NEWS LOCAL

The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities has launched a new website called ‘Our Ontario North' (http://ourontarionorth.org) designed to allow supporters of overnight camping in the ten provincial parks the government has announced plans to close, and supporters of Ontario Northland to send a message to the relevant cabinet minister expressing their views.

FONOM's facebook page "OurOntarioNorth" has received nearly 900 likes in the last week, a clear sign that momentum is growing as northern residents become aware of the government's plans.

"We believe now more than ever that it is important for the Government of Ontario to stop and listen to northern residents and communities" said Al Spacek, President of FONOM. "We want to be part of the solution to preserving overnight camping in our parks and ensuring the long term sustainability of Ontario Northland's services."

Mayor Spacek and others from FONOM have met with Minister Gravelle regarding the parks decision and Minister Bartolucci regarding the future of ONTC.

"We remain committed to working with the government on these issues, but are also calling on northern residents to go to our website http://ourontarionorth.org and send a message to government so they know just how many people care about Northern Ontario's future." Spacek added.