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Fred Mota

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Red Lake Makes Case For Event Center And Arena

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The Town of Red Lake continues to push for funding for a new arena and event center.

Mayor Fred Mota says unfortunately they have been turned down for infrastructure funding for that project.

“The problem we face from the province is that there is no programs currently available to support our asset management plans for projects such as this,” Mota told the Ontario Finance Committee during pre-budget hearings earlier this week in Kenora.

Mota says the Cochenour Arena is over 60 years old and needs to be replaced.

“Red Lake is willing to make the contribution, but we need provincial support in order to move projects, such as this, to an area where we’re ready to dig.”

Mota says while Red Lake only has a population of five thousand people, that number could double once a bridge to northern first nations is completed, so there will be no shortage of demand for the arena.

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Fire/Evacuation Message From Red Lake Mayor

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The Mayor of Red Lake has delivered a message as the community responds to Red Lake Fire 49.

At 10:30 Thursday morning, the blaze was listed at 552 hectares in size.

Here is the statement from Mayor Fred Mota:

We continue to have challenges with the forest fire that is threatening our community. Although, we have had two (2) relatively successful days in limiting the spread of the fire, however, the fire remains approximately 2 km’s south-west of Red Lake. In particular the Buffalo area and the Madsen area remains without power. I assure you that Municipality, the OPP, and MNRF are using every resource available to protect our community.

MNRF in particular are doing a tremendous job! Their high level of professionalism and commitment to this fire provides us a level of comfort that Red Lake will be protected but in saying this, I want to reiterate, we have a ways to go and things need to go our way. It remains unsafe to be in the community. I encourage those still in the community to leave…..and those out of the community to remain out until notified by the Municipality that it is safe to return.

I appreciate everything our residents are doing and thank you for your patience as we endure these very difficult and challenging times. As Red Laker’s, we are resilient and together we will get through this!

Mayor Fred Mota

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Red Lake Mayor Provides COVID-19 Update

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The Mayor of Red Lake is urging residents to not let up in the fight against COVID-19.

Cabin fever is no doubt settling in for most of us and Fred Mota is encouraging folks to go out and enjoy some fresh air.

“Please adhere to the proper social and physical distancing. Our parks, beaches and facilities remain closed and will remain closed until such a time that the provincial government advises otherwise.”

Mota adds “Please continue to do your part. We can not let up and take our foot off the gas peddle. We can not become complacent now. This will only negatively affect our hard work and impact our sacrifices to date.”

Mota says local residents have done a great job abiding by provincial health regulations.

The Red Lake area has had two positive cases of cornavirus, both have been resolved.

84 tests have been conducted and 73 have come back negative.

The results of 9 others are pending.

 

 

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Red Lake Mayor Responds To Storm Damage

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Recovery efforts continue in the Red Lake area and community spirit remains high.

Mayor Fred Mota is proud of his community’s togetherness after the massive storm that hit the municipality on Friday.

The Heritage Centre was among the hardest hit, with its roof being ripped off.

Mota says the clean up at the site saw many volunteers including members of the Red Lake Miners hockey team.

“They came into the Heritage Centre, once it was deemed safe, and they were working with our community group to cover artifacts in plastic, to protect them the best that we good.”

Mota notes the building did sustain water damage in the walls and basement and some artifacts may have been damaged.

He says they are now in the early states of repairing the Centre.

A community emergency remains in place.

Mota says “There was municipal infrastructure damaged. A loss of hydro-electricity. Numerous trees were down, blocking roadways and driveways. And there was also damage done to commercial properties and residential properties.”

Mota says they are still removing trees but most roads are cleared thanks to the quick action of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and community groups.

He stresses everyone has rallied together since the storm.

“Neighbours were checking on neighbours. People were helping each other. It’s amazing to see, when a disaster like this hits, how a community comes together. And that’s what Red Lake stands for.”

(Picture Credit: Angele Krummenacher)