M. McKinnon

Dr. Casandra Wendzich, a family medicine resident with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), is researching ways to increase awareness and education around type 2 diabetes, and most importantly, how best to help type 2 diabetes patients follow that educational advice.

Dr. Wendzich, who taught science at AHS for a year (and introduced the community to the sport of rugby) before attending medical school, retains strong connections to the community. She is in town now for several months as part of her family medicine training.

She hopes her research efforts will ultimately lead to the betterment of type 2 diabetes education in Atikokan. 

Specifically, she is looking for people with type 2 diabetes who will voluntarily complete a survey, which is available at the front desk at the clinic. These surveys are fully anonymous.

“The survey has been ethically approved by NOSM, the Lakehead University board, and the physicians at AGH and the clinic,” said Dr. Wendzich. “I am collecting data now until I leave town to start a new rotation and hope to get as many surveys completed as possible in that time period.”

If you’re willing to help with the effort, pick up a survey at the front desk of the clinic. Completed surveys can be returned there.

Jessica Smith

While it appears homeowners and developer Jack Pierce share a vision for the Dorothy – Partridge sub-division, the parties couldn’t quite find common ground on modular home development at Tuesday’s Ontario Municipal Board hearing.

OMB chair Joseph Sneizik heard from appellant Darcy Matichuk, on behalf of the subdivision’s four homeowners, who oppose Council’s August 15 change to the zoning by-law, which permits modular homes in this residential multi-use zone. Pierce applied for the amendment last summer.

The property owners fear that the lack of stipulations included in the new by-law will leave the area open to become a trailer park which could drive down existing home values.

An OMB decision should be forthcoming in about a month, and may contain some suggestions for a satisfactory resolution, noted Sneizik.

With plans to create upscale housing development in that area, Pierce purchased the Saturn Ave. Trailer Park decades ago, and received Council permission to prohibit modular homes there. The new sub-division became the only area in town with such a restriction. (The Jehovah’s Witness Church property has had its property changed to institutional to allow the building of its church).

As a Nelson Homes dealer, Pierce sold lots and new homes to four homeowners in the sub-division, with a written purchase agreement that the owners would not install mobile homes on their properties.

Sneizik asked if excluding modular housing in the 17 lots on the top part of the sub-division (lots 1-13, and 39-43) adjacent to the homeowners would be a satisfactory solution. That option was rejected by Pierce, saying that he was still interested in building homes in the sub-division, not turning it into a trailer park, which he said would be the result of instituting a site-specific designation.

Other options were discussed, including placing a minimum ground floor space or width to length ratio (possibly 1:2), with the common goal of avoiding ‘trailer-look’ homes in that area. Homeowners are no longer rejecting modular homes outright, given many are now indiscernible from traditional homes. Yet Matichuk said the current by-law is wide open to cheap-looking trailers, because the term ‘modular home’ can mean any type structure that meets the same building code and safety standards of a site-built home, while it doesn’t exclude factory-built homes that would have the rectangular look of mobile homes. Referencing the potential mining development in the community, Matichuk added that he “hoped this isn’t the Township’s solution to its housing needs.”

Neither party was in favour of maximum floor size requirements, with Matichuk saying it would not prevent long, narrow trailers, and Pierce concerned that a buyer may have need of a smaller home. Matichuk said he would like to see a minimum 24 foot width.

Homeowners were clear that the Town needed to play a role in any further restrictions, given that the purchaser-developer agreement had been revoked by Pierce. They would like to see property restrictions that would be applicable in the long-term, including if a new owner took over the sub-division.

Official planning consultant Faye Flatt who represented Pierce at the appeal, suggested a developer control agreement, which would see development subject to site plan reviews by the municipality, within which the municipality could ensure the development was contiguous with planning goals for the area. Town CAO Andre Morin said that would be too onerous a responsibility for Town staff, and was inconsistent with the official plan’s intent to avoid making development unnecessarily burdensome.

