Bombardier TTC

By: Canadian Press

2009-04-30

06:38:27 

Toronto's contract to spend a (b) billion dollars on streetcars to be made in Thunder Bay has hit a problem.

Premier Dalton McGuinty says they haven't budgeted for their one-third share of Toronto's 1.2 billion dollar deal for Bombardier streetcars. 

Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman says he was surprised by Toronto's commitment.

The premier says they also have to talk with Ottawa about their one-third share. Toronto Mayor David Miller could not be reached for comment yesterday.

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Ontario Mining Act

By: Canadian Press

2009-04-30

06:27:05

About 100 years after it was first enacted, Ontario's Mining Act will receive an update today.  

There have been complaints over provisions in the Act that allow prospectors to stake and explore on private lands. 

The Canadian Press has learned the changes will modernize the way companies stake claims to be more respectful of private land.

Sources also say the legislation will clarify the rules on how mining companies deal with First Nations' communities.

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Moose Tag Review

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-30

06:26:19 

Area hunters who were unable to attend a series of public meetings on the Province's Moose Tag allocation system still have a chance to voice their concerns.

Outdoors enthusiasts have until the end of today to send in their thoughts via the Ministry of Natural Resources website.

Spokesperson Brad Allison says they hope to have a draft report available before the end of the year.

Some Northwestern Ontario moose hunters blame the group tag allocation system for the lack of adult tags available to local hunters.

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Save Sunset Country

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-30

06:25:36

Lodge owners, City Representatives and Tourism Officials piled into the Super 8 on Wednesday to discuss the future of Sunset Country.

Ontario's Ministry of Tourism plans to create a super tourist region for Northern Ontario that would encompass Sault Ste. Marie to the Manitoba border.

Sunset Country Travel Association Executive Director Gerry Cariou says its about time the Ministry understands that people don't like their proposal.

Cariou adds they would like the Ministry to continue with its 11 proposed regions, but leave Sunset Country as its own seperate region.

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Kenora Fire Hazard

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-30

06:14:03

The threat of a large scale fire in the Kenora area is starting to worry the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Aviation and Forest Fire Program Officer Terry Popowich says the escalating problem of storm and insect damage has led to volatile conditions.

Popowich says the consequences of lightning or human-caused fires is quite dangerous in that area and they are taking steps to prepare for any blaze.

Popowich adds the area is of special concern because of the number of rural and recreational properties.

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Impaired Driving

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

09:08:15

Kenora OPP have charged several people with impaired driving.

Over the weekend, police came across a vehicle and discovered the driver had been drinking. 

28 year old Mike Rogers failed a roadside test and was charged with drinking and driving.

On the west highway officers stopped a vehicle for excessive speed.

35 year old Wayne Henry of Dalles First Nation was charged with impaired driving.

Henry will appear in Kenora court on June 15th to answer the charge.

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Spring Seatbelt Campaign

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

09:07:28

The OPP's Spring Seatbelt campaign has wrapped up and local police laid 30 seatbelt offences during the April blitz.

OPP charged 9 passengers for not buckling up and laid 1 charge relating to child restraints.

In 2008, a total of 24 seatbelt offences were laid as well as 2 child restraint charges.

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New Cancer System

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:06:32

Regional Cancer Care has become the first cancer program in Ontario to implement an e-health strategy across the Northwest.

The record system sets the standard for other Local Health Integration Networks.

A total of 14 regional sites, including Dryden, Red Lake and Kenora, are now directly connected electronically.

The system allows nurses and physicians order treatments and access information in real-time.

Officials say orders transferred over the internet now arrive at home sites quickly and efficiently.

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Northern Growth Rates

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:05:26

The labour force in all sectors grew at a lower rate in the Kenora District than Ontario as a whole between 2001 and 2006.

According to the 2009 Northwest Training and Adjustment Board report, our growth rate was only 2.8-percent, compared to the Provincial average of 8.2.

Mining, small bussines, management and utilities were various sectors that fared well locally.

The unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24-years in the Kenora District was also significantly higher; 17.3-percent compared to Ontario's 14.5-percent.

The report also indicates that 36.7-percent of those aged 15 to 64 in our area have less than a high school diploma.

The Provincial average is 18.7-percent.

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Elementary Teachers Ratify

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

09:04:51

Elementary teachers with the Keewatin Patricia District School board have sealed the deal.

Members of the teachers union approved a new four year collective agreement on Tuesday evening.

The new deal will impact 240 public school teachers in the Northwest.

The contract includes wage and benefit improvements.

Their last contract expired on August 31st, 2008.

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Red Lake Budget

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:04:05

Red Lake taxpayers will likely be pleased with the 2009 budget.

Mayor Phil Vinet says they were able to keep the tax rate down.

