Treasury Metals Project Feedback

Lots of public feedback at yesterday's meetings regarding the Goliath Gold Project near Wabigoon.

One of the biggest concerns was the number of jobs the mine would create when it expects to open in early 2015.

Vice President Norm Bush says they are expecting to see a big jump.

Bush says right now they are in the development stage of the mine, but they are already looking into finding qualified people for a number of positions that will open up.

Local Labour Market Consultation in Vermillion Bay

The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board is looking to strengthen the local economy.


At last weeks Local Labour Market Consultation in Vermillion Bay, a number of service providers and organizations took part in discussion to identify and respond to key issues and trends.

Executive Director Sonja Wainio says the message will then be passed along to area communities.

Wainio says evolving education requirements is one of the important issues because a number jobs need certain levels of education.

More People in Canada Rely on Foodbanks

A report released yesterday says the number of Canadians turning to food banks is now 31 per cent higher than it was before the 2008 recession.

The federal New Democrats say the Harper government has a moral responsibility to make sure all Canadians have enough to eat.

But the Conservatives insist they are helping those in need by instituting new tax credits, increasing benefits for seniors and cutting the G-S-T.

Halloween Tips for Children with Diabetes

A different kind of trick or treat.

Richard Boon of the Northwestern Ontario chapter of the Canadian Diabetes Association says having diabetes should not prevent a child from having fun on Halloween.

Boon suggests parents emphasize the fun parts of halloween such as decorating and costumes, instead of focusing on candy.

Northern Iron Corp Railway Partnership

Northern Iron Corp is looking to access a railway in Northwestern Ontario that was lifted years ago.

To do so, they have asked Domtar in Dryden to be their partner, which would give them a railroad "right of way".

Domtar spokesperson Bonny Skene says not much can be done at the moment.

Skene isn't sure what their plans are, but is assuming that they want to re-introduce rail service to an area north of Dryden.

Pickle Lake Power Line Project

A new transmission line to Pickle Lake is in the provincial assessment phase.


The two phase project was presented at an open house in Dryden yesterday.

The project would see First Nations communities that currently use diesel generation to have access to the required power.

Adele Faubert(Fauber) of Goldcop Mussellwhite says without the diesel, many northern communties can't provide the basics.

Phase one is getting the 230km V-line up to Pickle Lake, and phase two is going north of the community to communties who use diesel generation.

Northwest MP Demands Better Treatment for Veterans

With Remembrance Day just weeks away, comes a disappointing report from Canada's Auditor General.

The report shows that war veterans in the country still don't get the information they need to get back into civilian life or the benefits they're entitled.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty calls it deplorable and says it should be a concern here because the only Veteran Affairs office in northwestern Ontario has been closed down due to budget cuts.

Rafferty suggests the Harper government needs to start treating our nation's veteran's with more respect.

Handi-Transit to Hold the Line on Spending

Kenora's Handi-Transit System says its new bus is helping it save money.

Handi-Transit says it will not have to seek an increase from the city in 2013.

Jackie McAllister is a spokesperson for the transit service and says as long as there are no changes in legislation, they should be able to hold the line on their spending.

They are requesting just over 81 thousand dollars again in 2013.

McCallister says the only fly in the ointment would be changes to Ontario's Accessibility Legislation, but they don't know if that will affect their service at this point.

Animal Rights Group Opposes Urban Deer Hunt

An animal rights group is urging the City of Kenora to find non-lethal ways of dealing with the growing urban deer population.

The bow hunt for deer within city limits began a couple of weeks ago.

But Barry McKay from Born Free USA says there are ways of scaring deer off, without killing them.

McKay also suggests homeowners grow plants that deer don't like to feed on, or install deer proof fences.

Impaired Driving Charges on the Rise

The message about not drinking and driving doesn't seem to have sunk in yet.

The Kenora Detachment of the OPP say they charged two more people with impaired driving offenses this past weekend.

That's seven in the past week, and 77 so far this year.

The local police say they had only 82 drunk driving charges all of 2011, and are on pace to shatter that number with two months left in 2012.

Library Review Overdue

The Kenora Public Library is still working on a final report to City Council about an operational review conducted over the past 12 months.

