Candidates Speak Resources

Resource Development.

That is a key concerns for Northerners in the provincial election.

At an all-candidates forum this week NDP member Sarah Campbell warned of changes by other parties that will kill development.

Countering that point PC Candidate Randy Nickle says they guarantee new 10 new mines in 5 years.

Anthony Leek of the Liberal party was bullish on mining but also highlighted the untapped agricultural sector in Kenora Rainy River.

Street Closures Numerous in Kenora

It's construction season in Kenora.

The Big Spruce Second Project as closed a few more areas of downtown.

Second Street South is closed from the Main Street South Corner to the Chipman Street Intersection.

However all businesses remain open.

Elsewhere construction work on Valley Drive begins Monday.

The road will be closed at Hillside Crescent from the 9th to the 30th.

Residents of Keewatin can also expect a closure of the Portage Bay Bridge next week.

Crews will be performing a bridge inspection for 3 hours on Thursday morning.

Hospital Balances Budget

A strong financial report for the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Vice President of Financial Services Cindy Gasperini says the Ministry of Health no longer recognizes a deficit at the hospital.

However, Gasperini says that's not entirely correct.

The ministry doesn't account for building amortization which was just over $300,000 which creates a surple of $158,000.

However with that aspect taking into account the hospital recognizes a deficit around $188,000.

Rain Raising Water Levels

Recent rainfall is wrecking havoc on water levels in the Lake of the Woods basin.

Matt Dewolfe is the executive engineer with the Lake of the Woods Control Board and says they already have the Norman Dam operating at 87% of maximum capacity.

Dewolfe says water in the Rainy Lake will see Lake of the Woods rise by a few inches in the coming weeks.

He notes the board will reassess outflow at the time.

KLWCF Raises $75,000

A huge thanks to the community.

Darlene McGillvary is the Executive Director with Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

McGillvary says they crushed their 10 hour giving challenge goal last week.

The biggest donation was the start of a new 25 thousand dollar endowment fund by the Golden Eagles Charitable Casino for First Nations Education and Scholarships.

Correction on Waste Transfer Station Hours

A correction to yesterday's story regarding hours at the Waste Transfer Station.

City council has agreed to increase hours of operation on Sunday starting June 15th.

The trial hours will run for 5 months this year.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says since the spring weather arrived, they've noticed a significant increase in traffic on Barsky's Hill.

The Waste Transfer Station will now be open from 9:00 til 4:30 on Sundays starting the 15th.