Council says no to re-zoning for Ambulence Base

The ball is now back in the court of the Kenora District Services Board as it searches for a new land ambulence base in town.

Last night, Kenora City Council voted unanimously to turn down a re-zoning application for property on Railway Street to accommodate a new land ambulence base.

The property owner can appeal council's decision to the Ontario Muncipal Board, but there's been no indication yet from the District Services Board what its plans are now.

The board has been looking for a suitable location for a new land ambulence
base for several years now, with little success.

Save our tree

Kenora's Heritage Committee is looking at ways of designating a centuries old
tree in the Rideout area.

The eastern Cottonwood is growing in an alley between Mascott and Regina Avenues and is believed to be one of the largest trees of its kind in the province.

The cottonwood is over 300 years old and some residents in the neighborhood
are concerned about its future.

The Heritage Committee says while buildings can and have been designated
natural landscapes haven't received similar treatment yet.

Board members are now looking at options for protecting the tree.

More fires for the northwest

With the warmer weather comes an increased chance of forest fires.


The Ministry of Natural Resources is reminding the public to take precautions when burning outdoors.

Fire Information Officer Mitch Miller says crews responded to five new fires over past couple or
days.

The weather forecast is calling for hot dry weather for the next two weeks and MNR officials are keeping a close watch on the local conditions.

Fire causes extensive damage in Pinawa

Fire has caused about 1.5 million dollars damage to a motel in Pinawa, Manitoba.


The blaze broke out around 8:30 yesterday morning in the bar area of the building
and spread quickly.

While no-one was injured, police say two people were forced to flee the premises.


The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Manitoba Fire Commissioner's
Office and the RCMP.

Pinawa is located about 100 kilometers northwest of Kenora.

Health Coalition releases Hospital report

A report on rural and northern Ontario hospitals was released yesterday.


The Ontario Health Coalition penned the document that deals with health services.

Coalition spokesperson Barb Maki says they want to ensure all health services in the region stay intact.

Maki says the local health coalition will keep an eye out for any possible service cuts to emergency departments or other areas of care.

Sioux Narrows goes solar

Here comes the sun.

That's the new mantra of the Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls.

Its launching three solar energy projects this year.

Mayor Bill Thompson says its a good deal for his community.

Thompson says the whole project will cost about 500 thousand
dollars, but will have a pay back period of about six years.