Kenora will continue to wait to find out their fate when it comes to hosting 2010's Hockey Day In Canada broadcast.
CBC Producers contacted the City this morning to tell them they will make their final announcement on Tuesday at noon.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says local residents put their best foot forward, and CBC officials were
suitably impressed by Kenora's enthusiasm.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-29
07:27:04
The City of Kenora is spending over a million dollars on a new UV disinfection system at the Sewage Treatment Plant.
Operations Chair Dave McCann says they're buying the new system because it will be mandatory starting in December.
Kenora chose Aranson Contracting to install the Trojan UV system.
The Federal Government is banning the use of cholorine waste water treatment systems.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-29
07:26:02
The Youth Action Alliance Program has been cancelled by the Provincial Government.
For the past 4-years, the Northwestern Health Unit program has done major work in convincing kids to stay away from tobacco products.
Tobacco Strategy Manager Jennifer McKibbon outlines one of their major accomplishments.
The program will officialy come to an end at the end of August.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-29
07:24:57
The ice plant at the Kenora Rec. Center is due for some upgrades and the City of Kenora is hoping the federal and provincial governments will provide funding for the project.
This morning council held a special meeting in part to apply for Recreational Infrastrucuture funding that's being made available by the Province of Ontario and the feds.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says some of the equipment is very old and inefficient.
Van Wallenghem says the payback for the projects is three to four years on energy savings alone.
The city has also applied for new energy efficient lighting for the Rec. Center.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-20
06:24:13
Building new non-senior single occupancy units in Kenora, Dryden, Red Lake and Sioux Lookout is high on the list contained in a report on Social Housing Needs in the Kenora District.
Consultant Peder Olson has presented his findings to the District Services Board.
KDSB Chair Rory McMillan says the spaces are needed but cautions they need to review all options before speding capital funds.
The report also suggests the Board refrain from building new units in smaller communities, a notion some on the Board question.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-20
06:23:27
The Ministry of Northern Development has unveilled a new entrepreneur program.
The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will be offering up to 125-thousand dollars in conditional grant funding.
Minister Michael Gravelle notes the Northern Entrepreneur Program was one of the Rosehart Report's key recommendations.
Residents of any age can apply for the funding immediately and can find an application form online at the Ministry website.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-20
06:22:03
CBC will be paying a visit to Kenora on Monday to scope out the city as a possible location for 2010's Hockey Day In Canada.
Kenora is one of three communities in the running to host the annual event.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says they'll be promoting all forms of hockey in the City.
Van Wallenghem notes they'll be showcasing the City's banquet facilities, Museum and Hockey Rinks.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-19
12:13:16
The Federal Government is putting a million dollars into Kenora's Common Ground initiative.
A research forum is being created that will include the City of Kenora, Grand Council Treaty #3, and the University of Manitoba.
Minister of Science and Technology Gary Goodyear says the research will be based around the former Abitibi Bowater lands.
Goodyear notes the next step will be to hire a project coordinator.
The million dollars will be used over the next six years.
2009-05-19
07:18:07
Kenora, Ear Falls and Ignace student have been selected to sit on a provincial advisory committee that will provide advice to Ontario's Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.
Brandie Doudiet and Alexandra Paul are two of sixty students across the province selected to the new Minister's Student Advisory Council.
Doudiet says they will have a chance to voice their concerns and discuss education issues in Northwestern Ontario.
Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board,
Larry Hope says they will have a very good representation on the council, considering they have three student selected.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-19
07:17:04
Provincial fisheries staff will be out on nearly 100 area lakes this summer.
They'll be monitoring the lakes’ health and gathering information to help manage fish populations effectively.
Crews will survey lakes north of Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Kenora by plane and boat beginning tomorrow, ollecting water samples and setting nets.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-19
07:16:06
The RCMP have arrested a 54 year old truck driver for trafficking marijuana.
Police say shortly before midnight last Friday, an eastbound tractor trailor unitchecked into the West Hawk Lake Inspection Station.
The driver agreed to a voluntary search of his trailor, which was destined for southern Ontario.
Several boxes containing 175 pounds of marijuana were discovered.
