Its going to cost a bit more than expected to install and ultra-violet treatment system at the city's sewage treatment plant.
Council has been asked for an additional 100 thousand dollars for the project.
Councillor Dave McCann says new regulations require the city to eliminate the discharge of chlorine into the Winnipeg River from the treatment plant.
He says the plant was never designed to house a U.V. treatment plant, so they need the extra money to cover the cost of additions and changes to the scope of the project.
The city is spending about 1.4 million dollars on the upgrades.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Long Term Parking
Kenora City Council is having second thoughts about allowing parking along the south side of Lakeview Drive along the Greenbelt.
Initially council agreed that the additional 30 parking spaces could be used for people who use the south parking lot on the Harborfront for long term parking.
A number of spaces will disappear next summer, because the city plans toset up the big tent in the parking lot again.
But mayor Len Compton says allowing people to park on Lakeview Drive will create too much congestion.
The Operations department has been asked to come up with another plan for parking next summer.
Initially council agreed that the additional 30 parking spaces could be used for people who use the south parking lot on the Harborfront for long term parking.
A number of spaces will disappear next summer, because the city plans toset up the big tent in the parking lot again.
But mayor Len Compton says allowing people to park on Lakeview Drive will create too much congestion.
The Operations department has been asked to come up with another plan for parking next summer.
Family Day Rec. Centre
Kenora City council has given tentative approval for the Rec. Center toopen on Family day next year.
Initially council wanted to wait until the 2010 budget was finalized beforeagreeing to open the facility on the statutory holiday.
But councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says due to staffing and bookingreasons, they wanted to get a committment from the city sooner ratherthan later.
He adds the Rec. Center will be open for eight hours on February 15th, from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
Initially council wanted to wait until the 2010 budget was finalized beforeagreeing to open the facility on the statutory holiday.
But councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says due to staffing and bookingreasons, they wanted to get a committment from the city sooner ratherthan later.
He adds the Rec. Center will be open for eight hours on February 15th, from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.
Council Committee Changes
Kenora's newest city councillor has taken on some new duties.
Jim Parson's will represent council on the Board of the Northwestern Health Unit.
Parson replaces Charito Drinkwalter, who resigned this past week.
She says that the demands of her job made it very difficult to get toall the Health Unit meetings, because they require a lot of travel.
Jim Parson's will represent council on the Board of the Northwestern Health Unit.
Parson replaces Charito Drinkwalter, who resigned this past week.
She says that the demands of her job made it very difficult to get toall the Health Unit meetings, because they require a lot of travel.
Council Rec Facilities
A long awaited report on Kenora's recreational facilities will be unveiled next week.
The city hired a consultant to review local recreation facilities and programs and recommend ways of reducing operating costs and increasing revenues.
Recreation Services co-ordinator for the city Colleen Neil saysthe report is still in its draft stages and the public can comment onit during a final public meeting on Thursday.
The consultants will also be making a presentation on the draft report on Monday.
The city hired a consultant to review local recreation facilities and programs and recommend ways of reducing operating costs and increasing revenues.
Recreation Services co-ordinator for the city Colleen Neil saysthe report is still in its draft stages and the public can comment onit during a final public meeting on Thursday.
The consultants will also be making a presentation on the draft report on Monday.
Hampton on Second Career
Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton says a change in the eligibility criteria to access the provincial retraining program Second Career will prohibit many from participating.
Hampton says the changes announced in November would drastically limit the 130 individuals now participating in the program through Northern Community Development Services.
Universities and Colleges Minister John Milloy says the changes announced in November will actually lead to an additional 8-thousand people across the province being now eligible for Second Career.
Hampton says the changes announced in November would drastically limit the 130 individuals now participating in the program through Northern Community Development Services.
Universities and Colleges Minister John Milloy says the changes announced in November will actually lead to an additional 8-thousand people across the province being now eligible for Second Career.
Library Budget
The Kenora Public Library says its still plays a crucial role in the community despite the emergence of new technologies.
Erin Roussin is the head librarian and says they have seen an increase in demand for their services during this economic downturn.
The Library Board has requested an additional 50 thousand dollars from city council in 2010 to cover their costs.
Last year, the city provided just over a half a million dollars to the library for its annual grant.
Erin Roussin is the head librarian and says they have seen an increase in demand for their services during this economic downturn.
The Library Board has requested an additional 50 thousand dollars from city council in 2010 to cover their costs.
Last year, the city provided just over a half a million dollars to the library for its annual grant.
New School Dryden
It took longer then expected, but the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is almost ready to move ahead with construction of a new Elementary School in Dryden.
Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says they expect to get final Provincial approval shortly after finding 830-thousand dollars in savings.
The Public Board has awarded the contract to Thunder Bay Based Finnway General Contractors.
Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says they expect to get final Provincial approval shortly after finding 830-thousand dollars in savings.
The Public Board has awarded the contract to Thunder Bay Based Finnway General Contractors.
Green Schools Project
The Keewatin Patricia District School Board is on the receiving end of Provincial Funding.
The McGuinty Government has awarded funding to the public board under its Green Schools Pilot Initiative.
Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says they're lucky to be involved in the project.
A solar system will be installed at King George school in Kenora, and a Solar Wall PV Thermal system will be put in place at Ear Falls school.
The KPDSB is working with the lead boards on the project to ensure the installations are operational no later than next September.
The McGuinty Government has awarded funding to the public board under its Green Schools Pilot Initiative.
Superintendent of Business Dean Carrie says they're lucky to be involved in the project.
A solar system will be installed at King George school in Kenora, and a Solar Wall PV Thermal system will be put in place at Ear Falls school.
The KPDSB is working with the lead boards on the project to ensure the installations are operational no later than next September.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Paper used in HST legislation amendments
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.
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.
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.
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