No Water Service for Coney Island

Some disappointment for Coney Island residents.

The City of Kenora says the summer water service will not be ready for this weekend.

The Operations Department says due to a late spring, crews have found sections of water line still in a frozen state.

The water also has to be tested before it can be used by the public.

The city says the summer water line should be in service by May 24th.

OPP Vow to Be Out in Force this Long Weekend

The Ontario Provincial Police want to make sure everyone stays safe this Victoria Day Weekend.

Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest Region says this year's theme is "Take Charge Of Your Own Safety".

Garr says the public is the first line of defense against any tragedy.

She says officers will be out looking for distracted and aggressive drivers, impaired drivers and those not wearing their seat belts.

Local Provincial Parks Set to Open for Camping this Weekend

Not all provincial parks will be opening this long weekend.

Bruce Van Staalduinen  with Ontario Parks says 10 Northern parks were closed by the province last year.

However Staalduinen says there is good news for 3 of the parks in northeastern Ontario, which will be re-opened under local control.

He adds that some parks won't open this weekend as planned because there is still some snow on
the ground and ice on the Lake.

He suggests parts of Quetico Park will be out of service for opening weekend.

Rushing River and Blue Lake will be open.

Visit ontario parks.com to reserve your campground.

Council To Decide Fate of Non Profit Housing After RFP

The fate of the Kenora and Keewatin Non Profit Housing Corporations should be known later this year.

Kenora City Council has agreed to send out a request for proposals for management services of Non Profit Housing services.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the request will look at a couple of different scenarios.

Back in the fall, the city had set up a Non Profit Housing Review Committee, which was supposed to determine whether the Kenora and Keewatin Corporations should be amalgamated.

Boating Safety Urged this Weekend

Don't be caught on the water unprepared.

This long weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season in the region and BOATsmart Canada is offering up some important safety tips.

President Cameron Taylor says having the proper knowledge is the most important tip.

Taylor says that anyone caught without an operator card could face a minimum fine of 250 dollars.

Strike Averted at LCBO

The union representing about 67-hundred LCBO workers is recommending they vote in favour of a tentative contract worked out last night.
   
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario and OPSEU signed a deal about two hours before a midnight strike deadline.
   
The length and terms of the agreement won't be made public until after the employees hold a ratification vote.
   
The prospect of a strike brought many Ontarians to LCBO outlets to stock up ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.
   
The L
CBO says pre-deadline sales were brisk.

Pellatt Gearing Up for Long Weekend Bash

The Pellatt Community Center and Fire Hall will be rocking this Saturday when they host the May Long Bash.

The event is a fundraiser for the facilities.

Pat Moeller says there are multiple locations you can get tickets.

Moeller adds they will also be holding a pancake breakfast on Sunday Morning.

Saints Excel at Track and Field Meet

A strong showing from Thomas Aquinas students at the Annual Track and Field meet in Dryden.

Taylor Tom led the way with a pair of first place finishes and two seconds.

Tom won the junior girls 400 meter dash and the long jump.

Sarah Frankcom also won a pair of gold medals, finishing first in the junior girls 800 and 15 hundred meter
races.

Antwan Fair-Gilstrae finished first in the junior boys 800 meter race and second in the long jump, while
Leah Alvestad won the junior girls high jump and Eric Sundmark placed first in the senior boys shot put.

Transport Load Catches Fire on Highway 17 East

Highway 17 east of Kenora is open again after being shut down for several hours last night.

The OPP shut down the Trans-Canada just east of the Highway 71 intersection for about four
hours due to a fire on a semi tractor trailor unit.

The transport was hauling a load of hay bales, and some of the bales went up in flames
just after 9:00.

The Longbow Lake Volunteer Fire department was called out to help douse the flames.