Kenora's Population is aging

Senior citizens now represent 17.2 per cent of the population of Kenora, a ratio higher than the national average, according to the latest census figures.

Newly released census information on age and sex makes it clear that Canadian society is getting older.

The census showed that just over 26 hundred people in Kenora were aged 65 or older.

Kenora's senior population of 17.2 per cent compares to a national average of 14.8 and a provincial average of 14.6 per cent.

Treaty Three National Assembly Starts Today

Members of Treaty Three are making their way to the Big Island First Nation today for their National Assembly.

The three day gathering will feature the traditional selection of the grand chief.

Diane Kelly, who is the first female grand chief of Treaty Three is expected to stand for election once again, and there may be at least one challenger.

The selection of the grand chief will take place tomorrow, while the National Assembly will wrap up on Thursday.

Northern Chiefs Bail on Student Housing Project

The Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says he will continue to work with northern chiefs and other First Nation organizations to ensure equal access to education for all students.

Jack McMaster is reacting to an announcement Friday by the chiefs that they have withdrawn from a project to renovate Pinewood School in Dryden and create a First Nations learning and housing facility.

McMaster says the Board will also go back to the drawing board in an effort to utilize the vacant Pinewood School.

City Seeking More Funding from the Province

The City of Kenora has its hand out for more money from the province.

Council has endorsed a resolution calling on the government to increase its payments in lieu from the government of Ontario.

Kenora gets just over 29 thousand dollars from the province for payment in lieu of taxes on the hospital, college and correctional institutions.

Councillor Rory McMillan says the last time that was increased was 1987.

He says based on inflation, the province should actually be paying more than 56 thousand dollars.

CP workers being Legislated Back to Work

Local CP rail workers are less than enthused about back-to-work legislation introduced by the federal government.

Lisa Raitt introduced the bill yesterday in the House of Commons.

Mike Wallace is a local union representitive and says their concerned that issues surrounding fatigue management and their pensions won't be addressed.

The government says it plans to limit debate on the back-to work legislation and will fast track the bill through the House of Commons.

Freight trains could be moving again by Thursday.

Police Forced to kill a wild dog

Wild dogs continue to pose a problem in the community.

Sunday evening, the OPP were contacted about a pack of wild dogs that brought down a fawn near Miikana Way.

Officers were able to locate the pack and managed to shoot and killone of the dogs.

The others managed to escape into the nearby bush.

Police say any dogs posing a risk to public safety may be killed if required.

Broncos Hand Out Sports Awards

Beaver Brae's top male and female athletes were honored last night at the Broncos annual Awards Banquet.

More than 60 awards were handed out by each of the sports teams at the high school.

The Male Athlete of the Year honors went to Andrew Marks, while Manon Magnon was selected as the top Female Athlete.

Shark Youngsters Excel in Thunder Bay

Some of the younger members of the Kenora Sharks Swim Club got to strut their stuff this past weekend in Thunder Bay.

 Natalie Peterson took top spot in the 10 and under 200 meter Individual Medley, while Gabe Mastromateo won the 10 and under 800 meter freestyle.

Amy Warner also won gold in the girls 12 and under 800 meter freestyle event.

The 10 and under boys relay team came 2nd in the 200 Medley Relay, while the girls 12 and under relay team placed first.

A number of the swimmers managed to secure themselves a place in the Man/Sask championships in Regina this July.