. win ish-quay!'”

“We came in from the farm when I was about four. My During that trip they discovered a ghost town, likely brother Lloyd was eight so we came in to go to school. My located up at Sawbill Bay north of Marmion Lake, that had house [where Fotheringhams live on Clark St.] is the house been deserted for 15 years. that my father built when he was a young man working for “We had stumbled on the only ghost town in the Canadian Uncle Tom and it was the annex to the hotel.” wilderness, an enormous stamp mill, hotel, store, dwelling Wilderness Wife was published in 1939, and was greatly houses, dam for water power, turbines, two miles of electric enjoyed by the whole Rawn family. light poles straggling through the bush, wires and bulbs in the “I read it many times when it first came out. Mrs. Pinkerlog cabins. I turned an electric switch, almost expecting light.” ton sent us a copy of the book, which someone borrowed The pair divided to see what they could pick up from the from my mother and we never got it back, even though we abandoned buildings. sent the Mounted Police to get it back. It was signed.”

“I had to content myself with odds and ends, grain sacks, The book, a fascinating bit of Atikokan history and a glass jars for canning, a few pans and a leather bellows which grasping the horns and easing oneself onto its back, aided of course by the liberal imbibing of Canadian classic, was re-released in 1976 under the title A I carried home in the hope of having a fireplace some day.” alcohol.

Home in the Wilds. Copies of the book can be found at the The Pinkertons had many interesting adventures in the north, Another time they travelled to the other end Atikokan Public Library. like watching a friend go for a ride on a moose. It was a feat of Steep Rock Lake with their two mothers, accomplished by paddling right up to a swimming animal,

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS, CELEBRATION EDITION, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Why Biomass at the Atikokan GS? When the province mandated the end of coal-fuelled electricity production in Ontario, OPG examined a variety of ways the province's power needs could be met without using coal.

Wood biomass was found to be the best option for the Atikokan station.

• It makes use of the existing facility, which was built in 198284 at a cost of $754 million, and had considerable life left.

• Converting the plant to biomass ($170 million) was less expensive than building a new 205 megawatt plant.

• The plant, designed to burn lignite coal, was quite suitable for conversion to wood biomass.

• OPG research, and the study by the Pembina Institute, clearly indicated wood biomass is a sustainable and environmentally responsible fuel source.

• Key contractors were AECON, which designed and constructed the fuel handling and storage systems, and Nordmin, which did the controls integration.

• Once converted, the AGS would be available when needed to meet peak demand for electricity, and back-up hydro-electric generation in low-water years, as well intermittent power sources like wind and solar.

• Finally, wood biomass presents synergies with Ontario's forest sector.

The conversion Basically, the conversion project involved three separate sets of modifications to the existing plant: • Modifying the furnace (including the installation of 15 new burners), and designing and installing a new distributed controls system.

• Erecting two 5,000 tonnes (each) storage towers for the wood biomass.

• Installing a transfer tower between the plant and the storage silos, and a receiving facility to handle the truck delivery of wood biomass.

Health and safety Ontario Power Generation approached the entire project with health and safety as the primary focus, in both the short- and long-term.

“If we hurt one person in this project, it's a failure,” said Brent Boyko, shortly after the work had begun. (He was then manager of Continued on page 8

Pembina Institute’s biomass sustainability analysis OPG In discussing the biomass option with stakeholders across Ontario, the sustainability and climate change benefits of biomass are always topics of interest. At the same time, OPG recognizes that the science around biomass is expanding and questions about the use of biomass fuels have been raised. OPG continues to take steps to ensure its biomass program is sustainable and delivers climate change benefits.

In 2010, OPG contracted The Pembina Institute, a wellrespected Canadian environmental organization, to conduct an assessment of the sustainability and climate change implications of electricity generation at four OPG coal plants, using two million dried tonnes per year of forest-based biomass, sourced and processed in Ontario.

The Pembina study examined the full life-cycle emissions associated with harvesting, transportation, processing and combustion of two million tonnes of Ontario-sourced, woodbased biomass fuel per year at four OPG coal plants.

As part of the study, Pembina conducted an analysis for a northwestern Ontario scenario with an hypothetical annual supply of 100,000 tonnes per year of forest-based biomass to be used at OPG's Atikokan GS. That analysis found that: There is no systematic decline in forest carbon stocks over time. This fact, combined with sustainable forest management planning and practices, means OPG's biomass program can satisfy the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) definition of renewable biomass.

The wood pellet electricity pathway for Atikokan GS offers significant greenhouse gas benefits over combined-cycle natural gas generation (on average about 90 per cent lower).

Economic benefit will be concentrated in the local area. The study estimates that 130 jobs would be created and $18 million per year would be added to the area economy.

Pouring the silos Over nine days in early May, 2013, the most visible part of the conversion was completed: the erection of two 43-metre tall storage silos for the wood pellets.

The walls in the silos are a half-metre thick, so each required almost 1,400 cubic metres of concrete (305 truck loads for the two silos) and over 200,000 kilograms of rebar.

The FWS Group (Winnipeg) used two independent 1.2 metre tall slipforms (one inside, one outside), and started pouring concrete on May 2. It flowed

almost continuously until May 11; when the concrete was flowing, the silos (they were erected simultaneously) rose about 1.5 metres per hour.

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Regular staff at the plant were intimately involved with all the conversion work. They served as contract monitors and administrators, and worked closely with the contractors on quality control. Their knowledge of, and familiarity with, the plant were essential in the work to adapt the facility to the new fuel.

Health & Safety From page 7 the AGS; he has since become OPG's director of biomass business development.)

All of the workers - there were over 200 construction workers on-site for the project, with over 100 different contractors involved received safety training, and safety was considered first at every step of the construction process.

For operational safety, OPG studied how best to reduce both fire and explosion risk, and worker exposure risk. It also conducted a third-party industrial hygiene study that assessed hazards associated with handling wood dusts. The results of that work is reflected in all of the final design.

Receiving strategy Contracts for the wood pellets, 45,000 tonnes per year each, were awarded to Rentech (which will produce them in Atikokan) and Resolute Forest Products (Thunder Bay). OPG will use only allwood pellets in the Atikokan GS, so it is essential the pellets be protected from the elements .

The pellets will be delivered in specially designed selfunloading, closed trucks (a contract for this has been awarded).

OPG estimates the ATGS will receive up to 10 35-tonne trucks per day, five days a week. (The system is designed so that a truck will take about 15 minutes to unload.)

Pellets will be unloaded onto a belt-feeding system that can send them to either the storage silos, or to the new in-plant surge bins. (These are about 1/16th the size of the coal bunkers they replaced, to reduce the quantity of in-plant fuel.)

The storage silos are equipped with spiral chutes that reduce fuel drop, temperature monitoring systems (at multiple levels) to avert self-heating, aeration and recirculation capabilities to cool pellets, and an inert gas injection system for fire prevention. Each also has explosion panels, and an elaborate dust control system.

Pellets will come to the plant in self-unloading 35-tonne trucks specially designed to deliver wood pellets and protect them from the elements.

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS, CELEBRATION EDITION, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

The new distributed controls system means a whole new look for the control room.

The AGS from the air, taken shortly after the erection of the storage silos.

The empty coal yard, and coal handling facilities, are being preserved in a safe state.

The heart of the operation: the staff and the turbine

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Atikokan and OPG: An intertwined history The early years In 1906, some 1,500 municipal representatives marched on Queen's Park to demand that the government establish a publicly-owned electric company. That May, the Ontario Legislature created the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario. Its first chairman was Sir Adam Beck. The dream - to provide a low-cost hydroelectric power system that would belong to and serve the people of Ontario.

Building the system was underway and by 1910 the Ontario Commission began supplying electricity while new development continued.

The Town of Atikokan & Hydro… a partnership The town of Atikokan, which was established in 1899 when the CNR reached that point, developed as a result of the vast amount of iron ore under Steep Rock Lake. Extraction started in 1930 and the 'hidden riches' were first located in 1938. Development ensued. The first construction road was started in 1943 and paved the way to the lake with the 'billion dollar bottom'. That same year, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario built a 115,000 volt transmission line into the area from Port Arthur.

Post-World War II brought economic prosperity and rising demands for power. In 1955, a second 115,000 volt line was built while power consumption continued to increase. That year, the township purchased the distribution system and a supply of power. Atikokan became a member of the Hydro family on December 18, 1956 when the HydroElectric Commission of the Township of Atikokan was established.

The load at that time was about 2,500 kw and by December, 1958, had increased to 3,268 kw. Ontario Hydro's area work force handled the outside work on a cost basis. Development continued. Caland Ore Company Limited joined the economic burst, and with Steep Rock Iron Mines Limited developed the Steep Rock Range.

In June, 1958, a contract was signed to supply power to Canadian Charleson Limited which extracted ore from gravel deposits in the area. The local utility built one mile of 44,000-volt line into the plant site to supply the company's 4,000-kva substation.

The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario became Ontario Hydro in 1974. Hydro invested heavily in expanding and creating new generating facilities and selected the site for a new thermal generating station in northwestern Ontario. The Atikokan Generating Station was the first Ontario Hydro station planned with the guidance of the public participation of a committee of community leaders.

The Atikokan Generating Station Ontario Hydro constructed the Atikokan Generating Station on Marmion Lake at the outskirts of Atikokan after new technologies forced closure of the ore mines in 197980. Built at a total cost of $754 million, the station burned low-sulphur lignite coal from western Canada until September 11, 2012.

At that time, the conversion to biomass fuel was underway. The station has conventional Steelwork during the environmental control original construction devices and is the only station in Ontario with an on-site railway car dumper.

Coal-fired stations were generally used to meet periods of peak electricity demand when supply. To distribute the power, there are tie lines to Manitoba, the US at International Falls, Minnesota and an eastwest tie line with southern Ontario.

The Atikokan Generating Station was commissioned on November 14, 1985. Then Atikokan Reeve Dennis Brown, presented a plaque on behalf of the Township of Atikokan that continues to hang in the control room of the station today. The station achieved ISO 14001 certification for environmental management and went on to attain Wildlife Habitat Council certification for sound environmental practices.

Closing Ontario's coal-fired power plants and replacing them with cleaner energy sources was first posed in 2003 by the Ontario government. On April 8, 2014, the last coal was burned in Ontario for the production of electricity. Today, the Atikokan Generating Station is the largest capacity, 100 percent biomass fuelled power plant in North America. Close to 100 percent of the electricity OPG produces is from sources that are free of climate change and smog causing emissions.

Restructuring Ontario Hydro

Supporting the Community

Restructuring of the province's electricity industry brought change to Ontario Hydro which, for over 93 years, made a huge contribution to the growth and prosperity of the province. On April 1, 1999, Ontario Hydro ceased to exist and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the largest of Ontario Hydro's five successor companies, was launched to generate the electricity.

(The others are: Hydro One Networks Inc. transmission and distribution; Independent Electricity System Operator -administers the electricity grid; Electrical Safety Authority - enforces electrical safety across Ontario; Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation - responsible for servicing the debt and liabilities of the former Ontario Hydro that were not assigned to the successor companies.) Ontario Power Generation is one of the largest electricity generators on the continent.

Ontario Power Generation encourages its employees to participate and help out in their communities. Staff members also conduct an annual employee charity campaign and contribute through payroll deduction to raise funds for charity. In addition, Ontario Power Generation supports the communities in which it operates through its Corporate Citizenship Program. Some of these sponsorships include funds for equipment for the Atikokan General Hospital, the spawning bed at the Abie/Marmion Lake cut and the three-year restocking program, barrier-free access for the Atikokan Public Library and support for the Atikokan Entertainment Series and other arts, education, health, environmental and community initiatives.

Atikokan Generating Station is a proud community supporter and plays an important role in Ontario Power Generation's production of electricity.

The Coal Legacy On June 10, 2013, the grand opening of “The Coal Legacy” exhibit was held at the Atikokan Centennial Museum. This permanent display includes models, historic photos and artifacts. It is a tribute to the Atikokan Generating Station's very proud past -- serving the community from 1985 to 2012. It also introduces the station's conversion to biomass fuel to the community.

Photo: Atikokan Township Mayor Dennis Brown (centre) with OPG's Wray Clement (left) and Brent Boyko (right).

When the planning and construction of the Atikokan Generating Station started in the late 1970s, computerized design was still a pipe dream. That meant miniature scale models were created as part of the design process; actually, the old models came in handy when planning the conversion of the plant to biomass fuel. OPG has since donated some of the models to the Atikokan Centennial Museum for its Coal Legacy exhibit.

Repowering coal-fired electricity generation in Ontario

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS, CELEBRATION EDITION, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

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•••CELEBRATING THE REVIVAL OF THE FOREST INDUSTRY IN ATIKOKAN•••

Rentech commissions Atikokan wood pellet facility M. McKinnon One of the chief selling points in the plan to convert the Atikokan Generating Station to wood biomass was that it would help kick-start a new, homegrown wood pellet industry in Northwestern Ontario.

The forest industry was hurt badly during the recession, but it has also been facing an ongoing decline in the demand for newsprint, which has closed dozens of pulp and paper mills across North America. That's hamstrung efforts to get the maximum value from every tree taken from the forest. For years that has been achieved by sending the best wood to lumber mills, with the rest going to manufactured building materials (oriented strand board, etc.) and pulp and paper.

The new biomass wood pellet industry can help forest companies replace some of the lost pulp and paper mills. That was the original idea, anyway.

It seems to be working.

In May, 2013, Rentech, Inc., which operates wood fibre and nitrogen fertilizer businesses, announced it would make a $70 million investment in Wawa and Atikokan to convert idled mills to wood pellet manufacturing facilities. It had won large wood pellet contracts with Drax, a U.K. power producer that has made a major move into biomassfuelled generation, and Ontario Power Generation.

Six months earlier, Resolute Forest Products announced it would invest $10 million to build a wood pellet plant in Thunder Bay; it, too, had won a contract to supply OPG. (Resolute's plant is slated to enter production during the fourth quarter of 2014.)

The Atikokan plant was commissioned in September, 2014, and has meant jobs for about 25 Atikokanites.

The heart of the operation here is three pellet presses that will take wood - reduced to sawdust size - and turn it into pellets. Each of the presses is designed to produce about four tonnes of pellets per hour, so the plant will have a capacity of 12 tonnes per hour, or about 100,000 tonnes per year.

The wood yard - which operation has been contracted to Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting - has a broad mix of woods, in varying states, from sawdust to full size logs. The wood is debarked (the bark fuels the

Workers at Rentech’s Atikokan wood pellet facility; inset, the product from an early test run. heating system for the sawdust drier), and then chipped and screened. Small particles go right into the pellet production line, while the larger pieces go to a couple of hammer mills that will reduce the wood to the appropriate size. Everything is then dried; the driers can produce up to 18 tonnes of dried wood per hour.

Once pressed into pellets, the product is cooled and is then ready for shipping. Rentech has installed a pair of large silos for storing production, but the best case scenario has storage kept to a minimum.

Trucks, all bound for the OPG plant here, will load right inside the plant on one side of the production line. On the other, pellets will be loaded into rail cars, bound for Quebec City (from where

they will be shipped to Drax in the U.K.).