Instead, he suggested the solution may be in a land title registration, a legally binding agreement between the two parties which would protect everyone’s interests in the long-term, and be upheld by the municipality, provided they don’t conflict with municipal building restrictions.

“Everybody wants the same things,” he noted. “If it can be put on title, it has to be obeyed by owners, the municipality, etc.”

New problems with Steep Rock heritage

Jessica Smith

Seepage from Hardy Dam is causing some concern for the Town and MNR. To prevent a “catastrophic failure” of the earthen dam, the ministry has hired a consultant to monitor the situation, and plans to conduct an environmental study to identify solutions, Steep Rock rehabilitation manager Rob Purdon told Council at last Monday’s special meeting.

The earthen dam and the Rawn Reservoir, originally constructed as part of the mine’s massive water diversion project, diverts runoff from the east arm of Steep Rock Lake (Caland Pit) into the Atikokan River (via tunnels into Margaret Lake, under Highway 622 into the river) has now exceeded its service life and the Ministry first noticed movement of sediments at the bottom of the reservoir this fall, which means the dam is slowly leaking.

“That’s not a good thing,” said Purdon.

To prevent the dam’s failure, the ministry has requested proposals to conduct an environmental assessment of the dam and “will determine the most appropriate action to prevent that from happening,” said Purdon.

If the dam did burst, the waters from Rawn Reservoir would inundate the adjacent section of Highway 622, the rail line spur to the OPG station, the ski chalet, part of the ski hill and the Fairweather Dam.

Some options include redirecting the reservoir’s water flow, or removing the reservoir altogether. Since 1985 OPG has maintained the Fairweather Dam and pumping station, and is obligated to do so, as long as the Atikokan Generating Station is operating. It no longer is necessary for OPG’s water control needs however, and the company would prefer to see the water redirected and pumped into the Caland Pit. Currently, runoff from the Southeast Arm (southeast of Caland) is continually intercepted and pumped into the Marmion Lake watershed.

Whatever options are explored would certainly require community and stakeholder input and would take into consideration the fact that the dam is a popular swimming and fishing spot, noted Purdon.

An environmental assessment (EA) – which should begin late this year and take between one and two years to complete – will help identify those options, as well as assess the environmental, economic, engineering and socio economic impacts of those decisions.

The MNR is likely looking at a 5-6 year time period, from the EA’s launch to resolution of the problem, unless, of course, more immediate action is required.

In the meantime, engineering consultants and MNR staff are on site frequently to detect any early warnings of potential flooding, said Purdon. “We have eyes on the ground very frequently, and we’re watching it very carefully.”

Other rehab issues

The future of the Hardy Dam and Rawn Reservoir is a key part of long-term planning for the Steep Rock’s rehab project.

Given that the dam and surrounding area will be eventually be flooded by the overflow from the mine pits (current estimates put that in 30 years), the panel is considering the long-term protection of infrastructure in the area. As part of that, they are attempting to secure government funding to identify and map infrastructure which would be affected by rising water levels, including roads and trails.

Purdon also provided Council with an update on the Steep Rock Rehabilitation at Monday’s special meeting, and met with the advisory panel Tuesday. While discussion around the rehabilitation of the abandoned mines has often focused on water management issues, there are critical health and safety concerns that the MNR also needs to address.

Increasingly unstable pit walls, former PCB storage areas, and underground openings, are public safety concerns given that locals continue to ignore the barriers and signage erected by the MNR. Purdon noted people have even posted photographs to the internet of spelunking (cave exploration) in these underground openings, despite the real potential for cave-ins.

He said more site security measures will have to be implemented, combined with more public education. An engineering study of the 26 openings (old shafts, water control structures and drainage tunnels) has helped identify the highest risk spots, where loose rock presents a hazard. Purdon has asked the province for funding to cover two openings this year, including one at the northeast end of Hogarth pit. If finances permit, the goal is to close off two openings per year.

