The Town of Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls has decided to put off approval of its 2010 budget.
The municipal council had planned to pass the budget earlier this month,but put the brakes on the process after the Kenora District Services Boardfailed to approve its annual budget.
The services board had been seeking a big increase in its budget from localmunicipalities, which would have a significant impact on Sioux Narrow's finances.
Sioux Narrows mayor, Bill Thompson says there's no point passing their budgetuntil they know exactly how much more they will have to contribute to theDistrict Services Board.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Ice Road Challenges
An early spring is having an impact on the ice road system in northern Ontario.
Kenora MP Greg Rickford says winter roads are "vitally important" to all isolated First Nation communities in the Kenora riding.
He says communities rely on these roads for transportation of supplies such as goods, services, and fuel.
Rickford says a number of infrastructure projects rely on getting construction materials up north via the winter road network.
He says projects are intended to be completed by Spring 2011 and a strategy for the shortened winter road system is under consideration.
Kenora MP Greg Rickford says winter roads are "vitally important" to all isolated First Nation communities in the Kenora riding.
He says communities rely on these roads for transportation of supplies such as goods, services, and fuel.
Rickford says a number of infrastructure projects rely on getting construction materials up north via the winter road network.
He says projects are intended to be completed by Spring 2011 and a strategy for the shortened winter road system is under consideration.
March Crazy Weather
Northwestern Ontario can expect the cold weather to continue today and tomorrow.
Kenora is currently experiencing temperatures in the minus range with windchills of minus 25.
Environment Canada Spokesperson Geoff Coulson says we can expect the warmer weather to come back by the weekend.
Coulson says we can expect even nicer weather next week with highs forecasted at plus 12.
Kenora is currently experiencing temperatures in the minus range with windchills of minus 25.
Environment Canada Spokesperson Geoff Coulson says we can expect the warmer weather to come back by the weekend.
Coulson says we can expect even nicer weather next week with highs forecasted at plus 12.
Woman OPP
The OPP are hiring and new members are being recruited.
To assist in the recruiment, the OPP is hosting a symposium that will be focused on "Policing as a Career Choice for Women."
Constable Dave Cain says the symposium will be open to women 18-years-old and up who live in North Western Ontario.
Cain says there is no fee to attend, but anyone interested in attending shouldcontact the OPP as soon as possible because there is only limited space forthe symposium.
To assist in the recruiment, the OPP is hosting a symposium that will be focused on "Policing as a Career Choice for Women."
Constable Dave Cain says the symposium will be open to women 18-years-old and up who live in North Western Ontario.
Cain says there is no fee to attend, but anyone interested in attending shouldcontact the OPP as soon as possible because there is only limited space forthe symposium.
Immigration Portal
32 Northwestern Ontario communities have banded together to create a new website for immigrants interested in moving to the region.
City of Kenora Economic Development Officer Jennifer Findlay says immigrants will find a wealth of information on the site.
The site was funded by the Provincial government and can be found at www.immigrationnorthwesternontario.ca
City of Kenora Economic Development Officer Jennifer Findlay says immigrants will find a wealth of information on the site.
The site was funded by the Provincial government and can be found at www.immigrationnorthwesternontario.ca
Woodland Caribou Habitat Policy
Forestry groups are sounding the alarm over Ontario's Endangered Species Act again.
The Ontario Forest Industries Association says new regulations protecting Woodland Caribou could remove thousands of hectares of wood fibre from harvesting.
Scott Jackson is a researcher for the OFIA and says the loss of wood supply will mean direct job losses for the region.
The OFIA recently conducted an impact study on the new regulationsfor Woodland Caribou, and Jackson says about a third of the availablewood supply could be affected in northern Ontario.
The Ontario Forest Industries Association says new regulations protecting Woodland Caribou could remove thousands of hectares of wood fibre from harvesting.
Scott Jackson is a researcher for the OFIA and says the loss of wood supply will mean direct job losses for the region.
The OFIA recently conducted an impact study on the new regulationsfor Woodland Caribou, and Jackson says about a third of the availablewood supply could be affected in northern Ontario.
Mayor Election
There's been lots of speculation as to who might be running for Kenora City Council this year, but one name won't be on the ballot.
Kenora Mayor Len Compton indicated yesterday he won't be seeking re-election.
