Friday, June 29, 2012

Shoal Lake #40 Joins Lawsuit against Winnipeg

A second first nation has joined a lawsuit against the City of Winnipeg for re-selling water from Shoal Lake to surrounding communities.

Shoal Lake #40 First Nation says it has taken steps to become a full participant in the suit being undertaken by their mainland neighbors, Shoal Lake #39.

Chief Erwin Redsky says they would prefer a negotiated settlement, not litigation.

He says if Winnipeg insists on overstepping its authorization, they are prepared to take whatever measures are necessary to protect their rights.

Shoal Lake #39 is asking for over 100 million dollars a year from the City of Winnipeg for the water it is using and re-selling to other communities.



Countdown to Canada Day

Preparations are well underway for Canada Day in Kenora.

This year, celebrations will be shared between Kenora and Keewatin.

The City's special events Co-ordinator, Crystal Stokes says day time activities will take place in Keewatin.

There will be entertainment under the White Cap Pavillion Sunday night starting at 7:00 followed by  fireworks, which will take place in Kenora Sunday night starting at 10:45.

District Services Board Ready to Launch New Website

The Kenora District Services Board has improved their image on-line.

The Board is in the process of launching a new and improved as well as user friendly website.

KDSB Chair Phil Vinet says they have to be accessible and this does it.

Clients will be able to find out services available in their area with one click of the mouse.

The website is expected to go on-line on August 1st.

Brand Leadership Team Hard at Work

Kenora's Brand Leadership Team is hard at work implementing a long list of goals to re-brand the city of Kenora.

The next big task is awarding a request for proposals for the city's Brand Style guide, including logo redevelopment.

Randy Nickle chairs of the BLT and says they've had a lot of interest in redeveloping Kenora's image.

Nickle says they are going through 13 request for proposals, some from local companies and other from national and even international interests.

San Gold active in the Nestor Falls Area

A Manitoba-based junior mining company is continuing to strengthen its interests in northwestern Ontario.

San Gold Corporation says its entering into an option agreement with Canadian Arrow Mines on a site just northeast of Rainy River.

The company, last week made a deal with Opawica Explorations for its Atikwa Lake project north of Nestor Falls.

Coventry Resources expands Holdings in NWO

Another mining project in the Nestor Falls area is about to change hands.

Houston Lake Mining says its selling all of its interest in its West Cedartree Gold Project to Coventry Resources in a cash and shares deal

The site is located 12 kilometres away from Coventry's Cameron Gold Project.

Harborfront Tent now the White Cap Pavillion

Its been open for almost a full year, but the new Harborfront Tent finally has  a name to go with it.

Kenora's Brand Leadership Team has decided on the White Cap Pavillion.

Mike Greaves is a member of the committee and says they spent a lot of time coming up with the name.

Greaves says their task now is to brand the name in the community and get the name out there.

OPP Investigate more Break-Ins

The OPP are investigating a couple of break-ins in the Jaffray Melick and River Drive areas of town.

Police were called to a business on Rabbit Lake Road Wednesday night.

The owners say a quantity of alcohol was stolen.

In another incident, a homeowner in the Laurenson Creek area indicated he left home for about an hour Wednesday night.

When he returned, his television had been smashed and a computer and a quantity of cash was stolen.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

WSO Returns to Kenora Tonight

The sounds of classical music will be wafting over the waters of Safety Bay this evening.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of  Alexander Mickelthwaite, makes its return appearance to Kenora tonight.

Len Mark from the Lake of the Woods Concert Group says they are hoping for a sellout.

The concert will take place in the White Cap Pavillion starting at 7:00 this evening.

Fire Hazard on the Rise in NWO

MNR Fire crews will be on stand-by this July long weekend.

The fire hazard is starting to increase and there are 11 active wildfires in the Northwestern region.

Ministry of Natural Resources Information Officer Deb McLean says right now there are no plans to impose a fire ban.

The only fire in the Kenora District was reported late yesterday in the Lodgepine Lake area in Ingolf.