Rentech is providing extensive training for the workers, even sending some to spend time in American wood pellet plants. All of the workers here have completed two weeks of core skill training, everything from First Aid to industrial safety and workplace harassment. Safety North Ontario, Intola Safety, and the Rainy River District Shelter of Hope delivered the training.

“It's all about setting up the staff for success,” said plant manger Bill Carson. “People are the ones who make the company, and they are the biggest asset.”

This is the fourth wood plant start-up Carson has been involved with (the others were in Kenora, High Level, Alberta, and Truro, Nova Scotia).

Resolute's new Sapawe mill taking shape on schedule Jessica Smith “We're starting from a clean slate and building up from that.”

That's Guy Legarrie, in late August, 2014, talking about the construction of Resolute Forest Products' new lumber mill at Sapawe, just east of Atikokan. He's overseen the construction of sawmills in Ear Falls and Thunder Bay, where he headed up production and maintenance for 12 years, and is the sawmill supervisor here.

Legarrie worked for Atikokan Forest Products for 16 years at the Sapawe site, before moving on to Avenor (a predecessor of Resolute FP) in 1997. The AFP mill went bankrupt in 2008, and was dismantled a few years later.

Resolute bought the property in 2013, after announcing it would build a lumber mill in the Atikokan area to complement its operations in Thunder Bay (lumber, pulp & paper, biomass pellets) and Ignace (lumber). In the fall, Rainy Lake Tribal Contracting levelled the new site, blasting and relocating of some 120,000 cubic metres of rock (now being used for gravel in the site construction), and removing 300 truckloads of old mill waste.

Construction began in the spring of 2014. It includes a planer (the most modern in North America) and a kiln, and will produce a variety of lumber (1x3, 1x4, 2x3, 2x4, 2x6 and 2x10) in eight and sixteen foot lengths. The production target here will be 150 million board feet per year, about 50% more than the old mill's typical output. The natural gasfired kiln will also handle logs for the Ignace mill; it's annual capacity will be 265 million board feet per year. (The company's Thunder Bay mill lists annual production at 300 million board feet.)

The project is on schedule for completion in spring 2015, with operation by summer.

The approximate $65 million investment in the Sapawe operation will create not only direct employment, but spinoff jobs in harvesting and hauling. By the start of production, the mill will have 90 employees, including 20 tradespeople, 20 [supervisory] staff and 50 labourers and operators.

Resolute contracted Fab Tech for most of the mill construction, and KTG Group for the equipment installation. (Both are Quebec companies.)

AFP “had some top-of-the line pieces of equipment” such as the DDM 6 and DDM 12 sawing machines, which will be installed here.

KTG will also remove, refurbish and rebuild equipment from Resolute's idled mill in Oakhill, Nova Scotia and transport it here.

Sawmill supervisor Guy Legarrie and safety supervisor Scott Manford in front of the de-barking facility at Resolute Forest Products' new Sapawe lumber mill.

“The saw line itself is brand new,” said Legarrie. but higher production. In the AFP days, the sawmill “It's what we call the heart beat of the operation. It's and planer were in two separate buildings but this just the equipment that is feeding [the saw line] and new design is “all under one roof,” said Legarrie. taking it away, that is going to be used equipment.”

“You don't have as many people functioning in The sawmill will cut 16 foot boards into a variety of these areas because you don't need to. The same dimensions. person who walks the one line, now walks both lines.”

A “brand new, state-of-the-art” planer is being “The technology of optimization is the key,” he purchased and that “is a very, very key component to adds. “In the new world, optimization pays the bills.” the success of this mill. From a speed and finishing Synergies among the Atikokan, Ignace, and perspective, it will be able to plane lumber faster,” he Thunder Bay mills will be maximized. Resolute will said. use the chipped wood from the sawmills for its The planer, which removes the rough or excess Thunder Bay pulp and paper mill and new wood surface from the kiln-dried lumber, will be used for pellet plant, and for sale to Rentech's wood pellet boards from both the Sapawe mill and Resolute's plant here. (Both Rentech and Resolute's pellet Ignace mill (9 foot stud lumber). plants have contracts to supply the Atikokan The log handling conveyor system will feed new Generating Station.) logs into the de-barker and sorting area (three bins) As Resolute brings these three additional plants and feed on into either the sawmill (to be cut into 16 on-line, it will use the trees from the five forest foot lengths and kiln-dried), or to the chipper area. management units on which it holds sustainable The sawmill runs parallel to the planer and the two forest licences: Crossroute (here to Fort Frances), adjacent lines run about 360 feet. The sawmill line's Dog River-Natawin (Quetico to Thunder Bay), and lumber output area is adjacent to the input of the three northerly units (English River, Black Spruce planer, which mean efficiency of layout; the newer and Caribou). technology means fewer workers than the old mill,

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Forty years on the wrong side of the tracks Story and photos by Joseph Marohnic

I

may not be a train man, but I certainly am a train fan, and I've been one for as long as I can remember. As a boy living in Niagara Falls and later in Croatia, during the 1940s and 50s, I watched freight trains at crossings, on bridges, steaming up mountains, and pulling in and out of stations. I recall wondering where they came from, what they were carrying and where they were headed. Trains always held a deep fascination for me and must have been the equivalent of boats on the Mississippi to Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. But in all honesty, my love affair with trains didn't truly begin until we moved to the wrong side of the tracks in Atikokan in the early 1960s.

After I accepted a teaching position with the Atikokan School Board, we moved to Highland Park.

Highland Park was a single dirt road lined with houses and shacks of various descriptions, located on the other side of the tracks from the town proper. At the time, the CN line through Atikokan was very busy.

Grain cars from the prairies, iron ore pellets from two local mines, as well as unusual cargo of every description, gave a resident of Highland Park only a 50 - 50 chance of getting across the tracks at any given time. Passenger trains, work crews, and cars being shunted back and forth, made the odds drop even further.

One would think that with all this “train nonsense”, people would be discouraged from living in Highland Park.

And, indeed this was the case, except for the diehards who loved the sound of the train whistle, the shaking of the earth, the activity, the mystery, the ever-changing scenery. All this was a gift to those living on the wrong side of the tracks. Mind you, if we were stuck at the crossing at inconvenient times, we were not above complaining. However, waiting for the train to pass gave us a chance to slow down and socialize with the neighbours who were also waiting. Then when the train finally got moving, we entertained ourselves by guessing at the number of cars yet to pass before the caboose cleared the crossing. We never understood why sometimes a whole train would get through the crossing, except for the last one or two cars, that infuriatingly blocked the road for good lengths of time. Why couldn't the train have pulled up just a little further? Another train mystery.

I asked my three children, who are now in their forties, about some of their recollections of living near the CN Yard. Their memories were very interesting indeed, and I'd like to share some of them with other train lovers.

• Walking and balancing on the rails while playing the game of who can stay on the longest.

• Collecting pop bottles along the tracks for pocket change.

• Searching the ditches for snakes and frogs, just

Station House at Night

Bending Pennies

for the joy of it.

• Rescuing turtles stuck between the rails.

• Sliding bikes under stationary grain cars instead of taking the long way around.

• Throwing small rocks under the wheels of fast moving trains to watch them explode into dust.

• Going to the tracks to see blood stains of stray animals hit by a train.

• Making “weapons” from thin pieces of sheared off rail.

• Getting your dogs to “stay”, to prevent them from darting under a moving train in an attempt to join you on the other side.

• Flying kites on the tracks in the spring time if the yard was reasonably empty.

• Lying in bed and listening to the constant activity on the tracks while falling asleep.

• Recalling the bright high beam of light from the engine, lighting up EVERYTHING in sight!

• Using iron ore pellets from the tracks as perfect sling shot ammo.

• Dreaming of going across Canada on a freight train, needing only coveralls, a sleeping bag, a good book, and some money.

• Secretly riding a freight train to Thunder Bay. • Becoming a vegetarian as a result of seeing cows transported in cattle cars across the country.

• Building forts with loose boards removed from freight cars parked on the sidings.

• Taking the occasionally offered caboose ride to school when late.

• Playing on a huge pile of ties that was the “ultimate jungle gym”.

• Recalling our neighbour collecting spilled grain from the tracks to feed his chickens.

Although occasionally the trainmen gave instructions to use the official crossing, the kids rarely listened because the crossing was so far away. Parents made every effort to instruct their children on safe crossing practices because they understood the futility of trying to keep Tom and Huck off the Mississippi. As parents we felt that having fun in the train yard was a sight more stimulating than watching sitcoms and television advertising.

As far as I am personally concerned, I love trains and all the activity in the yard. I spent endless days photographing both details and panoramic views of this ever changing stage.

Those were the days, no Facebook, no reality TV, no Blackberries, just real life and the trains…

(Editor's Note: Joe Marohnic, who has trained more Atikokan photographers than anyone, originally wrote this story for Rail Fan Canada magazine, Fall, 2009. The Progress carried it in March, 2010. All of the images with this story are by Joe Marohnic.)

Out of Service

Article and photographs © Joseph Marohnic Email: josmarohnic@gmail.com

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS, CELEBRATION EDITION, SEPTEMBER 2014

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Blues Blast magazine on Sunday Wilde:

“...rather deep pipes that have been toned by experience, one part Etta James with a tiny dash of Janis Joplin...”

M. McKinnon How far can you go on a great voice, a passion to make music, and an unwavering commitment?

So far for Atikokan's Sunday Wilde, the answer is: four original CDs, air play everywhere from BB King's Bluesville (Sirius XM Radio) to roots and blues stations, a pile of indie music awards, and a growing legion of fans from around the world.

This blues singer has been found performing everywhere from small logging and mining towns at coffee houses, to funeral parlours, blues joints, large festivals, house concerts, and big city night spots.

Wilde is a powerful and intense vocalist, “a rare voice that speaks from the primal soul”. She writes, too exploring the subjects of grief, addiction, love, and the torment of social and family dysfunction. Her lyrics and delivery make it abundantly clear that she speaks with authority and from experience. Wilde writes from the heart and draws from observations of personal interactions and emotions.

She has a big entrepreneurial streak - as a young mother, she built a successful business out of her home

making and marketing energy bars before launching her musical career - so when she committed fully to making music, she was not daunted by the prospect of doing it from the wilds of northern Ontario. (She's even used it to her advantage. The back story to her third CD, He Gave Me a Blue Nightgown - it was recorded at Branch's Seine River Lodge, a wilderness resort near Atikokan - intrigued listeners, and helped set her apart from the crowd.)

In 2013, she recorded at Clarksdale, Mississippi (at the Hobson Commissary, not far from the crossroads, Highways 61 and 49) with the Blues Women International project. Fifteen female blues performers gathered for a week of music creation and recording. Wilde cut two songs there, including More than a wee bit crazy, which earned her a third Independent Music Award.

Her fourth CD, He Digs Me, was released Valentine's Day, 2014, and by early April had reached the top of the charts at BB King's Bluesville on Sirius XM. Sunday Wilde continues to write, perform, and record (she was back in the studio in August, 2014).

How far will she go? What does 'success' mean to her: “I contemplate this every day... every artist has to

The Atikokan Song brought to life Jessica Smith Many of us know the words by heart.

The Atikokan Song, written by Jinx Stus for the town's 100th birthday in 1999, is now gaining broader exposure as a marketing tool for the town.

The song, which traces Atikokan's history from its railroad, logging and mining roots to more recent economic challenges, lauds the indomitable spirit of the “town with the great big heart”. It forms the sound track to archival and scenic photos of the town.

Stus worked with filmmaker Patricia Lambkin, Atikokan Centennial Museum, the Atikokan Economic Development Corp., the Chamber of Commerce, and all kinds of friends and neighbours to assemble the DVD. The finished product features the song while the accompanying photos date back to early days - including dirt roads and the construction of the first mining houses, churches, new businesses and the original Atikokan Hotel (courtesy of current hotel owner John Torbiak).

Included are scenes from some seven decades ago featuring Max Clement working on the log drive at age 17.

Those shots were shared by his son Albert, and Stus said she was thrilled to get her hands on them. In addition to those obtained from the Museum's archives, others were taken by local photographers Deb Riley, Doug Strom, Ron Krukoski and the late Cliff McIntosh. The works of local

artists Linda Kennard, Kendra Faykes and Heather Schmutzer also help celebrate the area's beauty.

“When Patricia and I watched the finished product in her living room, I choked up, and I knew that's how others would view it too,” said Stus. “It's a memento of Atikokan… this little town has been through a lot.”

The Song It's the town's ability to survive that inspired the song, and that spirit remains as relevant to the community today

wonder about this. My definition of success has more to do with my ability on the instrument, as I am growing and learning all the time. And, of course, to hit someone deeply with a tune inside of themselves is a success, too. Business success in music is a much different beast!!” (www.IndependentMusicAwards.com) You can sample some of Sunday Wilde's recorded work at her website (cleverly named www.SundayWilde.com).

Her music is also on CD Baby, Amazon and ITunes. as it did when the iron ore mines shut down in the 70s and 80s. More than industry drives the town; it's the beauty of the unspoilt wilderness, quality of life, and warmth of its residents, the song and video tell us.

When Stus first put pen to paper to create the Atikokan Song, it was “a spur of the moment decision”, just three weeks before the 100th birthday. When she first performed it, it clearly struck a chord that still resonates today.

During the birthday celebrations “I played it under the tent every day and people were crying, and before I knew it I was getting requests to play it three or four times a day.”

Still, every time she performs she gets request for it, she said. “It's kind of neat when you're singing it, and people are joining in on the chorus.”

She recorded the song over a year ago with the help of Roy Lusignan (who provided the guitar and bass, and recorded the song at his own Dream Studio) and Raymond Simard on banjo and harmonica. But in spite of finally recording the CD, Stus still longed to make it both a musical and visual journey. “I wanted the DVD. I wanted the pictures behind it, but I knew I couldn't do it on my own [because it was expensive].”

Stus, who recorded a 45 rpm record in 1978 and a CD (Jinx and the Soulmates) 20 years later, has now written about 10 songs for a new CD and hopes to begin recording soon. And should anything significant be added to the Atikokan story, “I could always add a few more verses,” she adds with a laugh.

The Mine Fox: Tramin builds specialty underground mine vehicle

“We've got guys who can weld and fabricate,” he said. Genco was keen on the idea after meeting with Martin, Chris Stamler and Jason Mattson. “So we said, let's see what kind of reception we get once we've built a vehicle that meets our standards. Everybody had input into the design; we wanted it to be functional and to look nice - guys will take much better care of it if it looks nice.”