In a news release Compton says he made his decision in order to give potential candidates as much time as possible to organize their campaigns,including anyone currently on Council who may wish to run for the Mayor’s Office.
Compton has been on council for the past seven years, the last three and a half as mayor.
He says he doesn't plan to make any further comment on his decision not to run.
Kenora Mayor Len Compton indicated yesterday he won't be seeking re-election.
In a news release Compton says he made his decision in order to give potential candidates as much time as possible to organize their campaigns,including anyone currently on Council who may wish to run for the Mayor’s Office.
Compton has been on council for the past seven years, the last three and a half as mayor.
He says he doesn't plan to make any further comment on his decision not to run.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hydro Levy
The Provincial government's Green Energy Act has the Paper Workers Union nervous.
National Rep Marvin Pupeza says while the levy may have a small impact on home owners it could have a major impact on the forestry sector.
Pupeza says he'll be watching the provincial budget very closely to see if any relief for the industry is coming.
National Rep Marvin Pupeza says while the levy may have a small impact on home owners it could have a major impact on the forestry sector.
Pupeza says he'll be watching the provincial budget very closely to see if any relief for the industry is coming.
Northern Ontario Travel Grants
A man from northern Ontario says he was forced to cancel severalappointments with specialists because of a delay in a travel grant.
Christopher Pelletier of Emo says he had to cancel theappointments because he can't afford to pay for the travel on hisown.
Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton raised the issue in theOntario Legislature and says something has to be done to fix a brokensystem.
Health Minister Deb Matthews said she was unaware of the problemand will look into it.
Christopher Pelletier of Emo says he had to cancel theappointments because he can't afford to pay for the travel on hisown.
Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton raised the issue in theOntario Legislature and says something has to be done to fix a brokensystem.
Health Minister Deb Matthews said she was unaware of the problemand will look into it.
DSSAB Needs Funds
Municipal leaders in the Kenora District are saying "enough is enough".
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Anne Krassilowsky says the Province needs to know now that they can no longer foot the bill for several services including land ambulance, social housing and Ontario works.
At one point during Thursday's Services Board meeting, Krassilowsky and Ignace Councilor Dianne Loubier addressed the soaring cost of providing land ambulance service by suggesting "let's hand over the key's to the Province and walk away."
Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Anne Krassilowsky says the Province needs to know now that they can no longer foot the bill for several services including land ambulance, social housing and Ontario works.
At one point during Thursday's Services Board meeting, Krassilowsky and Ignace Councilor Dianne Loubier addressed the soaring cost of providing land ambulance service by suggesting "let's hand over the key's to the Province and walk away."
Adopt a Block
The City of Kenora wants area residents to do some spring cleaning.
"Adopt a block" is a new green initiative that encourages citizens to get involved in their community by cleaning their neighbourhood.
Operations Chair Dave McCann says people who adopt a street will receive a starter kit.
McCann adds there are already several volunteers signed up and they welcome more.
"Adopt a block" is a new green initiative that encourages citizens to get involved in their community by cleaning their neighbourhood.
Operations Chair Dave McCann says people who adopt a street will receive a starter kit.
McCann adds there are already several volunteers signed up and they welcome more.
OPP Spring Thaw
Warmer weather is making the days brighter, but the Kenora Police are warning citizens of the dangers of the spring thaw.
Police say early thaw and running water is a magnet for kids looking to get out of the house and play.
They say while running on ice and playing in puddles is entertaining, kids must be careful or avoid it all together.
Police say if you excerise caution you will enjoy a safe and happy Spring.
Police say early thaw and running water is a magnet for kids looking to get out of the house and play.
They say while running on ice and playing in puddles is entertaining, kids must be careful or avoid it all together.
Police say if you excerise caution you will enjoy a safe and happy Spring.
Ontario Budget North
N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath says it's about time the governmentcame up with some sort of plan for the north.
But Horwath adds measures promised in Thursday's budget will likely be seen as a last-ditch attempt by the Liberals to show theycare about communities they've ignored for years.
She made the comments today after Premier McGuinty promised some relief for the north in the budget.
McGuinty wouldn't go into details, but says the budget measures will go beyond anything announced in the throne speech.
But Horwath adds measures promised in Thursday's budget will likely be seen as a last-ditch attempt by the Liberals to show theycare about communities they've ignored for years.
She made the comments today after Premier McGuinty promised some relief for the north in the budget.
