Small towns in remote areas face unique challenges, especially during recent times. Loss of income from tourism combined with loss of revenue from taxes pose threats to many communities along the north shore of Lake Superior. Services such as ambulance and fire and even policing are often shared between the various towns. In light of the current events surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, it has become even more critical that these resources remain available. That leads to an even tougher challenge. Who gets priority when service vehicles need to be deployed?

In times of crisis we look to community leaders to ensure the safety of its citizens. How are they coping with the extra demands facing them going forward in these trying times? It can be comforting to know that when in times of need, these small municipalities stand together, often through necessity.

Isolation is a fact of life for many remote communities. Distances between towns can be up to 100 kilometres and in Schreiber’s case the closest city is at least a 2 hour drive. It is important for residents to know that no one is really alone, and there is always help at hand available to those in need. With that in mind, it was felt that it would be a good idea to bring the mayors of the north shore area together to discuss plans and concerns and how the various municipalities were coping with the additional pressures brought on by COVID-19.

Mayor Rick Dumas of Marathon, Mayor Jody Davis of Terrace Bay, Mayor Dave Hamilton of Schreiber, Mayor Richard Harvey of Nipigon, Mayor Gary Nelson of Red Rock and Bob Beatty, temporary acting Reeve for Dorion, were all invited to participate in a Zoom video conference.

All were happy to discuss their relationships with other municipalities and started the meeting by discussing the sharing of resources. The next topic to be discussed revolved around how the current crisis would impact any new or ongoing projects. A few would be put on hold or delayed depending on whether that project was deemed essential. Another topic centred around tax payments and especially how late payment penalties would be  handled. Universally, everyone had put plans in place for the dropping of late fees during this time.

The next item for discussion related to how lack of tourism dollars and especially the closing of park sites would adversely affect money coming into the communities. Tourism is a major source of funding for many of these small communities.

Travelling between communities was another issue that was clarified. It was thought that more restrictions would be applied to travel between towns but of course all of the communities in the area really on outside serves such as hospitals and service centres.

The final topic revolved around the uncertainty of a second wave or outbreak of the virus and what plans were in place to keep people safe in such an event.

A lot of very good information was shared and the show of solidarity should make people of the north shore proud of the strong leadership and trust the citizens have placed in our mayors and council.