Manitoba public health reports 283 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases for the week of September 18^th to 24^th a decrease from 377 in the previous week. The Winnipeg region reports 148 new cases followed by the Northern health region with 38 down from 96 the previous week.  The volume of lab tests increased to on average 302 people tested per day compared to 286 the previous week with a test positivity rate of 22.2 percent an increase from 22 percent in the previous week.  There were 73 hospital admissions a decrease from 87 and 11 ICU admissions the same as the previous week.

Meanwhile Saskatchewan residents 18 years and older who are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose may receive the Moderna bivalent vaccine through Saskatchewan Health Authority booked and walkin clinics or participating pharmacies.  It is recommended that eligible residents receive the bivalent booster at least four months following their last vaccination regardless of the number of COVID-19 doses received to date.  Clinical trials have shown the vaccine triggers a strong immune response against the original virus and the Omicron variants.

Coordinator Crystal Kolt says they have a series of events taking place as Culture Days continue through the weekend…..

“Saturday morning there is the Taste of the North-The Boreal Forest experience with Lyn Brown and you have to pre-register and there might be a spot left for that.  Then there is the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers that is happening in the evening. We’re really excited about the concert.  This group did really well at Canada’s Got Talent, a free concert and you can get tickets at the Uptown Emporium or online at www.flinflonartscouncil.ca.

There’s another Main Street Tour so people who weren’t able to attend that last weekend can come and see it that day and for people who love to play or are curious about Magic The Gathering that’s happening on Saturday at the Scout Hall and on Sunday we have the Hillside Cemetery Tour which is a community favorite with Gerry Clark.”

Culture Days run until October 16^th.  You can find a complete list of events at various locations throughout the community, at www.flinflonartscouncil.ca or www.flinflononline.com.

At their meeting this past Tuesday the Flin Flon School Division Board of Trustees reported the year has got off to a positive start with plenty of fresh faces from new staff to students who had difficulty attending school in other communities.  In her report Superintendent Tammy Ballantyne mentioned all Division Schools will be closed this Friday for National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

On Monday the Division will be fortunate to welcome performer Chubby Cree to our community who will be visiting all four schools.  The young man is a traditional singer and hand drummer from Edmonton who has been performing alongside his Grandmother for the past nine years and he is only eleven.  Noah Simon is his given name and he gained international attention in 2019 when he sang moments before Greta Thunberg took the stage at a climate strike in Edmonton.  That day he wowed thousands as his powerful voice rang out.  Chubby Cree has close to a million followers across multiple platforms on social media.

Flin Flon Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey on the value of our 17 parks to the community. Recreation Director Andrew Smith says its part of a bigger plan……

“Right now we are creating a master park plan for all of our parks and green spaces and we really want people to voice their opinions so we have a better idea of the direction that we want to go and we’re hoping to release our findings and the actual plan itself in the new year.  We are looking at a little bit more community buy in for a lot of our projects so this is going to be a normal thing moving forward.”

Included are the Zoo, Alder Avenue, Creekside, Centennial Crescent, Roche, Dominion, Trailer Court, Tweedsmuir, Kin, North Avenue, South Hudson, Grandview, Rotary, Channing Beach, Jones Square, Steventon and Dadson Row Parks.  The survey can be completed on the City of Flin Flon Facebook page until the end of next week.

The Executive Director of Childhood Cancer Canada Sandi Hancox reports childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease of Canadian Children.  She explains although they are making a change and overall outcomes are positive there is still work to be done to address survivorship, toxicity of treatments and the low cure rates of refractory, relapsed and hard to treat cancers.  She adds Childhood Cancer Awareness Month gives them an opportunity to share these challenges with Canadians because these children need our support.

The Foundation notes only approximately seven percent of all cancer research dollars are dedicated to childhood cancer and more than ten thousand children, adolescents and young adults in Canada are currently in treatment or five year follow-up for cancer. They have been able to support more than 17 thousand families throughout Canada through programs such as Empower Packs, Emergency Fund, Survivor Scholarships and the Benevolent Fund as well as education and community programs and research investment. You can learn more at www.childhoodcancer.ca.

Representatives from MKO, Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin, and the Northern Health Region say the declaration aims to reduce barriers for Indigenous people seeking care and lessen the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients.

MKO’s Client Navigator Bernice Thorassie says she’s received 14 hundred calls from Indigenous patients who’ve experienced racism while receiving healthcare between January and June of this year.

The NRHA says this is one step towards correcting long-standing wrongs, with CRO Helga Bryant apologising to northern Indigenous patients who’ve been impacted by racism in the healthcare system.

The organizations have committed to releasing biannual reports to track progress towards this endeavour, the first expected to be released in about a half-year’s time.