McGuinty wouldn't go into details, but says the budget measures will go beyond anything announced in the throne speech.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
KDSB Homeless Programs
The Chair of the Kenora District Services Board says he's very disappointed with the response he received from Ontario's Minister of Community and Social Services.
Rory McMillan wrote Madeleine Meilleur outlining funding concerns for homeless programs and emergency shelters.
McMillan says the Minister's response basically reads "thanks but no thanks".
The Board has given the Kenora Councilor permission to go back and challenge the Minister on homeless issues facing area communities.
Rory McMillan wrote Madeleine Meilleur outlining funding concerns for homeless programs and emergency shelters.
McMillan says the Minister's response basically reads "thanks but no thanks".
The Board has given the Kenora Councilor permission to go back and challenge the Minister on homeless issues facing area communities.
Student Summer Jobs
The provinces summer jobs for youth program is back.
Northern Development minister Michael Gravelle says the goal this year is to have more students hired.
Employers have until april the 30 to apply for subsidies.
Northern Development minister Michael Gravelle says the goal this year is to have more students hired.
Employers have until april the 30 to apply for subsidies.
Union Gas Rate Increase
Union Gas Customers in northwestern Ontario can expect to pay more for natural gas next month.
Vanda Wall of the Ontario Energy Board says Union Gas has been given approval to raise rates effective April 1st.
There is also a slight change in the transportation costs.
Vanda Wall of the Ontario Energy Board says Union Gas has been given approval to raise rates effective April 1st.
There is also a slight change in the transportation costs.
Forest Industry Crisis
Forest industry and unions say immediate changes to Employment Insurance rules are needed to help displaced forestry workers.
The Forest Products Sector Council says the sector has bled 100-thousand jobs since 2005 and about 40-thousand are stillunemployed.
The United Steelworkers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada suggest the federal and provincial governments have failed to address the scope of the industrycollapse.
But Kenora M-P Greg Rickford say the Harper government hasalready made E-I reforms, citing an extra five weeks of regularbenefits and investments in training as examples.
The Forest Products Sector Council says the sector has bled 100-thousand jobs since 2005 and about 40-thousand are stillunemployed.
The United Steelworkers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada suggest the federal and provincial governments have failed to address the scope of the industrycollapse.
But Kenora M-P Greg Rickford say the Harper government hasalready made E-I reforms, citing an extra five weeks of regularbenefits and investments in training as examples.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Missing Man on Lake of the Woods
An American is missing after taking his snowmobile out for a ride on Lake of the Woods.
Kenora OPP received a report of a man going through the ice near Goose Neck Narrows on Lake of the Woods on Sunday.
Police say two men were traveling 13 km north of Morson, when one of the snowmachines went through the ice.
Missing is 68 year old Fred Bisel from Eagle Bend, Minnesota.
OPP Underwater search and Rescue teams will arrive in Kenora today and hope to search the water later this week.
Kenora OPP received a report of a man going through the ice near Goose Neck Narrows on Lake of the Woods on Sunday.
Police say two men were traveling 13 km north of Morson, when one of the snowmachines went through the ice.
Missing is 68 year old Fred Bisel from Eagle Bend, Minnesota.
OPP Underwater search and Rescue teams will arrive in Kenora today and hope to search the water later this week.
NAFN Tournament
Organizers with the North American First Nations Hockey tournament say this year's event is going to be bigger and better than previous years.
Buck Matiowski says the Wauzhigunigum First Nation has put up 20 thousand dollars in guaranteed prize money for first place.
It's the 21st year of the tournament and is held the Easter Long Weekend.
Buck Matiowski says the Wauzhigunigum First Nation has put up 20 thousand dollars in guaranteed prize money for first place.
It's the 21st year of the tournament and is held the Easter Long Weekend.
Alzheimer's Society Executive Director
The Alzheimer Society for Kenora-Rainy River continues its search for a new executive director.
Margaret Schoneville stepped down after 11 years to take on a position with a Manitoba College.
Board Chair Bill Naturkach says they're currently short-listing potential candidates.
Naturkach is encouraged by the strong interest for the position.
Margaret Schoneville stepped down after 11 years to take on a position with a Manitoba College.
Board Chair Bill Naturkach says they're currently short-listing potential candidates.
Naturkach is encouraged by the strong interest for the position.
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