The MNR has sealed off the door to the Caland Euclid maintenance shop, which appears to have an unstable structure and contains lead paint and loose, potentially airborne asbestos. Trespassers have entered there and removed scrap metal, despite the health risks.

The shop, which is on Town property, has been the site of a two-phase EA to assess contamination. Its underground storage tanks are known to be leaking hydrocarbons. Soil contamination also includes heavy duty waste oil, which extends onto OPG property and Crown land. Purdon said the Town has expressed some interest in handing the land back to the Crown, and that it seems logical to have the province assume responsibility for it, in spite of its environmental issues.

“To have this little postage stamp of contaminated area [under separate responsibility] when we have this huge mining rehabilitation project” would be burdensome for the Town in terms of clean-up, said Purdon. There are some avenues to do just that, and he hopes to present some suggestions to Council after receiving the EA report, likely in the next few months.

Another health concern being studied on the Steep Rock site is arsenic and cadmium in the soil around Caland’s former pelletizing plant. The toxins could potentially be inhaled or ingested in dust particles, and could be dangerous. To identify the scale of the risk, plant and soil is being tested for those and other human carcinogenic contaminants.

Going forward this year, water quality continues to be monitored and project staff is exploring explore pit water treatment technologies and ways to cover on-site contaminants.

Water quality in the pits appears to be improving, even in the most toxic pits, evidenced by the discovery of bait fish in Hogarth and Errington pits. Purdon shared some more positive news on the water quality front, saying that early findings indicate that old dredging sediments stored in the West Arm of Steep Rock Lake may not hold a significant amounts of contaminants. Fish species there have been tested for metal accumulation, and the MNR is awaiting results, said Purdon. The sediments remain undisturbed.

While the project is now making progress toward developing a management plan that will see through the life of the site rehabilitation, there are other challenges in addition to science and technology: Money. Given the province’s cost cutting measures aimed at reducing the debt, Purdon isn’t certain how much funding will be provided this year or in the future. “It may affect my ability to recruit staff, and I do need to assemble a stable project team.”

Mayor Brown has played a strong role in advocating for government funding, said Purdon, who added that last month he provided a project overview to MPP Bill Mauro, and the staff of Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle have also requested one.

Dear editor,

The dementia ward at the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital is scheduled for closure within one year.  I don’t know who, or how, decisions like this are made.  I do know that for those of us that have loved ones diagnosed with this disease, our world is turned upside down. 

Now, there is a gut wrenching feeling in the pit of my stomach as a whole new set of questions are raised:  Where will all of those patients go? Will those who look after them understand this disease? Will they be adequately trained to deal with the specific challenges of dementia sufferers?

All patients deserve dignity, patience and understanding.  Dementia patients experience anger, frustration and are often disoriented.  The staff on the Dementia Care Unit (DCU) at LPH are specifically trained to handle our loved ones with this disease and do so with discretion rather than harsh words, being rough or pushy. 

My concern is that untrained staff will not have the experience or knowledge to deal with a difficult situation and this may lead to patients being legally incarcerated and held in lock up.  We all know this is not the fault of the patient – these individuals are sick – that is why they are in the dementia care unit.

The staff at the LPH are totally amazing.  There are no pressures.  They have daily routines to follow and the patients don’t always comply, so maybe one simple task will take an entire day to complete; but eventually it gets done.  This is only one example of a time where the training to know when to back off, the compassion to keep trying, and the pride of success, excels.  The custodial, office, rec and OT staff are also so patient and kind – they all go the extra mile.  Their love and concern helps me, on a daily basis, to deal with the separation from my husband.

It is difficult enough to watch our loved ones go from being perfectly functional people to having to have someone do the most private tasks for them.  The staff does this without hesitation or reservation.

There are treatment centers designed for drug addiction, alcoholism, cancer – why isn’t there a plan for patients suffering from dementia?

Behavioral diseases are not something you can choose.  It can happen to any one of us, at anytime.  We need to have a facility for people with behavioral problems, staffed by properly trained individuals.

