The provincial government says half-a-million amendments to the HST legislation is costly for both taxpayers and the environment.
A Liberal release criticizes the Torys for presenting the amendments, saying it cost taxpayers 250-thousand dollar to duplicate them for committee members and killed 620 trees.
Liberal Member Yasir Naqvi says the opposition should have been more responsible.
Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton says its a further indication how the Liberal's really feel toward the forest industry.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Trillium Cash
19-Community groups across Northwestern Ontario are sharing 932-thousand dollars in Ontario Trillium Foundation funding.
The only program in Kenora to approved for funding is the Kenora Pre-School Group, which will get 85 hundred dollars to install new flooring in their facility.
The Royal Canadian Legion in Ear Falls is receiving 91-grand to insulate and repair the roof of the facility, while the Legion in Atikokan is accepting 30-thousand dollars to install a new roof.
The Sioux Lookout Golf and Curling Club will see 74-thousand dollars to purchase a mower, ice-plant condenser and new computer system for the club.
The only program in Kenora to approved for funding is the Kenora Pre-School Group, which will get 85 hundred dollars to install new flooring in their facility.
The Royal Canadian Legion in Ear Falls is receiving 91-grand to insulate and repair the roof of the facility, while the Legion in Atikokan is accepting 30-thousand dollars to install a new roof.
The Sioux Lookout Golf and Curling Club will see 74-thousand dollars to purchase a mower, ice-plant condenser and new computer system for the club.
All Day Kindergarten KPDSB
The Keewatin Patricia District School Board has submitted six possible "all day kindergarten" site to the Ministry of Education.
The public board will be housing 2 full day early learning programs starting in the fall, and Director of Education Larry Hope says they hope to hear back from the Ministry in January.
Hope adds the schools that are being considered by the Ministry are Pinewood in Dryden,
Evergreen in Kenora, Ignace, Lillian Berg in Vermillion Bay, Keewatin and Ear Falls.
The public board will be housing 2 full day early learning programs starting in the fall, and Director of Education Larry Hope says they hope to hear back from the Ministry in January.
Hope adds the schools that are being considered by the Ministry are Pinewood in Dryden,
Evergreen in Kenora, Ignace, Lillian Berg in Vermillion Bay, Keewatin and Ear Falls.
Kenora Budget
A couple of groups funded by the City of Kenora are seeking an increase in their 2010 budget.
Council held another budget meeting last night and heard from four groups.
Bert Alcock is with the Kenora Handi-Transit Board and has requested a seven thousand dollar increase in their operating budget.
The Kenora Public Library is also seeking about a 50 thousand dollar increase in itsbudget from the city.
Both the Museum and the Community Foundation asked for the same budgets as lastyear.
Council held another budget meeting last night and heard from four groups.
Bert Alcock is with the Kenora Handi-Transit Board and has requested a seven thousand dollar increase in their operating budget.
The Kenora Public Library is also seeking about a 50 thousand dollar increase in itsbudget from the city.
Both the Museum and the Community Foundation asked for the same budgets as lastyear.
Moose Hunting
A Winnipeg resident has been fined 25 hundred dollars for illegally hunting moose in northwestern Ontario.
The Ministry of Natural Resources say they spotted Barry Arnason travellingon a lake about 180 kilometers north of Red Lake during aerial surveillance last October.
He had a moose call, a moose lure, a high powered rifle and ammunition.
Conservation officers discovered that while the hunter had a valid licence to hunt moose in Manitoba, he didn't have one to hunt on the Ontario portion of Sparrowhawk Lake.
His firearm has been seized and he has been banned from hunting in Ontario for two years.
The Ministry of Natural Resources say they spotted Barry Arnason travellingon a lake about 180 kilometers north of Red Lake during aerial surveillance last October.
He had a moose call, a moose lure, a high powered rifle and ammunition.
Conservation officers discovered that while the hunter had a valid licence to hunt moose in Manitoba, he didn't have one to hunt on the Ontario portion of Sparrowhawk Lake.
His firearm has been seized and he has been banned from hunting in Ontario for two years.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Local Hockey
A good night for both Beaver Brae Hockey teams.
The boys beat Dryden 6 to 3.
Meanwhile, The Bronco Girls beat St. Thomas Aquinas 7 to 2.
Coach Dave Craven says his team started the game a little nervous but soon recovered.
The battle of Kenora was the first time T.A. and Beaver Brae's girls teams met each other in regular season play.
T.A. and Beaver will play eachother again in January.
The boys beat Dryden 6 to 3.
Meanwhile, The Bronco Girls beat St. Thomas Aquinas 7 to 2.
Coach Dave Craven says his team started the game a little nervous but soon recovered.
The battle of Kenora was the first time T.A. and Beaver Brae's girls teams met each other in regular season play.
T.A. and Beaver will play eachother again in January.
Dryden New Elementary School
The Keewatin Patricia District School Board has awarded the contract for the new Dryden Elementary School.
Finnway General Contractor will build the school for just over 13 million dollars, with the entire project coming in at over 16 million.
Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says the harmonized sales tax will have an impact on the total cost of the project.
Carrie adds they were able to reach a lower price for the project after changing to a spring construction which avoids the need for heating.
Finnway General Contractor will build the school for just over 13 million dollars, with the entire project coming in at over 16 million.
Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says the harmonized sales tax will have an impact on the total cost of the project.
Carrie adds they were able to reach a lower price for the project after changing to a spring construction which avoids the need for heating.
Director's Report KPDSB
The Keewatin Patricia District School Board is looking back at its key initiatives in 2009.
Larry Hope presented his last Director's report at last night's board meeting and reflected on the
public board's succesful initiatives.
The report shows that 33.9 percent of students self identify as First Nation, while just over 8 percent identify as Metis.
Hope says they continue to increase their instructional capacity in native language and studies.
Larry Hope presented his last Director's report at last night's board meeting and reflected on the
public board's succesful initiatives.
The report shows that 33.9 percent of students self identify as First Nation, while just over 8 percent identify as Metis.
Hope says they continue to increase their instructional capacity in native language and studies.
KPDSB Executive Election
No changes to the Keewatin Patricia District School Board's executive.
Both Dave Penny and Cecil Marcino were re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair at last night's school board meeting.
An advisory trustee from Savant Lake one of the new schools added to board's cachement area tendered his resignation.
Allan Best served as Savant Lake's trustee for 29 years and feels he's no longer is being consulted on matters relating to the education of the students in his community.
Both Dave Penny and Cecil Marcino were re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair at last night's school board meeting.
An advisory trustee from Savant Lake one of the new schools added to board's cachement area tendered his resignation.
Allan Best served as Savant Lake's trustee for 29 years and feels he's no longer is being consulted on matters relating to the education of the students in his community.
Fort Frances Car Chase
A Fort Frances Youth faces a number charges in connection to a lengthy car chase this past weekend.
The OPP in Fort Frances says they tried to pull over a vehicle after they noticed the driver wasn't wearing a seatbelt early Sunday morning.
The driver refused to stop and ran through several intersections, failingto stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
The car eventually drove into a dead end road at Pithers Point Park.
Police blocked off the exit, but the driver rammed through the cruisers and sped off.
Officers finally managed to force the car off the road into a snowbank.
The occupants of the vehicle fled on foot, but were caught a short timelater.
The driver has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, fleeing from police,
three counts of assault of a peace officer with a weapon, and two counts of mischief under five thousand dollars.
The OPP in Fort Frances says they tried to pull over a vehicle after they noticed the driver wasn't wearing a seatbelt early Sunday morning.
The driver refused to stop and ran through several intersections, failingto stop at traffic lights and stop signs.
The car eventually drove into a dead end road at Pithers Point Park.
Police blocked off the exit, but the driver rammed through the cruisers and sped off.
Officers finally managed to force the car off the road into a snowbank.
The occupants of the vehicle fled on foot, but were caught a short timelater.
The driver has been charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, fleeing from police,
three counts of assault of a peace officer with a weapon, and two counts of mischief under five thousand dollars.
Abitibi Resolutions
Kenora City Council says its willing to support a resolution calling on the federal and provincial levels of government to work with AbitibiBowater and its unions to protect employee pensions.
The union wants to set up a trust fund to protect the pensions of some 29 thousand current and retired workers.
AbitibiBowater is currently under bankruptcy protection, butthe Communication, Energy and Paperworkers union is worriedthat workers could lose up to 27 percent of their pensions ifthe
company goes broke.
The resolution suggests that pension income reductions will have a negative impact on National, provincial and municipal economies.
The union wants to set up a trust fund to protect the pensions of some 29 thousand current and retired workers.
AbitibiBowater is currently under bankruptcy protection, butthe Communication, Energy and Paperworkers union is worriedthat workers could lose up to 27 percent of their pensions ifthe
company goes broke.
The resolution suggests that pension income reductions will have a negative impact on National, provincial and municipal economies.
Fire Pumper
The City of Kenora is looking to purchase a new fire truck for the Emergency Services Department.
The fire department is looking to purchase a new pumper truck next year.
Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the lowest bid came in at 414 thousand dollars from Fort Garry Fire Trucks.
He says the cost is slightly over budget, so they plan to use 39 thousand dollars they receieved for the provincial government's fire service grant to help pay for the vehicle.
The fire department is looking to purchase a new pumper truck next year.
Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says the lowest bid came in at 414 thousand dollars from Fort Garry Fire Trucks.
He says the cost is slightly over budget, so they plan to use 39 thousand dollars they receieved for the provincial government's fire service grant to help pay for the vehicle.
Fatal House Fire Pikangikum
Tragedy in the remote Northern community of Pikangikum, north of Red Lake.
Two girls, a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old, perished in a house fire on the north edge of the community last Friday.
Band officials stated yesterday that their mother, Victoria Quill suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, when she attempted to rescue her 2-children.
Quill was airlifted to Hospital in Winnipeg.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Two girls, a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old, perished in a house fire on the north edge of the community last Friday.