PHOTO: PAM MARSDEN

University College of the North has welcomed four new and two
returning Board Members to the Governing Council.
Pam Marsden from Flin Flon, Glen McKenzie Swan River, Alan McLauchlan RM of Kelsey and April Wastesicoot theThompson Student Rep have joined the Governing Council. Brea Anderson The Pas Student Rep and Linda MarkusVice-Chair of Governing Council have been re-appointed for a second term.
The Governing Council has overall responsibility for UCN and is accountable to the Minister appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for the organizational performance of UCN. Both the Learning Council and the Council of Elders have representation on the Governing Council.
UCN President and Vice-chancellor Doug Lauvstad noted “UCN’s Governing Council is our connection to the Northern Manitoba communities and the new members will continue to ensure UCN is responsive and relevant to the needs of the north and the province.”

Re Uz It accepts donations of gently used items they sell to support local groups and organizations.  Manager Kathy McCormick has presented cheques to five organizations totaling three thousand dollars in grants available this year.

Northern Growing Abilities received 950 dollars for a refrigerator, the Salvation Army 820 dollars for a commercial sandwich press, Norman Community Services 600 dollars for a lockable medicine cabinet, the Hapnot Plant Club 352 dollars for soil seeds and containers and the Vocational Training Centre 278 dollars for two hanger storage racks.

Re Uz It will remain open for regular hours Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2 to 5 and Saturday from 11 to 3 as long as the weather cooperates.

Manitoba public health reported 377 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases for the week of September 11^th to 17^th an increase from 342 the previous week. The Winnipeg region reported 174 new cases followed by the Northern health region with 96 up from 60 the previous week.  The volume of lab tests decreased to on average 286 people tested per day compared to 327 in the previous week with a test positivity rate of 22 percent an increase from 19.9 percent in the previous week.  There were 87 hospital admissions an increase from 65 and 10 ICU admissions the same as the previous week.

The Manitoba government is awarding 1.5 million dollars in grants from the Conservation and Climate Fund to support 14 projects across the province.  These projects will work to protect the environment by addressing the effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of Flin Flon is receiving 75,800 dollars for the installation of a propane to electric fuel switch project at the airport.

Grants are awarded using a merit based selection process that evaluates project outcomes against the priorities of the Made-in-Manitoba Green Plan.  The government launched the Conservation and Climate Fund in 2020 to support projects being implemented by non-profit organizations, educational institutions, municipalities and northern communities to address climate change and protect the environment.

After a successful kick off over the weekend Culture Days continue with events this week.  Coordinator Crystal Kolt outlines this week’s events from tomorrow to Friday…..

“From the 27^th to the 30^th there’s going to be a lot of great events happening.  The Library is doing something different this year.  Instead of Human Books they’re doing a wine and book night but you have to call the Flin Flon Public Library or email them at ffpl@shaw.ca to reserve a spot so it’s going to be Pairing a Wine With a Book.  We have a Palmer Clay workshop happening on Thursday at the Uptown Emporium and then in Creighton there’s going to be the Beaded Dream Catcher Workshop on September 30^th and you have to call 306-688-3528 to pre book because there are limited spots and that’s from 10 am to 2 pm at the Creighton Rec Office.”

Culture Days continue with events right up to October 16^th. A list of events can be found at a variety of locations around the community or at www.flinflononline.com.

In the House of Commons last week northern Manitoba Member of Parliament and NDP Critic for Tax Fairness Niki Ashton attacked both Pierre Poilievre and Justin Trudeau….

"Mr. Speaker, the new Conservative leader and the Prime Minister may disagree on some things, but when it comes to standing with the billionaire class, they are both just in bed with their corporate buddies.

Like the Liberals, the Conservatives do not stand with working people. They are unwilling to tax the ultrarich; they are unwilling to stop the billion-dollar giveaways to big oil; and they are unwilling to take the steps necessary to end the housing crisis in this country. However, Canadians are increasingly tired of the games of these two parties: both the silver-tongued snake oil of the opposition leader and the entitlement of the Prime Minister.

Canadians struggling to get by need real action. Far too many indigenous communities lack basic housing. More than half of Canadians are $200 from insolvency.”

Ashton noted it is the NDP that is fighting to deliver true justice to Canadians.

The Flin Flon and Area Against Sexual Exploitation Committee held their annual Grandmothers Walk from Neighbors of the North Park down Main Street to Pioneer Square.  The Committee’s Keely Patterson says they hold this walk each year on the fall equinox in support of the Grandmother’s Protecting Our Children….

“The Grandmothers Protecting Children group was initiated by a Grandmother who became outraged after hearing stories about abuse by adults on children often in the form of sexual exploitation.  She called upon Aboriginal women, leaders and Grandmothers to stand together and let it be known that the children’s voices need to be heard, that they are not alone and that they are loved.  These women made a decision to reclaim their roles as protectors of our children.  When living in more remote regions of the province it is often assumed that something like sexual exploitation isn’t happening.  The truth however is that it is happening and a very common occurrence.”

An opening smudge was held at the park followed by remarks and a drum and song ceremony at Pioneer Square.

