First nations, northern infrastructure to benefit from federal budget. CBC News Sudbury. March 23rd, 2017.
As well, the 25 million dollar boost to Fednor seems to have gotten some attention. I guess in northern Ontario, 25 million dollars is considered alot of money and the source of much optimism.
FedNor gets $25-million funding boost. Sudburystar.com. March 24th, 2017.
In other upbeat news....
First ship of season arrives in Thunder Bay. Tbnewswatch. March 24th, 2017.
The arrival of the M.V. Manitoulin was a record breaking early arrival for the first ship and leads to the hope this is the start of another great shipping season for the Port of Thunder Bay. The Port of Thunder Bay has been on an upward trend the last few years.
As well, it turns out Sunrise Records will be adding to Thunder Bay retail filling the hole left by the closure of HMV. See:
Thunder Bay indie store welcomes Sunrise. CBC Thunder Bay. March 24th, 2017.
And the upbeat news continues all over the north. In the Sault, despite concerns raised by the local Chamber of commerce at a public forum, the city's Mayor has assured everyone that municipal costs are under control.
City is controlling costs: mayor. Saultstar.com. March 24th, 2017.
After all, the city council in the Sault has shrunk from 12 to 10 saving $60,000 annually! However, to put $60,000 in perspective, keep in mind the total municipal levy for 2017 in the Sault is projected at 108.9 million dollars.
In terms of infrastructure, Timmins is opening a new hospice center and the optimism was contagious also spilling over to a generally positive view of certain elements of the federal budget by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps some of that new Fednor funding is headed towards highway construction in the Timmins area. See:
Timmins might choose concrete highways. Timminspress.com. March 24th, 2017.
Hopefully, concrete might do a better job withstanding the potholes that have been plaguing me as I drive around Thunder Bay. It is difficult to remain upbeat when one's innards are constantly jarred by potholes.
Meanwhile, things are looking up in North Bay. While North Bay's population, like much of that in northern Ontario is aging at a fast rate, it remains that there might be a silver (no pun intended) lining....
Growing seniors resource to north and south represents jobs. Nugget.ca, March 25th, 2017.
Finally, this item in terms of potential impacts of alleviating access in remote First Nation communties:
Pilot project could see drones deliver much-needed items to northern Ontario First Nations. CBC Toronto. March 19th, 2017.
Have a great week!