Dementia is not going away.

For all of you who took part in the decision to close the DCU at LPH, I hope your world never gets turned upside down because your loved one is diagnosed with a behavioral disease.  Because, when the doors get locked at LPH, that person that you care so much about will have missed out on the best care possible.  Those nurses and staff at LPH are surrogating “us” when we can’t be there.  This action will not only be detrimental to the patients, but also to all the family members who love them as they are.

I, and the many others who have loved ones on the DCU at the LPH, beg you to reconsider this decision.  Don’t take away their home.  Change in their world is extremely harmful to them.

Pat Winters

M. McKinnon

Nearly all of the 253 Atikokanites who participated in the seniors’ housing survey late last fall see a need for more seniors’ apartments here.

The survey was developed by a committee of representatives from the Seniors Forum, AEDC, the Family Health Team, and the Pioneer Centre. It consisted of 14 broad questions “to flesh out StatsCan numbers of permanent senior residents here, as well as asking specific questions about dwellings that may interest them as they continue to age.”

While the survey was not limited to seniors, its nature meant it was clearly of most interest to them. Over 90% of the responses came from residents over the age of 50; almost 70% of respondents were over 60.

The responses were compiled by the AEDC’s Gord Knowles, who presented them in report form to both Council and the Seniors Forum earlier this month.

Most (90%) indicated a preference for two-bedroom apartments.

More than half of the respondents said they would consider moving to a suitable apartment.  About 20% indicated a willingness to put down a security deposit to reserve a spot in a new building. About 9% said they’d move within a year or less, and a further 25% said as soon as they could sell their home.

That touches on one of the key issues: the value of homes in Atikokan. Currently, it costs $200,000 or more to build a basic new home. But that’s a mansion by Atikokan standards: property assessment data indicates just 13 of the 1,533 homes in Atikokan have an assessed value of $140,000 or more. (There are another 97 homes assessed at $100,000 to $140,000.)

And while the Atikokan housing market has picked up somewhat over the past couple of years, it’s difficult to see how it could rise enough to make selling and moving into an apartment (either as a tenant or as a condo owner) affordable for most.

Several respondents reflected on that:

“I can see no point in selling my home and putting the proceeds into someone else’s hands in the form of rent. Then in 15 or 20 years the [house sale] money is gone, but I still have to pay rent.”

“For many Atikokan seniors, moving to an apartment would not necessarily be any cheaper and would probably be more expensive than the current house they are in, since most would have paid off mortgage in their houses and building costs for new constructions are so high now.”

Giving up a home is also a huge step, lifestyle-wise, and is not something anyone is likely to do lightly. Planners need to remember that, suggested Knowles.

“There is a very different mentality behind home ownership. Most of the people [who took the survey] have been living in their homes for 25 years or more… many for over 40, 50, even 60 years,” he said.

There is a need for assisted living housing, and that came up several times in the comment sections of the survey.

Atikokan now is seen as a senior-oriented community. Based on StatsCan’s 2006 Atikokan community profile, the Progress estimates Atikokan has about 800 residents age 65 and over.

“With one flip of the switch, you could really see that change,” said Knowles. “You don’t see too many seniors apartments going up in Fort MacMurray.”

Next steps

The Seniors’ Forum has met with both the District Social Services Administration Board, which manages social housing here (including Rivercrest Terrace and Fotheringham Court), and Northern Superior Homes (a pre-fabricated home builder), to start exploring the issues. Council and the AEDC are also involved.

The Town and AEDC are working with the province on a housing needs study, which should be completed within the next few weeks. How well that work dovetails with what seniors are expressing will go a long way toward helping the Town, the DSSAB and private developers find their role in a changing Atikokan.

“People are really passionate about seniors’ housing,” said Knowles. “At the very least, I think we’ve engaged seniors with this survey, got them involved in the process.”

Susan Anne Caldwell

With deep sadness that the family of Susan Anne Caldwell, 67, announces her passing on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Atikokan General Hospital, with her family by her side.

