Council urged to back visitor GST rebates

FORT FRANCES—Acting on behalf of the North Western Ontario Tourism Association (NWOTA), Coun. Tannis Drysdale was to bring forward a resolution on Monday night for council to support the fight against the cancellation of the GST Visitor Rebate Program.
The resolution is in support of NWOTA, the Kenora District Camp Owners Association (KDCA), and the Hotel Association of Canada in their call for the withdrawal of the federal government’s decision to cut the rebate program.
“The impact of cutting this program would have a devastating effect on one of our predominant industries, namely tourism, which has already been adversely impacted by the effects of high gas prices, failing exchange rates, and border crossing difficulties,” the resolution states.
If passed, copies of the resolution will be forwarded to NWOTA, KDCA, the Hotel Association of Canada, Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce (NOACC), and Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association (NOTO).
Local MP Ken Boshcoff, local MPP Howard Hampton, Finance minister Jim Flaherty, and National Revenue minister Carol Skelton also will be sent copies.
Monday night’s council meeting was scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at the Civic Centre. It will be preceded by the committee of the whole at 5:30, which is expected to have no in-camera items.
Other business on the agenda included:
•treasurer’s reports regarding applications for tax cancellations, reductions, or refunds for properties at 1108 King’s Highway, 1330 Woodward St., and 1213 First St. E.;
•a request from Pitch-In Ontario for patronage of the Pitch-In Ontario Program;
•a request from the Fort Frances Times for financial support of the 2007 Northwestern Ontario Vacation Guide;
•an invitation to attend the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce’s 11th-annual business award gala this Saturday (Oct. 28) at La Place Rendez-Vous;
•a bylaw to consent to assign to Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. the formation of an agreement with Rainycrest Home for the Aged for the delivery of handi-transit service; and
•a bylaw to authorize entering into a lease agreement with Melaire Ltd. at the Fort Frances Municipal Airport.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)