The MNR dispatch a fire ranger crew and a water bomber to try and bring it under control.

Water Research Center Proposed for Kenora

Plans are in the works to develop some kind of water research center in Kenora.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission has hired a consultant to push the project forward.

Kelli Saunders says there's an increasing amount of scientific information being generated about the lake.

Saunders says they've also received funding from the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation to develop a web-site to promote the Water Research Center concept.

Smoking Rates going Down

Looks like more people in the Northwest are butting out.

Health Canada released a report this week saying that smoking rates for men and women are declining.

The most noticeable decreases are among those aged 15-19.

But we aren't out of the water yet.

Officials say the overall smoking rate for our region is still higher then the remainder of the province.

NOMA the Latest Group to Support the ELA

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is the latest group to plead with the Harper government to continue funding the Experimental Lakes Area near Kenora.

President Ron Nelson says the nearly 40 municipalities in the organization are troubled by the proposal to close the ELA next year.

The plea comes in a letter to the prime minister.

Nelson says they want the federal government to continue funding the ELA and to help find alternative partners to ensure research there continues.


OPP Ready for Long Weekend

The long weekend is almost here.

Sergeant Shelley Garr of the OPP Northwest division says officers will be out looking for eratic behaviour.

Garr says they'll will be looking for aggressive or distracted drivers, people not wearing seatbelts and  drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Marine and trail units will also be patrolling waterways and trails throughout Ontario over the long weekend.

Garr says to goal is to get people to have a fun weekend and make sure they get home safe.

Six Sharks Heading to Ontario Summer Games

Six members of the Kenora Sharks Swim Club will be heading to Toronto in August for the Ontario Summer Games.

Winnie Boucha, Bryce Jones, Kira Kuzemchuck, Keely Mash, Alex Olson and Kayla Martin have been selected to be part of Team Northwestern.

The swimmers will be competing in two different categories, 14 and under and the 15/16 age groups.

The Summer Games will take place from August 16th to 19th.



Thursday, June 28, 2012

Community Improvement Plan for Sioux Narrows

The Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls is borrowing a page from the City of Kenora's playbook.

A Community Improvement Plan has been launched this month to encourage businesses to fix up their faades along Highway 71.

Town planner, Jeff Port says they've identified a couple of areas for the work.

Port says business owners are eligible for up to 25 hundred dollars for facade improvement, 25 hundred dollars for landscaping and two thousand dollars for new signage.

Wallace Steps down from Development Commission

A changing of the guard at the Lake of the Woods Development Commission.

Long-time chair Dennis Wallace is stepping down after seven years at the helm.

Wallace says he's encouraged by the progress they've seen over the past five years especially.

At their Annual General Meeting last night, Wallace says 78 new jobs were created in the service industry alone last year in Kenora, and he finds that's encouraging.

Beardy Elected Ontario Regional Chief

The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation will be searching for a new Grand Chief.

Stan Beardy has been elected Regional Chief of the Chiefs of Ontario.

Beardy beat out Angus Toulouse in traditional voting at the 38th Annual All Ontario Chiefs Conference in Toronto yesterday.
Beardy received 59-votes, 6-more than the incumbent.

Via Rail Announces Service Cuts

The daily run east and west from Sioux Lookout isn't impacted by cuts at Via Rail.

Trip frequencies are being cut on some of the big routes, including the Montreal to Halifax route ``The Ocean'' which will be cut from six to three round trips per week.

In the West, ``The Canadian'' , a Toronto to Vancouver route, will be reduced from three to two round trips per week in the off-season.

There will also be a number reductions in southwestern Ontario.

Via Rail says it expects to cut 200 unionized jobs, or about 9-percent of its positions, as the government-owned passenger rail service deals with federal budget cuts.

Fire Hazard Starting to Rise Across the Northwest

The Ministry of Natural Resources is saying the forest fire rating could move to "Extreme" by the weekend.

Currently the rating is "High" across the entire northwest region.