Susan was born on Sunday, August 20, 1944, in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario to the late Ted and Alice Parisee. She moved to Atikokan in 1966 and had lived there since. Along with her husband Keith they were foster parents for many years. She was also involved with many committees, including the flood disaster relief effort, and was a member of the Women of the Moose where she helped on various functions and supported her community. She was an avid bingo player and also enjoyed her poker night with the girls.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Alice (Paul) Doucette of Edmonton, Keith (Marianne) of Atikokan, Mary-Ellen Caldwell of Dorion, Ontario and Jennifer (Alan) Krishka of Marion Lake, Ontario. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, six great grandchildren, sisters Gayle (Elwood) Jones of Saskatoon, Teddy (Kit) Yates of Edmonton, and Dorothy Parisee of Smooth Rock Falls, brother Jim (Geraldine) Parisee of  Nova Scotia, and sister-in-law Helen Parisee of Smooth Rock Falls, as well as numerous nieces and  nephews.

Susan was predeceased by her husband Keith, son Richard, her parents Ted and Alice Parisee, foster son John Mooney, brother Bill Parisee and sister Barbara Parisee.

A memorial service to celebrate Susan’s life was held Thursday, January 26, at the First Fellowship Baptist Church in Atikokan with Rev. Duncan Adams officiating. Memorial donations ade to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.

Monday, January 30

Cancer Society budgeting and Relay for Life organizing, 5-8 pm, North Star School

ANFC talking circle, 6:30 pm, 597-597-1213, ext. 24

AHS hall walking, 5:30-7 pm

Tuesday, January 31

Outers winter trip 2

Pre-school storytime, Sun Dog, 10:15 am

Lutheran food bank open to community 2-4 pm (front door)

Community Counselling’s Keep It Simple Skills Group, 4:30-6:30pm, (807) 978-2724)

AHS hall walking, 5:30-7 pm

Wednesday, February 1

Music & movement for pre-schoolers, 9:30 am, St. Pat’s gym (until March 27)

Young Women’s forum, Shelter of Hope, 6 pm (Marlys, 621-7076)

Quilt Guild meets, 6:30 pm, Riverview United, 597-2294

Homeward Bound Animal Rescue meets, 7pm, health unit

Thursday, February 2

Senior (55+) 5-pin bowling, 1 pm. All welcome (597-2588)

Al Anon, 7 pm, Community Fellowship, 597-8128/4467

AHS hall walking, 5:30-7 pm

Beginners’ sewing classes, 7pm, ANFC, 597-1213, ext. 4)

Friday, February 3

AES: singer Serena Ryder, 7:30pm (597-6418; 6237;4502; 2156)

Monday, February 6

Council meets in committee-of-the-whole, 5 pm

Feb. 6-10 - JK & SK registration, daily 9 am – noon & 1 – 3:30 pm, St. Patrick’s and North Star Schools

Feb. 7 – Early Learning open house, North Star, 3:30 – 6 pm

Feb. 8 – AHS court sports, St. Thomas Aquinas @ AHS

Feb. 9&10 – Outers 1^st overnight

Feb. 11 – Meet the artist: Pam Cain at the Pictograph, 1-3 pm

Feb. 10-11 – SnoHo Rally

Feb. 10-12 – Frosty February, Quetico Park

Feb. 11 – Chocolate Cup Challenge, 597-3924

Feb. 14 – AHS court sports, Rainy River @ AHS

Feb. 15 – Blood pressure clinic 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, AEDC office (214 Main St. W)

Quilt Guild meets, 6:30 pm, Riverview United, 597-2294

Feb. 16-Science North at the Library (Medieval Night, 6-8 pm), 597-4406

Feb. 16-17 – Outers winter overnight (tentative)

Feb. 18- Free community supper, 4-6 pm, Atikokan Community Fellowship, (410 Front St.) 597-6469

