Welfare Rates Declining in the Kenora District

The number of people relying on welfare in the Kenora District is dropping.

The Kenora District Services board says its seen a decrease in it's Ontario Works caseload over the past couple of years.

As of the end of June, there were 576 cases compared to 660 at the same time two years earlier.

The Services board says so far in 2012, they have seen 104 Ontario Works recipients leave to pursue employment opportunties.

Campaign to Save the ELA Continues

The fight to save the Experimental Lakes are isn't over yet.

Diane Orihel is leading the crusade to save the outdoor laboratory east of Kenora.

She asked Kenora City Council this week to work with her to ensure the ELA remains open.

The ELA is scheduled to close at the end of March 2013, but Orihel says its too important a facility to get rid of.

NOTO Suggests Visitor Numbers are Up

The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association is reporting a slightly better tourist season this summer.

Executive Director Doug Reynolds says camp owners are seeing better turnout than in previous years.

He suggests the warm weather has also resulted in more last minute trips this summer.

Reynolds says it seems American anglers are less nervous about their economy and are coming back to vacation in Northwestern Ontario.

Rainy River Wants to Buy Tourism Center

The town of Rainy River is expressing interest in taking ownership of one of Ontario's now-shuttered tourism centres.

The centre in Rainy River was among those closed in May as part of costing-saving measures.

Mayor Deb Ewald says they've since inquired about buying it for a dollar.

Ewald says the Province is now considering their offer.

Changes Planned for Downtown Parking

The City of Kenora is once again tinkering with is Parking Policy to try and free up more space in downtown Kenora.

Council has agreed to reduce the number of long-term parking spots available in the South Parking lot on the Harborfront, and designate them for short term parking.

Starting next spring, the city will be eliminating half of the long term parking spaces and will be converting them to hourly spots.

The city is also planning to increase rates for parking in the South Parking lot as of October 1st.

New Policy Guide For White Cap Pavillion

It took a while, but the city has finally come out with a user's guide for the White Cap Pavillion.

The guide outlines exactly how many people the tent can hold safely for certain events, depending if there is seating and/or alcohol being served.

The city wants the Chief Building Official and the Fire chief to review event plans at least 30 days in advance.

Council also has officially approved the name White Cap Pavillion and a grand opening ceremony is currently being planned.

Bike Ride for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Two firefighters are going a step farther to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Atikokan firefighter Graham Warburton and Dryden's Reagan Breeze will bike from Kenora to Thunder Bay on September 10th.

Warburton says the public can help them raise money.

All funds collected will be handed over at a regional firefighters conference on September 13th.

Treaty #3 Upset with Dryden Hospital

The Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty 3 says he's disappointed with the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Chief Warren White says a Dryden doctor received a slap on the wrist after he was found breaching code of conduct by making racist comments to an Anishinaabe family during an emergency visit.

White says the impacts of hatred can't be minimized and stresses progress can't take place when events like this occur.

White is calling on the hospital to send a message that it adheres to zero tolerance of racism.

He says the response to the incident by delivering cultural sensitivity training isn't enough and the doctor must be disciplined.

Yesno Elected NAN Grand Chief

One of the original founders of the Nishinabe Aski Nation is now its head man.

Harvey Yesno was elected yesterday as grand chief during elections held on the Kaseshewan First Nation.

Yesno needed three ballots to edge out deputy grand chief Terry Waboose 22-21.

Yesno had been the top candidate on all three ballots.