The Manitoba government is expanding access for a COVID-19 bivalent booster to people 18 and older. The bivalent vaccine has been developed to provide protection against two strains of COVID-19, the original strain of the virus and the omicron variant.  Public health recommends that adults who are due for a booster get the bivalent vaccine as it provides that additional protection.

The bivalent vaccine will be available by appointment only at the Flin Flon Primary Health Care Centre next Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 4.  For appointment call 204-687-1350. 

Adults can also choose to receive the original vaccine as their fall booster dose if they do not wish to receive the bivalent and those are available Wednesdays at the Primary Health Care Centre from 1 to 4 with walk in and appointments available.

It is recommended people wait six months from their last dose to get their bivalent booster vaccine as this provides the best immune response but the minimum interval between a person’s last dose and their booster is three months.

When nominations closed Tuesday afternoon three people had filed papers to run for Mayor including Tim Babcock, Leslie Beck and George Fontaine.  Nine people filed to fill the six seats on City Council including Alison Dallas-Funk, Judy Eagle, Vair Ellison, Bill Hanson, Ted Highfield, Steven Lytwyn, Heather Richardson, Roger Siemens and Mike Slipp.

Only five people filed papers for the seven seats on the School Board so elected by acclamation are Tim Davis, Leslie Fernandes, Jackie Hucaluk, Coralie Jays and Angela Simpson.

An Advance Poll will be held Wednesday, October 19^th at City Hall.  Election Day is Wednesday, October 26^th with all polls at City Hall.

At the Flin Flon City Council meeting Tuesday night Council received the Fire Chiefs report for August.  It indicated six fire calls for the month including three wildfires and one possible wild fire.

On the 8^th there was a report of smoke in the Ross Lake area where they found a small fire.  They hauled pumps to the lake and were able to extinguish the fire.  On the 16^th they received a report of smoke around 91 Green Street.  They found a small fire in the trees which they contained and extinguished.  On the 17^th there was a report of smoke in the area of 94 Green Street where they extinguished a small fire and on the 23^rd a report of smoke just off the Trout Lake road proved to be a false alarm.  On the 12^th they responded to alarms sounding in a building on Green Street but found no fire and on the 19^th they received a call that EMS required assistance with the use of off road rescue equipment but they were later called off.

The Fire Department conducted ammonia procedure training as well as off road rescue practices.

Coordinator Crystal Kolt says Saturday starts off with a Culture Days Pancake Breakfast with the Lions Club from 9 to 11 at Rotary Park…..

“and then the Flin Flon Station Museum will be open in the afternoon from 1 to 4.  We have the Wild Things Market back with over 26 or 27 at least vendors at this point and that’ll be at Creekside Park again and that’s also going to include Kidz Culture and then the Pumpkin Parch where there will be story book reading for the little kids and then we also have the Main Street tour with Ken Pawlachuk and that’s going to be at Pioneer Square at 2 o’clock.  The Bombers are going to be at Creekside Park rink from 2 to 4 and in the evening we have a Culture Days movie free from 7 to 9 at the Hapnot Theatre and its called The Book Thief.”

Kolt adds on Sunday the Wild Things Market will again be open from 12 to 6 at Creekside Park and Tom Heine’s Walk Through a Volcano starts at 1 at North Avenue Park.  Culture Days run until October 16 with a list of events available at a variety of businesses and other locations around the community.

At the Flin Flon City Council Meeting last night Council resolved that the City will recognize the National Day for Truth and reconciliation on September 30^th as a paid holiday to recognize the colonial legacy of residential schools, honor Indigenous survivors noting it is vital to the ongoing reconciliation process.

Council also agreed to support the Flin Flon Public Library in its application for a grant opportunity from the Provincial Small Capital Grants Initiatives Program for the Flin Flon Library Project involving building upgrades.

Council approved a donation to the Flin Flon Creighton and Area SPCA for the use of the Flin Flon Community Hall as requested in their Municipal Funding application.  The application noted they rescue and house animals until they find forever homes and educate the community.

Mayor Cal Huntley thanked the people who filed papers to run for Council for stepping up for your community and advised be ready to work with your fellow Councillors locally, provincially and even federally for the betterment of your community.

Executive Director of the non-profit Sue Clayton has the details on the Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture Virtual Resource Hub........

“It is really a series of interactive resources that helps teachers educate students about the different crops and animals raised in Manitoba.  We have 18 different commodities on there to start and each resource includes an in depth sheet with background information for older students and for teachers that has a lot more detail about that particular crop or animal and then there’s a summary sheet of really bite size information for younger students to take in with some graphics and pictures and then there is an interactive E-learning webpage with games and multi-media components.”

Clayton says not enough Manitobans know where their food comes from and the hope is that this resource will help students and educators across the province to incorporate agricultural studies as a part of their lesson plans.

