Farmer's Market to Stay on Harborfront this summer

Despite construction on the Kenora Harborfront, it looks as if the Farmer's Market is going to stay put this summer.

The City of Kenora is recommending allowing parking on the south side of Lakeview Drive on Wednesday's only, which is market day.

Councillor Sharon Smith says its one way of increasing parking in the Harbortown area.

There had been talk of moving the farmer's market to the Kenora Curling Club this year.

CIP Taking Shape for Abitibi Lands

The City of Kenora is putting the finishing touches on a Community Improvement Plan for the former Abitibi lands.

The city recently recieved approval to go ahead with the C.I.P., but the actual details are still being worked out.

Economic Development Officer, Jennifer Findlay says they are looking at a combination of tax breaks for new development and grants for businesses willing to locate on the property.

Findlay says they have ruled out any sort of loan program for the C.I.P.

A public meeting is scheduled to take place in the next month or so to get some feedback on the proposals.

Union Gas Lobbies for One Call System

Municipalities across northwestern Ontario are being asked to support a single call number to help locate buried utilities, such as natural gas, telecommunications, and sewer and water.

Union Gas made a presentation to council yesterday asking the city to support the one call system.

Luke Skaarup says too often homeowners or contractors fail to dial before they dig.

Skaarup says the provincial government is willing to move forward with legislation on a one call system, but only if they can sign up a majority of municipalities in Ontario first.

Province Says No to gas price regulation

Ontario's energy minister says there's not much he can do about soaring gasoline prices.

The cost is around 136 a litre in Kenora and as high as 145.8 in Sioux Lookout.

But Energy Minister Brad Duguid says there's little he can do to help.

Duguid says even if the government removed the harmonized sales tax from gasoline, the fuel companies will simply fill that space and prices would stay the same.

OPP Searching for Missing Rideout Woman

The OPP say they are searching for a person reported missing from the Rideout area of town.

Rosella Digirolomo was last seen on Thursday, May 5th.

Police say she had been seen leaving her residence on Mikado Avenue.

She has not been seen or heard from since.

Anyone who may have had contact with her is asked to contact the Kenora Detachment of the OPP.

Registered Nurses Call for Improved Health Care in the North

The President of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario is calling on all three parties to unveil a specialized health care plan for Northern and Rural Ontario.

Speaking in Dryden on Monday, David McNeil stressed this area faces significant challenges related to an aging population and access to care.

McNeil also lobbyied the Province to move forward with their mandate of hiring 9-thousand additional nurses.

Northwestern Ontario offers flood aid to Manitoba

Northwestern Ontario is lending a helping hand to flood ravaged Manitoba.

Thunder Bay's HMCS Griffon is sending 5 members and two inflatable boats.

Lieutenant Commander John Bell says they'll be helping to evacuate residents and bring in supplies.

The group left Tuesday but more personnel are expected to be sent within the next 24 to 48 hours.