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.
In the afternoon on Saturday, January 5, Legion Branch President Iona Johnston and Legion Auxiliary Vice President Lois Charron dropped in on Ted and Pat Wilson. This was a formal visit; the two were there to honour TedÕs 50 years of service to the Royal Canadian Legion and his wife PatÕs 40 years of service to the auxiliary. After presenting TedÕs medal and PatÕs pin, Iona and Lois remained for coffee, dainties, and a bit of reminiscing. Ted joined the Royal Canadian Navy in the spring of 1944 and was discharged in December of 1945. His service was mainly on the frigate HMCS Ettrick, which was on loan to Canada from the British government. He saw action in the North Atlantic, and noted that he was involved in two separate submarine attacks. On the municipal front, it looks like we may have another election coming up. A letter of resignation was received from Coun. Rod Korchinski at the townÕs regular meeting on January 2. In it, Korchinski explained how his work has taken him away from the community over the past 18 months and as a result, he had to miss a number of meetings. He said that he felt he hadnÕt lived up to the expectations of the voting public and wanted to apologize to the taxpayers as well as fellow councilors. Korchinski said that the town would be better served by someone who would be able to attend all or most of the meetings and ended by stating that it was a pleasure working with the council. He thanked them for their courage, strength, and friendship. Korchinski was elected to his seat in October of 2006. Nominations for the position will be open February 8-14 for a term that will run until October 2010. If more than one person files, there will likely be an election three weeks after February 14. At the same council meeting, there were several initiatives discussed under the Community Development OfficerÕs (CDO) report. In relation to the number of vacant homes in Snow Lake, Bev Atkinson said her list now catalogued eight houses, three cottages, the Snow Creek property, three mobile homes, and 10 lots. Atkinson stated that sheÕd recently added the vacant lots to the housing list, as there had been several requests for this information. She added that prospective buyers have requested pricing on lots. The CDO said that she wondered if there would be a decision made on the price of the lots, whether all lots will be the same price, and whether there would be any stipulations on purchasing or resale. Atkinson went on to inform council that due to the lack of local accommodation for tourists, Snow Lake would not be attending any American trade shows through Tourism North, this year. However, there may be opportunity for distribution of the town brochure by other members who are going to trade shows. She also advised that contact is being maintained with Doug Lauvstad of the Northern Manitoba Sector Council (NMSC). Apparently, two other northern communities are also interested in teaching the mining course. Introduction to industry/employment is one other course that is to be offered. She again mentioned that Snow Lake has the support of the Frontier School Division and Joseph H. Kerr School, and noted that there are vacant lots in the trailer court where it might be possible to park Atco trailers to house students. Atkinson said that student housing is one of the NMSCÕs concerns. The logistics of this will be discussed in the near future. Further in her report she noted that the childrenÕs centre development is ongoing and also that she met with and provided an orientation to Donna Wills, who is the new CDC Board member. In relation to a Fields Store, the MMF has decided not to erect a building and there is no further information from the Norman Regional Development Corporation in this regard. Finally, prospective buyers of proposed lots at Vikers Bay will be contacted again early in the New Year and apprised of any new developments. My Take on Snow Lake runs Fridays.