Martin was effusive with praise for the effort and care the crew (Jason Mattson, Jim Ferguson, Angus Manford, Brendon Sampson, and Jesse Barnard) are putting into the project, The Mine Fox (as the rebuilt vehicle has been christened) uses a heavy-duty drive train made in North America, a body Genco imports from China, a simplified electrical system designed by Genco (“There are no computers; it's easy to maintain and service,” said Martin.), and will come with a variety of engine, transmission, chassis and braking MINE FOX Tramin Mining and Industrial Services’ Mine Fox, with options. The 'showroom' version features a builders Brendon Sampson, Jason Mattson, Jim Ferguson and (back) four-cylinder Duetz Turbo diesel, a Borg Warner HD four-speed transmission and Angus Manford and Jesse Barnard. divorced transfer case, custom Dana HD axles, foura couple of years ago about providing vehicles for wheel disc brakes, and has a half ton capacity. underground operations, he looked more deeply into what The Atikokan-based Tramin Limited has been was happening in that corner of the supply industry. What providing contracting services to Canadian mining, he found convinced him there was a niche that could forestry, power generation and other heavy industrial prove profitable, if Tramin could develop the right vehicle sites since 1988. at the right price.

Atikokan: The vehicle manufacturing capital of the Northwest?

M. McKinnon That's not likely to be seen on the town's calling card any time soon, but Atikokan's Tramin Mining and Industrial Services is making a move in that direction. It has completely rebuilt a pair of vehicles to make them suitable for use in hard rock mining, and hopes the effort will lead to something bigger as the mining industry in the region expands.

“We've got a lot of time and money invested in this,” said proprietor Gord Martin last week. “We think we've got a winner here… Time will tell.”

Specifically, Tramin took a pair of vehicles made by Genco, a Utah-based mining services company that produces a specialized personnel vehicle for use in underground coal mines, and rebuilt them, almost from the ground up, into vehicles that should stand up to the more rigourous hard-rock minerals mining of this region.

“It's designed to haul four or five guys, with tools in the back, underground,” said Martin. (It's an off-road vehicle only.) “We're really proud of it, and are working with a couple of clients now to get the truck on site and put it through its paces. We need to test it out on an actual job site; it's still in the development stage.”

Martin has been eying the Genco vehicles at mining shows for almost a decade. When a client approached him

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

NASA scientists study Steep Rock

Ancient rock structures evidence of earliest life M. McKinnon How does our search for life on Mars connect with Steep Rock?

Ask NASA (America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration) or Penn State, and they will tell you it's all about astrobiology and the three billion year old fossils that dot the Steep Rock landscape.

NASA's interest in the fossils known as stromatolites - is based on its search for ways to detect whether life ever existed on Mars.

The stromatolites are layered mounds, columns, and sheets found in rock. They were built by prokaryotic cells (the simplest and earliest form of life on Earth), in a process similar to the way coral forms. The stromatolites at Steep Rock, exposed decades ago when the mine was in operation, are estimated to be close to three billion years old, which means they are among the oldest known evidence of life on the planet.

The Steep Rock stromatolites were formed primarily by cyanobacteria (more familiarly known as blue-green algae), which for about two billion years were the dominant life form on the planet.

They are, like plants, photosynthetic: they use carbon dioxide (then the major gas in the atmosphere), water and sunlight to create food. The by-products of the photosynthesis, oxygen and calcium carbonate (lime), are a vital part of the story.

Over the two billion years, the oxygen produced in that photosynthesis is what made the oxygen-rich atmosphere we know today. (The Earth's first life was its first global climate changer.)

And the calcium carbonate helped create the fossil record that allows us to deduce the existence and role of the blue-green algae.

The cells grew in filmy layers in shallow water, and these layers of cells would trap sediment, one grain at a time, and the calcium carbonate they produced would bind the sedimentary particles together. Over time, this repeated

action produced all kinds of elaborate rock structures - rock structures which are literally a history of a particular colony or collection of blue-green algae cells.

At Steep Rock, these formations tend to be great domed columns (see the photo).

There are still prokaryotic cells creating stromatolites on Earth today. They tend to be in extremely salty lakes and lagoons, where animals (snails, etc.) are unable to feed on them. Shark Bay, in Western Australia, is probably the best-known site, but there are others in Brazil, the Bahamas and Mexico, and even reports of some in deep cold lakes in Northern Minnesota.

Bio-signatures Astrobiologists are interested in understanding stromatolites as part of their search for evidence of bacterial life on Mars. It's pretty clear that the stromatolites are a 'signature' of life. What might a similar 'signature' look like on Mars? Would we recognize it if we saw it?

Helping scientists get to that point is one of the goals of NASA's Astrobiology Institute, which funds a variety of programs at universities around the world, including the Penn State Astrobiology Research Center. Students, researchers and professors from that center (and other astrobiology centres, from across the U.S. and Canada) regularly venture north to get a first-hand look at the Steep Rock stromatolites, as well as a variety of other ancient rock features in Northern Ontario (the impact crater near Sudbury, among others).

“In their effort to develop ways to search for extraterrestrial life, the researchers look to extreme locations on Earth, including Israel's Dead Sea, Greenland glacier ice and the methane seeps of the Eel River Basin, California, for microbial life,” says Penn State's Astro-

b i o l o g y R e s e a r c h C e n t e r.

“Another place to look for signs of microbial life is in ancient rocks.

Those dating from 3.8 billion years ago to 570 million years ago may have geochemical signatures produced by microbial life.

Studying the rocks will also show how those signatures are affected by aging.”

Stomatolites - Then & now Steep Rock’s stromatolites the domed structures or ‘bulging' rocks’ in this photo (right) - are fossil evidence of some of the earliest life on earth. In 2007, NASA’s Astrobiological Institute hosted students, researchers and professors in a field workshop, Biosignatures in Ancient Rocks, that included a stop to examine these stromatolites.

Pictured below are modernday stromatolites in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Three billion years later, the process of their formation continues.

Passionate paddlers: Powered by the Meany Original M. McKinnon What started as an effort to build a better racing paddle has turned into an inter-generational tradition of fine craftsmanship and Canadian history.

The XY Paddle Company is the product of Don Meany's many decades in a canoe, first as a racer, then as a portage crew leader in Quetico Park.

Canoe racers Don and Joe Meany started making paddles in the 1960s, when the Atikokan - Ely (Minnesota) canoe race was the event of the summer.

Don was convinced he could build a better, faster paddle that would maximize the power in his stroke.

Eventually, he came up with a unique recurve design that improves the paddle's 'grip' on the water, allowing the paddler to reach maximum power right away. The effect reduces the up and down motion of the canoe, and improves speed. Meany also devised a curved grip for the top hand that allows a paddler to keep that wrist straight when the paddle is at its maximum pull in the water. And he helped popularize the bent shaft design.

Meany didn't go into paddle making full-time until 1990, but the Meany Original was quickly

Alexander Mackenzie joined the group in 1800.) The paddles carry the names of significant figures in the fur trade - the Fraser, the LaVerendrye, the Mackenzie, the Ojibway, and the Thompson. (see them at www.XYCompany.ca) His son Spencer was involved in the business during summers; his first passion was hockey. He earned an NCAA scholarship (St. Lawrence University) and was eventually drafted by the Buffalo Sabres (1991, tenth round) and went on to play professionally for three years in the East Coast Hockey League (Raleigh Icecaps). He's also an avid canoeist, and by 2000 was involved full-time in the business; he has been operating it since Don retired a few years later.

Spencer shares his father's commitment to craftsmanship, and his curiosity about design. He's explored a number of composite profiles, and has produced racing paddles of wood and carbon that established as the brand for the discerning canoeist. weigh under a pound, yet generate the same power as He applied his innovations to a variety of paddle styles, then turned to his other passion - the history of an all-wood paddle.

He's also added personalized engraving services the Canadian Voyageurs - to name them. That is, of to the XY line-up (the paddles are very popular with course, where the company name comes from. (A group of dissident fur traders formed a new company visiting dignitaries!), and launched a push for a proper showroom for the company's fine products. after the North West Company was reorganized in Look for the big sign (left) next time you're in 1795. It was known as the XY Company - after the Atikokan, and stop in for a look.

XY it used to brand its goods in transit - until

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS, CELEBRATION EDITION, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

15

Come for a visit...

M. McKinnon What's the best way to experience all Atikokan has to offer?

We are a little off the beaten track - closer to Minneapolis or Winnipeg (six hours by car) than Toronto (an 18-hour drive, or a two-hour flight to Thunder Bay, and then a two-hour drive). But once you get here, you'll understand what we love about the place.

You know those car commercials where the advertised vehicle is the only one on the road? You'll experience that.

You can paddle for days in Quetico Park and not meet another soul. You can ride our snowmobile trails for hours without seeing another machine.

Know that we have three hotels, a number of bed and breakfast places, and a long list of resorts and outfitters. There are full service campgrounds in Atikokan, at Quetico Park's Dawson Trail (about 40 km east of town), and at several of the resorts.

If you want to do some canoe tripping, it's always worth working with an outfitter, even if you have all the gear. They know all the routes, and can advise you on what's best for your tastes and skill levels. They can even provide a guide for less experienced trippers. (And they do offer top-notch equipment and supplies. Do you really want to lug all that gear up here?)

If a wilderness trip is a little much for you, consider renting a lakeside cabin for a few days. Most of the resort operators will include boat services, and help you have a great fishing experience.

If you would like something a little more adventurous, consider a remote fly-in outpost. All the comforts of home, miles from anywhere.

For contact information on these tourism businesses, visit http://AtikokanInfo.com.

Hikers, Atikokan and Quetico Park are both part of the TransCanada Trail network. In fact, Main Street Atikokan, and the Atikokan River, are part of the trail.

We have a tremendous network of snowmobile trails, and the local club works with neighbouring clubs to offer a variety of trail riding packages. (Visit www.AtikokanSnoHo.com) Over the past few years, a dedicated group of volunteers have developed an impressive network (over 50 km worth) of crosscountry ski trails just south of town. (Visit http://skibeatenpath.ca/ for details.)

So what are waiting for? We’d love to see you...

Ken Lister, assistant curator at the Royal Ontario Museum, standing with the view that inspired the Paul Kane's painting, French River Rapids (circa 1848). In 2006, Lister identified the site - long thought to be the French River in Northeastern Ontario - as right on the border of Quetico Park.

ROM's Ken Lister returns to French River Rapids site with archaeologists

Excavation offers further evidence artist Paul Kane was here in 1840s

Jessica Smith “This is one of those rare, great examples where painting mirrors archeology, and archeology mirrors painting.”

The 2006 discovery that famous fur trade era painting French River Rapids, by Canadian artist-explorer Paul Kane, depicts Quetico Park's own French River, was confirmed by 2009 archeological excavations of the very site shown in the painting.

Royal Ontario Museum assistant curator of anthropology Ken Lister, who made the original discovery the painting was not of the southern Jessica Smith Ontario French River, returned with Launched in 1988, Atikokan's artist-run Pictograph Gallery members of Archeological Services remains the community's primary artistic venue.

Inc. to the original French River The gallery is enthusiastically supported by a board of six artists, Portage north of Highway 11 to look a paid membership of about 75 and a pool of some 30 volunteers for artifacts that would confirm willing to keep the gallery and gift shop open five to six Kane's representation of a breakfast site used by Voyageurs. afternoons per week.

“What we have found is signifiThe support of the Ontario Arts Council (the Pictograph is a cant,” said senior archeologist Martin recommender gallery for its exhibition assistance program) and Cooper of the resulting finds: a pot the Ontario Trillium Foundation has allowed the gallery to create hook used over a campfire (just like an excellent display space. And the ongoing support of mall owner one in the painting) from the midFran Speer - he charges no rent - have been keys to its success.

1800s, glass beads used for trade by Finding artists willing to show their work is no longer a chalthe Voyageurs, a wrought nail, and lenge, with artists from across the region and the province putting chert flakes from an Aboriginal on exhibitions here. In fact, the gallery is now booking into 2015. arrow head - the only item that may The town alone is “a hotbed of creativity”. Artists “often date before the fur trade era, possibly from 1600 AD approach us regarding exhibits and we're always amazed by how North of the bridge over French creative people here are,” said board member Lori McCluskey on River (on Highway 11) is the east the occasion of the Gallery 25th anniversary celebration. end of the original fur trade portage.

“Maybe it's something to do with long, cold winters,” she It appears, based on Kane's sketches added jokingly. “I think everyone is an artist in their own way, and journal, that the Voyageurs though, they just have to discover and nurture it.” would typically leave WindegoosExhibitions typically run for six weeks, and feature a broad range tewan Lake around 4 or 5 am, and of artistic expression: painting, photography, crafts, pottery, sculpture, arrive at this point alongside a rapids wood and metal work, cross stitch, quilting, weaving and more. for breakfast a few hours later.

“We're always on the lookout for something a little different or Cooper said the relatively few artifacts found so far are in keeping new. We sit down on a monthly basis and plan ahead,” she said. with the assumption this was a Visitation at the Gallery is strong. “We get lots of positive feedback from the artists about how many people view their show. breakfast site, rather than an It's a very artsy - crafty community and people like to come down overnight camping spot.

The excavations were the result and see what's going on.” of Lister's desire to see just how The Pictograph Gallery is located in the lower level of the accurate Kane's paintings were in Voyageur Mall, and is open Tuesday depicting the fur trade and Aboriginal lifestyle.

For more on business opportunities, housing, and visiting This original portage was used www.AtikokanInfo.com or 1-888-334-AEDC by the west-bound Voyageurs during Kane's trips between 1845 and 1848, but with the 1868 construction of the Dawson Route a dam was installed at the rapids, causing this particular part of the

Pictograph Gallery: Going strong for nearly 30 years

Credit: French River Rapids, Courtesy of the Royal Ontario Museum, © ROM

portage to be abandoned. This route change was another reason why the actual location of Kane's painting was shrouded in mystery for so long - the French Portage had changed since Kane's trips, and in the century since had become overgrown with vegetation.

Still, Lister was able to put the pieces together in 2006, as part of a mission to understand if Kane's art sometimes with “a European romantic caste” to it - was in fact depicting real life.

Kane had a mission when he set out to travel thousands of miles of the northwestern Canadian fur trade route, said Lister, a curator of Kane's paintings for 30 years.

“In the mid-19th century, like many people, Paul Kane felt that the Native people would disappear with the white settlement, and he wanted to document and record them before they were lost.”

The artist returned to Toronto to turn at least 100 of his sketches into oil paintings. While Kane was a romantic artist, his location of landmarks seems to be astoundingly accurate, Lister has learned.

Armed with Kane's sketches and writings, Lister travelled from Toronto in 2006 to compare the artist's works with actual locations, which originally took him to Manitoulin Island and Sault Ste Marie and along the Kaministiqua River. He wasn't disappointed by what he found along the way.

Standing in front of Kakabeka Falls with a century old sketch in his

hands bearing the identical scene was “one of those 'aha' moments,” recalled Lister. “To me, this one showed me he was trying to be as accurate as possible, even though he was on the fur trade schedule and didn't have a lot of time.”

By the time he got to Quetico’s French River portage, Lister had a pretty good inkling from Kane's own narratives that this would be the spot.

“At that point, I would have been surprised if it wasn't there.”

With Kane's depiction in hand he could identify the rocks (although with the installation of the dam, the water level is much lower), bay, and cliff were there. “It's only since we've got it cleared that we're able to see a lot more,” including the crevice in the cliff, which matches the painting. In fact, Lister suspects a stump at the site was one of the trees in the scene.

This site is in the outer corner of the park boundary, but it wasn't actually in the park prior to excavations in the late 1960s at two way stations further up the river.