Nomination closed a four this afternoon for candidates running for Mayor, City Council and School Board.   Three people have filed papers to run for Mayor, nine for the six seats on City Council and five for the seven seats on the School Board.

The candidates have 24 hours to withdraw if they choose so names cannot be released until Thursday morning.  Election Day is October 26^th.

Callinex Mines has announced initial results from their exploration campaign to expand and delineate the high grade copper, gold, silver and zinc Rainbow Deposit. It is located at their Pine Bay Project 16 kilometers from Flin Flon.   They report one of their intersections shows 33.67 meters of 4.29 percent copper with other high grade intervals.

President and CEO Max Porterfield stated drill results outlined today continue to deliver some of the widest intervals and highest copper grades intersected at the Rainbow Deposit to date adding we are incredibly pleased with the success of our step out drill holes to date which has expanded the Rainbow Deposit in multiple areas.

Callinex has now completed the necessary drilling to delineate Rainbow within the first 800 meters of surface in anticipation of publishing a maiden resource estimate. They are currently completing the final exploration hole of the current exploration campaign to test Target Area Oden which is located between Rainbow and the newly discovered Alchemist deposits.

The Manitoba Federation of Labour and other union and labour organizations were in Thompson last week to talk about issues affecting working people in the province.

MFL President Kevin Rebeck says the minimum wage and paid sick leave are a top priority......

“I think whether you’re in the north or anywhere in Manitoba over half of Manitobans have no paid sick days so one of the initiatives that we’re working on is we have a postcard campaign going on calling for the establishment of ten paid sick days for all workers so people don’t have to make that impossible choice between coming in contagious and infecting others or not having a paycheque, they should have that, we should have paid sick days in legislation for everyone.”

Rebeck says while he’s glad the provincial government is taking steps to increase the minimum wage those steps don’t go far enough and they should be aiming closer to 20 dollars an hour for a livable wage.

He goes on to say that issues that were brought up during the meeting will be taken into consideration when prioritizing future MFL campaigns and lobbying efforts.

Tim Hortons in Creighton is joining others across the country in their 26th annual Smile Cookie Campaign this week.  It raises money for 665 local charities and community groups across Canada.  All this week Tim Hortons guests will be able to purchase signature chocolate chunk Smile Cookies decorated with blue eyes and a pink smile for a dollar plus applicable taxes and the full dollar will be donated by Tim Hortons restaurant owners.

Money raised at the Creighton Tim Hortons location today through Sunday will be donated to Creighton Community School.

Tim Hortons reports the campaign is led by restaurant owners across Canada and is one of many initiatives that allows them to give back to the communities in which they live and work. The Smile Cookie has raised over 77 million dollars across North America since 1996 and last year alone raised a record 12 million dollars.

The Tim Hortons in Dunville Ontario sold the most cookies in Canada last year.  With a population of about six thousand they sold 48 thousand Smile Cookies which works out to roughly eight cookies for every resident.

The Flin Flon Arts Council held their annual general meeting Thursday night.  Cultural Coordinator Crystal Kolt reported they again faced challenges due to COVID-19.Much of the regular performance season was cancelled but they carried on.  They supported Home Routes-Prairie Panorama, SHIPS:Love Loss and a Desire to Connect, two Ham Sandwich performances Ripcord and The Butler Did It, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Woody Holler and the Christmas Arts and Crafts Sale.  They also featured the Summer Music Series Street Corner Concerts, Culture Days, an Introduction to Drama workshop with the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, the Community Garden and helped with the Trout Festival and Blueberry Jam Music Gathering.

Kolt added most notable is the work they did through the Uptown Emporium growing since its inception from 11 to over 111 vendors.  They also developed a business strategy and conducted a survey throughout the north to collect data on northern artists and artisans.

Manitoba public health reports 342 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the week of September 4^th to 10^th a decrease from 474 the previous week.  The Winnipeg region reported 185 new cases followed by the Northern health region with 60 down from 106 the previous week.  The volume of lab tests decreased to on average 327 people tested per day compared to 344 the previous week with a test positivity rate of 19.9 percent a decrease from 22.5 percent the previous week.  There were 65 hospital admissions down from 70 and 10 ICU admissions down from 16 the previous week.    

In their monthly report for Augusts 14^th to September 10^th Saskatchewan health reported 1932 new cases or on average 483 per week compared to 1524 new cases or 381 per week for the previous month with a test positivity rate of 8.9 percent up from 7.4 percent. Both hospital admissions and ICU admissions have increased. Hospitalizations for the period were 594 or 149 per week up from 556 or 139 per week and ICU admissions were 38 or 10 per week up from 30 or 8 per week in the previous period.

