NOTO Reporting Strong 2012

The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association is reporting a slightly better tourism season this summer.


Executive Director Doug Reynolds says camp owners are seeing better turnout than in previous years.

Reynolds says there's still challenges but notes there's also more optimism.

Reynolds says it seems American anglers are less nervous about their economy and are coming back to vacation in Northwestern Ontario.

The warm summer has also helped efforts.

Fraser Institute Releases Border Report

The cost of increased security measures at the border and its impact on Canadians is coming in at a hefty price.


A Fraser Institute study pegs it at $19-billion annually.

Co-author Alexander Moens says it's hard to say if we're getting value for that money.

Moens does note that the newly signed Beyond the Border initiative has the opportunity to reduce inefficiencies.

Bear Hunting Tips

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants the public to be safe when bear hunting, especially for beginners.


The season is now underway.

Regional Enforcement Operations Manager Kevin Elliott says hunters need to have a bear hunting licence and must follow gear restrictions.

Hunters are also reminded to wear hunting orange and follow the time restrictions.

Bear hunting season runs until October 31st.

Emma Lang Reaches National Final

All the hard work has paid off for Vermilion Bay's Emma Lang.


Lang's history project on Red Lake's Ken Leishman, otherwise known as the Flying Bandit, has been named a finalist for the Canada's History Young Citizens award.

A national panel of judges will now review the videos of 30-finalists and announce six winners.

The winners receive a trip to Ottawa to participate in the Governor General's History Awards.

Lang is only one of three to make the final cut from Ontario.

One Month Old Found Dead In Dryden

A post mortem examination is being held today in Toronto following the death of a 1-month old baby boy from Dryden.


Dryden Police were notified Monday about the death of Christian Desgagne.

City Police have brought in the OPP North West Region Crime Unit and the Criminal Investigation Branch to help investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

New Website for Sioux Lookout Museum

The Sioux Lookout Museum has taken on new look in the form of a website.

The site was launched yesterday, and features various artifacts and pictures from the permanent collection.

Community Development and Communications Manager Brian MacKinnon says while the actual museum is relocating, the website will provide the same information.

“This is a way for the community to get a glimpse of the artifacts while they wait for the museum to be identified.”

The website is www.siouxlookoutmuseum.ca.

Plans for Mining Infastructure

A promising future for Northwestern Ontario.

Representatives of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association are in Ottawa to meet with provincial leaders regarding issues and opportunities in the mining sector.

NOMA, along with other associations, is pushing the government to move forward with the initiative.

Vice President Dave Canfield says it would boost the local economy.

“Over the next 5-10 years, we could have about 10 mines in operation. They’re in the early stages now, so as long as the economy needs the metals, we can make this happen.”

NOMA is working with the province and first nations groups to make sure the issue gets addressed.

MPP Defends Teachers Bill

MPP Bill Mauro hopes some past goodwill is enough to ease any possible labour tensions with local teachers. 

Next week the McGuinty government will force a new contract on public school teachers in the province.

In defending passage of the bill, Mauro understands there could be some animosity but thinks teachers here will remember what the Liberals have done for education in the province.

West Nile Death Reported In Minnesota

There's been a death in Minnesota related to the west nile virus.

State health officials says the elderly woman was hospitalized earlier this month.


There are now 20 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne illness in our neighbouring state.


There have been no west nile positive mosquitoes trapped in Northwestern Ontario.

New Flu Strain Hits Our Neighbours

Minnesota has recorded its first confirmed case and a second probable case of a new flu strain that people can catch from pigs.

Health officials say both cases involve siblings who most likely were exposed when their family visited a live animal market in Dakota County earlier this month.

The new flu strain has been popping up across the United States but hasn't made its way to Northwestern Ontario.

Kenora MP Excited To Work With New NAN Leader

Congratulations continue to pour in for the new Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is the latest to welcome Harvey Yesno into the fold

Rickford says Yesno brings extensive knowledge and experience with respect to economics, policy and leadership skills.