The boundary was extended to include the excavation sites, which means Quetico now hosts what could potentially become an interpretive site depicting the historic route that at one time was the only way through to western Canada.

“I think it could be huge,” said Lister. “This is part of the development of Canada.”

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS CELEBRATION EDITION SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Souris River Canoes: A Canoeing Capital success story M. McKinnon Launched in 1985 in Souris, Manitoba by Keith and Arlene Robinson, Souris River came to Atikokan in 1992, and, one step at a time, has become known across the continent for its tough, light, and gorgeous canoes.

The Robinsons developed a unique manufacturing process using epoxy resin and Kevlar (or CarbonTec) to build the toughest canoes, pound-for-pound, on the market. That, combined with an uncompromising commitment to steadily improve the quality of their canoes, has allowed them to stand out in a rather small market.

One of the reasons the Robinsons brought the business to Atikokan was to be closer to their customers. Working with local outfitter Canoe Canada, particularly during the company's early years, gave them the immediate feedback they needed to build the best possible canoes.

Souris River canoes are built with attention to the details that matter to a canoe tripper: webbed seats, tie-up grommets, heavy-gauge aluminum gunwales and seat brackets, a flexible rib system that makes SR canoes incredibly forgiving when striking solid objects, curved thwarts, a removable front thwart (turn any SR into a solo canoe), foam-filled floatation tanks, and more.

“We're always looking for little ways we can make paddling a nicer experience for our customers,” says Keith.

And Souris River Canoes are gorgeous... translucent in the right light. None of the canoes are painted; their design allows the colour of the materials to show through. It's a great effect - but means every stage of the production process has to go perfectly; you can't paint over any sloppy workmanship.

Souris River offers nine different models, varying in size and design. The Quetico, which comes in 16-foot (42 lbs), 17-foot (44 lbs) and, 18½-foot (49 lbs) versions, is the most popular.

The Prospector (16-foot (41 lbs) or 17½-foot (45 lbs)), is based on the design Bill Mason made famous in his wood-canvas canoes. Experienced trippers are keen about the Wilderness (18-foot, 46 lbs), and white-water adventurers go for the Skeena (16'8”, 48-52 lbs).

Souris River also builds a solo canoe (the Tranquility, 15'6”, 33 lbs), and a square stern model for use with a small motor (17', 55 lbs).

Every canoe is hand-made in the company's Atikokan shops.

For the full line-up of canoes, along with a handy guide to figure out which model will best meet your needs, see www.SourisRiver.com.

Hand-made canoe? Then what on earth are you doing with a mass produced paddle?

Even if your canoe wasn’t made by the fine craftspeople of Atikokan, you might want to consider an XY Paddle. With composite wood construction and a variety of styles, there will be one that suits your paddling stroke. See our story on the XY Company, on page 14

Arlene and Keith Robinson of Souris River Canoes

Satisfied Fletcher Canoe owner:

“When it comes to connecting with the natural world around me, no canoe is more practical than my Fletcher... it is literally made from the surrounding woods.”

M. McKinnon “I've had men cry... tell me they've waited their whole lives for this.”

That's master canoe builder Thelma Cameron talking about the reaction of customers when they finally receive their handmade, cedar-canvas Fletcher canoe.

Many follow the process as the canoe is built (she sends photos as it takes shape in her Atikokan workshop), but that hardly detracts from the moment when they come face-to-face with their dream. Most come to the workshop to pick up their canoe; many have made their maiden trip in Quetico Park.

All the canoes are custom made.

There are two basic models: the 15foot Fletcher's Fancy (light and fast) and the Bill Mason Heavy Duty Special (a 17½-footer, durable and excellent for carrying children due to its depth and sturdiness). The customer has some choices to make beyond that; there are a variety of woods in the finished canoe (white oak, cherry, maple and ash provide trim and strength), finishing colours, and seat styles.

The designs (and moulds) were developed by Thelma's uncle, Paul Fletcher, in Whitehorse in the 1970s.

Fletcher Canoes gained traction as a brand when canoeing legend Bill Mason took one onto Lake Labarge, and ended up a keen fan.

When the physical demands of canoe-building became too much for Paul Fletcher, he sold the business to the Cameron family (Thelma, husband Randy and sons Michael and Ron) in 1993. Within a few years, Michael and Ron had moved on, and Thelma became the main builder. Randy pitches in when two people are required.

Well-cared for, a Fletcher will last for generations.

The building process is intricate, from the separate pieces such as the seats, deck, fore and yoke made of

cherry, maple or ash, and the main structure, including the ribbing and planking, which are made of white cedar from the west end of our district.

Ribs are cut from a cedar cant (a partially sawn log with at least one flat side), then soaked, steamed, bent on a mould and shaped. The planking is fitted into place. (“It's not a jigsaw - you have to let the wood go where it wants.”)

Eventually the skeleton is covered

with canvas and topped with filler and enamel. It's a process full of pitfalls and so cannot be rushed.

It's also very demanding work, physically. Cameron will build as many as ten canoes in a year, and has completed well over 100 so far.

“I love it. It's very satisfying work. And I know now that I only have to please myself - if I'm happy, they will be happy.”

For more visit www.FletcherCanoes.com

Thelma Cameron at work on a Fletcher Canoe

September 8, 2014

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Volume 64, Number 43

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Krassey scores in OHL debut M. McKinnon Evan Krassey scored a goal - the winning goal as it turned out - and assisted on another in his OHL major junior debut Sunday, August 31, with the Niagara Falls Ice Dogs.

It was 'just' an exhibition game - a 7-1 win over the Oshawa Generals - but the 16year-old power forward took a regular shift with the big club, and earned praise from teammates and coach Marty Williamson.

“It was a vintage Evan goal,” said his father Mike, who was among the 1,500plus on hand at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls. “If you want a goal, go to the net. He did, and buried it on the backhand. He told me after: “Dad, I didn't know what to do!”

Of course, he wanted the puck, but he was mobbed by celebrating teammates.

One of the team's veterans did save the See ‘Great debut’, page 6

AHS water issue resolved RRDSB Administration quickly responded to correct an Atikokan High School water system flushing issue, initiating an in-depth internal investigation when a Ministry of the Environment random check in June, 2014 revealed concerns. It was determined that the flushing of the water system for lead was not consistently done or accurately reported.

As a result of Ontario Regulation 243/07 (under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002), school staff is required to perform flushing of water pipes before each school day and to record all water system flushing to document compliance. Flushing the water system is required in order to reduce the lead concentrations in school water supplies to within regulated standards.

Student safety is of the utmost importance and the Rainy River District School Board has an ongoing commitment to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for all of its students.

The RRDSB provides extensive health and safety training for its staff, including extensive training to fulfil the requirements of Ontario Regulation 243/07. In addition to reporting this issue to the Ministry of the Environment, administration has reviewed and refined water flushing procedures and monitoring.

The board is confident that this issue has been resolved and that the water flushing program throughout the system will be conducted consistently in the future.

A little more on lead in the water M. McKinnon Old water pipes can contain lead, either in the structure of the pipe or in the solder in pipe joints, and that lead can work its way (leach) into the water.

Short of the wholesale replacement of pipes, the best ways to minimize lead leachate reaching drinking water are to minimize the acidity of the water (something Atikokan's water system operators strive to do), and for users to let taps run for a minute or so after any period of low usage. (Lead is leached into water that sits for long periods of time in the pipes - by getting the water flowing, leaching is reduced.)

Atikokan regularly tests for the presence of lead in drinking water, and for several years found little. But in tests conducted in October, 2013, 10 of the 22 residences tested had lead present in the water, and in two cases the amount of lead exceeded the Ontario drinking water standard of 10 micrograms per litre (in one case, it was more than four times the standard).

Because of those test results, Atikokan is required to double the number of lead tests this year and next. (Contact the Public Works department, 597-1234, ext. 230, if See ‘Lead in the water’, page 7

Perch Lake Bass Challenge property manager Mary Homer got in a little pre-fishing with twin grandsons Jonah and Jesse, the source of much joy at the 2011 Challenge. A report from this year's challenge is on page three. PHOTO COURTESY THE PLBC

Atikokan Hydro introduces on-line billing option

Atikokan Hydro Today, Atikokan Hydro launched MyAccount, a new web-based system that makes managing electricity use easier than ever before. Every Atikokan Hydro customer can now sign up for MyAccount to view monthly bills and track electricity usage online.

“MyAccount is essentially a customer service tool,” says Atikokan Hydro CEO Wilf Thorburn. “It has been developed with the needs of customers in mind with benefits like 24/7 access, paperless billing, account management functions, and more.”

Atikokan Hydro issues almost 1,700 statements each month. MyAccount pro-

vides a paperless billing option that benefits the environment and results in cost savings in the printing and mailing of bills.

“MyAccount helps customers to improve their conservation efforts. With the ability to track electricity consumption, customers will become more aware of their energy use,” said Thorburn.

MyAccount is free for all Atikokan Hydro's new and existing customers, and has secure and safe 24/7 access. All Atikokan Hydro customers are being encouraged to sign up for the new service.

To do so, simply visit www.athydro.com and follow the sign-up instructions.

Corb Lund, Chantal Kreviazuk headline another strong AES line-up

Amanda Dickson Now that summer is drawing to a close, it's time to start thinking of how to spend the fall and winter season!

Corb Lund here September 24

The Atikokan Entertainment Series is bringing in six amazing performances this season to help get you through the long, cold winter. The season opens September 24 with Corb Lund, a Canadian Country treasure! He has several Juno and Canadian Country Music Assoc. award nominations and wins, and will perform work from his brand new album, Counterfeit Blues, as well as your old favorites.

On Monday, October 20, John Mann will join us. John Mann is best known as the former lead singer of Spirit of the West. He now has three solo albums which highlight his songwriting and musical talents. Ken Lavigne is scheduled for November 26. He is an operatic crossover tenor who is internationally recognized as one of the

best. His exceptional tone is certain to fill St. Patrick's with a stunning sound.

The AES will open the New Year with some dry humour, expert mime, versatile acting, skilled juggling, ventriloquism, splendid timing and keen sense of satire and the absurd. Robert Post will have the audience in stitches Tuesday, January 27.

Matt Lauer of the Today Show says: “I like him because he's insane, completely insane.”

This season the Manitoba Theatre Company will bring Armstrong's War to Ontario's Northwest. It is a wonderful story of a wounded soldier back from Afghanistan who builds an unlikely relationship with a 12-year old Girl Guide (actually, a Pathfinder). MTC will be here on February 23.

Chantel Kreviazuk visits April 15 And to close out the season, the AES is thrilled to bring in Canadian star Chantal Kreviazuk on April 15. Chantal is a renowned pianist, performer, and soughtout songwriter. (Her rendition of Leaving on a Jet Plane was featured in the blockbuster movie, Armageddon.) Don't miss the opportunity to see such a performer.

See ‘AES’, page 3

2

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

First ever Ontario-wide septic system survey: win $500 Ontario Press Service If you use a septic system at your house or cottage, Green Communities Canada wants to hear from you. By filling out a quick and easy 15 minute online survey, you can enter to win $500 towards septic system upgrades, effluent filter installation, maintenance or repairs. The survey can be found at www.tinyurl.com/septicsurvey until September 30.

There is a glaring lack of data about septic system users across Ontario. To fill this gap, Green Communities Canada is conducting this survey to learn about the types of systems in the province, how they are used, maintained, repaired, and replaced, and how people make decisions about their systems.

Most people don't want to think about where the water goes when they flush the toilet. In cities

and towns it is carried away to a municipal sewage treatment plant, where it is managed by trained professionals. But for the 1.2 million households in Ontario that use septic systems, wastewater is treated onsite and remains a personal responsibility.

Properly functioning systems are often invisible: out of sight, out of mind. However, failing systems can cause bacterial contamination of wells, and algae blooms in nearby lakes. They can cost well over ten thousand dollars to replace.

Septic system construction is regulated under the building code, but maintenance, including pumping and inspection, is up to the homeowner. Some regions have mandatory septic inspections every five years by the municipality or conservation authority, and some have grants to help property owners conduct

Around Town Monday, September 8 NorWest Animal Clinic visits, 274-7393 Faith Lutheran Food Bank open, 1 - 2:30 pm Council meets, 3 pm Legion Ladies bingo resumes, doors open 5:30 pm Tuesday, September 9 Toddler Story Time, 10:15 am, SunDog Kiwanis Club rally, 5:30 pm, Little Darlings Family Health Team presents Healthy Habits, 6:30 pm, 5972721, ext. 262 Fall/winter registration, children and youth sports and programs, 6 - 8:30 pm, Little Falls Air Cadets resumes, 6:30 pm, Voyageur Mall. Conatcts: 5978700, 597-4382, 597-4204 Wednesday, September 10 SunDog: Sneakers & Strollers 10 am, Club Mom 11 am Fall/winter registration, children and youth sports and programs, 6 - 8:30 pm, Little Falls Sportsmen's Conservation Club meets, 7 pm, hatchery Thursday, September 11 Seniors' housing meeting, 11 am, AEDC Friday, September 12 NorWest Animal Clinic visits, 274-7393

Music & Movement, 10:15am, SunDog Municipal election nomination deadline, 2 pm Farewll Tea for Ida Stewart, 2 pm, Pioneer Centre Saturday, September 13 Northwest Catholic DSB meets, 9:30 am, Fort Frances Abundance Market, O'Brien St., 10 am - 2 pm Motocross race, 11 am, Charleson Sunday, September 14 Legion Flag Day, 12:30 pm start, Legion Hall Terry Fox Run , 1 pm, TD-Canada Trust Monday, September 15 Council meets, 3 pm Sept. 16 - Toddler Story Time, 10:15 am, SunDog Police board meets, 11 am, Town Hall Court Sports: TA at AHS, 11 am Legion Ladies meet, 7 pm, Legion Sept. 17 - SunDog: Sneakers & Strollers 10 am, Club Mom 11 am Court Sports: TA at Pelican Falls, 10 am Quilt Guild pot luck and work party, Riverview UC, 6 pm Sept. 18 - Golden Age (55+) bowling resumes, contact Leona 597-2588

INTRODUCING ...

The ‘Abundance’ Market at Lorraine’s Garden Centre

THREE SATURDAYS IN A ROW STARTING

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FRESH PRODUCE, JEWELRY, SOAPS, BAKING & MORE! The concept of this market is to encourage any and all to consider what they may have an ‘abundance’ of that they wish to make available to others by way of selling/trading/bartering. We welcome food growers, cooks/bakers, knitters, crocheters, sewers, woodworkers, artists, jewelers, butchers, etc. ... limitless really!

For more information and to book a section for $10, please contact Lorraine at 597-5558, Heather Maynard at 597-6963 or visit Lorraine at the Garden Centre!

necessary repairs and upgrades, but these are variable across the province.

How old is your septic system? Have you ever had it inspected or pumped out? Do you feel confident that you understand how the system works? How do you know when it's time to maintain your system? These are some of the questions you'll be asked.

Survey results will be kept anonymous and used to inform the development of a future program which will engage rural homeowners in septic system maintenance, upgrades, and repairs in order to protect their drinking water, property values, and the environment.