The Alpha Course is starting a new session at the Flin Flon Alliance Church Tuesday evening.  Pastor Reg Friesen says Alpha has a lot to offer……

“If you’ve ever wondered is there more to life than just the day to day the Alpha Course is a great way to discover there’s so much life to be experienced.  I know many people who have taken the time to explore life and faith in this way have seen an incredible season in their lives.  You can join us Tuesday at 7 pm for a short introduction to the course, a fun relaxed evening, a video, just a great introduction to what the course is all about.  If you want to connect with some really friendly and welcoming people join us for coffee and dessert, come with a friend or come and meet some new friends.”

The ten session course runs on Tuesdays starting September 27^th. To register or for more information you can call the Church at 204-687-8498 or email office.flinflonalliance@gmail.com.

This past Wednesday at their meeting Council reported that Saskpower has informed them of planned construction in between Denare Beach and Creighton along highway 167.  They received a construction map and a brief description of work that will see replacement of 22 existing rock set poles.  Council also received an information package from the Pahkisimon Nuye-Ah library system in La Ronge which serves the information needs of northern Saskatchewan.  The letter contains plenty of information about the services they offer.  The info package has been forwarded to Creighton Community School.

Council also received an invitation from Jason Linklater with Foran Mining to meet along with Flin Flon and Denare Beach for a community information session scheduled for early October.  Jason is the Community and Government Lead and has been working with the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation communities for 15 years.

Vaughn Wadelius outlines some of the history of the Catholic Church in The Pas and how it originated….

“It’s the third building that was used because the first one was a log cabin sort of thing that was built in 1897.  It’s still next door to the cathedral and is now a museum.  Our original Bishop Charlebois used it as his residence as well as a little church in those early days.”

In 1922 the cathedral was built and at the time only cost 30 thousand dollars.  It opened on September the same year.  The church will have a number of displays over the weekend including artifacts dating back to Bishop Charlebois.  There will also be tours to show some of the more recent additions to the Church including stain glass windows and the history behind them.

A piece of equipment caught fire underground at the Lalor Mine in Snow Lake yesterday afternoon.  Hudbay reported the fire was extinguished and all workers were accounted for and returned to surface.  They noted in a statement last night all mine safety protocols were quickly activated and the mine rescue teams responded in a timely manner to remedy the situation adding normal operations were expected to resume within 24 hours.

At their regular meeting Tuesday night the Flin Flon School Board reported the Division has received 117,280 dollars from the Strengthening Support and Learning Fund.  This was Flin Flon’s portion of the 20 million dollars announced by the province this past June. The Manitoba government allotted the money for school support and academic improvements for student in Kindergarten to Grade 12 for the current school year.  As part of the province’s education action plan the 20 million dollar fund will prioritize investments in literacy and numeracy, mental health and well being, student re-engagement and additional support for students with diverse learning needs.

In her report Superintendent Tammy Ballantyne thanked the Rotary Club for the welcome back breakfast for new and returning staff earlier this month.  Board Chair Leslie Fernandes welcomed back staff, students and families for the new school year.  She also mentioned School Trustee elections are approaching.  She noted Trustees help shape the education landscape and asked that you consider running for your community and have your voice heard.

The Women’s Resource Centre Christmas Craft and Home Show is coming up in November.  Executive Director Laurie Sealey invites you to book a table now….

“We’re having our annual Christmas Craft and Home Show Saturday, November 5^th at the Creighton Community Hall from 10 to 4.  We are looking for home crafters, home businesses to participate and if they would like to have a table they can call the office at 204-681-3105. We have registration forms that can be picked up and dropped back off at the office.”

The show will also include door raffles and a tooney parade with proceeds going to the Women’s Safe Haven.

Re Uz It accepts donations of gently used items they sell to support local groups and organizations.  Manager Kathy McCormick says funding is now available. She explains Re Uz It invites non-profit groups and organizations in Flin Flon and surrounding area who may require a bit of financial assistance with a project to apply to them for a portion of three thousand dollars with the goal of assisting with several projects.  She noted applications will be accepted until September 22^nd in writing to Re Uz It, 359 Queen Street, Flin Flon , Manitoba, R8A 0M8 and those chosen will be contacted.

Presentation of funds will take place September 24^th at Re Uz It at 5 Cliff Lake Road.

Some of the groups Re Uz It has donated to in the past include the Flin Flon Curling Club, the Flin Flon Creighton Aqua Doves, the Flin Flon Friendship Centre, the Flin Flon Aqua Centre Community Committee, the Flin Flon Creighton and Area SPCA, Flin Flon Guidance Nursery and Norman Community Services.

Shelly Virville from the Hope North Suicide Prevention Committee spoke about mental health and life promotion….            

“We all can take small steps to mental wellness and can all benefit just like we benefit from looking after our physical health and we can also benefit from looking after our social, our emotional, our spiritual wellbeing.”            

Virville went on to say social connections can help manage stress.  Some of the things you can do to promote wellbeing include finding ways to stay positive, being active and connecting with others.

              The Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line can be reached at 1-877-435-7170 if you or someone you know may need resources.