Rickford is the Parliamentary Assistant for Aboriginal Affairs and he says he looks forward to strengthening the relationship with all 49 NAN communities.

LHIN Launches Online Health Survey

Your chance to say what's good or bad about health care in the Northwest and what the priorities should be, is just a mouse click away.

Laura Kokocinski is the CEO of the Northwest Local Health Integration Network and she says the health authority is launching another online survey.

Kokocinski says they want to ensure they are on the right track.

The survey questions focus on four key areas; accelerated integration of services, improved access to care, improved coordination of mental health and addictions services and chronic disease prevention and management.

All input gathered will be considered for a new 2013-2016 plan.

The survey will run for the next four weeks, and can be accessed at www.northwestlhin.on.ca

Extra Subsidy Turned Down By KDSB

The Kenora District Services Board has turned down a funding request from the Sioux Lookout Non-Profit Housing Corporation.

The Corporation asked the KDSB for an annual $45,000 subsidy.

Chair of the Board Phil Vinet says they want to ensure they balance out their funding.

The KDSB says it already covers 75% of the Corporation's budget (Roughly $995,000)

Vinet says he believes the KDSB does a good job in helping the not-for-profit organizations across the district.

He notes they aren't taking anything away.

The Corporation says they are dealing with a severe staff shortage and crumbling infrastructure.

MPP Reacts To Legislature Recall

Ontario politicians are having their summer recess interrupted.

They're being recalled to the legislature Monday when the Liberal government will introduce a bill to impose a two-year contract on 93,000 Ontario teachers that would cut wages and benefits.

If the bill is passed, the government would also have the power to ban a strike or lockout for the next two school years.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says teachers don't deserve this.

Campbell says the teachers have been bargaining in good faith and have earned the right to continue.

She is accusing Premier McGuinty of manufacturing a crisis.

Campbell adds legislating an agreement could end up costing taxpayers nearly $780-million rather than saving them money.

She also believes it's more about gaining seats in the legislature as the move comes just days before two key by-elections.

Fire Hazard Creeping Up

Looks like the forest fire hazard won't be low for long.


Two new fires were reported yesterday in the Fort Frances district.

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the forecast is supposed to be nice for the rest of the week, which will raise the fire hazard to high.

The high hazard areas include Dryden and Kenora

Police Lay Charges in Weekend Stabbing

A 28 year old man faces a long string of charges following a stabbing incident over the weekend.

John Victor Munroe has been charged with break and enter with the intent to commit an offence as well as assault causing bodily harm.

The OPP say the stabbing incident took place Saturday.

The victim was treated at Lake of the Woods District Hospital and later released.

Munroe appeared in court over the weekend on the charges.

57 Year old Man faces Drug Charges

A 57 year old Kenora man faces drug charges following a bust by the Kenora Joint Forces Drug Unit.

Police say they executed a search warrant at a home on the Homestake Road last Friday and seized about 400 grams of marijuana as well as an illegal weapon.

Gordon Pernsky has been charged with production of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking marihuana, careless use of a firearm, and possession of a prohibited firearm.

He appeared in Kenora Court over the weekend for a show/cause hearing.

Treaty Three Welcomes new NAN Chief

The new grand chief of Treaty Three is extending his congratulations to the new chief of the Nishinabe Aski Nation.

Chief Warren White says he's looking forward to working with Harvey Yesno, who was elected last week.

He says he wants to build a strong alliance with the Nishinabe Aski Nation.

He suggests that Yesno's knowlege as one of the founding members of NAN will ensure treaty rights are respected, protected and enhanced.

Thistles Banner Stolen from Pavillion

It looks as if someone was looking for more than just a photo with Mike Richards.

The OPP are investigating the theft of a number of banners from the White Cap Pavillion over the weekend.

Sometime between 4:00 Friday afternoon and 8:00 Saturday morning, a Kenora Thistles 1907 Stanley Cup Championship banner was stolen along with a Los Angeles Kings Stanley Cup Flag and a Canadian flag.

