North Bay upset to be left off task force created to focus on transportation needs in the region
It’s called the Northern Transportation Task Force and the goal is to make travel easier, and to grow the economy in the north.
The task force has representation from northern mayors, Indigenous chiefs and other business and transportation leaders from across the north.
“Stronger use of our rail service, our bus service, interconnection of the bus services,” said task force chair Danny Whalen.
"Expansion, as well as strong marine presence, look at strengthening that for freight services. Small community air ports as well, which we also have across the north."
With such an ambitious mandate, some in North Bay are upset the city has no direct representative.
“Who picked the people to sit on the committee and how did you miss North Bay?” said Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch.
“Unless you have us at the table, we don’t have that direct advocacy piece. The chair mentioned he would be willing to go up to 15 seats. There’s 13 right now ... North Bay would be more than happy to take our seat at the table"
Whalen disagreed with Vrebosch and told CTV News that North Bay is definitely represented.
“North Bay’s MPP Vic Fedeli sits at the cabinet table and is regular communication with people on that list,” said Whalen.
“Also, through Bill Vrebosch -- he’s one of my FONOM directors -- FONOM has been elected to co-chair this task force, so he has a direct link to the table. North Bay probably has stronger representation at this task force than any municipality in the north.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.