Friday, March 22, 2013

Idle No More and Save ELA Join Forces


It seems like the Idle No More movement and the group Save ELA have joined forces in Kenora.

Save ELA joined the Idle No More demonstrators in a round dance earlier today and a water walk yesterday.

Peter Kirby with Save ELA says they share a similar message with Idle No More.

The message from the demonstrations this week were all about saving our water as funding to the Experimental Lakes Area is set to expire at the end of the month.

Old Tourist Office Set for Demolition


The old tourist bureau on highway 17 east will be meeting the wrecking
ball later this year.

The City of Kenora has decided to tear down the building rather than trying
to repair it.

Municipal engineer Marco Vodrig says it would cost too much to fix up
the aging structure, which has been vacant since the new Discovery
Center was opened last year.

Vodrig says city crews will do the demolition work.

About 10 thousand dollars has been budgeted for the job.

No word as to what will happen to the property.

City Commits to Reducing Greenhouse Gases


The City of Kenora is promising to cut down on its greenhouse gas
emissions.

Council approved a resolution this week to join the Partners for Climate
Protection Program.

Mayor Dave Canfield says even though the program will require some extra
paperwork, it will be worth it in the long run.

Canfield says by signing onto the program, the city is eligble for Green Fund
grants from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Dryden Police Arrest Suspect in Assault

Dryden Police have arrested the man accused of assaulting a Pikangikum First Nations man at a local fast food restaurant.

22-year-old Christopher Donylyk of Geraldton made arrangements to turn himself in to Dryden Police after learning of the investigation.

The incident captured widespread attention on social media.

The incident was reported Tuesday night by a long time Dryden resident but the date of it isn't known.

Several witnesses came forward to assist in the investigation.

Donylyk will appear in Sioux Lookout court today for a bail hearing.

Police to Take Part in Tweet-A-Thon


Police in Northwestern Ontario will be participating in a global Tweet-A-Thon today.

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police are one of the many forces that will be posting on the social media website.

Sergeant Jackie George encourages everyone to tune in.

George says people who don't use Twitter can also view similar posts on the NAPS Facebook page.

Ski Season Nears an End at Mount Evergreen


Mardi Gras may be over in New Orleans but it's just getting underway at Mount Evergreen.

Blair McCallum says this weekend will be the last of the season at the ski hill
and that they have some popular events planned.

McCallum says they also have downhill races and the dummy downhill planned, along with discounted rental rates.

He adds the hill is in need of volunteers to make sure the festivities run smoothly.

City Hall Roof to Cost More than a Half Million


Its going to cost more than a half a million dollars to replace the roof at
Kenora City Hall.

City council this week agreed to a tender from Empire Restoration to
do the work.

The price tag is 565 thousand dollars.

The city has already received 200 thousand dollars from the federal government to carry out the work.

The rest will have to come from municipal reserves.

Facilities manager John Nabb says because city hall is a heritage building,
there were very few companies eligible to do the work.

Saints Still Winless at OFSAA


The competition doesn't get any easier for Thomas Aquinas
today at the All-Ontario A/AA championships.

The Saints will take on top-ranked Appleby Collegiate from
Oakville this morning in their final round robin game at OFSAA.

Game time is 10:00.

T.A. is still looking for its first win after losing both games yesterday.

The Saints finished the day with a 3-1 loss to Robert F. Hall from the
Peel Region.

Conor Keith scored the lone goal for T.A. in that game.