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.
Question: Did our city council ever lobby the provincial or federal government for a subsidy to build a new smelter in Flin Flon? Why or why not? Also, as mayor, are you aware of any offers made by the higher levels of government to HBMS to keep copper smelting in our city along with all those jobs? If not, does that disappoint you? Mayor Therien: Your question has to do with something that is out of city council's control, unfortunately. As HudBay has said over and over again, this is strictly a business deal and nothing more. Most of us have been here long enough to remember that the existing smelter did have to meet certain emission standards by a certain date but, as HudBay states, things have changed beyond this one issue, thereby forcing the closure. I do not know if the province or the feds offered anything in an attempt to keep the smelter open, but I am pretty sure if they did offer anything, it would not include guaranteeing a profit on the smelter operation. I am not sure if the province or the feds would involve the city even if there was some sort of a deal on the table. HudBay is a privately traded company and, as the city is not a share holder, we would not be privy to anything of this nature. Does this upset me? Yes and no. Yes because it greatly affects the citizens and the business community of Flin Flon and Creighton, et al, of which we have no say in this matter. No because, as HudBay states, this is strictly business and with that in mind, we have no right to question their right to look after their shareholders. * * * Question: Would you agree that the SPCA has more or less assumed control of pet management in this city? Should they therefore assume responsibility for enforcement of the bylaw that requires doo-doo to be picked up by dog walkers? Mayor Therien: I am not sure I would go as far as stating that the SPCA has assumed control of pet management in Flin Flon, but I have to tell you that the bylaw enforcement issue, what there is of one, would still be in control of the city regardless. It continues to amaze me how many people do not pick up after their dog. Maybe they do not mind stepping in doo-doo or having their children stepping in it or playing in it, or worse. On the other hand, I have seen lots of dog owners who DO look after their pet's business and I compliment you for that. A bylaw is only as good as you make it. The problem is, we cannot follow EVERY walked dog to make sure you pick up the mess. It is fine to say that you have seen someone not cleaning up, but we cannot enforce the bylaw unless we have your help. Tell us who it is and when it was done so we can enforce the bylaw. Together, maybe we can work towards solving this issue. Until everyone finally clues in that this is indeed an issue, this is the best we can offer in terms of a solution. * * * Send your questions for Mayor Therien to The Reminder by phone at 687-3454, fax at 687-4473, e-mail at [email protected] or standard delivery at "Ask the Mayor," C/O The Reminder, 14 North Avenue, Flin Flon, Man., R8A 0T2. No names are required. Ask the Mayor runs Mondays.