The review was requested by council due to on-going deficits at the Library.

Erin Roussin is the head Librarian and says they are still putting the report together.

A group called Libraries in Transition met with local user groups and library staff last year to look at ways of improving services and potentially cutting costs.

Motorists Upset with Gas Price Disparity

Some local residents are upset about the wide variation in gas prices across the region.

The price in Kenora remains at 135.9 a litre, which is 24 cents more than other areas in the Northwest.

According to gasbuddy.com Dryden is at 132.9, Vermillion Bay is at 126.9, Prawda is set at 119.9, and some places in Thunder Bay are under a dollar 15.

NorWOSSA Season Winding Down

The NorWOSSA regular season is quickly coming to an end.

Both Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae court sport teams will play their final games of the regular season this week.

This morning, the Ignace Falcons are in town to take on the Saints at T.A.

Thomas Aquinas wraps up the regular on Thursday with Whitefish Bay coming to town for volleyball action.

The Broncos wrap up their regular season schedule on Thursday on the road against Fort Frances.

Broncos to face Neelin in WHSFL Semis

It will be a battle between two of the two running attacks in the Winnipeg High School Football League.

Beaver Brae has been matched-up against the Neelin Spartans in the semi-finals of the Currie Division.

The Broncos will take on the Spartans Wednesday night at the East Side Stadium.

The Broncos Dylan Pykerman is the second leading rusher in the division, while the Spartans had the top running back in the league.

The last time these two teams matched up, Neelin held on for a 10-4 win over the Broncos on a snow-covered Pete Fair Memorial Field. 

The winner of the game will advance to the final on November 8th at Canad-Inns Stadium.

More Events for White Cap Pavillion in 2013

The Kenora Harborfront is expected to be a very busy place once again next year.

The Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission says bookings are already up.

Don Denver is chair of the commission and says they already have 30 events pre-booked for 2013.

Denver adds that revenue generate through the rental of the WhiteCap Pavillion have exceeded their expectations.

Body of Missing Man Found on Rainy Lake

Police have located the body of a missing boater from the Stanjikoming First Nation near Fort Frances.

Rainy River Provincial Police and Treaty Three Police were notified on Thursday that 43-year-old John Cochrane failed to return home after a boating trip.

Police say that Cochrane's body was found in an area on Rainy Lake and that foul play is not suspected.

A post-mortem is scheduled for today.

NOMA Hoping to Grill Liberal Leadership Candidates

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is looking at the positives surrounding the  resignation of Premier Dalton McGuinty.

Ron Nelson says this now provides a window of opportunity.

Nelson says they will grill the candidates on everything impacting the north including mining, tourism and the forestry sector.

One More Forest Fire for MNR

Its seems unlikely given all the recent snow and precipitation, but forest fires continue to pop up in northwestern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has confirmed one new fire in the Sioux Lookout District.

It was reported last week in the Cat Lake area, and is being monitored.

There are still four active fires in the Northwest region, including two perscribed burns in the Kenora and Sioux Lookout Districts.

Cliffs Holds works on EA on Ring of Fire Project

Cliffs Natural Resources is working on it's environmental assessment for it's Ring of Fire project.

Spokesperson Jason Aagenes says they are in the early stages of the EA process.

The mining company hopes to submit their completed assessment to the Provincial and Federal Government in 2013.

Dryden Finalizes Sales of Mobility network

The sale Dryden Mobility has finally been closed with Tbaytel.

Dryden city manager Joe van Koeverden says they will start work on moving customer accounts today.

He adds letters are being mailed out to residents.

Some people will be mailed new sim cards that they can put in their phones, but some people will have to go to a Tbaytel counter to have their phone switched over.

Van Koeverden says it will take a couple months to get everyone switched over and the process should be complete by mid-December.

Traffic Moving Near Wawa on Trans-Canada

Traffic is flowing again on the Trans-Canada Highway through Wawa.

Provincial police say two lanes have been reopened after flooding caused by heavy rain washed out chunks of the highway last week.

Wawa Mayor Linda Nowicki says the remaining lanes should be open by Wednesday.