Please share with your neighbours, family and friends who use septic systems. The survey will be open only until September 30.

The survey, the first of its kind ever conducted across Ontario, is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs.

Join us for Coffee/Tea

Farewell to Ida Stewart At the Pioneer Centre Friday, September 12th 2:00 p.m.

All Friends Welcome!

Legion Flag Day The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #145, will salute Atikokan’s departed veterans in ceremonies on

Sunday, September 14 beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Legion The ceremony will move to the Mackenzie Ave. cemetery for its conclusion.

A gathering and luncheon will follow at the Legion club room.

All are welcome to join in this remembrance For more information contact Marilyn Ricci at 597-6469.

THE TERRY FOX RUN FOR CANCER RESEARCH

PUBLIC MEETING

SENIORS’ HOUSING Walk-Run-Wheel-Ride

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 1 p.m. in Atikokan at TD-Canada Trust Inspired By A Dream Grounded In Tradition Volunteer-Driven

NO ENTRY FEE NO MINIMUM PLEDGE

1-888-836-9736

Thursday, September 11th 11:00 a.m. at the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation 214 Main Street West

For more information call 807-346-7000 If you are interested in investing in Senior Housing please attend.

To participate in an Atikokan Senior Housing Survey (via phone or online) email laura@crupi.biz

terryfox.org

41. O 75 1. I 18 21. I 28 2. N 31 22. G 50 42. G 57 Operated by the 600 Starfighter Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets 3. B 14 23. O 74 43. B 4 Week #1 - September 8-11, 2014 4. N 33 24. G 60 44. G 59 Purchase your Cadet Bingo cards at: 5. N 41 25. I 25* 45. O 66 Northern Variety, Lone Pine Market, Atikokan Newstand 6. N 45 26. N 37 46. B 1 47. B 9 7. O 68 27. B 5 & Little Darlings. Available until 11 a.m. Thursday 48. I 30 8. N 36 28. B 8 You have until 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Thursday, September 11 to have your bingo recorded.

9. G 52 29. O 64 49. O 70 To record your bingo, 10. N 34 30. B 11 50. N 39 2 - Lines ... $100 Prize CARDS MUST BE DROPPED OFF at the 51. O 69 11. N 40 31. I 26 12. G 49 32. G 56 52. N 38 Atikokan Progress, 109 Main St. E. Full House ... 40% of card Do not separate your cards! sales. $500 Prize Max. 53. G 48 13. I 19 33. B 2 All bingos earliest number called.

Lottery Licence # M697341 See rules and regulations on each card.

34. B 13 54. O 71 14. B 7 15. I 24 35. O 67 55. I 22 WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT! 16. B 12 36. G 58 56. N 42 17. G 46 37. N 43 57. G 51 18. O 62 38. O 61 58. I 29 19. I 16 39. N 35 59. B 3 Sponsor a badge for $2 at Foodland or Robin’s Donuts 60.

B 15 40.

20 I 27 I 20 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING AIR CADETS! * 2-Line game ends. In the event that the 2-Line game is not won, the prize money will be transferred to the Full House game, making it worth a max. of $600.00)

CADET BINGO

CARDS $3.00 EACH!

DO YOU HAVE YOUR CADET WINGS?

3

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Mike Ranta's Cross-Canada Solo: Week 22

Ranta remains confident he can reach Cape Breton M. McKinnon It's all downhill from here, said Mike Ranta, upon reaching the height of land in North Bay Thursday.

Despite a couple of days weather-bound in Killarney on Labour Day weekend, the marathon soloist managed to pick up a day on his 2011 time. He's now six behind the pace that put him in Montreal on September 12, 2011.

In North Bay, he was interviewed by Jason Turnbull of CBC Radio's Up North, and expressed confidence he would be able to get to Cape Breton by the middle of October.

Overall, it was a wet week - but now in smaller waters, he was still able to cover significant ground.

The week ahead doesn't look too bad. Rain was expected for Saturday, but then not again until Thursday. And the temperatures will stay in double digits overnight, which will likely be the big concern over the last six to eight weeks of the expedition.

Ranta got out of Killarney on Sunday morning, and reached the French River by 5 pm, despite

showers on and off throughout the d a y. T h e i n t e r m i t t e n t r a i n continued Monday, as he worked north and east on the French. (“I can imagine the old Voyaguers and great explorers singing and paddling along this route for over 300 years.”)

That evening turned into an interesting one, as he and Spitzii were woken by banging on the canoe. He suspected bears, but it turned out to be otters.

“What a racket; I thought for sure [it was] another bear! Spitzii wanted out of the tent so bad, but I know better than to let him tangle with those critters. They left after a couple Souris River bellyflops lol!”

Wednesday was a nice day (finally!), and they reached Lake Nipissing, and were able to traverse it, following the southern shore. It's a big, relatively shallow lake that can turn rough very quickly, and Ranta approached it with some trepidation. The winds cooperated, until the final crossing at the southeastern end of the lake. The shifted, making for a

Kiwanis to host memorial tribute for Cecil Leif Kiwanis Club The Kiwanis Club of Atikokan will hold a special tribute this Thursday (September 11) to longserving member the late Cecil Leif.

The tribute is planned for 11:30 am and will continue through the lunch hour, rain or shine, at the Kiwanis tennis courts on Maple Cres. Join the club, and Cecil's friends for a short memorial recognition, and enjoy pastries and refreshments with us.

(Contact Larry Brown, 597-6196) if you would like to contribute to the agenda.

And the Kiwanis Club reminds readers of its membership and leadership forum on Tuesday this week, 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Little darlings in the Voyageur Mall.

In order to continue its work developing programs for our children, exceptional families and community, the club needs to start filling leadership positions to move into the future. Join us as we develop pride and skills in leadership and volunteerism.

For info, or if you can't make the forum, contact Larry Brown or Val Ekstrom (597-4389).

AES line-up for 2014-15

One-man comedy troupe Robert Post, here January 27

From page 1 Series subscriptions are definitely the most economical way to go: subscriptions are $85 for a single, $170 per couple, $215 for a family of 4 (must live in the same household), and $80 for students/seniors. Tickets are available from any A E S executive member (Sandy Dickson, Louise Sawchuk, Alana Rechlin, Gail Bazinet, Amanda Dickson, Tracey Sinclair, Judy Eluik and Debi Rasinaho) or at Canoe Canada Outfitters.

All shows take place at 7:30 at St. Patrick's auditorium. Tickets are also available at the door for each show. For further information, please check out A E S's website at www.Atikokan EntertainmentSeries.com or our Facebook page.

rough go. Then Spitzii was dunked twice... “He ain't happy with me right now and I know I'm gonna pay for laughing so hard!”

They camped on an island Wednesday night, then paddled into North Bay in the morning.

Lunch, laundry, meeting friends (including Rachel White, who he'd last seen in the Rockies), getting the trailer for the portage out of town, and the CBC interview, ate up most of the afternoon.

They were back on the water (Trout Lake) by 7 pm. They expected to reach Mattawa and the Ottawa River over the weekend.

Rachel White meets Mike in north Bay on Thursday

Another Perch Lake Bass Challenge title for Wiens/Anthony

M. McKinnon For the first time, the Perch Lake Bass Challenge has repeat winners.

Aaron Wiens and Joe Anthony landed five bass totalling 19.55 lbs Sunday, August 31, to take top honours. Last year, they were the first team to land a 20 lb. bag in the tourney's six years. They've been fishing the PLBC since 2010, when they placed second. They also had top ten finishes in 2011 and 2012.

2012 winners Joe Halasz and daughter Nicole were second (18.56 lbs); Jason Mattson and son Cole were third with 17.68 lbs. Rounding out the top ten: Shawn Anderson and son Cael, Shane Manford and Pete Politis, Laverne Haney and daughter Jasmine, Darwin King and daughter Sydney, John and Cindy Homer, Dave and Laura Homer, and Brian and Audrey Gouliquer.

Lest those results have you thinking the host Homers were engaging in, well, homerism Bob Homer, fishing with Issac Slater, was skunked. They were the only team to fail to bring in at least one bass. (Twenty of the 33 teams had full bags.)

“Cindy and I got skunked our first two years in the tournament; this was our first time to make the top ten,” said John Homer, the tournament's lead organizer.

He's delighted with the way the PLBC has developed over the years. As a low-cost ($100 entry), one-day tournament, it has attracted a lot of young anglers and couples - and they are doing very well, as the leader board shows.

It used to be anglers were pretty much focused on walleye fishing, he said. Bass fishing is a very different beast, and it's taken a few years for anglers to learn the best techniques.

“Now, even the non-tourney fishers are getting far better. Bass fishing has become a real phenomenon; it's the fastest growing sport in North America.

And tournaments like the Bass Classic and this one are part of the reason why.”

How popular is the PBLC? It has capped its waiting list at 25,

and that would likely be a lot longer if it hadn't, said Homer.

He's checked around dozens of tournaments, and has yet to find another with a waiting list as long.

The low cost, the end-ofsummer timing (it's always on the Sunday during Labour Day weekend), and “the real cabin atmosphere” are key parts of its popularity.

“Northbridge Insurance is the main sponsor. Their $1,000 helps cover insurance, and allows us to maintain the fish care system and other equipment [it's a bass tournament - a professional scale is a must]. So we can give out almost all the entry fee money in prizes.”

Top prize is $1,000, with another $1,400 going to the second through fifth place finishers. There are also prizes for the biggest fish (Gary and Kim Sportak, 4.66 lbs), the top Lund boat (Jason & Cole Mattson), top young angler (Joe Anthony), top

couple (John & Cindy Homer), top under 50 hp outboard (Brian & Audrey Gouliquer, with a 15 hp), hidden weight (the Sportaks), and lowest weight (Kendall McClain & Brian Tetlock).

It was mostly a good day for fishing, if at times quite windy.

“A number of teams did struggle with the wind; I know there was a few times we could barely hold our spot out there,” said Homer. “It can be a tough lake for wind; it's important to know some spots were you can get out of the wind when it gets going.”

Wade Bates served as chief spotter, and had to deal with a couple of issues. The Andersons battery died (he was able to recharge them), and Jon and Dave Evans had their motor fail late in the day. They got towed in to Branch's Seine River Lodge, and were allowed to weigh in from there (15th place, at 10.34 lbs).

BASS IMPOSTER Isaac Slater (above) and partner Bob Homer presented this suspiciously yellow 'bass' as evidence they were not the only pair to get skunked at the 2014 PLBC. But the weighmaster, who does after all preside over the Perch Lake event wasn't buying it. Their weight total: 0.

4

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

TWYLA’S TALES

by Twyla Carolan

Homicide People are very up in arms about the sudden increase in homicides in Thunder Bay. So far this year there have been eight homicides. So I went looking for some stats. Which all seem a bit outdated.

Macleans Magazine has a list (www.macleans.ca/news/canada/ most- likely- to-be-murdered/) of Canada's Most Dangerous Cities: Homicide. It lists five of the worst and best cities in Canada for 2010.

Worst cities (% higher than national average) 1. Prince George, B.C. (486%) 2. Wood Buffalo, Alta (202%) 3. Saskatoon (168%) 4. Thunder Bay, Ont. (163%) 5. Regina (148%) Best cities* (% lower than national average) Joliette, Que. (100%) Sarnia, Ont. (100%) Windsor, Ont. (100%) Red Deer, Alta. (100%) Richmond, B.C. (100%) *38 cities reported zero murders in 2010 To date this year Toronto has had 28 homicides according to the TPS Crime Stats website (www.torontopolice.on.ca/statistics/ytd_stats.php). Toronto's City website lists its population at about 2.8 million people. The 2011 census lists Thunder Bay as having a population of 108,359.

So that means, if I've done my math right, Toronto has one person die by homicide for every 100,000 people compared to Thunder Bay's one death by homicide per every 13,545 people. That's actually shocking.

The National Crime Prevention Council gives these tips for protecting yourself from violent crime: • Don't walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.

• When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.

• Carry only the money you'll need on a particular day.

• Don't display your cash or any other inviting targets such as pagers, cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or expensive jewelry and clothing.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don't be afraid to yell for help.

• Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.

• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.

• Always lock your car, even if it's in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.

• Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.

• If a dating partner has abused you, do not meet him or her alone. Do not let him or her in your home or car when you are alone.

• If you are a battered spouse, call the police immediately.

Assault is a crime, whether committed by a stranger or your spouse or any other family member. If you believe that you and your children are in danger, call a crisis hotline or a health center (the police can also make a referral) and leave immediately.

• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don't give up your life.

• If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police.

Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

Okay, so walking in the later evening here is definitely out, as I do live a few blocks from a bad area. I'm a little more worried than I think I should be, but heck, Thunder Bay seems to be a dangerous place to live nowadays. So be careful when you come to town. And no homicides in Atikokan, because then you'd be living in a town of 1 person dead by homicide per every 2800 people. And that's just outrageous. Keep safe.

Twyla Carolan is physiotherapist, kinesiologist, and writer. You can contact her and find her articles online at CalmMindPainFreeBody@yahoo.com.

“Homeward Bound” Animal Rescue Donations welcome. Drop off at Renee’s Cuts & Curls, or mail to Box 1722 Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0.

For more information contact Stephanie at 597-2102 (Please leave message).

From Parliament Hill

Needed: An inquiry into the matter of our stolen sisters MP John Rafferty Tina Fontaine was a young indigenous woman and resident of Winnipeg. Her body was found in a suitcase in the Red River on August 17; she was laid to rest last weekend. Sgt. John O'Donovan of Winnipeg Police's homicide unit told reporters: “She's barely been in the city for a little over a month and she's definitely been exploited, taken advantage of, murdered and put into the river in this condition.”

Tina is far from the only victim of violence against indigenous women, just the latest and perhaps the one that will be remembered as the tipping point for action. More than 1,200 indigenous women have gone missing or been murdered in Canada over the past 30 years. For years, a movement has been growing that wants a judicial inquiry into these missing and murdered indigenous women.

Tina's murder, as sickening and violent as it was, may have done what others have failed: help create a national consensus among Canada's political leaders for such an inquiry.

New Democrats have been calling for an inquiry into Canada's 'stolen sisters' for more than a decade. Libby Davies, who represents the east side of Vancouver (a part of that city where many vulnerable indigenous women live and work), first raised the issue in Parliament in 2001. She was joined by Jack Layton who also began to call publicly for an inquiry as early as 2009.

When he was elected New Democrat Leader in 2012 Tom Mulcair renewed these calls, and in what may be the first promise by any party in the 2015 election campaign, has promised a New

Democrat government would call a judicial inquiry into these missing and murdered indigenous women within 100 days of assuming office.

While the NDP position on this issue has been known for a decade, I was glad to hear other voices join the movement this week. During their annual Council of the Federation in PEI, the premiers unanimously urged the Conservative government to call an inquiry. New Democrats like Manitoba's Greg Selinger, Conservatives like Saskatchewan's Brad Wall, Liberals like Ontario's Kathleen Wynne, and non-partisan premiers like Brad McLeod of the Northwest Terr. all stood in unanimity on this issue.

The premiers weren't the only ones to join the call for an inquiry.

