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Greg Rickford

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Bus Service Still Being Looked At In Northern Ontario

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Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford sees tremendous opportunity for the growth of bus service across the region.

Rickford made the comment during a media briefing last week when asked about service to communities like Sioux Lookout and Red Lake as well as along Highway 11.

He stresses it’s important for all of our communities to be connected.

“Opening us up for business but making sure that Northerners have access to the essential services and programs that other people have across the province.”

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says he would like to see an integrated transportation network for all of northern Ontario through Ontario Northland and private carriers.

 

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National Indigenous History Month

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Ontario is celebrating National Indigenous History Month.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford says this is a time to recognize Indigenous heritage, diversity and culture while acknowledging and reflecting on the achievements of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people.

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says June is an ideal time to learn more about the rich history of the Indigenous people who shaped our province and our country.

Rickford notes although we can’t gather in person this year to mark this important occasion, there are many opportunities to participate in virtual events taking place throughout the month.

He adds acknowledging our shared history builds understanding and helps preserve First Nations culture, traditions and languages.

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Audio: Tourist Camps Allowed To Reopen

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Some good news for the regional tourism industry.

The provincial government is allowing short term rentals including lodges, cabins, cottages, homes, condominiums and bed and breakfasts to resume operations starting tomorrow.

Minister of Northern Development Greg Rickford says this is a great day for northwestern Ontario.

“This is an incredible opportunity and with social distancing and the right guidelines in place for them to operate their camps, people will be able to get out on the water and on the land and celebrate what we have here.”

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says most camp owners he talked to understood the delay in opening.

“We’ve had constant communications with many owners and their associations. Have had a couple of really good conversations with Gerry Cariou up here and the pressure was building up. But we stayed the course for the right reasons as a province.”

The province says operators and guests should continue to practice physical distancing, wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge, and wash hands frequently.

Rickford says the next step is focusing on the fine details of regional openings and he says an announcement will be made in the coming days.

To hear more, visit the Audio link below

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Provincial Funding To Upgrade Duke Street Overpass

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The City of Dryden has received provincial funding to improve the Duke Street Overpass.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says $400,854 in Connecting Link funding is being spent to upgrade Duke Street between Government Street and Colonization Avenue.

Manager of Public Works Services Blake Poole says the project consists of repaving the Overpass with asphalt and some minor curb work from Colonization Avenue to Highway 17, approximately 560 meters.

Poole adds the entrance and exit Ramps onto Highway 17 will also be repaved.

The road over the tracks will not be affected by the work.

The City hopes to do the project later this summer when the re-construction on Van Horne is near completion.

 

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Province Bringing Bus Service Back To Dryden/Kenora Area

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Ontario is delivering on a promise to provide critical bus service to our area.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford has announced the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission will start new, permanent intercommunity bus service from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg starting on May 18th.

There will be two return trips per week on Highway 17 with stops in Ignace, Dryden, Vermilion Bay and Kenora.

The bus will provide stops at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg and the University.

Rickford says “For too long Northwestern Ontario has been excluded from Ontario’s passenger transportation network and today our government is keeping our promise to bring reliable and safe bus transportation to the Northwest.”

The Northern Development Minister adds “I am proud to see the ONTC connect the people of Kenora-Rainy River.”

Dryden Mayor Greg Wilson says he’s “very pleased to see the province bring reliable and comfortable bus service to our community.”

Earlier it was announced that Ontario Northland will begin bus service from White River to Thunder Bay with three return trips per week starting on May 17th.

 

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Greg Rickford Delivers PPE Equipment

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Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford is helping bring badly needed supplies of personal protective equipment to support First Nations communities across the riding.

The PPE shipment, coordinated by the Lake of the Woods District Hospital and the Northern Supply Chain, includes 21,500 surgical masks, 50 boxes of gloves, 50 boxes of disinfectant wipes, 5,000 protective gowns and 1,000 swab tests.

Rickford made the first delivery to Dalles First Nation.

The Minister of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs says “Very glad to help get these critical supplies delivered to local First Nations communities who are working diligently to protect their community members against the spread of COVID-19. I’d like to thank the All Nations Health Partners Ontario Health Team and the Kenora District Services Board for coordinating these efforts.”

Rickford notes plans are underway for more communities across the riding to receive shipments of PPE and he says he will making those deliveries.

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Greg Rickford: Be Responsible With Fishing/Hunting

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Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development stresses there will be restrictions for those looking to hunt and fish in the weeks ahead.

Greg Rickford says “Yes this is a great opportunity in the context of the conditions that we have been living under to look forward to some fishing and hunting but those have to be done within the rules that we are still intensely engaging as individuals and as communities and as a province.”

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP notes that means COVID-19 physical distancing regulations must be followed.

Rickford stresses we owe it to our frontline workers, families, friends and neighbours to abide by those rules.

He says this isn’t an opportunity for people who have not been living in the same dwelling or house to jump into a boat together.

 

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Local MPP: Government Working On Evacuation Plan

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Flood season is here and the most serious threat is up in Kashechewan First Nation.

That’s according to Ontario’s Minister of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs, who says the government does have a plan for the community.

However, Greg Rickford says he still has concerns with pieces of it as part of the plan considers allowing a certain segment of the population to live out on the land.

“Which is completely acceptable and entirely consistent with the traditions of that community expect that there will still require some coordinated services and programs, namely in health and child services.”

He believes part of the solution still includes the ability to move people into municipalities.

Several local communities are hesitant to act as a ‘Host Site’ because of COVID-19.

Rickford states he’s coordinating a call with mayors of towns and cities across the region this week to get some clarification.

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says some hotels have told him they would be happy to welcome evacuees if they had the proper Personal Protection Equipment and coronavirus testing.

Rickford stresses the government wants to be ready in case any community is evacuated due to flood or forest fire.

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Local MPP Commends Dryden During COVID-19

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Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says it’s impressive to see everyone work together during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister of Northern Development says he’s witnessed some truly inspiring acts of kindness.

In an interview with CKDR News, Rickford drew attention to what’s being done in Dryden.

“Volunteers in Dryden sewing masks for the Dryden Regional Health Centre. Pizza Hut, Dominos, Tim Hortons and Subway for donating food to hard working frontline workers in Dryden and around the City.”

He adds “Truckers dropping off coffee and doughnuts for health care workers in Dryden and restaurants providing special accommodations for them. I mean you nearly tear up when you see how much we’ve come together to support all of this.”

Rickford stresses area residents have taken the lead and have done a great job following physical distancing and self-isolation rules.

“All of us as individuals. For those of us who have respected the conditions that we are under and the actions that we need to take to keep doing it. We will be out of this in due course and I think it’s just important to appreciate everyone at this time and the contributions they’ve made.”

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Relief For Unincorporated Areas Across North

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Those living in unincorporated areas across the region are getting some relief from the province.

The Ford government is deferring $15-million in property taxes for people and businesses in parts of the north located outside of municipal boundaries.

Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford says this is critical relief for over 63,000 residents and businesses.

The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says every community in Ontario is feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government is ensuring that no one gets left behind.

Taxpayers will have 90 extra days to pay without incurring interest or penalties.

The deferral applies to all of the levies collected by the government including Provincial Land Tax, education property tax, Local Road Boards and Local Services Boards.

The province says it will continue to make payments to these partners, as scheduled.

In addition, to ensure the relief doesn’t have a financial impact on school boards, the province will adjust payments to school boards to offset the deferral.

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