The drugs have a street value of over 400 thousand dollars.
The driver, from Aurora, Ontario was arrested and is due to appear in Winnipeg Court on July 23rd to face charges.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-19
07:15:16
The Lake of the Woods Control Board will be increasing outflow from the Norman Dam into the Winnipeg River once again this week.
The Control Board says due to recent wet weather, they will be increasing the amount of water through the Norman Dam to 1250 cubic meters per second.
That's an increase from the current level of 1150 cubic meters.
The lake rose about two inches this past week and is expected to go up another two to four inches during the next seven days.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-19
07:08:17
The federal government has once again extended its amnesty for long gun owners who haven't registered their firearms.
Treasury Board President Vic Toews says it's still the government's intention to kill the registry for long gun owners, something opposition parties would have to agree to in the minority Parliament.
But for now the government is giving people another year to sign up their unregistered, non-restricted firearms.
It's also waiving fees for licence renewals and upgrades for another year.
Toews calls the registry a waste of money that penalizes law-abiding citizens, but its supporters say it helps police crack down on crime.
2009-05-19
07:07:21
The Historic Normandie Hotel and Restaurant is no more.
OPP were called to the Front Street building in Nipigon early Saturday morning.
The Hotel was destroyed as well as two adjacent homes.
No one was staying at the hotel, as it has not opened for the summer season.
The cause of the Fire has not yet been determined, and the Investigation continues.
2009-05-19
06:53:53
The Harper Government was attacked this week for not providing assistance to small businesses and suppliers impacted by the bankruptcy filings of both Abitibi-Bowater and Buchanan Forest Products.
Thunder Bay-Rainy River NDP MP John Rafferty says many businesses have been short-changed by both companies.
Rafferty says the forestry crisis has crippled workers, pensioners and communities.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-19
06:53:12
Premier Dalton McGuinty says work to double lane Highway 17 west of Kenora has already started.
McGuinty made his first visit as premier to Kenora on Friday and along with prime minister Stephen Harper, promised 100 million dollars to begin the project next year.
The premier says the route planning process has already started.
The route planning for the entire 40 kilometer route is expected to take about a year and a half to complete.
Ten kilometers of the Trans-Canada east of the Manitoba border will be the first section to be twinned.
2009-05-15
06:24:25
Work to twin the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora will begin starting next year.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and premier Dalton McGuinty were in Kenora Friday afternoon to announce 100 million dollars for the construction project.
Harper says the funding is part of the federal government's infrastructure initiative to boost an ailing economy.
Ten kilometers of Highway 17 will be twinned starting in 2010.
Prime Minister Harper says thats the first phase of the plan to double-lane the highway all the way from the Manitoba border to Kenora.
By Tim Davidson
2009-05-15
06:23:15
The City of Kenora is planning to spend a little more on sidewalk
construction and repairs this year.
Council is expected to award the sidewalk maintenance tender next
week.
The lowest bid has come in at around 250 thousand dollars.
City Engineer, Marco Vodrig says they plan to complete the section
of walkway from Bayview Toyota to the Dairy Queen.
That will include things like railings and guard rails.
The contract will also include fixing up the interlocking brick sidewalks in the community.
By Sheri Leviski
2009-05-15
06:21:06
Safe Communities Kenora is looking for nominees for two national safety awards.
Spokesperson Maria Bagdonas says they're looking for a business that acts as a safety ambassador.
The other award up for grabs is the Community Service Partner Ambassador for Safety.
Nominations will be accepted up until five pm on Tuesday.
By Tim Davidson
2009-05-15
06:20:10
The big tent on the Harborfront could become a permanent summer
feature.
City council has approved plans to leave the tent up from Canada Day right until October.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says people will be able to park under then tent when its not in use.
Van Wallenghem says leaving the tent up will save on wear and tear
and should also save groups like Harborfest and KBI money because they won't have to worry about set up and tear down of the tent.
By Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-15
06:18:29
There is concern Provincial funding for the Best Start program could disappear after next March.
The Kenora District Services Board is asking the Government to maintain the child care initiative, noting they can't afford a loss in financing.
Best Start has provided an additional 477-early learning an childcare speaces within the District.