Thunder Bay City Council voted, again unanimously, to support the call for a national inquiry. The level of violent crime, including murder, in Thunder Bay, is something most residents are concerned about, but residents also know indigenous people are in many cases at a higher risk than average to become victims, and women and children even more so.

Sadly, the only government that doesn't think a national inquiry is needed is Stephen Harper's. Depending on the day, its excuses range from it would be “too expensive” to it's simply not needed because they have already passed a series of “tough on crime laws.” If $100 million is not too much to spend on partisan Economic Action Plan ads, then $50 million to find out what has happened to 1,200 missing and murdered women is quite afford-

able, and the Conservative tough on crime laws obviously aren't working as Tina Fontaine's murder has tragically proven this week.

A national cons ens us is forming. If you honestly care about victims of crime half as much as you say, then call the inquiry Mr. Harper. It not only the right thing to do for Tina, the 1,200 other victims, their families, and future generation of indigenous women; it is your responsibility.

KIDS HELP PHONE 1 800 668 6868

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY RON

5

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 THE NORTHWEST CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

NOTICE OF MEETING IN FORT FRANCES

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13 - 9:30 A.M. THE PUBLIC MAY ATTEND AT THE:

St. Francis School 675 Flinders Avenue Fort Frances, Ontario If you require additional assistance in order to attend our upcoming meeting, please contact the office of the Director of Education by calling: 807-274-2931, ext. 1222, by email: cwilson@tncdsb.on.ca or in writing to: 555 Flinders Avenue, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3L2.

Jacob Arnold and Grant Legaree at the Legion's Peace Gardens sports camp

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

A hit for half a century: Legion's Peace Gardens summer camps Jessica Smith Five Atikokan youth spent a week in August honing their athletic skills at the Legion Athletic Camp at the International Peace Gardens in southwest Manitoba.

“I'm just pumped for the volleyball season,” said Jaron Mullner, who enters Grade 8 at St. Patrick's School this year. “I gained lots of skill; it really helped me with everything I needed to work on.”

Mullner, Alexis Paquette and Kyler Gannon (the latter two enter Grade 9 this year) were all sponsored for the intensive weeklong athletic camp by the Atikokan's Royal Canadian Legion branch #145 and it's Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

The Legion pays the $484 for one young athlete and the Auxiliary typically covers two, and the students are selected by teachers.

The award is made as part of school graduation ceremonies.

The International Peace Garden located on the Manitoba/North Dakota border (about 45 minutes drive from Brandon), and the park, which was created in 1932 as a symbol of the peaceful relationship between Canada and the US, is adjacent to two summer youth camps, the International Musical Camp and the Legion Athletic Camp.

The latter, which is touted as the best athletic camp in Canada,

was created by the national Legion organization in 1962, and has grown to become a multidisciplinary complex which hosts sports camps for volleyball, basketball, equestrian, gymnastics, judo, sailing, soccer, track and field and wilderness.

In 2010 more than 1,200 athletes entering Grades 7-12 attended the 48th annual camp over a six-week period.

For Mullner and Paquette, it was a chance - through some 40 hours of training - to up their game of volleyball, and for Paquette it was her second sponsored trip to the Peace Gardens camp; She attended two years ago as a Grade 7 St. Patrick's and was able to go again this year, because another student was unable to attend.

“I just the love the game of volleyball itself,” said Paquette. “I feel like I learned to hit better, I have better power, passes, and I can set better… the coaches basically worked on everything with us.”

She said she gained just as much from the second trip there: “It was probably harder this time because I was older so they worked me a bit harder.” It's an intense day of three, two-hour sessions, “and by the end of the day, you'd want to relax because you're really tired,” she said.

It was the first time attending for Mullner, who has been playing

with the St. Patrick's Grade 8 volleyball team since Grade 5.

“On the first day of training, they would see where your skill was at and put you in a group of the same skill level. The coaches (all are volunteers and one was a University of MB coach) helped me work on everything I needed to work on. It really improved my skill level,” he said adding that the morning, afternoon and evening drills quickly improved his fitness level. “I was sore the first couple of days -just beat - and then the last couple of days, I just started to have fun.”

The camp ended with a dance for all camp participants.

The camp was an opportunity to make new friends and in the boys' dormitory accommodations, there was an 'Atikokan corner' See ‘Legion sports’, page 6

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FINAL RACE OF THE SEASON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

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Just say “Atikokan Progress” to receive your FREE GIFT!

Contacts: Rob 598-0074 or Gord Martin

Racing starts at 11 am

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FR

TWO CLEANING CLOTHS or 16 OZ. PLASTIC THERMO MUG!

Wednesday & Thursday, Sept. 17 & 18 Wednesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Thursday 9 a.m. to 12 Noon

$10 Admission* - Under 5 is Free

* FAN APPRECIATION RACE DAY * FREE ADMISSION to anyone wearing an Atikokan-themed item of clothing ... ie. Bass Classic, Mudfling, Sports Days, etc.

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O IK K A

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Tuesday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 Noon

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Friday, Oct. 10 - 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday Oct. 28 & 29 Atikokan Office Located at 37 Starr Street 167 Bentwood Dr., Thunder Bay, ON - Ph. 345-3455 - Cell 627-4635 - dcranton@shaw.ca

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Call 1-800-560-8752 for Appointment

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P.O. Box 1030 Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0

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WALK-INS WELCOME! O D AN L

RACE DAY SPONSORS Eva Lake Johnson’s Mining Thunder Bay Industrial Supply

BEER GARDENS Proceeds from the beer gardens will be donated to Homeward Bound Animal Rescue.

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Great debut for Evan Krassey Published Weekly by Atikokan Printing (1994) Ltd. P.O. Box 220, 109 Main St. E. Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0 Ph. (807) 597-2731 - Fax (807) 597-6103

Editor: Michael McKinnon Advertising: Eve Shine Reporting: Jessica Smith Accounts & Subscriptions: Christine Jefferson-Durand

progress@nwon.com

www.AtikokanProgress.ca

Member CCNA Media Circulation Audit 318M. Return undeliverable items to the address above. Printed in Fort Frances, Ontario We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canadian Periodical Fund of the Dept. of Canadian Heritage.

Legion sports camps: Developing champions From page 5 where Mullner, Gannon who was in the basketball camp, and Grade 10 student Jacob Arnold and Grade 11 student Grant Legaree, (who paid to attend volleyball camp this year), slept. Paquette was the only local female player at the camp, but met up with a friend from Fort Frances.

Legion role Atikokan's Legion branch has been a sponsor of the Peace Gardens summer camp for as long as it has existed here, said Legion president Krystyna Bednarski.

That would mean likely several hundred Atikokan students have attended. The Legion executive typically works with schools to identify top athletes in either Grade 7 or 8, and the feedback from past attendees speaks to the value of the camp.

“In past years, students have loved it and some have paid their own way to return. The positive impacts on these kids and [even the sports teams of which they are part], is important.”

What led to the creation of the Peace Gardens Athletic Camp was a desire by the Royal Canadian Legion to address Canada's dis-

mal track and field performance on the international stage in the 1950s and 1960s. The organization hired renowned British national coach Geoff Dyson, who began offering travelling track and field clinics. Over time, the concept of a wooded, peaceful setting like the Peace Gardens seemed the perfect place young athletes could come to train hard with a minimum of distraction.

Like service organizations everywhere, fewer members mean the local branch cannot support as many educational opportunities for students as they have in the past. As such, Legion branches everywhere have decided to focus sponsorships on their community's Cadet Squadron, and on supporting their own programs like the Peace Gardens.

Bednarski said funds are also needed to for about $40,000 worth of upgrades to the camp's dormitories and recreational facilities, and volunteers are always needed in all capacities (from coaches to dorm chaperones) at the camps, if any parents are interested in volunteering.

This week in Atikokan history Compiled from Progress archives by Christine Jefferson-Durand September 9, 1954 • Public school here has topped the 800-mark.

Opening day registration has 93 students at Hemlock School, 371 at Marks Street School, and 344 at Rawn Road. There are 153 beginners in the three schools.

September 10, 1964 • Stork Club: a girl for Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Mosbeck and a boy for Mr. & Mrs. David Syvret.

• The Steep Rock and Caland scholarships went to Pat Sinnott, Michael Adams, Martin Miller, Darlene Lillies, Anna-Liza Tornblom and Coleen Lundy. Larry Thorsteinson received a gift for having the highest marks in grade 12.

• Total enrolment in the six elementary schools stands at 1,661, an increase of 59 students since June. The public schools have 1,271 pupils while St. Patrick's has 390 students.

September 5, 1974 • New teachers here include Dennis Livicker, William Lawson, Delores Fraser, Martha McManus and Marjorie Brown.

• Foodland is offering a 2 lb package of soda crackers for $1.09, dream whip for 55¢ and cake mixes for 65¢.

September 5, 1984 • New teachers: Joanne Sampson and Diana Hann at the high school, Deenna Penner and Shelley Merkley at Saturn and Robert Wychers at St. Patrick's School.

• Canada may have gained a majority Conservative government but the Thunder Bay - Atikokan riding, and the rest of Northwestern Ontario, will be represented by the New Democratic Party.

September 6, 1994 • New teachers at the high school include David Williams, Nancy Fotheringham and Leslie Lockhart. St. Patrick's school welcomes Barb DeGagne as the new French teacher.

• The electrification of the Highway 11 corridor west of Atikokan is proceeding smoothly. The volunteers will start laying underground submarine cable this week. The lakes included in this project are Banning, Chub, Little McCauley and Perch Lakes.

September 7, 2004 • Newcomer Pat Martin took the senior ladies golf title at Little Falls. The low net winner was Nancy Campbell.

During the annual Little Falls club championships, Greg Terlesky won the men's event and Leslie Cripps won the ladies event. The low net winners included Pat Martin, Rob Colvin and Chris Stamler.

From page 1 puck and present it later.

“He was getting a regular shift, and after that he started playing with more confidence. He even got some time on the power play.”

His assist game on the final goal of the game, on a two-on-one advantage in which he could have taken the shot himself, but chose to dish it off with a nice backhand.

Ve t e r a n d e f e n c e m a n B l a k e Siebenaler (18, a third round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets who is being compared to a young Paul Coffey) buried it for his second of the game.

The game featured about half the regular line-ups from the two clubs, rounded out with their most promising prospects. Krassey earned that status with a strong performance in the IceDogs' camp, earning his way to the black and white intra-squad game, the final cutdown. The IceDogs signed him, and assigned him to their Junior A affiliate, the Hamilton Red Wings.

“They told us they see Evan as a regular with the IceDogs [as soon as] next season,” said Mike Krassey. “There are things they want him to work on, and aren't sure yet whether the Red Wings or their Junior B [affiliate] would be the best place for him to start the season.”

“Their Junior A league is a very tough league... We saw so many amazing players.”

Krassey m a y g e t another shot with the big club in the next week or so, as drafted I c e D o g Evan Krassey regulars attend NHL camps. Their regular season doesn't start until September 26.

As of Friday, Krassey was registered for school (he's going into grade 11) in Hamilton.

From http://thescout.ca: Evan Krassey - Right Wing Thunder Bay Kings - 6'2" - 194 lbs - Apr. 1, 1998 - GP: 53 G: 19 A: 32 P: 51 PIM: 106 Acquired: 2014 OHL Draft, 8th Round, 146 Overall Big, powerful winger who plays a hard, intense game. One of the most physically impressive players in the Minor Midget loop last year, as he has the ability to dominate. An intense, competitive forechecker, one who acts as a torpedo. Strong and aggressive, he is one of the most punishing hitters in the loop.

Grinds down defenders down low, uses his size to protect the puck as he works the puck into open ice.

Wins physical battles down low and along the boards. Not a possession type, but does flash an impressive snap shot, one with a deceptive release point and impressive zip. Footwork and

mobility are areas that are in need to work. Has a somewhat short, choppy skating stride, doesn't maximize his long stride. Hands are somewhat stiff, gets let down when attempting skilled one on one moves. Will need to work on elevating his playmaking pace.

Projects as a tough, honest winger at the next level, one who keeps things honest while bringing a high work ethic and competitive nature to the ice. Will be skating with the Hamilton Red Wings this upcoming season.

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Mobile cancer screening services available to women in Atikokan Press release Cancer screening services, on the new Screen for Life cancer screening coach, will be available to women in Atikokan at the general hospital from September 26 to 30.

Now that the new Screen for Life Coach provides all three provincial cancer screening programs, women in the Northwest have even better access than ever.

The new coach was launched in July of 2013 and has been providing women in NWO with digital mammography for breast cancer screening, Pap testing for cervical cancer screening, and ColonCancerCheck fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kits to screen for colorectal cancer. All three of these cancer screening services are part of provincial organized screening programs through Cancer Care Ontario.

Organized cancer screening programs provide many advantages for participants, including: inviting women to participate in screening, reminding participants when it's time for their next screening test, notifying participants of screening results, tracking participants throughout the screening and assessment process, and evaluating program quality and performance.

In order to provide more services on this coach, state-ofthe-art modifications were made.

Lauren Beach, lead of the Mobile Coach with prevention and screening services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TRBHSC), says: “The new Screen for Life Coach is all about the client. We have expanded services to ensure women get the screening they need and we put a lot of thought into the design of the new coach; from the comfortable waiting room, newly designed nurse exam room, all the way down to the minute details of

Lead in the water

From page 1 you would like to have your Scouts Canada 4th residence included in this testing.)

Atikokan Group Schools are governed by a slightly more rigourous standard for lead in water, because young people are the most vulnerable to its detrimental effects.

Thursday, Sept. 18 - 6:30 p.m.

In the past 24 months, a lead Riverview United Church test at AHS returned a result of All are welcome. ‘Scouts honour’: we 15.6 micrograms per litre, exceeding promise to be brief. There will be treats! the standard, and as a result, AHS The Scouting worldwide movement is required to conduct daily flushis based on (3) broad principles: ing of the water system; that's a full Duty to God, Duty to Others and five-minute flush at the four end Duty to Ourselves points in the system, and a tenOur Vision: Canadian youth making a meaningful contribution to creating a better world. e n c o u r a g e d t o b o o k t h e i r second flush at each fountain and appointment today by calling: 1- tap used for consumption.

807-684-7777 or 1-800-4617031. For the full travel schedule and a virtual tour of the coach, v i s i t : w w w. t b r h s c . n e t / screenforlife.

Get up-to-date news and the ATIKOKAN FIGURE SKATING CLUB travel scheduling by liking us on Facebook. Search for our page by typing 'Screen for Life Coach Northwest'. at our Earlybird Registration Nights

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

lighting and satellite radio. We want it to be an enjoyable experience where clients feel welcomed and taken care of.”

2014 marks the Screen for Life Coach's first full travel season where it will be on the road from April to October at more than 30 different locations from Kenora to Wawa.

“The beginning of travel season is exciting for us each year,” says added Beach. “This is the first full travel season with our new coach that offers three organized cancer screening programs.”

Dr. Stephanie Block, Mobile Coach medical lead with prevention and screening services at T B R H S C says: “Cancer screening is an important to help prevent cancer and find it in its early stages when it is easier to treat. The coach is a groundbreaking service that brings cancer screening closer to home for women who might not be screened otherwise due to lack of accessibility.”