Vinet says Council has approved a 20-million dollar capital plan.

Work includes a significant paving program as well as water and sewer extension to a Highway Commercial project.

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Health and Safety Association

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:03:04

The Head of the Municipal Health and Safety Association says Northern Ontario has been left out of the loop in terms of safety prevention and training.

Speaking in Dryden, Bill Blackborow announced changes to the system.

12 Ontario Safety Associations are being amalgamated; 4-different Associations will be formed, with one Association being positioned in Northern Ontario.

Blackborow adds the change will result in more money for training and services as well as additional jobs in the North.

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National Day of Mourning

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-29

09:00:59

Northwestern Ontario marked the National Day of Mourning yesterday.

Ron Boucher with the Workers Health and Safety Centre spoke at the event and stressed fewer people are working and more workers are getting injured on the job.

92-fatalities occurred in Ontario in January and February alone.

The Day of Mourning also gave residents a chance to remember those who have lost their life on the job site.

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NWHU Swine Flu

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-29

08:59:40

Due to the heightened concern of swine flu, the Northwestern Health Unit has released a list of proper hygiene tips.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Arthurs says a list of symptoms is also available on the health unit's website.

Arthurs expects cases of Swine flu to be reported in Northwestern Ontario, since people from around the world can come in contact with eachother within 24 hours time.

The health unit recently reviewed its pandemic plan and re-trained its employees.

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Vaccine Depot Kenora

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-28

09:55:28

The Northwestern Health Unit has decided to move its vaccine depot from Fort Frances to Kenora.

Currently, all vaccines are delivered to Fort by air and are then shipped around the region.

The move helps lower the total amount of vaccines being shipped.

The cost will be minimal and a plan is in place to avoid job loss through attrition.

Kenora consumes about a third of all the health unit's vaccines.

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Bombardier Thunder Bay

By: Canadian Press

2009-04-28

09:54:37

There is some good news for Thunder Bay, coming out of the city of Toronto.

Toronto's transit commissioners unanimously approved the choice of Bombardier as the supplier of the city's new light rail vehicles.

The 204 new low-floor cars are to be built in Thunder Bay and expected to cost about 1.2-billion dollars.

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Confederation College Trip Postponed

By: Canadian Press

2009-04-28

09:23:51 

A group of University students from Thunder Bay won't be attending a course in Mexico City.

The swine flu outbreak in Mexico has led Confederation College to postpone the course for the 11 business students.

College spokeswoman Miriam Wall says it's hoped something can be salvaged for the summer.

Wall says Mexican university officials were quite worried and were relieved the Confederation College students have postponed their visit.

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Canadian Forces Partnerships

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-28

09:22:41

The Canadian Forces is trying to increase its presence in Northwestern Ontario.

Speaking in Dryden, Lieutenant-Colonel Steve Hill noted the Military is now making a concentrated effort to form domestic partners.

Hill says one option is helping the Ministry of Natural Resources during hectic forest fire seasons.

Hill says they were hoping to conduct some work locally last year, but a quiet season changed plans quickly.

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Northwestern Ontario Tourism

By: Randy Thoms and Sheri Leviski

2009-04-28

07:49:31 

Ontario's tourism Minister Monique Smith admits its going to be a challenging time for tourist operators in northwestern Ontario.

Some operators have already stated they won't be opening this year.

Smith says the province is trying to help the industry as best it can.

Smith says the operators should also be able to take advantage of tax cuts to small businesses introduced earlier in the provincial budget.

Ministry representatives will be in Kenora on Wednesday to discuss proposed tourism regions.

A larger tourism region for all of Northern Ontario is being pitched by the Minister's office.

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MNR responds to forest fires

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-28

07:48:08

Ministry of Natural Resources Fire Crews were called to 5-fires over the weekend.

3 in the Kenora area, 1 near Sioux Narrows and a grass fire near Oxdrift.

The Eaton Rugby area fire required air and ground support.

The cause is under investigation.

Residents are reminded burning restrictions are in place.

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Safeway Fundraiser

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-27

07:54:45 

Kenora's Safeway continues to raise awareness and money for a number of local causes.

At the beginning of April the local store held special events for Easter Seals Canada.

Most recently the group held fundraisers for Special Olympics.

Over 4 thousand dollars has been raised during the month of April.

This summer, Safeway plans to raise funds for Prostate Cancer.

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Treaty Three Deal

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-27

07:53:15 

Greater cooperation is in the works between the Provincial Government and Grand Council Treaty 3.

The two sides have signed a letter of intent to improve and enhance their relationship.

Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield says the move will lead to greater economic opportunities for First Nation communities.

The goal is expand Treaty 3's interest in forestry, mineral exploration, fish and wildlife as well as business.

