Kenora Vacancy Rate Increases

The vacancy rate in Kenora has gone up.
The rate has increased to 5.5 percent in the annual report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Warren Philip is a market analyst and says the numbers suggest people are moving out of rental units.

Philip adds that this years increase of half a percent will benefit people looking for rent in the city.

Kenora Transit Looks to Purchase New Buses

Kenora's Transit system could be boasting a couple of new buses next year.

The city is in the market for one bus for the conventional transit system, and another for Handi-Transit.

The city's fleet manager, Mike Mostow says the good news is federal gas tax funding should cover most of the cost of purchasing the new vehicles.

Mostow says it will take almost a year to take delivery of the new buses if council approves the purchase at next week's open meeting of council.

Quebec Man Faces Charges in West Highway Accident

A 34 year old Quebec man faces charges in connection to a multiple-vehicle accident on Highway 17 west of Kenora.

The accident took place yesterday morning near Inglis Lake closed the Trans-Canada Highway down for more than three hours.

The OPP say a westbound semi swerved into the eastbound lane to avoid a collision with another westbound transport.

Police say the tractor trailor unit ended up colliding with a couple of passenger vehicles in the eastbound lane and before crashing into traffic in the westbound lane.

A total of three people had to be transported to Lake of the Woods District hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The driver of the westbound transport has been charged with careless driving.

Development Commission Supports Sale of Lakewood

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is pleased to see the proposal for an adult education center at Lakewood School is moving forward.

Earlier this week, the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board approved the sale of the school property to Seven Generations.

Geordie McEwen has been involved in the project from the beginning and says having more post-secondary opportunities in the city is a big bonus.

McEwen adds the commission is also looking to assist the ownership group to create a new student housing complex on the Lakewood property.

Winnipeg Reconsiders Resale of Shoal Lake Water

The International Joint Commission is putting the kibosh on a plan by the City of Winnipeg to sell water it takes from Shoal Lake.

Winnipeg had planned to sell the water to a couple of nearby communities.

But the IJC the plan is inconsistant with its century old agreement.

Chief of Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Erwin Redsky says they warned the City over a year ago that they did not have the right to use their land or the water for profit.

He says they will oppose any further application by the City of Winnipeg to the IJC.

Council Debates the Merits of New Logo

Some debate about whether the City of Kenora should embrace a new logo unveiled by the Brand Leadership Team.

A report to council this week suggests all old city logos should be phased out in favour of the new boating logo.

Mike Mostow is the city's fleet manager and says its not going to be cheap to change all the city-owned vehicles over to the new logo.

Council has agreed to a very slow, phase-in of the new logo, implementing it only when current supplies and vehicles need replacing.

This is the city's third logo in the past 12 years.

Winnipeg Woman Arrested on Trafficking Charges

A Winnipeg woman is in custody after police seized 10 thousand dollars worth of morphine pills.

Last Thursday, members of the Dryden Provincial Police, Sioux Lookout Provincial Police and Dryden Police Drug Action team arrested 22-year-old Destiny Bluecoat of Winnipeg for posession for the purpose of trafficking.

Police says she remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.

Report Concerned About Aboriginal Health Care

A report released by the Health Council of Canada says many Aboriginal people aren't seeking mainstream health care.

The report highlights some of the reasons why, and key points that are working towards positive change.

C.E.O. John Abbott says racisim and stereotypes play a major part in why people aren't seeking the medical attention they need.

Abott says it will take the healthcare leadership such as ministers and CEO's to make sure the message is consistent.

New Graduates for the Nishinabe Aski Police

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service is welcoming five new officers.

Chief Claude Chum will be presenting badges at a ceremony on Friday.

The graduating officers are Trent Abernot, Graham Cotter, Aaron Dodge, Evan Polini and Peter Schoenfeld.

Tree of Life Celebrates 25 Years

The Hospital's Tree of Lights hits a major milestone this year.

The fundraiser for the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation turns 25 this year.

Jess Rheault is the managing director of the Foundation and says this year they are selling special 25 dollar light bulbs for the tree.

Last year, the Tree of Life raised more than 50 thousand dollars for the Hospital Foundation.