FONOM

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities met in Kapuskasing recently for their Board of Directors meeting.

President Al Spacek says one issue they spoke on was the Spring Bear Hunt.

He says they are hearing the smaller municipalities are having problems with bears.

Spacek says it was pressure from special interest groups in southern Ontario which put them in this situation.

He says they hope the program which assists the larger urban centers can be expanded to aid those smaller communities who face similar challenges.

As well, they heard a presentation from the Ontario Energy Board. Spacek says the OEB gave them a first glimpse at a new program which will be unveiled later this year.

Spacek says the concept would see Low Income families get help with their hydro bills. He says they like the idea, but they have concerns. He says they are already hearing that businesses are struggling with trying to pay for electricity and this surcharge plan will not help them at all.

Spacek adds they are looking forward to the upcoming Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference where they will meet with several Cabinet Minister to discuss infrastructure funding and more.

The AMO conference is from August 16th to 19th in Niagara Falls.