Feb. 20 – SnoHo Family Day

Feb. 21 – AES: Melville Boys (a MB Theatre production), 7:30pm (597-6418;6237;4502; 2156)

Feb. 23 & 24- Creative Memories workshop, 7-10 pm, Riverview United, 597-2156

Feb. 25- Creative Memories workshop, 9 am to 4pm, Riverview United, 597-2156

Feb. 29 – ACES: Anders the Magician, 6:30 pm, AHS

Mar. 1-2 – Outers overnight walk (tentative)

Mar. 10-18 - March Break

Mar. 17 – Cross-Quetico Lakes Tour, 597-4503

Mar. 21- Blood pressure clinic 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Mar. 23-Full day early learning info session, 6pm, St. Patrick’s School

Mar. 25 – Ski to the White Otter Castle (tentative date), 597-4306

Mar. 29 & 30- Creative Memories workshop, 7-10 pm, Riverview United, 597-2156

Mar. 31- Creative Memories workshop, 9 am to 4pm, Riverview United, 597-2156

Apr. 11 – AES: Comedian Lorne Elliott, 7:30pm (597-6418; 6237;4502; 2156)

Apr. 25 – ACES: Project Soul, 6:30 pm, AHS

Apr.26 & 27- Creative Memories workshop, 7-10 pm, Riverview United, 597-2156

Apr. 28- Creative Memories workshop, 9 am to 4pm, Riverview United, 597-2156

First planning meeting for 2012 Relay for Life

Jessica Smith

Atikokan’s Relay for Life committee wants to clear the air on how the money raised by the community is spent by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Concerns from residents about the Cancer Society’s shrinking research budget, and how the money they donate to the Relay for Life will be used, has prompted the  committee to organize a public town hall meeting with regional Cancer Society reps, Monday, January 30, 5-8 pm, at North Star Community School’s Sunshine Room.

Committee members said rumours, concerns and some outright inaccuracies began swirling last summer when CBC and Macleans’ reported that the national organization had decreased the percentage budgeted for research in the past decade while the budget for fundraising and administration rose.

The CCS will share budgeting information, including how donor dollars directly benefit Atikokan and the region through not only research, but support for those with cancer, prevention education and advocating for policy changes to protect people from scientifically proven carcinogens.

Committee chair Kerri Hensrud and member Clorissa Ekstrom said they want to address community concerns before planning this summer’s Relay for Life fundraiser.

Following a presentation by the society’s northwest regional office rep Maria Cabral, the floor will be open to questions from the public, and then the committee hopes to recruit more volunteers to run this year’s event. Atikokan has a long history of supporting the Cancer Society through numerous fundraisers. In the past four years the Relay event has become the key fundraiser, and the town has donated over $120,000 to the Society, notes Cabral. “That’s phenomenal for a town of that size.”

She said she will share the budgeting for this provincial division of the national organization and show how money raised here is spent.

“We’re transparent and we’re not hiding anything.”

Though the society spends a larger proportion on fundraising than it has in the past, she added that there is a clear return on that investment, given that fundraisers like the Relay for Life raised $54 million at 486 events in 2010, and the Society’s overall research funding has risen from $44 million to $49 million annually over the past decade.

The society is holding similar public meetings in Kenora, Greenstone and Marathon, and last week held one in Fort Frances.

Jessica Smith

A total of $18,000 in federal funding has been provided to help two organizations take part in the Osisko Hammond Reef Gold project’s environmental assessment.

The Atikokan Sportsmen’s Conservation Club and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters are receiving $10,800 with another $7,200 going to the Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People. Funding will help the parties provide informed input to the public consultation process by enabling them to access expertise and information.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) administers the federal EA process, which will identify the environmental effects of the proposed mine and measures to address those effects. It often supports participants in the process who have demonstrated direct local interest, relevant community or Aboriginal knowledge, or expert information relating to the project.

The money can be used to hire experts for further study or explanation, travel expenses and purchase of informational materials and items, said CEAA communications advisor Celine Legault.