By Tim Davidson
2009-05-15
06:16:25
A couple of high profile visitors are coming to town.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is making a return trip to Kenora
after visiting last year, and he'll be joined by premier Dalton McGuinty
this time.
This would be McGuinty's first ever visit to the riding since being elected premier five years ago.
The two leaders are scheduled to make a joint announcement at the Operations Center on Barsky's Hill this afternoon.
The press conference is scheduled to take place at 2:30.
by Tim Davidson
2009-05-15
06:15:39
Thanks but no thanks.
That seems to be the response by the Kenora District Services Board
to an offer by the City of Kenora to partner on a new building to house a land ambulence base and fire hall on Barsky's Hill.
The board met behind closed doors yesterday to discuss the issue.
Chief Administrative Officer, Sten Lif says they simply couldn't come to a decision about where to put the land ambulence base by city council's
self imposed deadline of 4:30 this afternoon.
He says they want to weigh all their options before making a final decision on a location for the land ambulence base.
Council wanted a yes or no decision so it could decide whether to proceed with a stand alone fire hall.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-14
08:10:27
Kenora is still in the running for CBC's Hockey Day in Canada.
The city was notified yesterday afternoon that Kenora was one of three finalists in the running to host the day long TV special in 2010.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says CBC officials will be in town either May 25th or 26th for a site visit.
Kenora was one of six potential sites selected for nexts years event, and the CBC says it will decide within 10 days of its tour where Hockey Day in Canada will take place.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-14
08:09:30
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is still hopeful that construction can begin this year on a new elementary school in Dryden.
The board had to go back to the drawing board after the last design came in way over budget.
Dean Carrie is the Superintendant of Business and says they are trying to stay within the 14.3 million dollar allocation from the Ministry of Education.
The initial design had room for as many as 600 students.
The project is expected to go out for tender by the end of June, and construction could begin before the end of summer.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-14
08:08:13
The Lake of the Woods Hospital has hired Honeywell Corporation to look for energy efficiencies in their building.
The company will be conducting an energy audit this month.
C.E.O. Marc Balcaen says the report should be ready some time in June.
The hospital is paying Honeywell 32 thousand dollars for the audit and study.
Meanwhile, the hospital is also one of 25 facilities to undergo a purchasing protocol audit by the Ministry of Finance.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-14
08:07:25
The City of Kenora is planning to spend up to 50 thousand dollars on a recreation plan.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says they not only want to find ways of streamlining costs at the Kenora Rec. Center, they also want to maximize usage.
Van Wallenghem adds that the study can also be used to tap into infrastructure money announced by the federal government recently, which will be used to fix up aging recreation facilities.
By: Tim Davidson
2009-05-14
08:00:12
Northwestern Ontario residents have a higher incidence of cancer than other parts of the province.
That's according to Dr. Michael Sherar, who is the vice-president of regional programs for Cancer Care Ontario.
He was in Kenora yesterday for the annual spring forum.
Sherar says there are a number of reasons for the higher cancer rate in this region.
Dr. Sherar says fortunately, this region has very good cancer treatment facilities.
He adds that despite the large distances between hospitals, patients can often get treatment in their home communities thanks to the tele-health system.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-13
09:33:10
You won't be able to visit any of the residents at Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home this week.
A respiratory outbreak has been declared at the long term care facility in Kenora.
The Northwestern Health Unit and home staff are working together to control and prevent the spread of the illness.
A visitor ban has been put in place to help manage the spread of the illness to residents and staff.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-13
09:28:49
It's not even summer yet, and the OPP's Marine Unit has already seen its first collision on Lake of the Woods.
Yesterday, a vessel struck a reef in the area of Canoe Channel near the Keewatin Channel.
8 people were travelling in the 21 foot Doral when they came in contact with the reef.
The occupants were able to paddle to a near by island before the boat sunk.
The boat was destroyed but thankfully no one was injured.
OPP are reminding boaters to proceed with caution when you are in unfamiliar waters.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-04
06:23:45
Construction on safety improvements on the Trans-Canada Highway just east of Thunder Bay are to begin next year.