Callinex Mines has discovered the Alchemist deposit which is a new high grade copper, zinc, gold and silver bearing Volcanic Massive Sulphide deposit at their Pine Bay Project 16 kilometers away from Flin Flon.  The Alchemist sits at the base of the interpreted growth fault corridor that hosts six other deposits including the emerging high grade copper, gold, silver and zinc Rainbow deposit 1420 meters to the east.

President Max Porterfield comments it’s noteworthy that to date each deposit discovered along the growth fault corridor at Pine Bay is significantly larger than the one that precedes it in proximity to Millrock Mountain. He says similarly the Flin Flon deposit sits in proximity to Millrock Hill a well known outcropping at the base of the growth fault that also hosts the Callinan and Triple Seven deposits in Flin Flon.

The last hole to intersect the discovery returned 4.40 meters of 4.20 percent copper equivalent including 1.60 percent copper, 5.14 percent zinc, 0.40 grams per tonne gold and 21.78 grams per tonne silver.

 Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston has announced the Manitoba government is tailoring the initial phase of its new senior’s strategy to meet the specific needs of Manitoba seniors and those who support them.  He says they have been informed by the quality input received from thousands of Manitobans through EngageMB’s Building a Plan with Older Manitobans public consultation survey,

Based on survey responses the department will explore key findings identified by Manitobans including access to physical and social activities; challenges with the health-care system; supports for caregivers; physical accessibility of public spaces; communication and navigating public services; support for seniors with specific needs; and affordable and accessible housing options.

As the next phase of the senior’s strategy is developed Manitobans are invited to participate in further consultations including additional surveys and public engagement sessions.

A new series of public surveys will launch over the next three months to seek more detailed input from seniors and their caregivers.

The Civil Emergency Alert issued Saturday due to a fire at the Denare Beach landfill was rescinded yesterday. The landfill will continue to be closed to the public until further notice.  Garbage collection will continue on regular pick up days. Residents can access the Town of Creighton landfill at this time.

The Municipal Fire Ban will remain in effect until further notice due to dry conditions.

The Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Greenstone The Hub Entrepreneurship Centre are holding a pre-election info session Wednesday night.  Facilitator Dianne Russell says it will give people planning to run for a seat on City Council an idea of what to expect….            

“I think what they’re going to find out is what the Chamber and Greenstone want to provide is an opportunity to understand that if you’re running for election and you get elected this is what it means to be on Council or what is the election process like or am I the right person to run for Council.  This gives people a chance to go to an information session that gives them a level of information and comfort with the idea of Municipal politics.”            

The info session will be held Wednesday night from 7 to 9 in the City of Flin Flon Council Chambers.  Nominations must be filed by September 20^th at City Hall and Election Day is October 26^th

At their meeting last week Flin Flon City Council accepted the Fire Chiefs report for July.  It indicated 10 calls for the month. There were three calls to small wildfires including the fireworks site, the north side of Ross Lake and 1 Company Road by the tailings pond. They were quickly extinguished.  There were five false alarms including a controlled burn at the landfill, two alarm calls to homes on Hemlock and one on Highway 10A, and a lightning strike on the Trout Lake Road with no fires found. A fire was extinguished on a stove on Bellevue and a vehicle on Highway 10A suffered a fuel leak which was cleaned up.

The Fire Department conducted side by side training, water rescue operations, a training program for new members and had five station tours.

At the Flin Flon City Council meeting Tuesday night Councillor Ken Pawlachuk reported the FDC Economic Development Commission has applied to have part of the Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach region designated as a national park.  He says Parks Canada is lacking ten parks and this is an area of interest to them.  He explained Parks Canada has already sent reps to tour the region and he and the Commission’s Regional Tourism Officer Brooke White took them to see Flin Flon, the Trout Lake area, Phantom Lake, the Creighton and Denare Beach Museums and the Limestone crevices.

Pawlachuk stated the reps were really impressed with the tour and even though the process is in the very early stages he feels positive about the application.  White will be the liaison between the Commission and Parks Canada as the process moves forward.

The Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp starts a new training year at 7 Monday night in the Flin Flon Community Hall.  Commanding Officer Laurel Mymko says they are offering training for youth 12 to 18 years old. She explains this program offers a structured training program for the young people in the areas of citizenship, summer and winter wilderness survival, navigation, leadership skills, marksmanship, physical fitness within the youth and safety oriented programs.  She adds all training and safety training programs will be an asset for all cadets in their future sporting and recreational activities.

For more information you can call 204-687-4809.  You can register online at Join Cadets Canada and enter 2328 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corp.  They will also be taking registrations tonight from 5 to 7 at Under One Roof at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

Manitoba public health reported 475 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the week of August 28^th to September 3^rd a decrease from 622 the previous week.  The Winnipeg region reported 235 new cases followed by the Northern health region with 106 down from 270 the previous week. The volume of lab tests decreased to on average 344 people tested per day compared to 358 the previous week with a test positivity rate of 22.5 percent an increase from 22.1 percent in the previous week.  There were 70 hospital admissions up from 67 and 16 ICU admissions up from 9 the previous week.

