Latest news with #Nipissing
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Nipissing social services board owed $2.1M in unpaid rent
The District of Nipissing Social Services Board faces over $2 million in unpaid rent from subsidized tenants, a $200,000 increase from 2023. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual The District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) is facing more than $2.1 million in outstanding rent payments from subsidized tenants, with arrears increasing by $200,000 since 2023. 'There's no question in my mind that inflation has played a big part of this, and it's highly difficult for families to keep up with the inflationary costs that are ongoing,' said board chair Mark King, speaking with CTV News on Friday. Mark King Mark King, chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, speaks with CTV News about the region's subsidized housing units rental arrears on May 30, 2025. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario) He is attributing the rise to inflationary pressures, noting that even below-market rents are becoming unaffordable for those on fixed incomes. 'People, especially those in geared-to-income housing, are under pressure because of the inflationary process we've gone through in the last year or year-and-a-half. This has placed huge pressure on people being able to pay for their normal living costs,' King said during Wednesday's board meeting. The Nipissing District Housing Authority oversees 896 subsidized and affordable units. King acknowledged that while a collection process will be pursued, the board's auditor, Dean Decaire of BDO Canada, warned that some older debts may need to be written off. District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board An undate photo of a sign depicting the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board's name and logo. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario) The exact amount to be written off remains undetermined as of this publication. Tracy Bethune, the authority's tenant services manager, said staff are grappling with more 'complex tenancies,' as tenants increasingly enter subsidized housing without adequate supports. During the meeting, she cited staff turnover, delays for hearings with the Landlord and Tenant Board, and non-payment as contributing factors to the growing arrears. With files from journalist Eric Taschner
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Subsidized rent arrears in Nipissing top $2M amid inflation crunch
The District of Nipissing Social Services Board faces over $2 million in unpaid rent from subsidized tenants, a $200,000 increase from 2023. Officials cited inflation and other strains on fixed-income households as the main cause.
CBC
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
This parkette is going to be named after a long-time North Bay city councillor
A long-time North Bay city councillor, businessman and community leader will soon have a parkette named in his honour. George Maroosis served on city council for a total of 34 years— including a 24-year stretch from 1982 to 2006— making him the longest serving council member at the time of his passing in 2023 at the age of 77. He also nearly became the Liberal MPP for Nipissing, losing a 2002 by-election by 19 votes to then Conservative candidate and future North Bay Mayor Al McDonald. Maroosis also served on multiple local not-for-profit boards, was the founding chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Board and owned and operated the KBros Maroosis Art Centre. Coun. Lana Mitchell said she first meet Maroosis at a meeting in West Ferris in 1985. "I quite blatantly shared my opinion about politicians that only cared about poor people at election time," she said. "The two councillors with him did not last long at that meeting." Mitchell said Maroosis pointed out that at the time, North Bay wasn't meeting the challenges of working poor families. "I've watched him work hard with people to create childcare, housing and employment opportunities for the citizens of North Bay," she said. "I've never met anyone who truly placed value on people from all walks of life, respected everyone's point of view and never judged people." 'His legacy will carry on' Coun. Gary Gardiner said Maroosis was always willing to take time to speak with others. "We would talk for hours sometimes on all kinds of issues," he said. "He was always great to listen to you. And he offered me, I think the greatest advice, was never to take yourself too seriously and to respect other people's opinions." Coun. Chris Mayne said he worked on council with Maroosis for many years. He shared a story about visiting Maroosis at his store. "George had a secret garden where he could go and have a smoke," he said. "It was a beautiful little garden. But no one ever knew about it because you really had to be invited by George back there." North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico said he saw Maroosis shortly before his death, when the former long-time councillor told him: "surprisingly, you're doing a really good job." "I wasn't quite sure how to take that," he said. "We had a good chuckle and unfortunately that afternoon, I learned that he had passed away. That was a tough day for the family, tough day for the City of North Bay. But his legacy will carry on with the dedication of this parkette." The motion to name the park after Maroosis passed unanimously.
CTV News
19-05-2025
- CTV News
MADD Nipissing Chapter honours local officers for impaired driving enforcement efforts
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Nipissing Chapter recognized three local officers for their dedication to combating impaired driving during its annual Officer Awards Ceremony on May 12, 2025, held at the Kinsmen Trail memorial picnic table. (Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)
CTV News
15-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Powassan man honoured for dedication to local trails
A gathering was held at the Pines Trails in Powassan, Ont. on Thursday to celebrate 'trail champions' from around the Nipissing region. Pine Trails gathering June 29 A number of volunteers from the Nipissing region gathered Thursday at the Pines Trails in Powassan, Ont. to celebrate local 'trail champions.' (Supplied/Discovery Routes) Discovery Routes is a charity organization that connects communities across the north through trails. There are at least 56 separate community trail partners responsible for the stewardship of local trails. Most of the groups rely entirely on volunteers who donate their time and energy to maintaining and improving the trails. The organization has launched a Trail Volunteer Appreciation Program to bring attention to the volunteers who dedicate so much of their time to serve on committees, to act as champions for important trail issues, to maintain local trails and coordinating trail events or programs that further the development of the region's trail network. 'The pandemic created a dramatic increase in demand for outdoor activities,' said Susan Christian, Discovery Routes chairperson, in a news release Friday. 'We know that trails are powerful tools for individuals to improve mental, physical and emotional health and want to recognize and celebrate the countless volunteers in communities across the north who keep the trails we all love open and safe for all to enjoy.' Officials with the organization say they hope the program will inspire more people to get involved with their local trails. On June 29, the program honoured long-time Powassan trail volunteer Gerry Giesler as a 'champion,' recognizing him for more than 16 years of service to area trails. Gerry Giesler Gerry Giesler was named a 'trail champion' at a walk on the Pine Trails network on June 29/23. (Supplied/Discovery Routes) Giesler was instrumental in improving paddling access to the South River Water Trail by successfully getting portage trails established around a number of hydro dams between Trout Creek and Powassan, said officials. He volunteers with the Powassan Recreation Committee and has been involved in the Pines Trails network for a number of years. When asked why he volunteers, Giesler said it is exciting to see years of planning take shape and new trails and water access set up in the region – like at Love Lake in Trout Creek. 'I've always been an outdoors person and liked doing outdoor stuff,' he said in the news release. 'What it boils down to is I like sharing my knowledge and making sure other people can get to enjoy the outdoors, too.' Volunters Pine Trails network walk Area volunteers walked the Pine Trails network on Thursday to celebrate local 'trail champion' Gerry Giesler. (Supplied/Discovery Routes) 'On behalf of the Municipality of Powassan we thank Gerry for many hours of dedication to trails and recreation in our community,' said Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac, who was in attendance at Thursday's walk. For more information about Discovery Routes, visit their website or Facebook page.