“For example, [funding can be used] to help when looking at the environmental impact statement. It’s a pretty big document, with technical studies, which are sometimes to difficult to understand.”

There are two upcoming 30-day opportunities to comment as part of the federal EA process, as well as several for the separate provincial EA. Osisko HRG filed its environmental impact assessment guidelines with the CEAA in October and public review will be sought on the assessment, and again on a comprehensive study of the project.

The Conservation Club and the OFAH (with which it has a close affiliation) will share the federal research funding. The Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People is an advocacy organization for off-reserve Aboriginal and Métis people. Aboriginal consultation is an integral part of the impact assessment: Osisko signed a resource sharing agreement with eight area First Nations (the Fort Frances Chiefs Secretariat and Lac Des Mille Lac FN) just over a year ago, whose traditional lands may be affected by the gold mine.

Jessica Smith

Thirty four years in, Atikokan continues its strong support for children with disabilities through the annual Snowarama ride to the White Otter Castle, Saturday January 28.

The trails should be ship shape for this year’s Easter Seals fundraiser (coordinated by the Kiwanis and Sno Ho Clubs) but even if not up to the ride, locals can show their support by pledging support for snowmobilers who do or by attending the Saturday evening dance.

“I’m urging people to come out to the dance because every dollar that’s raised at the dance stays in Atikokan and helps local children,” said organizer Monique Ribey. “It’s only $5 at the door – come out for a good time.”

The 100 km route remains the same as last year: alongside Steep Rock, Finlayson, Crowrock and Turtle Lakes, stop at Brown’s Clearwater West for lunch (courtesy of the Kiwanis Club) before heading northeast up to Clearwater and Otter lakes to the White Otter Castle.

The poker ride typically takes between three and four hours, round trip, and the Sn Ho Club will open up its warm up shelter at Crowrock and have a campfire going for riders to stop, warm up, (washroom facilities are available).

Pledge forms are available at www.easterseals.org, at the White Otter Inn, Voyageur Bait and Johnson’s ESSO, or by calling Ribey at 597-2464.

Trails “should be in good running order” for the event, said the club’s Twila Smitnsuk. “Our trail system up to Crowrock has been open and groomed for close to a month now, and we’re working on getting the back trail over to Clearwater done, so they’ll be ready.” Club volunteers also completed some maintenance to the back country trail in the fall.

Smitsnuk added that some additional snow in the forecast may make the trails even better, and north of town has already had a little more powder than the town has seen.

While Clearwater Lake froze quite late this year, early indications are that lake ice is good this year as well, and volunteers will be conducting trial runs soon.

Riders must receive a minimum $100 in pledges and purchase a $35 trail permit. Registration will take place that Friday 7-9 pm, and Saturday morning, 8-10 at the SnoHo Chalet at Minnow Pond.

The event wraps up with a dinner, prizes, social, dance and live auction at the Legion, beginning at 5:30 pm, Saturday. The dinner is free for riders and new this year, the St. Patrick’s School glee club will perform just prior to the speeches which begin at 7 pm. The dance will feature DJ music, open to requests, said Ribey.

The event continues to be strong tradition here, regardless of economic ups and downs and weather, said Easter Seals’ Rhonda Harrison. “Atikokan is one of the original Snowaramas. It’s just phenomenal. It has a strong following.”

The volunteer-run event is also held in Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Pic River, and Thunder Bay, and across Ontario, thanks to 1,000 participants in 20 communities, sponsored by local charities. “How many events are out there that are still running after 37 years?” notes Harrison, adding that this year, riders across Ontario will be entered in a draw for a Ski Doo snowmobile in celebration of the event’s long running tradition

Last year 67 riders raised $19,759 for Easter Seals, and in 2010, 80 riders raised over $18,000. Funds help families of children with disabilities to purchase essential mobility equipment and devices to the tune of up to $3,000 per year, and have helped, and continue to help, families in Atikokan.