Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Council says no to Non-Profit Housing Request

A non-profit housing project in Kenora is getting the thumbs down from city council.

Aamikkowiish Non-Profit Housing is planning to build a number of homes in the community over the next couple of years.

Some of the housing units will be built on property donated by the city, while others are on property purchased by the agency.

Aamiikkowiish had asked the city for funding to extend a sewer and water line from a project its planning between 8th and 9th Streets North.

The projected cost will be 12 to 15 thousand dollars, so council has decided to take a pass on the request.

Ontario Nature warns local communities about nuclear waste storage

An environmental group is concerned over talk that a Northwestern Ontario community might store nuclear waste.

Ontario Nature is worried what that might mean for the other communities in the region.

Spokesperson Peter Rosenbluth says they want to have a strategic conversation with area Municipal leaders and tell them that their decisions impact the entire Northwest.

Campbell Gets Ready for first session at Queen's Park

Almost a month after she was sworn at the Ontario Legislature, Sarah Campbell will be joining her colleagues for her first taste of politics at Queen's Park.

Campbell says her party's focus will be on getting legislation passed to take the HST off home bills.

She says even though the Liberals still control the legislative agenda, the opposition will be able to make its voice heard.

The Speech from the Throne will be read later today with the NDP slated to introduce their private members bill on the HST on Thursday.

Kenora sewer and water rates

Kenora City Council has agreed to proceed with a waste water financial plan even though it could result in a substantial increase in sewer and water rates.

Councillor Ron Lunny says the plan needs to be submitted to the province, or it could jeopardize the who operation of their system.

The city is planning to hold a public meeting on the long range financial plan for the water department sometime in December.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is reporting modest job growth in the city
in recent month.

Dennis Wallace presented his 3rd quarter report to council last night and says 61 jobs were created
during that period.

He say while there were 12 new business starts in the past three months, he thinks they can do better.

Wallace suggests provincial energy policies are hindering, rather than helping business expansion in the city.

AbitibiBowater

A multi-million dollar company is seeking a tax break from the City of Kenora.


AbitibiBowater hasn't had a presence in the city for years, but its still in a battle with city hall over property taxes.

Abitibi is asking council for a break on the few remaining building left on lands located on 9th Street North.

The company argues the buildings are damaged and substantially unusable.

Council rejected the claim last ngiht because one of the buildings is currently in use by Wincrief Forest Products.

The application for tax relief dates back to 2010, the last year Abitibi actually owned the property.

The company was encouraged to make a deputation to council to argue its case, but no-one from Abitibi attended last night's open meeting.