Women who are 50 years of age and older can access the Screen for Life Coach for breast screening mammograms and a take-home ColonCancerCheck FOBT kit. Women 30 years of age and older are also able to book an appointment for a cervical cancer screening Pap test.

Women who are eligible for cancer screening services on the Screen for Life Coach are

Visit us at the

“Atikokan Winter Activity Registration Nights”

Sept. 9 & 10 at the Little Falls Recreation Centre OR

For more information about KidSport you can call us at 597-6871 or drop by the Northwestern Health Unit, Voyageur Mall, 115 Main Street.

KidSport removes financial barriers that prevent kids from playing organized sport

www.kidsport.ca

SAVE BY REGISTERING EARLY!

Tuesday & Wednesday, September 9 & 10 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Little Falls Rec Centre Atikokan Minor Hockey Association 2014-15 Season

REGISTRATION NIGHTS Tues. & Wed., Sept. 9 & 10 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Little Falls Rec Centre (Register on these nights to avoid late fees.)

Registration forms for Atikokan Minor Hockey players, coaches/trainers and power skating are available on www.atikokanminorhockey.com

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014 8 Atikokan Community Fellowship 410 Front St. Fellowship Sunday 10 am. Men's breakfast, 8:30 am, September 27. Contacts: Brad and Marilyn Ricci 598-1351.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Sacrament grace has been translated so that all might believe. Acts 2: meetings Sunday at 10 am. Gospel lessons convene after 1-19 (Footsteps of Paul part 1). Hear this inspirational message by Rev. Gregory Seltz on The Lutheran Hour, sacrament services at the LDS chapel, 108 Cedar Cres.

Church of the Good Shepherd (Anglican Church of Sundays 9:30 am on CFDR 95.9 FM. Streaming audio and Canada) Sunday Service, 10:30 am. Contacts: Rev. Ruth pod-casts at www.lutheranhour.ca. Daily devotions at Ivall (597-2623), Don Barry (597-6706), Bruce James www.lhm.org. All are invited to our services and programs. Contact Pastor Keith Blom at 597-4225.

(597-2532) Faith Lutheran Church Sunday: Worship Service 10:30 First Baptist Church Sunday Services: 11 am. Sunday am. Monday: Food bank open 1-2:30 pm. TALL meets, 7 School, for all ages, 10 am. Children's Club Tuesdays, 6 pm. Sunday School begins Sept. 14. That's Just Who God Is pm (ages 4-11). Contact: Glen 597-2098.

The journeys of St. Paul teach us how God's message of

Church Directory

Full Gospel Assembly 135 Maple Cres. Sunday Service, 11 am. Evening services Tuesdays, 7 pm. Youth group Thursdays, 7:30 pm. All welcome. Office hours: Mon Thurs, 9 am - 5 pm. 597-6421. Pastor Isaiah Birnstiel Riverview United Church All are welcome to worship with us. Sunday Service 10:30 am. Church office open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to noon.. Contacts: Office 597-6004, Marsha 597-2804, Dan 597-2430.

St. Patrick's RC Church Mass schedule: Saturdays 4 pm, Sundays 10 am, Tuesday 6:30 pm, Wednesday & Friday 9 am. Monthly at Fotheringham Ct. (third Thursday, 10 am), and the AGH chapel (third Wednesday, 10:30 am). Father Elvis Odoeghbulem. Contacts: Rick Geurts 597-6814, Emily Morrissette 597-4309.

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Pictograph Gallery

Obituary Anna Beyer she had the luxury of Anna Beyer, 88, picking pine cones passed away August all day long.

28, 2014 at Atikokan Anna had a very General Hospital. s t r o ng Christian During her faith and was a long lifetime Anna held time member of many titles: wife, Faith Lutheran mom, mother-in-law, Church. grandma and great In 2008, Anna grandma or nana. had a stroke and She was born in gave up, regretfully, Austria July 23, her outdoor 1926. On November activities. Her health 30, 1946 she married William (Bill) Beyer and in 1950 continued to deteriorate and in she immigrated to Canada with 2013 she was hospitalized.

She leaves behind to mourn their son and daughter. They settled in Minetaki for a few years her passing her husband of 68 and then moved to Atikokan in years, Bill; children William (Bill) 1952. In 1954 they had a second Jr., Christine Beaulieu and son-inson. She was a loving, caring, law Ben, Randy and his wife devoted wife and mother and her G i s e l l e ; m u c h l o v e d grandchildren of whom she was so family was her utmost priority.

Mom fell in love with the great proud, Sheri Landon, Lauralee outdoors and appreciated every Beaulieu (Alfie), and Raymon season for what it offered. She Beaulieu (Monica); and one loved gardening and berry special great grandson, Ryan picking. The first time she felt the Landon.

A memorial service for mom tug of a fish on her line both her and the fish were firmly hooked. will be held Tuesday, September 9 Pine cone picking and ice fishing (1 pm) at Faith Lutheran Church, also made the list of fun things to w i t h P a s t o r K e i t h B l o m do. She was quite comfortable in officiating. A reception will be t h e b u s h b y h e r s e l f a n d held at the Pioneer Centre thoroughly enjoyed her own following the service.

If so desired, donations may be company. Her love of nature and its bounty were shared with made to Faith Lutheran Church others. When Bill worked for Memorial Fund or the Atikokan Great Lakes Paper, she loved to General Hospital Foundation. visit him at the bush camp where

Thelma Cameron “Powerful paintings” “Amazing work, great show!”

“Eye pleasing show, I like the detail” “Spectacular!”

These are a few of the comments from the patrons of the g a l l e r y w h o e n j o y e d To m McCann's exhibit, Postcards from the True Country. His sometimes surreal colours make this northern landscape of ours look even more amazing than it already does!! He has great light painted in to many of his works. His ink drawings are innocent in their simplicity. All of his work is for sale and he has a large variety of sizes and prices to choose from. Give your eyes the pleasure of viewing this display which will be over on September 13.

We are back to volunteer hours a t t h e g a l l e r y, Tu e s d a y t o Saturday, noon until 3 pm.

Once a month, one of our volunteers come down to welcome visitors to the gallery, help keep the always expanding bookshelves organized, perhaps sell some of the beautiful local art for sale in our gift shop and spend

Cash Calendar winners Press release Winners in the Rainy River District Mutual Aid Assoc. cash calendar draws, August 10 to September 6: $100 - Erin Howe, Waterford; Glenn Jourdain, FF $30 - John Spuzak, FF; Alan Oltsher, Barwick; David Berry, FF; Janice Splawski, Atik.; Berta Hagen, IFalls; Tyler Warren, T Bay; Isabelle Kempf, F F; Sharlene Clarke, West Virginia; Susan Sampson, Atik.; Jacques G a u t h i e r, R o s s p o r t ; Ti m McDowall, Devlin; Danyelle Kora, Atik.; Del Mooney, Jaspar; Sandy Haney, FF; John Glover, Atik.; Vanessa Beadle, Kenora;

Gas Lines Ministry of Energy For the week ending September 2: The average price of a litre of regular gasoline in Ontario rose 0.2¢ to $1.314. The Northern premium was down 0.3¢ at 6.4¢.

The average price was down 4.5¢ in Windsor ($1.273), 0.4¢ in Sudbury ($1.34), and 0.3¢ in Ottawa ($1.269). It was up 1¢ in Toronto ($1.325), 0.8¢ in North Bay ($1.316) and 0.3¢ in London ($1.306). It was unchanged in Thunder Bay ($1.404), Sault Ste. Marie ($1.399) and Timmins ($1.399). The posted price in Atikokan was unchanged at $1.449.

The Ontario average diesel fuel price was up 0.1¢ at $1.275. It was unchanged in Thunder Bay ($1.376).

Grace Silander, F F ; Linda White, Atik.; Maxine Bailey, Atik.; Greg Corbett, Shuniah; Ruth Sportak, Atik.; Beth Fairfield, Atik.; Linda Goose, Atik.; Dean Armstrong, Minn.; Brittany Barrie, Atik.; Denis Busch, FF; Marilyn O'Dell, FF; Dane Lowey, FF

three hours surrounded by the beautiful art that is on display for the month. If this sounds like something you think you would like, come down to the gallery in the lower level of the mall and get the information you need to get started to help keep the gallery

running, a pool of talent in a little town.

On September 20 we will welcome the art of Jillian Claeys.

Come to the gallery, 1 to 3 pm and meet the artist and have a tea or coffee with her and the directors of the gallery.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP# FLINDERS14-01 EXTERIOR PAINTING FLINDERS PLACE INC. 851 COLONIZATION ROAD W. FORT FRANCES, ON CLOSING: 1:30 p.m. Local Time Friday, September 26, 2014 RFP detailed information available on website www.rrdssab.on.ca

The Northwest Catholic District School Board

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Educational Assistants are required at St. Michael’s School in Fort Frances, Ontario

GAS ATTENDANT REQUIRED Evenings & Weekends Previous experience necessary.

Apply in person with resume to:

• A permanent part-time (9.33 hrs/wk) Educational Assistant.

• A part-time (6 hrs/wk) Interim Replacement Educational Assistant.

For details visit our web site at www.tncdsb.on.ca and click on “Departments - Human Resources - Recruitment”.

“Equal Opportunity Employer” Anne-Marie Fitzgerald Board Chair

Rick Boisvert Director of Education

JOHNSON’S ESSO 2 Mercury Avenue Atikokan, Ontario

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Atikokan Non-Profit Daycare Corporation is seeking a highly-motivated individual to fill the position of:

ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR Rainbow Family Centre requires

3 Term Positions

One Therapist (.5 Position) Two Therapist Positions (Full Time) Salary Scale: $42,579 to $57,945 per annum The Therapist is responsible for providing children’s mental health services including: assessment, consultation and intervention.

Primary responsibilities involve individual and family psycho-social assessments as well as individual, family and group counselling.

Location: Fort Frances Office Qualifications: Minimum B.S.W. with two or three years experience in children’s mental health including individual, family and group counselling, and assessment skills. Applicants with similar academic qualifications and related experience may be considered. Must be able to work in a team setting. Must possess a valid Ontario driver’s licence and have access to a vehicle. A criminal reference check and driver’s abstract are required.

Hours of Work: 33.75 hours weekly (full time) Please submit resume by September 17, 2014 to: Human Resources Department Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services 820 Lakeview Drive, Kenora, Ontario P9N 3P7 Fax No. 807-467-5539

Position Summary: Reporting to the Centre Supervisor the Assistant Supervisor is responsible for assisting in the day-to day operations of the Integrated Licensed Daycare Program, assuming full responsibility in the absence of the Centre Supervisor. (Including the Best Start Hub and Multi-Unit Rental Facility.)

Qualifications/Requirements: • Diploma in Early Childhood Education from an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology, or provincially recognized equivalent • Current registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario • Minimum 2 years experience working in a Licensed Childcare Facility • Standard First Aid/CPR certification • Ability to demonstrate a strong theoretical background in child development • Knowledge of Day Nurseries Act • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills • Previous supervisory & management experience an asset The successful candidate will be required to submit a current criminal reference check with vulnerable sector screening.

Interested applicants submit cover letter and resume, outlining qualifications and experience, in a clearly marked, sealed envelope to: ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR COMPETITION Attention: PERSONNEL COMMITTEE ATIKOKAN NON-PROFIT DAYCARE CORPORATION P.O. Box 748 Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0 Deadline for submission: Sept. 15, 2014 (12:00 Noon) We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

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ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

SALES & SERVICE • SALES & SERVICE • SALES & SERVICE Available Services ~Wash & Fold Laundry ~Special Event Catering ~Industrial Laundry ~Document Shredding ~Mail Delivery ~Janitorial www.cl-atikokan.ca

597-2179

Phone 807-274-7751 1-800-465-7763 NEW & USED CAR & TRUCK SALES

WEST END MOTORS 600 KINGS HWY.

Ph. 274-0510

Working to be the Best!

• Welding • Fabricating • Millwrighting • Mobile Welding

OPTOMETRIST 314 Scott Street Fort Frances

(Fort Frances) Inc.

NOW OPEN LOCALLY

Lorelei L. Locker

Shop Location Hwy. 11B (Old KBJ Logging Shop)

SUNSET

WINDOWS & DOORS 429 O’Brien St. - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon. to Thurs.

SALES & INSTALLATION SIDING - SOFFIT - FASCIA - WINDOWS - DOORS ALUM. CLADDING - CONTINUOUS EAVESTROUGHING

FREE ESTIMATES

Barry Hemphill

597-1548

NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Free, confidential counselling available by phone or in person.

Call Community Counselling at 807-597-2724 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon. to Fri.)

OR Crisis Response at 1-866-888-8988 (After Hours/Weekends/Holidays)

THE CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Thursday at 3 p.m. for Monday’s paper. Cost: $9/One Week - $18/3 Weeks (25 words max.)

FOR SALE ALUMACRAFT BOATS, Suzuki 4stroke outboards, Suzuki ATVs, Karavan trailers, Stihl and Husky saws and trimmers, Cub Cadet lawn mowers. Ski Doo snowmobile, parts, sales, service. Badiuk Equipment, Fort Frances. www. badiuk.com 1800-716-4316. tfnc AFFORDABLE, CLEAN, SAFE and efficient wood heat. Central Boiler Outdoor Wood Furnace. Heats multiple buildings. For more info call Emo Feed Services Ltd. today at 807482-2017. tfnc 2005 GRAND CARAVAN. Asking $5,000 or best offer. 597-5880. s9p SHOPPERS HEALTH CARE HOYER electric lift (manual & sling incl.). Was used only on weekends. Paid $2,400, asking $1,200. Used manual hydraulic lift. Purchased for $300 and only used once. Asking price is $100.

Accepting cash or certified cheque only. Call Mike at 807-929-1083 to leave a message. s15p 1994 FORD FULL-SIZE CLUB VAN with hydraulic chair lift. 157,00 km.

Asking $3,700. Accepting cash or certified cheque only. Please call Mike at 807-929-1083 to leave a message. a15p 2005 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. 340,000 km. Needs front end work, runs well. $500. 807-947-2391. s22m

SALES & SERVICE DEBT PROBLEMS? (Discuss your options.) For free advice: MNP Ltd., Trustee in Bankruptcy. Local Office, 315 Main St. South, Kenora, ON; Cathy Morris, Estate Manager (807) 468-3338 or Toll Free 866-381-3338.

Principal Office: 301-1661 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB. Ken Zealand, CA, Trustee. www.mnpdebt.ca tfnc

HELP WANTED THE WINSTON HOTEL in Pickle Lake is hiring full-time cooks. We provide free accommodation. Call 807-9282390. s15c

TO GIVE AWAY FREE: ONE ELECTRIC OPERATED hospital bed to a person in need.

