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.

Kenora Increase Waste Transfer Station Hours

By popular demand, the hours of operation of the Waste Transfer Station are being increased.

Kenora City Council has agreed to extend hours of operation on Sundays for the next five months.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says they've noticed a big increase in traffic in recent weeks.

Starting this weekend, Perchuck says the Waste Transfer Station will open at 8:30 and close at 5:00.

4 More Break and Enters in Kenora

The Kenora OPP are investing a rash on new break and enters in the community.

Over the past week 2 houses in the Lakeside area were broken into.

In one case the resident was not home, in the second the resident woke up and scared off the suspect just like in previous break ins.

Police also say 2 garages on First Street South were also broken into.

If anyone as information they are asked to call the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Police have released a sketch of a suspect following previous break ins last month.

Hudak Puts Job on the Line

PC leader Tim Hudak is prepared to put his job on the line.

Hudak says if he's elected Premier, and doesn't deliver on his everyone campaign promises, he'll resign.

That includes balacning the budget within 2 years.

He made that promise during a town hall gathering in Ajax.

On Tuesday, Hudak pledged to hold his cabinet ministers to a high level of accountability by signing an oath that includes a promise never to raise taxes.

Wynne Promises Quick Return to Queen's Park

Liberal leader Kathleen Wynne says the break between next Thursday's election and when elected MPP's go back to work will be short.

20 days to be exact.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday morning, Wynne stated her party has been clear about their plan during the election campaign and is ready to take action as quickly as possible.

Wynne also believes the Liberals are defining the election debate as having the only plan that will move Ontario forward in a positive way.

Summer Forecast Released

It won't be a dry summer across northwestern Ontario.

The Weather Channel says the southern portion of the region will receive below normal precipitation, while the northern portion will receive more rain.

Meterologist Doug Gilham offers a sneak peek on temperatures, noting the average high is 20-degrees and it usually peaks around 24.

Manhunt for Moncton Shooter Continues

Codiac RCMP are confirming 3 officers were shot dead by a shooter in north moncton.....2 additional officers were also injured. They're listed in stable condition.

24-year old Justin Bourque...... who went on a shooting spree in north Moncton last tonight....is still at large and is considered armed and dangerous....the RCMP have released a picture of the young man dressed in camo carrying numerous weapons.

Emergency Tactical Units from Saint John and other municipalities - rushed to Moncton to assist in the hunt. Many residents in the area of the Moncton Coliseum, Worthington, Preston, and the Elmurst area reported hiding in their homes and hearing gunshots. Around 10 after 11, the RCMp re-issued a warning for people around the Moncton Coliseum and Pinehurst Subdivision to stay inside with the doors locked.

The hospital has been locked down to all except family members of critically ill patients and additional nurses are being called in

The RCMP believes Bourque is in the woods near Pinehurst.

City Warns Residents of Deer Interaction

It's fawning season and local residents are being urged to leave baby deer alone.

Councillor Sharon Smith says there have been numerous posts on social media of people trying save abandoned fawns.

She says the mothers are likely not that far away and can be very protective.

Smith says she would like the city to put out a media release on how the public should treat our urban deer population and baby deer particularly at this time of year.

KPDSB Selling Board Office

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is actively looking for a buyer for it's board office in Norman.

The property was declared surplus last month.

Superintendant of Business Dean Carrie says they have to offer the building to other school boards and the three levels of government first.

Carrie says the building is on a couple of acres of land and suggests it could be an attractive piece of property for the right owner.

Candidates Talk Hydro

 People in the region want to see Hydro rates lowered.

That was a resounding theme during a candidates forum yesterday afternoon in Kenora.

NDP MPP Sarah Campbell says her party will take immediate actions by eliminating the HST on bills along with the Debt Retirement Charge.

Campbell also highlighted plans to merge 4 power agencies into one.

Anthony Leek with the Liberal party also spoke of cost savings measures on your bill including the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the 10 percent Ontario Clean Energy Credit.

PC candidate Randy Nickle says their plan focuses on stopping power subsidies, eliminating bureaucracies, and and partnering with Manitoba Hydro.

Green Party Will Create New Foundation

The Green party in Kenora-Rainy River is promoting its plan to form a Social Innovation Foundation.

The group would provide grants, loans  and mentorship to support young entrepreneurs.

Candidate Tim McKillop says they will divert 300-million dollars from regional development funds to the operation of the Foundation.

McKillop and his party say that local enterprise is the engine of economic growth and thriving communities.

Advanced Poll Starting to Close

Some advanced polls across the Kenora-Rainy River district will close today.

This is the last day to vote at polls in Ignace, Emo and Rainy River before the main vote June 12.

Advance voting is still being conducted at the returning office in Fort Frances and its satellite offices.

An advance poll is also now open at the Emo Legion until Friday night.

Tim Horton's Sends Kids to Camp

Tim Horton's is giving underpriveleged children a camping experience.

Btoh coffee shop's in Kenora are participating in today's Camp Day.

Tim Horton's will send all proceeds from coffee sales to the Tim Hortons Childrens Foundation for the cause.

Dryden Moves to Build Solar Farm

Dryden is moving forward on plans to possibly construct a massive solar farm.

The idea was presented by consulting firm KPMG.

Larabie says the farm would provide 600-thousands dollars in revenue and isn't costing the City a single cent.

It's not clear how the provincial election is impacting the application.

No Parking Zone Added to Mike Richards Way

Some changes are being made to accommodate truck traffic along 5th Street South during Phase Three of Downtown Revitalization.

City council agreed to remove the parking zone on the south side of Mike Richards Way this morning.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says they want to give trucks as much room as possible making turns onto the street.

The Big Spruce Second includes replacing century old sewer and water lines, building new
curbs and sidewalks, landscaping and repaving the roadway.