Junior Saints Win Pumpkin Smash in Dryden

A good weekend for the Thomas Aquinas Junior Boys volleyball team. 

The Saints were in Dryden for the Annual Pumpkin Smash Tournament and came away with the gold medal. 

T.A. finished the round-robin in first place in its pool, and won their quarter-final and semi-final games Saturday. 

In the gold medal game the Saints defeated Atikokan in two straight sets. 

Midget Thistles Win one of three weekend games

The Kenora Triple "A" Midget Thistles continue to play .500 hockey.

Over the Weekend, the Thistles earned one victory on home ice, while losing

twice. Yesterday, the Thistles dropped a 2-1 decision to the Winnipeg Wild.

Their lone win of the weekend came Saturday night in a 3-2 shootout victory over

the Pembina Valley Hawks. On Friday night for Pink the Rink, the Kenora Midgets were doubled up 6-3 by the Hawks. The Thistles now sport a record of five wins, five losses and an overtime loss.

It'a A Dogs Life Wall Ball Tournament

Wall ball is no longer a games to play in elementary.

Lakewood school is the site for a Wall Ball tournament in support of It's A Dog's Life.

Chris Jones is on of the organizers and says the idea came from a joke during a meeting.

The tournament is on November 3rd.

Visit adogslife.cc for more information and to sign up a team.

Mather-Walls Haunted House

A huanted house will be open tonight and tomorrow.

Beaver Brae drama teacher Heather Newman says almost all the work is being done by students.

Newman adds the proceeds from the open house go towards the upkeep of the Mather-Walls house.

You can visit the haunted house friday and saturday evening between 6 and 9.

Drive Away Hunger Campaign

BDO is celebrating the success of their Drive Away Hunger campaign.

Committee chair Colleen Sinclair says they surpassed this years local donation goal raising a total of 15,928 pounds.

Sinclair adds BDO also surpassed their goal nationally raising 462,000 pounds.

Lakewood Adult Education Center Still Alive

The Lakewood School Project is still alive and well.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is working with a number of education partners to buy the elementary school and transform it into an adult education center.

Don Denver is with the Commission and says right now they are kind of in a holding pattern.

Denver says they hope to make an announcement sometime in December about the future of the school.

Library Cuts Job to Save Money

The Kenora Public Library is planning to cut staff in order to address its budget woes.

Head Librarian Erin Roussin told council yesterday they are planning to cut one full-time job in order to trim their spending.

Roussin says they are planning to increase hours for part-time employees, so there shouldn't be any reduction in service at the Library next year.

Council Holds First Budget Meeting

Five local groups are seeking more than 1.4 million dollars in funding from the City of Kenora next year.

City council held its first budget meeting yesterday and received funding requests from the Museum, Library, Economic Development Commission, Triple Play and Handi-Transit.

Debbie Moore from Triple Play says their fundraising efforts are starting to pay dividends.

Lori Nelson from the Lake of the Woods Museum says they are actually seeking a small decrease from the city this year.

The Kenora Public Library also is requesting less money, saying it plans to cut one position, which will reduce their budget demand by about 30 thousand dollars.

Treaty Three Re-Affirms Relationship with Province

The province and Grand Council Treaty 3 are promising to continue working together in providing the quality of life for area First Nations.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynn and Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci were at Couchiching First Nations to reaffirm those commitments.

Bartolluci says it's an opportunity to understand, respect and trust each other.

An agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources was also signed.

Elementary Teachers Seek Conciliation

Teachers working in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board are asking for the help of a conciliator in their contract talks.

Local members of the Elementary Teachers Federation met earlier this week with the board.

Local representative Anne Saltel says Bill-115 is making it very difficult to come to any sort of an agreement.

Saltel says the legislation which forces teachers to accept a wage freeze and benefit cuts is leaving them no choice but to seek conciliation.

Kick-Start Energy Plan for NWO Released

A Northwest Kick Start Plan is proposing cleaner and cheaper energy for Northern Ontario.

At the Ontario Waterpower Conference, a proposal was made to provide a grid connection to a number of First Nations Communities who use diesel generation and all the way to the Ring of Fire.

