Fire Claims Local Business

The Kenora Fire and Emergency Services department have the fire at Kinger Fiberglass under control.

The blaze started early in the morning before 7:00.

Owner Don Kinger say reports indicate the blaze started in the furnace.

He confirms that he had been having issues with the furnace and that a scheduled repair was postponed during the holiday season.

Kinger says the biggest loss is the tools he's collected over the last 35 years.

It is the 3rd fire in the area in the last 3 days and 7th since later October.

Kinger said it was to early to discuss the idea of re-opening his shop.

Fire Chief Offers Safety Tips

Install working smoke alarms.

Kenora Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says he can't issue that warning enough.

Brinkman says it's an easy process and will help keep you safe if a fire does start in your home.

He notes that alarms must be installed on every floor of a home and recommends one outside everything bedroom.

Brinkman also recommends a chimney and furnace inspection during this cold spell hitting the region.

He issued the warning after 2 more properties were destroyed in the area just before new year's and a business was lost early this morning.

Forestry Key for Canfield

Making sure forestry is not forgotten in favor of mining.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield is continuing to fight for more mills to become operational in the region.

Canfield says the province has to seize the opportunity with BC mills suffering due to the Mountain Pine Beetle.

Local leaders recently discussed the issue with the premiere and cabinet ministers at a meeting in Timmins.

Canfield notes the prices in commodities like gold continue to drop in price and that makes forestry the strongest option in the here and now.

Study Addresses Hydro Line to Pickle Lake

A recent study finds that of six proposed transmission routes that would be used to supply energy from Ignace and Dryden to Pickle Lake only one would pose minimum risk to caribou.

The Crossing Caribou Country study found that having a route following Highway 599 would be the best option because it is an existing, permanent road.

Spokesperson Anna Baggio says the other proposals would interfere with lands that have been described as some of the best for caribou populations.

Rickford Stands Against Pension Reform

Minister of State and Kenora MP Greg Rickford says now is not the time to revamp the Canada Pension Plan.

Some province's are upset with the Finance Minister over his unwillingness right now to work with province's on a new plan.

Rickford says they have to be very sensitive to the burdens of small and medium sized businesses.

Rickford acknowledges that individual province's are looking at their own pension plan and states the government will have to see how that will play out.

Group's Discuss Future of Ring Of Fire's

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle wants to see some movement on the Ring of Fire in the New Year.

Gravelle says they've made a good start with the establishment of the development corporation but notes more needs to be done.

2013 saw Cliffs' Natural Resources pull out of their mining project in the Ring of Fire.

He notes that they will continue to work with all the other partners involved in the giant mining development.

Inn the meantime, several key initiatives could be wrapped up in 2014 according to Bob Rae the Matawa First Nations Chief Negotiator.

Rae says they're are several areas he'll focus on including infrastructure and construction.

Rae also wants to see the environmental practices in place in respect to
any mining activity in the Ring.