But the timing on the entire four-laning of Highway 11-17 between Thunder Bay and Nipigon remains a big question mark.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the government is committed to four-laning the entire 100-kilometre stretch.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-04
06:23:10
Rainy River District will be getting a new OPP Detachment commander this month.
Staff Sergeant John Kendrick will take over the job from Inspector Dave Lucas, who relocated to Kenora in January.
Kendrick is currently the O-P-P's regional traffic manager in Thunder Bay.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-04
06:22:35
Done Deal!
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has now secured contract's with all of its staff.
The final deal was ratified with the Union representing Elementary Occasional Teachers.
The 4-year agreement includes a 10-percent wage hike over the life of the contract.
Officials say an additional 3.5-percent increase in the 2009-2010 school year has been applied to bring the rates into parity with High School Occasional Teachers.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-04
06:21:33
The City of Kenora has taken the next step in revitalizing Norman Park.
Council recently applied for funding under the Building Canada Fund.
Jeff Port is the city planner and says the project is expected to come in at 5 million dollars.
The project includes improvements to the Norman Community Club, the Railway Museum, Norman Beach and the development of new walking trails in the area.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-04
06:20:53
Property Owners Meeting
"Going green at the lake" is this year's theme for the Lake of the Woods Property Owners cottage show.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to improve your cottage in an environmentally friendly way.
Other seminars will be on being green on the lake and toxic algae in the Lake of the Woods district.
The Property Owners Association annual general meeting will be held in the evening on Monday and the cottage show will run from 3 to 9pm.
The annual event is being held once again at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-04
06:19:49
The Provincial Director of the Canadian Red Cross says the determination and commitment of the Mayor may pay off in the very near future.
Dryden is trying to become a "host" community for evacuated centres across Northern Ontario.
John Saunders says the Mayor has done a great job forming partners, especially with area First Nations.
Thunder Bay and Sudbury are also said to be vying for the "host" designation.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-04
06:19:06
Animal lovers in the North will want to check out this new website.
The Dryden and Kenora Branch of the OSPCA is on-line with updated content and a fresh new design.
Public Relations Manager Kristin Williams says the site offers a wealth of information.
Williams adds the website includes lists of adoption centre in Northern Ontario and resources for reporting animal cruelty and identifying abuse.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-01
07:57:03
Kenora OPP are reminding the public that new drinking and driving legislation takes effect today.
Drivers found with a blood alcohol level between point-0-5 and point 0-8 will lose their licence for three days.
A second offence brings a seven-day licence suspension and a visit to an alcohol education program.
Three-time offenders lose their licence for 30 days and their vehicle will be fitted with an ignition interlock.
The licence suspensions cannot be appealed.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-01
07:44:48
The McGuinty Government is making significant strides in Aboriginal consultation in its proposed changes to the mining act.
Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle unveilled the new legislation Thursday.
Gravelle says the act will provide clear rules for industry and reduce the impact of mineral exploration on the environment.
If the legislation is passed, Ontario will begin putting new rules in place later this year.
By: Mike Ebbeling
2009-05-01
07:43:40
The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is pleased the Provincial Government is starting to address aboriginal concerns but notes the proposed Mining Act doesn't meet all of their needs.
Grand Chief Stan Beardy says they are concerned that First Nations still don't have to be notified before a claim is staked.
Beardy adds the Legislation falls short of giving aboriginals a share of mining revenues.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-01
07:41:44
Kenora City Council has awarded the tender for the remaining landscape work in the areas of the roundabout, City Hall, and Main Street.
Wilco Contracting had the winning bid, coming in at almost 574 thousand dollars.
Councillor Dave McCann says the landscaping will have a minimal impact on traffic.
That work is expected to be complete by June 30th.
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-05-01
07:40:46
Kenora City Council is applying for Federal and Provincial funding for a number of infrastructure projects.
One of the applications is for 7 million dollars from the Canada-Ontario Stimulus Fund.
Operations Committee Chair and Councillor Dave McCann says they want to put the funding towards repaving parts of Highway 17 east and west.
Council is also applying for money to fix up sections of Lakeview Drive as part of the Downtown Revitalization Project.
