Flin Flon’s public transit service will continue for the time being under an interim agreement with Northern Bus Lines (NBL), the public learned at Tuesday’s city council meeting.
NBL had been under municipal contract to provide bus services until Sept. 1, 2016 with the ability to opt out if its garage, now up for sale, sold.
With that deadline passed and the garage still on the market, NBL will continue to provide busing under the same terms, said Mark Kolt, chief administrative officer for the city.
Mayor Cal Huntley said that for now, the agreement is working for both parties.
And if the NBL garage is sold?
“We [would] either look at other options or we may end the bus service, but we’re not there yet,” Huntley said.
“The community is ever-changing and we’re reviewing things as they come along, so to speak. For the near future we’re looking at maintaining the bus service.”
The city originally planned to take over the bus service from NBL, but that changed when its proposed purchase of the NBL garage failed to materialize in 2015.
Resignation
With “great regret,” Huntley accepted the written resignation of long-time Flin Flon Station Museum board member Ron Dodds.
Dodds, who spent 27 years on the board, including 15 as chairman, resigned effective Sept. 1.
“I know other people are taking over and are going to further his good work, but he really did give his heart and soul to that [museum],” said Huntley. “He will be sorely missed in that group.”
Huntley added that Dodds possesses “a work ethic and a volunteer ethic like no other.” He congratulated Dodds on his service.
Water problem
Callinan Street resident William (Bucky) Williamson asked council to halt the flow of water that has been “pouring” into his basement from an unknown source.
He said there have been water issues on his street for years and that he has told city foremen about it.
Huntley said council would refer the matter to the Engineering Services Committee for review and suggestion.
“We’re not going to solve it tonight,” the mayor added.
Patrols praised
Huntley applauded the efforts of the Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP), saying he believes it is making a difference in the community.
He shared data from the volunteer program that showed COPP volunteers put in 217 hours and 1,279 km worth of community patrols in August alone.
“That’s just amazing, because they’re not going out of our community. That’s all within our community,” Huntley said.
The mayor said he requested patrol figures from COPP because he wanted the community to know how much time the volunteers are putting in.
Huntley encouraged COPP chairman Sinclair James, who attended Tuesday’s council meeting, to keep up the good work.
“We’re really thankful to have you guys around,” added the mayor.
Good luck
Coun. Guy Rideout took time to wish the Flin Flon Bombers good luck in the upcoming season.
He said he watched some of the team’s training camp and is encouraged by what he saw. He said the Whitney Forum is also looking good.
Huntley also wished the team good luck, saying the community looks forward to “a good year of hockey.”
The mayor indicated he is optimistic about this year’s club but chose not to say anything further because he did not want to “jinx anything.”