Band officials stated yesterday that their mother, Victoria Quill suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, when she attempted to rescue her 2-children.
Quill was airlifted to Hospital in Winnipeg.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Utility Trailer Fire
The Kenora Fire Department was called to Keewatin this morning to put out a small fire.
The KMTS Utility trailer parked on Superior Street caught fire around 9 Tuesday morning.
Fire officials say the cause of the blaze was a cardboard box left too close to a hot exhaust pipe.
Fire crews made quick work of the fire and put it out shortly after arriving on the scene.
The KMTS Utility trailer parked on Superior Street caught fire around 9 Tuesday morning.
Fire officials say the cause of the blaze was a cardboard box left too close to a hot exhaust pipe.
Fire crews made quick work of the fire and put it out shortly after arriving on the scene.
Thin Ice Conditions
Use common sense this winter.
The OPP are reminding the public to be cautious of ice on area lakes during this time of year.
Kenora Constable Dave Cain says with the colder weather kids are eager to play on the ice.
Cain adds you need to be absolutely sure of the ice conditions before venturing out.
The Ontario Snowmobile Safety Committee states a minimum ice thickness of 10 cm is needed before you walk on the frozen body of water and 12 cm or more for snow machines.
The OPP are reminding the public to be cautious of ice on area lakes during this time of year.
Kenora Constable Dave Cain says with the colder weather kids are eager to play on the ice.
Cain adds you need to be absolutely sure of the ice conditions before venturing out.
The Ontario Snowmobile Safety Committee states a minimum ice thickness of 10 cm is needed before you walk on the frozen body of water and 12 cm or more for snow machines.
Drive Test Strike Continues
Ontario's Drive Test Instructors continue to hit the picket lines in its 15 week strike.
Kenora Rain River MPP Howard Hampton says it was a big mistake to privatize driving tests.
Hampton says the workers are looking for better working conditions.
A provincially appointed conciliator is working with the Drive Test Company and the Instructors
Union, but both sides say little progress has been made.
Kenora Rain River MPP Howard Hampton says it was a big mistake to privatize driving tests.
Hampton says the workers are looking for better working conditions.
A provincially appointed conciliator is working with the Drive Test Company and the Instructors
Union, but both sides say little progress has been made.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
KPS Severance
Kenora city council has given tentative approval of severance packages for former member of the Kenora Police Service.
A report was prepared for council outlining the total cost to the city.
Councillor Rory McMillan says the total payout is close to 1.5 million dollars.
The City estimates that it will be able to pay off the cost of the severances in one and a half years because savings from the OPP contract.
A report was prepared for council outlining the total cost to the city.
Councillor Rory McMillan says the total payout is close to 1.5 million dollars.
The City estimates that it will be able to pay off the cost of the severances in one and a half years because savings from the OPP contract.
Fire Chief Chats To Council
It could be a while before the Kenricia Hotel is opened to the public again.
The City's Fire and Emergency Services Department is seeking a Section 15order to close the historic building.
Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says they conducted an inspection of the vacant hotel on Friday afternoon after pipes feeding the sprinkler system burst and flooded out one of the businesses located in the building.
Brinkman says the heat had been turned off inside the hotel, and water managed to seep into a number of electrical panels.
He says a number of fire code violations were identified during their inspection, and now he's seeking an order to close the building because itis a fire hazard.
The City's Fire and Emergency Services Department is seeking a Section 15order to close the historic building.
Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says they conducted an inspection of the vacant hotel on Friday afternoon after pipes feeding the sprinkler system burst and flooded out one of the businesses located in the building.
Brinkman says the heat had been turned off inside the hotel, and water managed to seep into a number of electrical panels.
He says a number of fire code violations were identified during their inspection, and now he's seeking an order to close the building because itis a fire hazard.
November Weather Review
It was warmer and dryer than normal last month.
Environment Canada released its monthly weather statistics for the Kenora and data shows the average temperature coming in at plus 1.4 degrees.
Climatologist Sandy Radecki says we saw less snow and rain as well.
Radecki notes the normal temperature for November is in the minus range, and Kenora saw pleasant above zero temperatures.
Environment Canada released its monthly weather statistics for the Kenora and data shows the average temperature coming in at plus 1.4 degrees.
Climatologist Sandy Radecki says we saw less snow and rain as well.
Radecki notes the normal temperature for November is in the minus range, and Kenora saw pleasant above zero temperatures.
Drug Bust
Drug traffickers continue to feel the pinch from Nishnawbe-Aski Police.This time, officers seized 19-thousand dollars worth of percocet and Oxycontin prescription pills.
The drugs were seized at the Thunder Bay Airport and were destined for the remote community of Webequie First Nation.
Police say 30-year-old Florence Spence and 24-year-old Darcy Shewaybick both face trafficking charges.
The drugs were seized at the Thunder Bay Airport and were destined for the remote community of Webequie First Nation.
Police say 30-year-old Florence Spence and 24-year-old Darcy Shewaybick both face trafficking charges.
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