MNR Investigates bush fire on Highway 17 East

The Ministry of Natural Resources is continuing to investigate a wild fire on Highway 17 east of Kenora.

The blaze broke out yesterday afternoon and MNR fire crews were called out to help out members of Kenora's fire and emergency services deal with it.

The fire grew to about 0.5 hectares in size before being contained.

Crews were able to get a hose line around the fire.

The fire broke out near a sand pit just off the Parmeter Road.

Forest Tenure Bill Passes Third and Final Reading

The Provincial Government has passed the forest tenure Bill.

Third reading of Bill 151 and an hour of debate took place yesterday.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton calls the entire process a travesty.

The NDP member says Northern First Nations were also not consulted.

Petition Calls for A Deer Cull in Kenora

At least one business in Kenora is tired of dealing with the city's rampant deer population.

Debbie's Green House has started up a petition asking the city to deal with the issue.

Vince Schatkowski says the deer continue to be very destructive.

Schatkowski is suggesting a cull of the deer, or perhaps an expanded hunting season in the city.

Municipal Cultural Plan Coming together

After about six months of work, a draft municipal cultural plan for the City of Kenora.

The draft was presented to city council and members of the community earlier this week.

Ariana Moscate is the consultant who has been heading up the project and says hopefully the plan will pave the way for improved access to arts and culture in the city.

Comments on the draft municipal cultural plan can be made on-line until May 24th.

The final plan is expected to be presented to city council next month.

City Council Supports Shoal Lake's "Freedom Road"

Kenora City Council is throwing its support behind a proposed all-weather road from the Shoal Lake #40 First nation to the mainland.

The island community currently doesn't have year-round road access but is proposing to construct its so-called "Freedom Road" to access the Trans-Canada Highway.

The resolution passed by council suggests the lack of a permanent road to the mainland has had dire consequences for the communities economy, and resulted in band members moving away from their homes.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says they developed the resolutions following an informal meeting with the chief and bands members earlier this month.

Three northwestern Ontario Police Officers Honored

Three Northwestern Ontario Police Officers have been appointed to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

The Order was created in 2000, to recognize exceptional service by members and employees of Canadian Police Forces.

Thunder Bay Chief Robert Herman, Treaty 3 Chief Conrad DeLaronde and Kenora OPP Detective Dennis Olinyk have been honoured.

The Order of Merit recognizes contributions by officers that extend beyond the protection of the community.