Official says Fire Rangers from the Sioux Lookout Headquarters are investigating the possibility of two new fires in that region, but not been confirmed by personnel.

The MNR is urging the public to use caution with all outdoor fires.

One Person Hospitalized following Accident on Highway 71

The OPP are continuing to investigate a single vehicle accident on Highway 71 south of Kenora.

The crash took place yesterday afternoon around 2:00 near Bunny Lake.

Police say the lone occupant of the vehicle had to be taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The highway was closed for about two hours as a result of the collision.

Catholic School Board Hires a new Superintendant

A familiar name is moving over to the Kenora Catholic District School Board.

Judi Green has been hired to take over as Superintendant of Administrative Services.

She's replacing Erica Baily, who is taking a similar position with a school board in British Columbia.

Green is taking the job on a one year contract.

She had been the general manager of the Northwest Student Services Consortium.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Health Unit Encourages Meningitus Vaccinations

Declining vaccination rates are leaving health unit staff concerned of a possible outbreak.

The meningitus vaccine, which is provided in grade 7, protects against the disease which can be fatal.

Manager of Infectous Diseases at the Northwestern Health Unit Donna Stanley says the number of youth being immunized for meningitus has dropped in recent years.

Families with children who haven't gotten the vaccination are asked to make an appointment with their local health unit.

Campbell Defends Budget Vote

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is refuting comments that passing of the provincial budget solidified the closing of the area's tourist information centres.

Last week, Conservative M.P.P. Vic Fedeli said there was no effort by the NDP in committee to overturn the closure decision.

Campbell says there wasn't that opportunity.

Campbell claims she was also denied a chance to comment on the budget and the tourism centres because of the antics of Conservatives in the legislature

Dog Owner Speaks Out

The owner of four dogs poisoned last week in Wainwright Township near Dryden is seeking the public's help.

The rottwillers wee fed meatballs which contained strychnine, and two of them died as a result.

Garry Morand is asking that the person or persons responcible come forward.

Anyone with information, please contact OPP or crime stoppers.

Red Lake gets 2.7 Million Dollars from FedNor

Promising developments in the Red Lake Area.

Minister of FedNor Tony Clement and Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced earlier this week that the federal government will be contributing 2.7 million dollars towards a natural gas pipeline project.

The FedNor funding will help bring natural gas services to over 180 local bussinesses within the next 5 years.

The development is estimated to create 120 jobs.

Wray receives provincial honor

A special honour for two area residents.

Seven year-old Red Lake resident Brody Macumber and Al Wray received Fire Safety Awards yesterday at a ceremony in Toronto.

The two were recognized by the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Macumber is credited with helping save the life of his family when a kitchen fire broke out in their home last November.

Wray was thanked for implementing fire safety initiatives in public schools in the Keewatin-Patricia School District.

Ride For Hope Passes Through NWO

All you need is hope.

This is the main message for a group of people from Sandy Lake First Nations.

Ida Fiddler and Megan Anicinabie are two women who are riding to Ottawa to raise awareness about drug abuse and to raise funds for an after-care center.

Fiddler, who is riding for her sister, says they've made a lot of sacrifices but it is all worth it.

Fiddler encourages people to follow them on facebook at Ride For Hope 211, for updates on their journey.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

NAN Presents Invoice to Province

The provionce of Ontario is getting a bill today from Nishnawbe-Aski Nation.

The invoice is for 127-million dollars.

Grand Chief Stan Beardy is in Toronto today to present the invoice saying it's for benfits derived from resource development for the past 100 years in the far north.

OPP Recover Stolen Vehicle

A routine traffic stop has netted the OPP a stolen vehicle.

Officers says they stopped a 2008 Toyota Tundra on Veteran's Drive around 1:00 this morning in the area of Lakewood School.

After speaking with the occupants it was discovered the pick-up had been taken from a home in the 3rd Avenue South area.

Police say the culprits broke into the home and located the keys to the vehicle.

18 year old Randel Beacham from Rat Portage has been charged with break and enter, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime.

