Friday, December 20, 2013

KCDSB Speaks Against Ideas For New System

Over half a million students could be effected if the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation gets their way.

The Kenora Catholic District School Board's director of Education Phyllis Eikre says the plan to move to a 2 board system has huge implications seeing as over 600,000 students attending Catholic education every day.

The OSSTF says the change would allow them to reinvest more money into the system.

Eikre disagrees stating that funding would still be based off the total number of students.

The OSSTF suggested a system based English and another in French in their education platform earlier this month.

Cold Weather Not Going Anywhere

The winter wonderland will continue for the region.

CJRL Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says we won't see any change to the cold weather this weekend.

He notes today could see temperatures peak at minus 15 with just a hint of sun later in the day.

Laidlaw says we can expect cold temperatures to continue through Christmas.

City Approves Sewer and Water Hike

Sewer and water rates are on the rise.

City council has approved a 10 percent increase for next year.

Mayor Dave Canfield says the amount of aging infrastructure is the one big issue forcing the increase.

He says that the reserves need to be increased for when the city needs to make repairs.

Canfield noted that if consumption goes up in the next few years then they can put a stop to the hikes.

Mining Safety a Priority for Province

The provincial government is conducting a sweeping review of mining safety in the province.

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the review will include a wide range of areas including health and safety regulations and enforcement mechanisms,.

Gravelle says starting in early 2014, the province’s Chief Prevention Officer will lead an advisory group of industry, labour, and health and safety representatives to begin the sweeping review.

The review will get underway in the new year

Bronco Teams Wrap up 2013

Some redemption for Beaver Brae's Boys hockey team.

After losing the last match up with Thomas Aquinas the Broncos skated to a 5-1 victory last night against their cross town rivals.

Eastin Gauthier lead the way for the Broncos with 2 goals.

The win keeps Beaver Brae on top the NorWOSSA standings heading into the Christmas break.

However, it was not the same story for the Bronco court sports teams yesterday.

Beaver Brae was swept by Fort Frances at home to wrap up 2013.

In Basketball the senior boys lost 59-42 while the juniors dropped a 54-42 decision.

In girls volleyball both the senior and juniors lost in 3 straight sets to the Muskies.