The Thistles banner is 8 feet long and 3 feet wide and is burgundy and white in colour.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the OPP or Crimestoppers.

Council Members Head to Ottawa for AMO

Infrastructure funding will be at the top of the wish list this week as members of Kenora City council are in Ottawa for the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says they have eight meetings set up over the next couple of days with provincial politicians and cabinet ministers.

Canfield says the future of government services will likely be another hot topic this week.

Councillors Louis Roussin, Ron Lunny and Rory McMillan are also in Ottawa this week for the AMO conference.

Fire Crews Heading Out West

Despite a relatively dry weekend, the Ministry of Natural Resources says it was a pretty quiet weekend on the forest fire front in northwestern Ontario.

Just two new blazes reported, including on in the Kenora District.

MNR fire crews were called out to deal with a camp fire that got out of control on Lake of the Woods.

The fire grew to 0.1 hectares in size.

Because its been so quiet here, the MNR says its able to lend out 36 fire rangers to help out with the fire situation in British Columbia.

Dryden Concussion Symposium Deemed a Success

It was a chance to sit down and talk about the serious issue of concussions.

A large crowd turned up Saturday afternoon at the Centre in Dryden to take part in a symposium on concussions.

Hockey great Ken Dryden facilititated the event and notes its a chance for coaches, doctors and players to brainstorm on ways of preventing serious head injuries.

Some agreed that a plan should be put in place on when a player should return from a concussion.

First Riders Program at King George

It's almost time for students to board the big yellow school bus.

The First Riders Program was held at King George School this past Saturday.

Transportation Officer Robyn Paquette says this program can calm the nerves some students get when going on for the first time.

The students were able to go on a bus ride with their parents, and then went on by themselves.

OPP host annual Summer Camp this week

Forty 12-year-olds from northwestern Ontario are spending the week with Ontario Provincial Police officers at a summer camp near Fort Frances.

The annual Youth Summer Camp is taking place at Sunny Cove Camp.

Constable Anne McCoy says part of it focus on a curriculum based on the program Rachel's Challenge.

Campers will also participate in some fun activities such as houseboat rides, horseback riding and their own version of the Olympics.

Mike Richards Brings Stanley Cup Home

Thousands Enjoy Time with Stanley Cup

Over three thousand people crowded under the White Cap Pavillion to cheer on Mike Richards

as he brought the Stanley Cup to Kenora.

Hundreds line up afterwards to have their picture taken with the Los Angeles Kings star.

Brian Rupert was the Master of Ceremonies and introduced Richards, his mother Irene and his

brother Matt up on the main stage.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford and acting mayor Rod McKay also welcomed Richards to the White Cap

Pavillion.

NOMA Applauds new Infrastructure Fund

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is hoping for more details this weekend about a new infrastructure program.

The province announced 60 million dollars for rural and small municipalities yesterday.

Vice-President of NOMA Dave Canfield says while its not a lot of money, he's hoping its the start of bigger things.

The funding also includes nine million dollars to help municipalities prepare asset management plans for their infrastructure.

Non-Profit Housing Boards to Merge

More than a decade after Kenora, Keewatin and Jaffray Melick amalgamated, a move is afoot to merge the Non-Profit Housing Corporations.

Kenora City Council is expected to approve the amalgamation of the two boards by October.

Councillor Louis Roussin suggests this is something that should have taken place 12 years ago.

The city estimates it will save about 20 thousand dollars by bringing the Kenora and Keewatin Non-Profit Housing Corporations together.

Household Hazardous Waste Day Sunday

This might be a good weekend to clean out the garage.

The City of Kenora is holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day at the Waste Transfer Station on Barsky's Hill.

Things like old paint, batteries, used motor oil, and propane cannisters can all be dropped off this Sunday.

In order to defray the cost of Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day, there is a 10 dollar charge for each vehicle through the gate.

You can drop off items for disposal between 9:00 and 4:00 on Sunday.

Arson Charges Laid in Sioux Narrows

A 25-year old woman remains in custody and is charged with arson.