Please call Mike at 807-929-1083 to leave a message. s15p

TOOLS FOR SALE • ALL IN MINT CONDITION • King Canada 12" Planer - $200 King Canada 9" Band Saw with extra Blades - $125 Rockwell-Delta Commercial Belt & Disc Sander with Spare Discs & Belts - $200 King Canada Floor Stand Drill Press (Laser Lighting) - $200 King Canada Belt & Disc Grinder 1" Belts & 5" Discs with Spare Belts & Discs - $110 Kerosene Space Heater Slightly Used - $25

Call Don at 597-1546 or 597-8038 (Cell)

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE: 148 PINE CRES. Bungalow with 2 bdrms., 3 pce. bath, L-shaped living/dining room, kitchen & large appliances, full basement with washer/dryer, 24 cu. ft. freezer. Gas furnace and water tank. 1 car garage. For more info or to view call 597-2869. s9p

REAL ESTATE 3 BDRM. HOUSE FOR SALE ON Pine Cres. Partly furnished, all appliances included. Close to schools and churches. Serious inquiries only please. Call 807-5779388. tfnc HOUSE FOR SALE: 3 bedroom, c o r c f l o o r, m a i n t e n a n c e - f r e e .

Fenced yard, garage, gazebo. $91,900. For more info phone 5979996 or 598-0490. s22p FOR SALE: CABIN ON CALM LAKE Drive to or 5 minutes by boat. Cabin has new metal roof, solar power, solar water system or generator.

Guest cabin and shower house.

Newer outhouse. Beautiful southwest view and 130 foot beach on 1 acre sheltered cove. Good fishing and hunting. Cabin is immaculate turnkey, ready to enjoy. $169,000. Call 807-274-1707. s8p HOUSE FOR SALE: 124 ELM CRES. Newly renovated kitchen, bathroom and living room, stainless steel appliances included (gas cooktop, convection wall oven, side-by-side fridge and dishwasher), large private patio, 24x35 insulated garage, quiet neighbourhood close to elementary schools. Call 597-1178 or 598-1147. s15m

BARRY'S

PHONE 597-5595

SERVING ATIKOKAN SINCE 1992

NOTICE

HOME RENOVATIONS

SIDING - SOFFIT - FASCIA ROOFING - DRYWALL - PAINTING RESIDENTIAL WINDOW CLEANING Courteous - Reliable - Professional CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

597-3390

HEMPHILL HEATING Natural Gas & Propane Sales, Service & Installation Furnaces - Stoves - Water Heaters Fireplaces - BBQs Professional Duct Cleaning Home, Commercial & Cottage Maintenance Available

VANCE HEMPHILL

THE RAINY RIVER DISTRICT WOMEN’S SHELTER OF HOPE 24-Hour Crisis Line 1-800-465-3348 807-597-6908 We do not subscribe to call display.

The Emergency Shelter is a safe and secure facility which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Shelter is a comfortable environment which provides support, safety, privacy and assistance to women and their children who have experienced physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Advocacy, referrals, one-on-one support, women's support groups and children's programs are also available.

Cell 598-1211 (Evenings 597-3488)

REACH OUT ... WE CARE

FOR RENT

IN MEMORIAM

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: Cabins for rent weekly, monthly or longer. Fully furnished, all kitchenware, linens, sat. TV, WiFi, BBQs, A/C and all utilities. Hwy. 11, 20 min. east of Atikokan Marr’s Perch Lake Lodge.

Phone 807-597-1233 or visit our web site at www.perchlake.on.ca. tfnc ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT. Fully furnished. $500 per month, utilities included. Call 598-0106. s15p 3 BEDROOM HOUSE FOR RENT. Available Sept. 1st. $1200/mth., heat & hydro included. Fully furnished.

Call 598-0006 or 598-1405. s15p HOUSE FOR RENT: Available Oct. 1st. 1 1/2 storey, 2 bdrms, fully furnished (new renovations), large fenced in yard, quiet dead end street.

Utilities incl. Satellite/internet optional. 598-0816. s15p

LIND: In memory of my husband Dale who passed away September 8, 2011: I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.

I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too.

I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.

Now all I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part, God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.

Missing you always ...

- Lorraine

“Homeward Bound” Animal Rescue If you can help ...

Contact Stephanie at 597-2102 (Please leave message).

YARD SALE YARD SALE: SATURDAY, SEPT. 13th from 9 a.m. to Noon at 208 Fotheringham St. No earlybirds please. pd YARD SALE: 416 Hancock Blvd., Friday, Sept. 12, 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Camping gear, household items, hockey sticks, Christmas decorations, tools, wood, canoe, plus much more! s8m

11

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

SALES & SERVICE • SALES & SERVICE • SALES & SERVICE • SALES & SERVICE

DR. THOMAS COUSINEAU –OPTOMETRIST– 808 Scott St., Fort Frances, Ontario

807-274-8551

Quetico Inn Motel 310 Mackenzie Ave. WE OFFER: • Take-Out Pizza • Movie Rentals • Propane Exchange

Ph. 597-2766 or 597-2188

ATIKOKAN TAXI Reliable Clean Vehicles The new identity of Trow Geomatics Inc.

• Land Surveyors • Land Information Services • Municipal Planning

HENRIETTE J. VERHOEF O.L.S., C.L.S. FORT FRANCES, ONTARIO 408 Scott Street, P.O. Box 447, P9A 3M8

TELEPHONE (807) 274-4504 FAX (807) 274-4253

BEST CITY TO CITY RATES! Inquire today about opening an account service.

598-1CAB(222) Personal, Experienced, Local, Regional, Airport Service

The Rainy River District School Board invites applications for the positions of:

• Casual Early Childhood Educator • Casual Caretaker • Casual Education Assistant • Casual Secretary • Occasional Teacher ATIKOKAN HIGH SCHOOL NORTH STAR COMMUNITY SCHOOL For more information regarding these positions, please visit the Employment section of our website at www.rrdsb.com.

Application forms are available at North Star Community School and Atikokan High School.

Heather Campbell Director of Education

FORM 6 - Municipal Act, 2001

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF ATIKOKAN

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on October 7, 2014, at the Atikokan Town Office, 120 Marks Street, Atikokan Ontario.

The tenders will then be opened in public on the same day as soon as possible after 3:00 p.m. at the Town Office, 120 Marks Street, Atikokan.

Description of Lands: • Roll No. 59 01 000 001 21600 0000; 704 Mackenzie Ave E, Atikokan; PIN 56066-0208(LT); Parcel 25-1 Section SM186; Lot 25 Plan SM186 Unsurveyed Territory Surface Rights Only; District of Rainy River; File No. 13-01 Minimum Tender Amount: $166,312.91 Tenders must be submitted in the prescribed form and must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of a money order or of a bank draft or cheque certified by a bank or trust corporation payable to the municipality and representing at least 20 per cent of the tender amount.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to, crown interests or any other matters relating to the lands to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers.

This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. The successful purchaser will be required to pay the amount tendered plus accumulated taxes and the relevant land transfer tax.

The municipality has no obligation to provide vacant possession to the successful purchaser.

Tender packages include a copy of the prescribed form of tender contact and are available at the Town Office at a cost of $10 each. For further information regarding this sale, contact: Jason Young Property Tax Clerk The Corporation of the Town of Atikokan 120 Marks Street - PO Box 1330 Atikokan, Ontario P0T 1C0 807-597-1234 X 222 Jason.Young@atikokan.ca

LIDKEA OPTOMETRY SERVICES Dr. Robert E. Lidkea Dr. Bruce A. Lidkea 221 Scott Street Fort Frances, Ontario

(807) 274-6655 ATIKOKAN CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE Dr. Kirsten Addison • Chiropractic • Graston Technique • Low Level Laser Therapy

FOR APPOINTMENTS CALL 597-6779.

123 Marks Street (Downstairs, Atikokan Medical Clinic)

STEWART & SANDE

P.O. Box 427 Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M8

Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

- Chartered Accountants -

1-800-370-6336

Call today 1-800-465-2915 or 807-274-3274

Fort Frances

Visit our website at

to receive a FREE copy of the Family Estate Planning Kit

www.sszca.com

www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com

Fax Line 1-807-274-8329

WE CAN DO THAT CO.

KEN CAIN PLUMBING & HEATING LTD.

Quality Service 20+ Years Experience • Bobcat Services/Rentals Guaranteed • Landscaping - Driveways, Planters, Patios, Decks, Fences & more!

• Carpentry/Renovations, Interior & Exterior ... All your home improvement needs.

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL. FREE ESTIMATES.

• SNOW PLOWING •

CALL LYLE AT 597-3958 OR 597-8161 (CELL)

* Plumbing Installations & Repairs * Furnace Installations & Servicing * Gas Fireplace Installations * Air Conditioning For quality work and dependable service in Atikokan for over 35 years.

Ken Kevin

597-4259

597-5226

Town of Atikokan

MUNICIPAL UPDATE www.atikokan.ca Employment opportunities After-school Program The Town is seeking dynamic leaders, and creative partners for the outstanding opportunities of program supervisor and program staff.

Positions Summary: The program supervisor and program staff work as a core team to develop and implement 40 weeks of after-school programming for the 2014-2015 school year. Programming will target school-age (grades 1-6) residents and will focus on physical activity, healthy eating, and nutrition, wellness and personal health education.

Preferred candidates will have a post-secondary education in Sports Administration, Recreation and Leisure, or Early Childhood Education, a strong sense of community and teamwork, and extensive leadership experience. Applicants should be strategic and critical thinkers, and effective problem-solvers.

Please forward your resume, in confidence, to Manager of Community Services Nicole Halasz at nicole.halasz@atikokan.ca or P.O Box 1330, Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0 by September 12, 2014.

Request for Proposal Supply and Installation of Curling Rink Ice The Town is seeking proposals from parties interested in supplying all labour and materials necessary for constructing and installing a curling rink and, if interested, to maintain the ice surface throughout the curling season (October 13, 2014 - January 31, 2015), with option of renewal at the end of the contract.

Proposals must be submitted no later than Noon, September 12, 2014. Proposals can be submitted to: The Town of Atikokan, c/o Nicole Halasz Community Services Manager, PO Box 1330, Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0 or via electronic mail to: nicole.halasz@atikokan.ca All proposals will include ALL applicable costs.

Proposals should also include a payment schedule for the project. The Town of Atikokan will require at minimum of $ 2,000,000 in liability insurance.

Road Closure Notice Hawthorne-Willow Intersection The intersection at Hawthorne and Willow roads will be closed for an extended period of time due to major road construction. Local vehicle traffic only for Hawthorne, Elm, Fir and Willow allowed. Road closure signage will be posted.

A school crossing guard will be stationed at the Hawthorne/Willow intersection Monday to Friday 8:10 - 8:50 am and 3 - 3:40 pm for pedestrian and bicycle traffic only. Pedestrian traffic is discouraged at all other times during this closure. Your cooperation is great appreciated.

Please contact Angela Sharbot at 597-1234 x233 for further information.

Registration Nights The Town is hosting a special registration event for fall and winter programs for children on Tuesday, September 9 and Wednesday, September 10 from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Little Falls Rec Centre ice surface.

Participants, as of Sept. 4, are: swimming, Girl

Guides, Scouts, KidSport, figure skating, Library, ringette, oldtimers hockey, SunDog BestStart Hub, Rainbow Daycare Centre, minor hockey, girls hockey, Junior Rockers curling, ANFC, and Tai-kwon-do.

Anyone interested in putting in a table should contact the recreation department at 597-1234, ext. 229.

Council meetings Council meets today, Monday, September 8, at 3 pm in regular session (televised at 5 pm).. It meets next in committee-of-the-whole on Monday, September 15, at 3 pm. The Police Services Board meets next on Tuesday, September 16, 11 am, at Town Hall.

Attention voters Are you on the Voters List for the 2014 Municipal Election on Monday, October 27, 2014?

Are you new to town, have you moved location within town, has your personal status changed since the last election 4 years ago, or would you like to ensure your name is on the voters' list to save time on Election Day? If so, the Preliminary List of Electors indicating the names, school support, qualifying address and other particulars of those persons entitled to vote at the Municipal Election is available at the Municipal Office, 120 Marks St. during regular office hours until Monday, October 27, 2014.

All electors are hereby called upon to examine the Voters' List to correct any errors or omissions. Proof of identification is required to be added to the Voters' List.

Application to have another person's name removed from the list can now be made. The last day for making any additions or corrections to the Voters' List is Monday, October 27, 2014.

Angela Sharbot, CAO/Clerk & Returning Officer ATV By-law Certain all-terrain vehicles are 'street legal' in Atikokan. The by-law specifies that only four-wheel ATVs with steering handlebars and a 'straddle' style driver seat are allowed. (See the by-law for full details; the fine for a non-conforming ATV is $110.) The driver must have a valid driver's licence, have insurance on the ATV, and must wear a helmet. Passengers are not allowed.

Reduced speed limits apply - a maximum of 20 km/hr on Town streets and roads with a 50 kph limit, and 50 km/hr on roads with limits greater than 50 kph.

Operation between the hours of 11 pm and 6 am is not permitted.

ATVs are not allowed on areas meant solely for pedestrian traffic (sidewalks, footpaths, foot bridges, etc.), boulevards, cemeteries, municipal parks (including the golf course), or bike, horseback or snowmachine (A-1) trails. Use on private property requires the consent of the owner of the property.

This is s short summary of the by-law; a full copy of the by-law is available at the Town office, or at the web site, www.atikokan.ca. Use of ATVs is also governed by the provincial Highway Traffic Act, the Off-Road Vehicles Act, the Provincial Offences Act, and the Insurance Act, and users should be familiar with their responsibilities under those Acts as well.

12

ATIKOKAN (ONT.) PROGRESS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

Books ‘n Things Atikokan public Library This Tuesday and Wednesday will be the sign up days for recreational and cultural programs for the coming winter season at the Little Falls Recreation Centre. Not only will there be opportunities to sign up for sports, but there will also be an Atikokan Public Library table present. Find out about upcoming activities.

If you are doing research on any sort of topic at all, you can find a wealth of information in the library's online databases. Just go to the library website at www.aplibrary.org and click on the link below the clock labelled 'Online Databases'. From here you can choose from list of ten applications. The Gale Database has 54 collections of online encyclopaedias, periodicals and reference sources covering every subject imaginable.

The Consumer Health Database is an excellent source of information on all types of health questions. Many people want to find out more about certain medical conditions, but it is not a good idea to just do a Google search. This is because about 40% of the health information found on the Internet is wrong. The Consumer Health Database is a trustworthy source of information because it is created by health professionals. It offers fact

sheets, news, images, diagrams, videos, drug and herb information, and the electronic versions of major medical reference sources like the AMA medical encyclopaedia and the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book.

The Ancestry Library database is the only one that must be used within the library building. It gives you access to a huge number of genealogical records. There are hundreds of sets of records such as marriage, death and birth certificates, passenger lists, military records, census data, and more. Canadian Points of View is a database with a vast collection of Canadian resource material categorized under such headings as Aboriginal People, Energy, Media, Schools, and Economy.

The Chilton Library is a very useful resource for anyone who wants to know anything about vehicle repair. The database contains detailed information on almost every automobile manufactured since the 1940s. A person can simply choose the year of the vehicle, then choose the make and model. The results will show you diagrams, service and repair procedures, photographs, illustrations and anything else you might need to know.

All databases except Ancestry Library can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection. Ask the library staff for more details.