President and CEO of Imperium Engery Larry Doran says the move would also allow them to develop hydroelectric generators.

Doran says the power lines would provide the communities with more oppertunities, such as broadband for the internet in areas that don't have it.

Campbell Launches Campaign to Get MPP's Back to Work

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell wants the Liberal Government to bring MPPs back to work.

Campbell has launched an Ontario wide petition asking for the Ontario legislature to resume work.

She says there's valuable legislation that isn't being addressed while the legislature is on break.

The legislature is adjourned while the Liberals look for a new leader.

Rainy River Resources Ready for E.A.

Rainy River Resources is not worried about the need to go ahead with a federal environmental assessment for its proposing gold mines south of Kenora.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency made the ruling last week.

Company vice-president Kyle Stanfield says he wasn't surprised by the decision.

Stanfield expects the process to take at least a year and won't impact on their timetable to have a mine open by 2016.

Broncos Win Quarter-Final in WHSFL

A big upset in the Winnipeg High School Football League.

The Beaver Brae Broncos went into the East Side Stadium and left with a 9-6 victory over the heavily favoured Elmwood Giants.

Weather played a big factor in the game, which the Broncos led 1-0 at the half.

In the second half, Dylan Pykerman scored on a 45 yard touchdown run, to move Beaver Brae ahead for good, as they held on for the victory in a brisk westerly wind.

The Broncos will now face the winner of today's game between Steinbach and Fort Frances in next week's semi-finals.

Broncos Split against Dryden

The NorWOSSA Double "a" Court season is starting to wind down.

In their second final games of the year, Beaver Brae split against their rivals from Dryden yesterday.

Both Bronco boys volleyball teams lost their games.

The Beaver Brae seniors were dropped in three straight sets by the Eagles, while Dryden upended

the Bronco junior boys three sets to one. 

Meanwhile the Beaver Brae girls basketball teams both won.

The Bronco senior girls got by the Eagles 46-36, while the junior squad earned a 44-26 win over Dryden.

The regular season wraps up next Thursday with Beaver Brae heading to Fort Frances.

OPP Responds to Ombudsmans Report

The OPP says its starting to take action on an 18-month investigation by the provincial Ombudsman.

It includes how the Provincial Police deal with psychologial issues, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Acting Superintendent Dave Quigley says there are a number of services available for officers and civillian staff.

Quigley says they have a working group who is going to assess the findings, and see what will work at the end of the day.

City Begins 2013 Budget Process Today

Kenora city council's getting an early jump on the 2013 municipal
budget.

Council will be meeting with groups in the city which rely on municipal funding today.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says a report by the the Municipal Property and Assessment Corpopation this week was a real eye opener.

He says the fact property values are up six percent is an interesting conundrum for council.

Canfield says they'll have to factor in the increase property values when they
begin drafting their 2013 budget. 

NOMA Speaks Out Against Provincial Park Closures

The local tourism industry has taken another hit.

The Province is cancelling overnight camping in nine Provincial Parks across Northern Ontario, including one in the Northwest.

Ron Nelson is President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says the government is hollowing of services in our communities.

Nelson says the area is already reeling from the closure of three Travel Information Centres and possible reductions at Ministry of Natural Resources offices.

Stats Can Releases more 2011 Census Results

Kenora is increasingly an English speaking community.

Results from the 2011 Census shows that 91.8 percent of local residents listed English as their mother tongue, that's up from 91.2 percent just four years ago. 

Only 2.3 percent listed French.

Ojibway has moved up into third place at 1.6 percent.

It has surpassed German, which was spoken by just one percent of
the local population. 

Local Task Force Earns OPP Accolade Award

For the second year in a row, Kenora OPP officers have won accolade
awards.

The OPP Awards Ceremony was held yesterday in Orillia, and the Kenora Substance Abuse and Mental Health Task Force was singled out.

It was given an award for community partnerships.

The committee consists of both OPP officers as well as representitives
from local agencies.

The Aboriginal Issue Unit was also a recipient of another award and team member Detective Contable

Marc Depres was one of the people recognized. 