Provincial Police laid the charge after investigating a rash of fires that caused structural damage in the Sioux Lookout area.

O.P.P. were looking into 3 fires in particular and with the help of the Northwest Crime Unit, were able to arrest and charge the woman.

She is scheduled to appear in a Sioux Lookout court today.

Fire Hazard Drops to Low across NWO

Cooler temperatures and rain throughout the rgion are keeping the forest fire situation at bay.

There were no new fires confirmed yesterday in the Northwest Region.

Widespread rain has reduced the forest fire hazard to low for the entire region and is keeping the fire situation quiet.

There are 53 active forest fires in northwestern Ontario; of those 53 fires, 51 are being monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

OPP Look At Programs to Combat Drug Crime

The Kenora OPP are looking at a couple of new programs to try and reduce the amount of crime caused by drug and alcohol abuse.

Inspector Dave Lucas says they are looking at setting up a drug court to deal with frequent offenders.

He says their goal is to get these people some help.

Lucas another program they are looking at is an alcohol maintenance program, which allows people dealing with alcoholism a way of dealing with their addiction in a more controlled way.

KPDSB Says Deal Not Possible Before Classes Begin

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says there's no way it will reach an agreement with local teachers before the start of the school year without legislation.

Director of Education Jack McMaster says its not realistic to negotiate a settlement in the next two weeks with seven separate bargaining units.

McMaster says the board is moving into negotiations in a couple of weeks under the parametres that both sides agreed to last spring.

DSAB Looking to Trim Draft Budget

Municipalities in the Kenora District Could be looking at another increase in the amount it pays for social services.

The Kenora District Services Board says its initial draft budget for 2013 shows an increase of 1.2 percent in the municipal levy.

The Board says it is committed to reducing that number.

A final budget is expected to be tabled by December.

The District Services Board pays for such things as land ambulence, social housing, and Ontario Works.

Head Injury Symposium Tomorrow

Hockey experts are gathering in Dryden tomorrow for a one day symposium on head injuries.

NHL legend Ken Dryden is the keynote speaker and he says it's a great opportunity for everyone to sit down and share ideas on how to prevent concussions.

Other speakers include doctors, coaches and local players who have suffered concussions.

The event is free and starts at 1 at the Training Center in Dryden

109th NWIRA Regatta Starts Today on Rabbit Lake

Another weekend, another major sporting event in Kenora.

The 109th annual Northwestern International Rowing Regatta begins this morning on Rabbit Lake.

Over two hundred paddlers from northwestern Ontario, Minnesota, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are expected in town for the two day event.

While the Kenora Rowing Club is hosting, fewer than a dozen local rowers are expected to compete.

Organizers are still looking for volunteers to help out with the regatta.

Welfare Rates Declining in the Kenora District

The number of people relying on welfare in the Kenora District is dropping.

The Kenora District Services board says its seen a decrease in it's Ontario Works caseload over the past couple of years.

As of the end of June, there were 576 cases compared to 660 at the same time two years earlier.

The Services board says so far in 2012, they have seen 104 Ontario Works recipients leave to pursue employment opportunties.

Campaign to Save the ELA Continues

The fight to save the Experimental Lakes are isn't over yet.

Diane Orihel is leading the crusade to save the outdoor laboratory east of Kenora.

She asked Kenora City Council this week to work with her to ensure the ELA remains open.

The ELA is scheduled to close at the end of March 2013, but Orihel says its too important a facility to get rid of.

NOTO Suggests Visitor Numbers are Up

The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association is reporting a slightly better tourist season this summer.

Executive Director Doug Reynolds says camp owners are seeing better turnout than in previous years.

He suggests the warm weather has also resulted in more last minute trips this summer.

Reynolds says it seems American anglers are less nervous about their economy and are coming back to vacation in Northwestern Ontario.

Rainy River Wants to Buy Tourism Center

The town of Rainy River is expressing interest in taking ownership of one of Ontario's now-shuttered tourism centres.

