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Features IGNACE COUNCIL PASSES BUDGET 2% Tax Increase plus substantial water rate increase. Ignace Council finally passed the 2010 budget at its June 30th meeting. The budget process took longer than expected given the difficult financial situation facing Council and staff. Financial difficulties are mainly due to a number of “extraordinary items” included in this year’s budget. While Provincial and Federal Government funding is putting up nearly $890,000 for recreation complex renovations and a new multipurpose recreational centre, the Township will be putting up $330,000 or 27% for these projects. As well, sewage plant repairs are expected to cost approximately $67,000. A further extraordinary item is the write-off of $187,000 in back taxes that have been deemed uncollectible. Council is selling tax sale properties where possible in order to recoup lost taxes and return the properties to the tax roll. The 2010 Budget will draw approximately $1.39 million from reserves to balance the budget. It is important to note that over half of this amount is Provincial Government money earmarked for infrastructure projects that was reserved by the Township for use in future years. Also included in the budget are three road rehabilitation projects funded in large part by Provincial and Federal Government as part of their economic stimulus measures. “It is important to note that with matching funds from both levels of government Ignace will be doing these projects with 33 1/3 cent dollars” says Mayor Cloutier. The expenditure is made possible by securing low interest long term financing for our community. Ignace continues to suffer from the downturn in the forestry industry and attributes the slow government process as drawbacks for economic development opportunities that is needed to achieve financial stability. Council looked at making major cuts to Township services to balance the budget but in the end felt that the quality of life needs to be maintained for our residents. Water Charges up 75% As mandated by new Provincial Government guidelines user charges are supposed to cover water treatment plant operating costs. Water billing is now separate from the tax billing. A review of the user charges shows that in past years there was a significant shortfall of revenue in this area and Council has had to implement a sizable hike to bring it in line with actual costs. “While a 75% hike seems too high, it really is not that bad” said Mayor Cloutier. “To the average homeowner it still figures out to be a little more than a dollar per day for good clean drinking water. A far cry from the amount we paid for drinking water in the past years at the stores”. Ignace was under a Boil Water Advisory for almost two years. A typical resident will now pay a flat rate of approximately $420, up from $240 in 2009. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Re: West Street Construction There will be road construction beginning July 13, 2010 on West Street. The road will be closed at times and only local traffic will be permitted. Please use alternate routes Davy Lake Road, Lakeshore Drive, Beaver Street, and Lily Pad Road. Signage will be provided by the contractor and must be obeyed. The project is funded by Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Your patience and cooperation will be greatly appreciated. The Contractor will strive to minimize disruption. -Wayne Hanchard, Administrator Treasurer Business Investment Perspective Newsletter: White Otter Days are officially here! Water Treatment Grand Opening! There was a great turnout as Ignace celebrated the grand opening of the new water treatment facility July 6, 2010. There were some great speeches from Mayor Lionel Cloutier, Minister Gravelle of Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry, and Greg Rickford Kenora Member of Parliament along with his guest Maxime Bernier Quebec MP. After the Ribbon cutting the public along with the politicians got a tour of the plant by the Northern Waterworks employees who were very knowledgable followed by food and beverages. It was a beautiful day for the party. Job Creation Partnership The latest deconstruction project is the removal of the Steven Cyr Youth Drop-in Centre. This area will be rehabilitated into a new park. The Docks Are Out! Feeling the heat? Come out and enjoy the docks at West Beach on Agimak Lake!
The Township of Ignace on the shore of Agimak Lake, located in the heart of Northwestern Ontario's Sunset Country offers a strong service sector, including an industrial business park opened in 2008 and a Municipal Airport. Historically our economy has centred on our natural resources, including forestry, mining and tourism. Our location on the Trans Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway main line plays a key role in providing access to the region and the world beyond. Ignace is a stepping stone to the northern community of Pickle Lake on Highway 599. |
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