Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Kenora Taxes

Local property owners will likely see lower overall tax rates this year.

Council is planning to set its tax ratios next week at its public meeting.

Finance Manager, Karen Brown says while municipal rates will be going up marginally, education taxes will be going down 4.37 percent.

She adds that the Pinecrest Home For the Aged has finally approvedits 2010 budget, and it will mean a 22 thousand dollar decrease in levy's for the municipality.

Brown says the big question mark is the Kenora District Services Board, which still hasn't finalized its budget.

Council Land Ambulance Base

The City of Kenora has yet to make a final decision on rezoning the proposed site for a land ambulance base.

Council is still waiting for a noise and vibration study as well as other facts.

Councillor Wendy Cuthbert says not many people are in favour of the location, and notes council could turn down the rezoning request.

A final decision on the rezoning application has yet to be made and one could be made in May.

Urban Trails System

Kenora's Urban Trail network will expanding this year.

There are currently four designated trails on the city,and work will continue this year to finish the Rat PortageTrail.

Barb Manson is member of the Trails Committee and says theyplan to extend the trail along a section of Laurenson's Creek.

The City of Kenora is in the process of taking over the Laurenson'sCreek property alongside King George School from the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

Business on the net

The Northwest Business Centre wants to get more Northwestern Ontario businesses on social networking websites.

A guest speaker will be talking about the rules and regulations of advertising on websites like facebook and twitter.

Organizer Mike Greaves says its a great way to promote your company's message and upcoming special events.

The seminar is open to all businesses in Northwestern Ontario and starts tomorrow.

To register call 467-4643.

Native Issues Advisor

The province has appointed former Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage to help it address the needs ofaboriginal children and youth.

Minister of Children and Youth Services Laurel Broten says hisexperience will help gather the right information to guide policy matters.

Beaucage will give the province advice on aboriginal child welfare issues for one year.

He'll also help with discussions between the government and First Nations leaders.