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Northwest Response Forum

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-27

07:49:42 

Some 150-people left the first Northwest Response Forum on Disaster Management fulfilled.
The week long Conference wrapped up Friday in Dryden.

Delegates were most impressed with the quality of speakers and information provided.

Organizers plan to make it an annual event.

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Ontario Workplace Deaths

By: Mike Ebbeling

2009-04-27

07:48:27 

An average of 360 Ontarians die each year on the job in Ontario with no fanfare or attention.

Bill Blackborow is the President of The Municipal Health and Safety Association and says something needs to be done immediately.

He says 360-thousand lost time injuries occurr annually in Ontario, a stat Blackborow calls similar to a third-world country.

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2009 Hunting Regulations

By: Sheri Leviski

2009-04-27

07:46:53

The Ontario Government has released the 2009 hunting regulations.

The regulation booklet is available at outdoor stores across the Northwest and at Ministry of Natural Resources offices.

Spokesperson Bruce Ranta says in the Thunder Bay/Atikokan area the deer hunting seasons will be extended.

In Kenora, officials will be discussing changes to the anterless deer permits and additional deer seals.

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Weyerhaueser ILevel Mill

By: Tim Davidson

2009-04-27

07:44:42

The current economic crisis is hitting the forest industry in northern Ontario hard, but at least one company is predicting an increase in production, rather than cutbacks.

The I-Level timberstrand mill in Kenora has been running only one to two days a week based on its order book.

Mill Manager, Bill Candline says they expect to increase production later this year as inventory from two closed timberstrand mills in the United States is finally used up.

The I-Level plant on the Jones Road is the only mill in North America currently producing timberstrand, and Candline says that puts them in a good position. 

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Rickford upset over Gun vote

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is one upset individual.

Rickford says he's upset that Northern Ontario NDP members didn't vote to abolish the contraversial long-gun registry.

Rickford says Constituents want to see the end of the wasteful registry and they thought they had voted for candidates that would stand up for their needs and do the right thing.

He notes NDP members were whipped by Leader Jack Layton.

Thunder-Rainy River MP John Rafferty was a no show during the vote.

Rafferty says he wasn't in the House because he was busy with forestry business and the vote came just before a CUPE meeting he had.

The opposition motion to maintain the registration passed in the Commons by a 7-vote margain.

Disaster Conference Popular

The Canadian Red Cross believes Northwestern Ontario is ahead of the curve when it comes to dealing with a disaster.

Provincial Director John Saunders addressed delegates attending the Northwest Response Forum in Dryden Thursday and notes the cooperation between agency's is impressive.

However, Saunders says there's always a way to do things better and that's why hosting a disaster management Conference is so important.

 

 

Applications up for Med School

There's a lot of interest in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

The school says its received more than 18-hundred first-year applications looking for one of 56 spots at either the Thunder Bay or Sudbury campuses.

Nearly 4-hundred of them have already received interviews.

Letters of acceptance will be issued next month.

Home Show this weekend

The Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce is holding its 23rd Home and Trade Show this weekend.

President Dwayne Yaremko says this is first time they have run the event by themselves.

Yaremko notes they have over 200 exhibitors taking part in this year's event.

The home and trade show will start this evening and run til Sunday.

Beaver Trapping

The City of Kenora is re-newing its agreement with the Kenora Trappers
Council to deal with nuicence beavers.

The agreement takes effect in mid-May and runs through mid-September.

Councillor Dave McCann says the agreement is beneficial to the city
because it can potentially save hundreds of thousands of dollars in
road repairs caused by dams bursting.

He says last year the Trappers Council captured 21 beaver, and the
year before, they had as many as 41. 

Weyerhaeuser wants Whiskey Jack Forest

Weyerhaeuser says its prepared to wait as long as it takes for a
Co-operative Forest License to be developed for the Whisky Jack Forest.

The new license was supposed to be ready by April 1st, but negotiations
with Grassy Narrows are on-going.

Wayne Rosnowski is a spokesperson for Weyerhaeuser and says while they need the fiber from the Whiskey Jack forest for their I-Level Timberstrand Mill in Kenora, they're continuing to work
with the MNR and area first nations.

In the meantime, the Minister of Natural Resources confirmed this week
that Weyerhaeuser will continue to have access to wood from the Kenora
Forest for the timberstrand mill. 

Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Budget

Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Budget              07:41:24

 Good news for property owners in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls.

Town council there passed its 2009 budget this week and it calls for
a 12 percent decrease in the mill rate.

Bill Thompson is mayor of the community and says combined with education taxes, the overall reduction in the tax rate will be closer to
10 percent.

Thompson says they decided to reduce taxes this year because there
was such a big jump in assessments in lakefront property from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.