He's scheduled to appear in Kenora Court in August to face the charges.

Energy Minister Meets with NOMA

Municipal and First Nations leaders have the latest update from the provincial government on the energy situation in the Northwest.

Energy Minister Chris Bentley had a chance to sit down yesterday to talk about the opportunities available and what he would like to see happen in this region.

In the Meantime, Bentley says the Atikokan Generating Station is still online to convert to biomass.

Reward Offered to Find dog poisoner

A local paralegal is working with CrimeStoppers to find the culprits of a sick case of animal cruelty.

Four dogs in the Wainwright Township near Dryden were poisioned, and two of them died as a result.

Ritchie Noel of Sunset Country Law Firm has personally offered 300 dollars along side Crime Stopper's reward for any tips that will lead to the arrest of those involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP police or Crime stoppers.

Public School Board Gets Funding For Kindergarten programs

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is getting some capital funding from the province for its full-day kindergarten programs.

The Ministry of Education has promised 1.1 million dollars to add classroom space at Valleyview and King George.

The public school board says it will be building an addition to Valleyview, which should be ready by the 2013/2014 school year.

Director of Education, Jack McMaster says the extra space will help with their planning as they get ready to launch a French Immersion program at Valleyview as well.

The money will also help refurbish classroom space at King George.

Catholic School Board Passes Workwell Audit

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has seen a big improvement in its most recent Workwell Audit.

The audit is conducted by the WSIB and evaluates health and safety practices of local businesses.

Director of Education Phylis Eikre says improved from 22.5 percent up to 86.6 percent in the most recent audit conducted last month.

Most other local agencies also saw a big improvement the second time around in the Workwell Audit.

The City of Kenora went from 35 percent to 85 percent, while the hospital topped out at 97.9 percent.

Eviction Notices Sent Out in Ring of Fire

Evacuation preperations for the Ring of Fire are in full-swing.

Six Northern Ontario first nations are in the final stages of issuing a 30 day notice to all mining companies in the area.

This is in preperation for a new mining developement in the Ring, which is exceedingly rich in chromite.

However the first nations are concerned that by the way the project is going so far, it could damage the land, river systems and change their way of life forever.

OPP Investigate Weekend Break-Ins

The local OPP continue to investigate a rash of mischief complaints in the Kenora area.

Over the weekend, police responded to a number of incidents, including a break-in at Beaver Brae Secondary School.

On Saturday, the OPP responded to an alarm at the school, and found the culprit still inside by the time they arrived at the scene.

A 22 year old man has been charged with Break and Enter, Mischief and Possession of property obtained by crime.

In another incident a 14 year old youth was arrested while going through vehicles in the 7th Avenue South area.

He has been charged with mischief and breach of probation.

Sharks Excel at Grand Forks Swim Meet

A dominating performance by the Kenora Sharks Swim Club at a swim meet in North Dakota over the weekend.

The Sharks collected a number of first, second and third place finishes at the pool in Grand Forks.

Bryce Jones had a strong meet placing first in all eight of his races.

Emilia Mastromateo was competing in the 8 and under girls division and brought home four gold medals, while Rhianna Price also collected four firsts in the 9/10 girls division.

Winnie Boucha also collected five golds in the girls 11/12 division.

The Sharks Girls relay team also collected three gold medals.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Busy Weekend for OPP In Kenora

Another busy weekend for OPP officers in Kenora.

A number break and enters, and thefts were reported over the weekend.

Two vehicles were stolen.

Police say a 2004 Chevy Silverado was stolen from a home on Valley Drive on Saturday.

In another incident, a 1995 Honda ATV was stolen from a residence on Canfield Road.

Its believed the quad was stolen late last week.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.



Habitat For Humanity Training Session Tonight

Habitat for Humanity in Kenora is gearing up for actual construction work its first ever build.

A training session will be held tonight at Firefly, or the former Cameron Bay Children's Center.

The training session will include basic safety instruction for anyone who wants to swing a hammer on the project.