Mayor Cal Huntley and Hudbay Manitoba Employees Director of Human Resources, External and Indigenous Affairs Richard Trudeau were at City Hall yesterday afternoon to present the City’s new financial agreement with Hudbay.  Huntley explains….

“Hudbay has always sought to be a valued partner to the community by providing financial support through a variety of means.  The grant in lieu was a key element of this.  Flin Flon and Hudbay have operated under a series of grant in lieu of taxes agreements dating back to the beginning of Flin Flon in 1939.  Under the new agreement Hudbay will continue to pay a grant in lieu of all municipal and school taxes.”             

This new agreement is providing contributions of more than 70 percent of the historical high payments from past agreements so with the current grant in lieu of taxes at 6.4 million dollars with Hudbay’s reduced presence after the conclusion of mining activities last June the grant will now be between 4.5 and 5 million dollars.  Trudeau noted the agreement took two years to work out and comes into effect January 1^st running for five years.            

The agreement also includes the maintenance by Hudbay of water levels at Cliff Lake for the potable water intake operated by the city, connection by Hudbay to the city water supply to maintain water levels at the Hudbay reservoir and the provision of fire protection services by the city to facilities owned by Hudbay.

At their meeting Tuesday night Flin Flon City Council passed on first reading a bylaw to amend the Flin Flon Development Plan to rezone a portion of the park between Spruce and Balsam Avenues. This is the former Joe Brain Children’s Petting Zoo area to be rezoned from Park and Recreation to Residential and to a Multiple Family Dwelling Zone.  Mayor Cal Huntley explained they have seen interest in the property and if that comes to fruition they want to be ready to move forward noting there is a need for seniors housing in this community.  He says if it doesn’t they can always consider rezoning it again.  He added they will do a review of the zoo and then develop plans for a new location. The bylaw requires two more readings at a Council meeting before it is passed.

Council received a request for a Municipal Funding Grant from the Flin Flon Creighton and Area SPCA through rental of the Community Hall for events.  The request noted the SPCA helps rescue, feed and shelter animals until they find forever homes as well as providing education to the community. The application was forwarded to the Finance Committee.

The Fall Artisan and Home Business Market is coming up Saturday in Cranberry Portage.  Brenda from the Cranberry Portage Artisan Committee says this is the biggest Artisan Market yet…..

“We have combined artisans as well as home businesses so we have quilting, pottery, garlic, plants, gluten free food, local and northern Manitoba honey, hot mustard, jewelry, candles, showcasing Indigenous art and jewelry as well, natural skin products, dream catchers.  I believe at this market you name it we have it and we also have a variety of home businesses that will be selling their products as well so it looks like the weather will be great so we hope everyone can come out and enjoy the last market of the season.”

The Artisan and Home Business Market is open from 11 to 3 Saturday at the Cranberry Portage Museum Grounds.

At the Flin Flon City Council meeting last night Mayor Cal Huntley announced he has come to a very very difficult decision…..

“20 years in Municipal politics is I think a lot of seniority but there’s still lots to do and I’m going to turn it over to a different crew of people to go forward so I’m going to announce at this meeting that I will not be running for Mayor in the upcoming election, I’m going to take a break from it for a while.”

Two current City Councillors have filed their papers to run for Mayor, Tim Babcock and Leslie Beck.  Councillor Bill Hanson will be filing nomination papers for Council.  Councillors Karen MacKinnon, Colleeen Arnold and Ken Pawlachuk will not seek re-election.  Nominations for Mayor, Council and School Board close on September 20^th with Election Day October 26^th.

Flin Flon Parks and Recreation is again holding an event called Registration Under One Roof Friday evening.  Recreation Programmer Kelcey Andersen says people interested in registration or finding out more about local groups will be able to do so in one place…..

“We’re going to have the Girl Guides, Flin Flon Skating Club, the Cadets, the Judo Club as well as our own internal programs like the Photography, the Sports Discovery and the Rhyme Time for Toddlers.  We’re going to have stations set up where they can come and register for the booth they’re interested in and have more information from the individual clubs as well.”

Under One Roof will be open Friday evening from 5 to 7 in the Flin Flon Community Hall.

The Flin Flon Rotary Club and the Lords Bounty Food Bank teamed up over the summer to provide free lunches on Mondays.  Rotarian Jane Robillard says it went well…..

“We delivered approximately 900 lunches over the summer to both Rotary Park and Aspen Grove and it varied but families definitely were waiting for us on Mondays.  It went very well, it was a good service to the community and the Salvation Army is back for the fall now so they will pick it up.”

This is the second year the Rotary Club took part in the lunch program.

The RCMP release explains those trendy photos of children holding chalkboard-style back-to-school signs may be perfect for the family photo book, but there are some things you may want to think carefully about before you share them publicly. Ask yourself – are you comfortable with strangers knowing your child’s name and age, where they go to school and what their favourite things are?

