The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) has launched a new website where people can send a message to the government in support of the region.

Our Ontario North (http://ourontarionorth.org) allows supporters of overnight camping in the 10 provincial parks the government has announced it will close, and supporters of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC), to send messages to the relevant cabinet ministers expressing their views.

“We believe now more than ever that it is important for the government of Ontario to stop and listen to Northern residents and communities,” said Al Spacek, president of FONOM. “We want to be part of the solution to preserving overnight camping in our parks and ensuring the long-term sustainability of (ONTC's) services.”

Mayor Spacek and others from FONOM have met with Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle regarding the parks decision and Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci regarding the future of the ONTC.

“We remain committed to working with the government on these issues, but are also calling on Northern residents to go to our website and send a message to government so they know just how many people care about Northern Ontario's future,” Spacek said.