The session will begin at 7:00 this evening and last about an hour and a half.

Government seeking Operator for ELA

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it's their preference to transfer the Experimental Lakes Area to a third party.

Rickford isn't commenting on a report that the area is up for sale for only 1-dollar.

Rickford says they want to see the important work at the facility to continue.

He says he's been in discussions with some local groups and he believes those talks are morphing into what will be a new begining.

Native Literacy Program Launched this week

Nisnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief will welcome more than 80 students this morning as they begin training to become Literacy Camp Counsellors.

The training will take place starting at Lakehead University.

This is the 7th year for the Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps program, which works to improve literacy skills among youth in NAN First Nations.

This year, the program will be providing 38 camps in 29 northern Aboriginal communities.

Health Unit Warns about Deer Ticks

With the warm summer weather upon us, it's time to be on the lookout for a certain nuisence.

Wood ticks are common in the area, but deer ticks are becoming an increasing menace, and can cause Lyme Disease

Northwestern Unit health public health inspector Kurtis Casey says Lyme Disease can initially present itself with flu-like symptoms, and be accompanies by sore muscles and joints. 
If you find yourself bit by a deer tick, the Health Unit encourages you to take it out and drop it off at the one of its local offices in the region for testing. 

Northwest LHIN's Offers More Supports for Seniors

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is introducing a new behavioral project for seniors.

A total of 1.2 million dollars has been approved for the project.

Spokesperson Susan Pilatzke says it fills a need in the region and will be spearheaded by the
St. Joseph Care Group in Thunder Bay. 

The new project will also mean new staff will be hired to develop the plan.

Mischief Complaints on the Rise

The number of mischief incidents in Kenora is on the rise.

This past week, there have been at least six incidents reported to the OPP.

In one incident, a 5th Avenue South resident complained that some one had dumped oil on his truck.

During their investigation, police discovered that a nearby garage had also been covered in oil.

Fire Hazard starts to Rise in the region

The recent wet weather helped keep forest fire activity to a minimum this weekend.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 7 active fires in the Northwest Region.

One in the far North of the Nipigon District and six in the Sioux Lookout District.

There are no problems being reported with these fires. They are all classed as Being Observed.

The weather forecast is calling for another sunny day today and the fire hazard is rising.

It is "Moderate" to "High" in the West and "Moderate" across the remainder of the region.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Kirby Earns Provincial Recognition

Helping those in need has landed a Kenora District lawyer a major award.

Peter Kirby is the recipient of the Legal Aid Ontario Sidney B. Linden Award.

The honour is in recognition of his tireless advocacy for those in need.

Officials say Kirby dedicates his time to ensure access to justice for those who don't have a voice.

They add he has helped the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Kirby has practiced family and criminal law in the Kenora District for 34-years and was a driving force behind the development of the Kenora Community Legal Clinic.

Vandals hit the Kenora Golf Club

The OPP continue to investigate a rash of mischief complaints in Kenora.

The most recent incident took place at the Kenora Golf and Country Club.

Police were called out yesterday after a golf cart was stolen.

The OPP say the cart was used to rip up some of the greens and damage a number of pieces of equipment.

A total damage estimate still hasn't been determined.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Sioux Narrows Opens Sports Fishing Center

There was a big surge in visitor numbers in Sioux Narrows yesterday.

A couple of hundred people turned out for the grand opening of the Northern Ontario Sports Fishing Center.

Jeff Port was one of the people who sat on a committe that helped program the new visitor center and says sports fishing really has become the community's brand.


The Sports Fishing Center cost 2.2 million dollars to build, with 900 thousand dollars in infrastructure funding from both the federal and provincial governments.

Hello Summer Fundraiser Returns

Its a busy week for the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

After handing out 107 thousand dollars in grants on Wednesday, the Foundation will try to make some of that money back tomorrow night.

Executive Director Darlene MacGillivray says they will be holding their 5th Hello Summer fundraiser.

McGillvary says tickets are still available for tomorrow night's dinner and dance.