The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
2004 October 1 Ð The provincial smoking ban throughout Manitoba takes effect today in all enclosed public places and indoor work sites. "It's something that we have to do even though you know it's going to anger some citizens who have formed certain habits and have smoked for years," said Flin Flon MLA Gerard Jennissen. October 4 Ð The province hasn't forgotten about Cranberry Portage in the upcoming cottage lot draw. Available in the draw, on the east arm of Lake Athapapuskow at Cranberry Portage, are 49 newly developed lakefront lots priced at $14,000 apiece. October 8 Ð The federal government has decided to continue its medicinal marijuana growing program, but it remains to be seen whether the product will be grown in Flin Flon after the current contract expires. Saskatoon-based Prairie Plant Systems is under contract until December 2005 to supply Health Canada with pot for medicinal and research. It grows the marijuana in an abandoned mine shaft at Trout Lake. Ottawa is expected to put out the tender in the next few months, opening the door to all companies across Canada. October 12 Ð HBMS is expected to change hands by the end of year after a Toronto-based company offered $325 million for Flin Flon's largest employer. Ontzinc Corp. has entered into an agreement to purchase the mining and smelting operation from Anglo American International SA of London, England. "The transaction will result in the repatriation to Canada of one of its oldest and best known mining companies," said Ontzinc chairman Gregory J. Peebles in a press statement. Ontzinc is an exploration and development company, October 13 Ð Tom Davie, president of the United Steelworkers of America Local 7106, is "concerned" that Ontzinc is set to take over HBMS. Davie and others are worried about the smaller size of Ontzinc, particularly in comparison with Anglo American International SA. "We're a high cost mine," said Davie. October 14 Ð Flin Flon school enrollment has declined for the eighth consecutive year, with 62 fewer students in the hallway. Total enrollment now stands at 1,376 students, down 271 pupils since 1999. Since 1993, enrollment has gone down 438 students, or 25 percent. Hapnot Collegiate remains the largest school with 429 students, followed by McIsaac with 397, Parkdale with 200, Ruth Betts with 192 and Many Faces with 158. October 21 Ð Construction of Bedrock Manor, a 12-suite seniors' apartment complex, officially got underway yesterday on a vacant lot near the Creighton Trailer Court. "The new apartments will help residents who have worked and lived here their entire lives stay close to home and family," said Creighton Mayor Bruce Fidler at the sod turning ceremony. October 26 Ð Digital cellular service has arrived in Flin Flon. Residents will now to able to use newer cellular technology like camera phones.1/17/2005