The centre in Rainy River was among those closed in May as part of costing-saving measures.

Mayor Deb Ewald says they've since inquired about buying it for a dollar.

Ewald says the Province is now considering their offer.

Changes Planned for Downtown Parking

The City of Kenora is once again tinkering with is Parking Policy to try and free up more space in downtown Kenora.

Council has agreed to reduce the number of long-term parking spots available in the South Parking lot on the Harborfront, and designate them for short term parking.

Starting next spring, the city will be eliminating half of the long term parking spaces and will be converting them to hourly spots.

The city is also planning to increase rates for parking in the South Parking lot as of October 1st.

New Policy Guide For White Cap Pavillion

It took a while, but the city has finally come out with a user's guide for the White Cap Pavillion.

The guide outlines exactly how many people the tent can hold safely for certain events, depending if there is seating and/or alcohol being served.

The city wants the Chief Building Official and the Fire chief to review event plans at least 30 days in advance.

Council also has officially approved the name White Cap Pavillion and a grand opening ceremony is currently being planned.

Bike Ride for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Two firefighters are going a step farther to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Atikokan firefighter Graham Warburton and Dryden's Reagan Breeze will bike from Kenora to Thunder Bay on September 10th.

Warburton says the public can help them raise money.

All funds collected will be handed over at a regional firefighters conference on September 13th.

Treaty #3 Upset with Dryden Hospital

The Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty 3 says he's disappointed with the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Chief Warren White says a Dryden doctor received a slap on the wrist after he was found breaching code of conduct by making racist comments to an Anishinaabe family during an emergency visit.

White says the impacts of hatred can't be minimized and stresses progress can't take place when events like this occur.

White is calling on the hospital to send a message that it adheres to zero tolerance of racism.

He says the response to the incident by delivering cultural sensitivity training isn't enough and the doctor must be disciplined.

Yesno Elected NAN Grand Chief

One of the original founders of the Nishinabe Aski Nation is now its head man.

Harvey Yesno was elected yesterday as grand chief during elections held on the Kaseshewan First Nation.

Yesno needed three ballots to edge out deputy grand chief Terry Waboose 22-21.

Yesno had been the top candidate on all three ballots.

Union Seeks Court Injunction against Daycare Closure

The Union representing the 17 workers at the Castle of Learning Daycare Center say it plans to get an injunction against the closure.

Council voted last night to shut down the municipally run daycare at the end of December.

Carol Bruneau is vice-president of CUPE Local 191 and says the city is violating the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

CUPE is the City's largest Union and Bruneau says the lay-off of staff at the Castle of Learning could result in a lot of bumping of employees from their jobs.

Local School Boards Ready to Provide Daycare Services

Both the Kenora Catholic and Keewatin-Patricia District School Boards say they will do what they can to accomodate parents who have kids at the Castle of Learning Day Care Center.

The City announced it will close the municipally run daycare at the end of this year.

Jack McMaster is the director of education with the public school board and admits they are dealing with fairly tight timelines.

The Castle of Learning is already located in King George School, so McMaster is hoping they can get another provider to take over the daycare with little disruption to the parents.

Fellowship Center Develops Action Plan

The Kenora Fellowship Center on Water Street is starting to develop and action plan to deal with the homeless population in the city.

Colin Wasacase spoke to Kenora City Council yesterday about some of their programs and is hoping the city will be involved in some of their solutions.

Wasacase says there are a number of different agencies in the community that can help out.

Wasacase says they feed as many as 100 people each day at the Fellowship Center and receive about 60 thousand dollars a year in donations from the local community to keep the program going.

Pink Bus Tours Kenora Today

You might have noticed a large pink bus in town over the past couple of days.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is taking its "Pink Tour" across the province.

Its aimed at educating the public on breast cancer and screening.

Vice President of Development Karen Malone says they have a target of 30,000 visitors to the bus.

The bus will be stopping in front of the CIBC on Main Street this morning and Shoppers Drug Mart this afternoon.