Discovery Centre Milestone and Bears are Everywhere

This week’s Schreiber Council meeting featured a packed agenda, covering everything from infrastructure repairs and community development updates to wildlife management and municipal operations as the town shifts toward winter.

To begin, council approved several fund transfers from reserves to cover essential maintenance projects that can no longer be delayed. Money from the Infrastructure Reserve was allocated to replace the aging boiler at the Public Works Garage—an investment meant to ensure efficient heating and continued functionality through the colder months. Additional funds from the same reserve were approved for critical roof repairs at the Municipal Complex, where long-term wear and leaks had become a growing concern. Councillors noted that while such expenditures can strain reserves, addressing these repairs now will help prevent larger costs in the future.

Economic Development Officer (EDO) Jamie Spadoni followed with an upbeat report highlighting significant achievements and momentum within Schreiber’s tourism and development efforts. Spadoni announced that the Discovery Center and Museum had experienced a record-breaking year, welcoming 4,222 visitors as of September 17. This figure represents one of the strongest tourism turnouts in recent memory. Guests travelled from far and wide—spanning 27 countries and 41 U.S. states—demonstrating the reach and growing reputation of the local attraction.

Spadoni added that the EDO office is actively working on several proposals with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and is already coordinating long-term planning efforts with the Township of Terrace Bay for 2026. These joint initiatives are expected to focus on tourism promotion, regional marketing, and shared infrastructure investments. The EDO also reported a growing sense of local engagement, noting the formal appointment of resident Bob Bryson as a new member of the Community Economic Development Committee. His addition was described as a welcome step toward strengthening volunteer participation and community input in local decision-making.

Operationally, Schreiber is in the process of transitioning into winter mode. The splash pad has been closed for the season, and crews have begun winterizing the baseball field to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. However, as preparations for winter advance, another seasonal issue has emerged—bears.

Council discussed an unusual increase in bear activity across Schreiber and other northern municipalities this year. Many officials and residents have attributed the uptick to a poor berry season, which has forced bears to search for alternative food sources closer to populated areas. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has updated its regulations, now requiring a license for bear trapping. In response, council reminded residents to report all nuisance bear encounters directly to the provincial “Bear Wise” program. Officials emphasized that these reports help ensure the town’s bear issues are formally logged and addressed through the proper channels.

Attention then turned to infrastructure compliance. A recent inspection report of Schreiber’s Wastewater Treatment Plant identified six non-compliance findings. Most of these were tied to the prior operational practice of running only one clarifier rather than the full system. The report recommended corrective measures to improve efficiency and meet provincial standards. Council was advised that if the town’s pending grant application for a new treatment facility is unsuccessful, the municipality will need to include the necessary upgrades in its next capital budget to avoid further penalties.

In an effort to reduce expenses and better manage staff hours, council voted to close the arena on Sundays for public skating and shinny sessions. The facility will, however, remain open for regular programming and recreational use on Saturdays. Despite the schedule change, council supported extending the overall arena season until April 12, 2026, allowing the Schreiber Figure Skating Club to hold its annual ice show and other community events without interruption.

The Fire Department also made the agenda, with plans to strengthen its operational capacity. Council endorsed the department’s intent to apply for a second Fire Protection Grant aimed at acquiring new equipment and essential safety supplies. Officials said the funding, if approved, would further enhance local emergency response capabilities.

As the meeting drew to a close, council approved overtime pay for recreation staff scheduled to raise the Truth and Reconciliation flag on Monday, September 30—the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The flag-raising ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. outside the Municipal Complex, serving as a gesture of respect and reflection for the community.

The meeting underscored the range of priorities facing Schreiber’s municipal government—from managing budgets and maintaining infrastructure to fostering tourism and community engagement. As fall gives way to winter, council members expressed optimism that the groundwork being laid now will help ensure the town continues to grow sustainably while meeting the practical needs of its residents.