Mayor's Message - Fall 2009

We all know that our country has been going through challenging economic times. The national economy ripples through our own community, and it hits those who are less fortunate the most.

Some members of our community rely upon the generosity of others through food banks in communities outside of Callander. These organizations do not turn people away, but requests from Callander residents have placed a significant strain on their resources. It does not appear that this need for food bank usage is going to decline for the foreseeable future.

The distinctive feature of great communities is people helping each other and Callander is a great community. I believe we have a challenge here - we need to find a way to help our neighbors who are less fortunate right here in Callander. Responding to this challenge will not be easy - we will need to work with individuals, the business community, local churches and service clubs. We will need to find a space for a food bank and a commitment from volunteers to run it. Then, we need to get the community to support a food bank by regular donations.

I encourage the citizens of Callander to talk about this initiative and, when you hear of an organizing meeting, plan to attend. This is something that we can do for our neighbours who are less fortunate, and the time is now.

Hector Lavigne
Mayor

Posted on: Oct. 23, 2009

Notices, Events & Tenders

Trial Transportation Schedule Change

NOTICE: Service & Schedule Changes for the Trial Transportation Service (Effective January 4, 2010)

This notice is to advise the residents of Callander that the one year Trial Transportation Service has been operational for six months. During that time we have been collecting ridership information, riders' requests, and suggestions from the general public.

Based on the accumulated information, Council has decided to run the second half of the trial period with a different schedule. The new schedule will run Monday through Saturday and include two trips into North Bay and two trips into Callander each service day. The new schedule will take effect on January 4, 2010. The drop-off and pick-up locations will remain the same, as will the price and locations where bus passes can be purchased.

The price of one trip is $5.00, for that reason the smallest bus pass denomination is $10.00, which will allow for one round trip; the second bus pass option is $40.00 and allows for four round trips. This does not mean passengers are required to use all of their rides on the same day or the same week. The bus passes will not expire prior to July 6, 2010.

As a reminder, please remember that riders will have to purchase their bus passes in advance; the bus drivers are not equipped to take cash payments on the bus. We hope these service and schedule changes will better meet your needs.

Posted on: Dec. 14, 2009

Callander's Trial Transportation Service

On July 6th, 2009 the Callander Trial Transportation Service began servicing residents of Callander. Mayor Lavigne, Councillor Virginia Onley, Eva Belford (a 90 year old Callander resident) and a number of others were on hand for the first official ride. Mayor Lavigne was proud to declare that, "Centennial Park is one of the most beautiful in the area and I hope that this new service will provide an opportunity for more people to come into Callander and see what we truly have to offer in way of recreational activities, shopping and services."

The Trial Transportation Service will initially operate four days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday) with a total of eight trips each day. Each run will travel the same route between Wasi Variety and Nipissing University / Canadore College. Along the route there are total of nine pick-up / drop-off points.

During the first official ride, Mayor Lavigne was quoted as saying, "We are hoping that the demand for the transportation service will be high enough to not only make this a permanent service but to also increase. As usage allows we plan to increase the number of days we service and possibly even the number of trips. However, it all depends on usage rates."

The Municipality of Callander has entered into a one year service agreement with East Ferris Bus Lines Ltd. to use a school bus for the duration of the Trial Transportation Service. Claude Champagne, the owner of East Ferris Bus Lines admitted that transportation issues are, "Something that he sees daily with children using the school bus to get to school in the morning but not after school."

When asked for his opinion Mr. Champagne claimed that, "I feel that this service is going to be great for the community." He went on to explain that, "The schedule and route we worked with Callander to design is meant to reflect the needs of many different groups represented in the community of Callander." A one way trip on Callander bus costs $5.00 and the bus passes can be purchased in denominations of $10.00 and $40.00 and are currently available in Callander at the following locations:

For more information please click the following link to the Callander Trial Transportation Service or contact the main office at 705-752-1410.

Posted on: Sep. 08, 2009