Also consider the photo’s setting. A photo on your front step could potentially identify where you live. A snapshot in front of the school’s sign shows where your child is enrolled – and likely to be every day.

If you can’t resist sharing, they suggest limiting the personal information included on props and being mindful of the background of the photo. It might also be a good time to review and update your privacy settings on your social media accounts.

The RCMP wish all students a safe and enjoyable school year.

The company’s Kristine D’Arbelles says CAA has been supporting the transition to fuel efficient and zero emissions vehicles for about a decade and wanted to provide a comprehensive guide so that Canadians can find the information they’re looking for in one place.

She says there are also hybrid models included for residents living in areas like northern Manitoba where owning an EV currently may not be viable……

“It is a reality especially in rural and northern communities where there is not a lot of public charging infrastructure or there is less public charging infrastructure.  We wanted to make sure that even if someone was really interested in making that switch to a zero emission or to a more fuel efficient vehicle they were shown all the options.  While we do have all the EVs in there we did want to include hybrids because for some people who might be in a very rural scenario it might not make sense for them to make that jump to an electric vehicle.”

A recent study by KPMG indicated seven in ten Canadians intend to make their next vehicle purchase an EV with sales growing five per cent in 2021 to nearly eight per cent in the first quarter of 2022.

Manitoba public health reported 622 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases for the week of August 21^st to 27^th an increase from 473 the previous week.  The Northern health region reported the highest number of new cases with 270 an increase from 93 the previous week.  The volume of lab tests increased to on average 358 people tested per day compared to 324 in the previous week with a test positivity rate of 22.1 percent a decrease from 23.9 percent the previous week.  There were 67 hospital admissions up from 60 and 9 ICU admissions up from 8 the previous week.

The Flin Flon Arts Council’s Crystal Kolt is encouraging people to register to be part of the 42^nd annual Arts and Crafts Sale.  Kolt says they are expecting to have the full show like they had before COVID…..

“We are inviting vendors to reserve a table or two for the Arts and Crafts Sale and they can do that by calling me at the Flin Flon Arts Council Office at 687-5974 or they can also find the registration form on the Flin Flon Arts Council website which is www.flinflonartscouncil.ca and so far we’re getting a lot of great interest and people participating in the show and it’s going to be great to have the full event this year.”

The Arts and Crafts Sale is planned for November 5^th in the Flin Flon Community Hall.

Vice-Principal Jordy Dumenko says they’re ready to welcome new and grade nine students for a session on Tuesday and all students on Wednesday……

“The first day for students is September 7^th.  School starts at 8:45 am and kids will arrive and head to their first slot classes.  There’s no home room this year so straight in and business as usual.  On September 6^th the Tuesday before the first day of school Miss Link our Guidance Counselor is putting on an orientation from 1:30 to 2:30 where the grade nine students or any new students coming to Hapnot can come into the school, look at their timetable and tour around the school and get more comfortable with it.”

Any students with questions can drop in or call the Collegiate at 204-687-7506 and returning students wanting to make timetable changes can call to make an appointment.

The Play It Safer Network held an Overdose Awareness Day yesterday.  People gathered on Main Street and walked to Rotary Park where an addictions awareness display and access to support services were set up.  The Committee’s Tieryn Steele notes last year we lost 407 Manitobans to fatal overdoses….

“This is a public health crisis and these deaths were 100 percent preventable.  This time to take action is now. The drug supply is becoming increasingly more toxic, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Supports such as safe consumption sites, a legal regulated drug supply and no barrier access to Naloxone can greatly decrease the harms associated with drug use.  These supports could save hundreds of lives but because of the stigma that surrounds drug use they are hard to implement within communities.  Our society views drug use as some sort of moral failing when in reality letting hundreds of people die from preventable causes is the real moral failing.”

Steele added you are able to access Naloxone through the Play It Safer Network and the Pharmacy.  The Network can also train organizations, businesses and individuals in administering Naloxone and on overdose prevention and AFM is an excellent resource for those experiencing substance misuse issues.

The Electronic Recycling Association is calling out to all businesses and individuals to donate their unwanted computers and laptops to help them fill requests from charitable organizations and individuals in need. The Association’s Chantelle Coddington and Julia Armstrong explain with a focus on recovery, refurbishment and reuse ERA continuously supplies charitable groups with IT equipment while securely managing the retiring assets of organizations and individuals across Canada…..

“After we receive those items from you we work really hard to refurbish them and then donate them out for charities, schools, care facilities and individuals who are in need.”

“Anything that is end of life that literally cannot be used we use that we could from it and we then have it sent to the provincial recyclers.”

Currently ERA has a growing list of over one thousand pending organizations that are in urgent need of IT related devices.  ERA offers shipping labels for free pickup from anywhere in Canada.  Visit their website www.era.ca