Thistles Win on the Road

The Kenora Thistles are above the .500 mark once again.

A third period goal by Brandon Pentek was the game winner, as the Thistles edged the Eastman Selects 4-3 last night in Beausejour.

The Kenora Midgets now sport a record of four wins, three losses and an overtime loss.

Their next game is at home Friday night against the Pembina Valley Hawks.

Broncos Face Elmwood in WHSFL Play-Offs

Its do or die time for Beaver Brae's football team.

The play-offs begin today in the Winnipeg High School Football League today.

The Broncos travel to Winnipeg to take on the Elmwood Giants in a quarter-final match-up.

The Giants finished third in the Currie Division with a 6-1 record, while the
Broncos were in a three-way tie for 6th at 3-4.

Game time is 5:00 at the Eastside Stadium.

Saints take three of four from Sioux Lookout

Another near sweep for Thomas Aquinas court sport teams.

The Saints took three of four games played against Sioux Lookout yesterday.

The T.A. senior boys volleyball team kept their perfect record intact in NorWOSSA
league play with a three game sweep of the Warriors.

The Saints junior boys won three sets to one.

In girls basketball action, the T.A. Junior girls cruised to a 30-7 win over
Sioux Lookout, while the senior squad lost the only game of the day 35-30
to the Warriors.

Today, the Thomas Aquinas boys volleyball teams head to Whitefish Bay for the

third games in three days. 

Property Values Jump in Kenora

A big jump in property values in the Kenora area.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation has just completed its most recent assessment and it shows an increase of 6.39 percent in the past year.

That's one of the biggest jumps in the region. 

Only Red Lake had a higher jump at almost eight percent.

Property values are also up in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls by meagre 1.16 percent.

Waterfront values continue to soar, with Kenora lake front property up 31 percent in the past

four years, while it increased by 14 percent in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls during that same time frame.

On the other end of the scale, property values are down in Ignace by almost 5 percent and
there was a two percent drop in Dryden and a four percent drop in Machin.   

TSB Still Investigating Pickle Lake Crash

Still more questions than answers surrounding the fatal plane crash in Pickle Lake last week.

Members of the Transportation Safety Board have worked tirelessly to remove the wreakage from a densly wooded area.

Spokesperson Peter Hildenbrand explains where they are in the investigation stage.

He said a full draft report on the crash probably won't be available for four to five months.
Three men from Quebec died in the crash.

Nishinabe Aski Police Seeking New Recruits

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is launching a new recruitment campaign to try and get more people into a NAPS uniform.

Sergeant Jackie George says the campaign is entitled the "Faces Behind the Flash".

The "Faces Behind The Flash" campaign is aimed at people 19 years of age or older.

Mayor Likes Committee Changes

Kenora City Council plans to be more accountable to local citizens.

Last night council did away with the committee structure, and instead adopted a new portfolio concept.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the changes should give local residents better access to information being reviewed by council.

All 6 portfolios have a councillor as the lead.

OPP Investigate More Break-Ins in Sioux Narrows

A new rash of break-ins in the Sioux Narrows area are under investigation.

The OPP say they are looking into a number of break and enter and thefts in the Lobstick Bay area of the community.

Police say at this time they are trying to determine exactly how many cottages have been entered, and what items have been stolen.

A recent community survey showed that break-ins were the biggest concern of residents living in Sioux Narrows.

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

Mixed Results for Saints and Broncos

Home court was no advantage for Beaver Brae.

The Broncos were swept by the Fort Frances Muskies in boy volleyball and girls basketball action.

The Beaver Brae junior girls basketball team was edged 34-32, while the Bronco senior and junior boys volleyball squads both lost three sets to one to the Muskies.

Over at Thomas Aquinas, the Saints took three of four games played against Atikokan.

The T.A. senior boys still have not dropped a set in NorWOSSA league play sweeping the Voyageurs three set to none.

The Saints Junior boys lost a five set marathon against Atikokan 3 sets to two.

In girls basketball, the Saints senior squad upended the Voyaguers 40-18, while the T.A. junior girls romped to a 45-30 victory.

Today, the Sioux Lookout Warriors are in town.