Aspenware Still Has Eyes On Northwestern Ontario

B.C. based Aspenware still has plans for expansion but the exact location isn't known.
There was talk that the successful wooden cutlery manufacturer would set up shop in Dryden.
President Terry Bigsby says he still has his eye on northwestern Ontario.
Bigsby tells CKDR News that they have to ensure there's a proper fibre supply in place and they have partnerships in place.
He says they can build machines and factories but notes they need all "I's dotted and T's crossed" before expanding to northwestern Ontario.
Aspenware recently signed an agreement with the Wabauskang First Nation for harvesting operations in the Whiskey Jack Forest near Kenora.

The 18th Annual Trout Forest Music Festival

The 18th Annual Trout Forest Music Festival starts tomorrow at 6 o'clock.
David Hoey says a number of great performers are lined up for the weekend festival such as Fred Eaglesmith, Washboard Hank and Romi Mayes. There will be food booths, a family stage and the always popular "Jam Pit". 
More information is available by visiting www.troutfest.com

Call Made For The Return Of The Spring Bear Hunt

The Northwestern Ontario Sportsmen's Alliance is calling for the return of the spring bear hunt.
Executive Director John Kaplanis says by bringing back the spring hunt, it would help the bears develop a greater fear of humans and not consider us as food. Kaplanis says since the spring hunt was scrapped, the region has seen a huge economic loss and cases of nuisance bear-related activity are on the rise.
NOSA believes the Ministry of Natural Resources and local politicans need to revisit the issue and look at having a black bear management season in the early months of spring.

Feds Invest In Training For Ring Of Fire Project

The Ring of Fire Training Alliance is receiving $5.9 million from the Federal Government to provide training for employment for the project. The program will be delivered by Confederation College and Noront Resources. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says they want to make sure First Nations communities have access to training and skills development so they can participate in the workforce.
The program will include nine specialized training and six pre-trade courses in Matawa First Nations communities and others in Thunder Bay.
The programs include:
- Mining Essentials
- Environmental Monitoring
- Basic Line Cutting
- Security Guard
- Remote Camp Cook
- Remote Camp Support
- Underground Common Core
- Underground Diamond Driller Helper
- Heavy Equipment Operator

As well as carpentry, pluming, welding and much more.

Company Chosen For Energy Transmission Line

Work is expected to get underway to create a transmission line to carry electricity between Northwestern and Southern Ontario.
The line will be roughly 400-kilometers long and run between Thunder Bay and Wawa.
Ontario Energy Board Spokesperson Vanda Wall says a company has been chosen to begin the initial design as well as the environmental assessment and land acquisition. 
Wall says this doesn't mean the line is being built, but that they can start the development work. 
That stage is expected to last 18-months.
Iain Angus is the Chair of the Common Voice Northwest Energy Task Force, and says the selection of a company is great news for the region.
However, fellow co-chair Larry Hebert says Ontario planners are fixated on the needs of southern Ontario and aren't taking into account the needs of the North and First Nations.

Province Invests $100 Million In NWO

The Provincial Government is spending $100 million to improve infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario.
Minister of Infrastructure Glen Murray says the new funding program is heavily based on input from municipal leaders and allows them to write the funding policy.
Murray says they are asking how they want to spend the money and what does the long term plan look like.
The money will go to larger projects like water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, and bridge repairs.

Exotic Pet Laws Under Review

Ontario Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur says she wants to talk with municipalities about having the province regulate exotic animals like the python believed responsible for killing two New Brunswick boys on Monday.

Meilleur says there should also be regulations to protect people from dangerous animals that some people keep as pets.

Police say Noah and Connor Barthe, aged four and six, were found dead Monday after a 45-kilogram African rock python escaped from its enclosure in the apartment where the boys were sleeping and apparently crushed them to death.

Conservative MPP Files for Leadership Review

Progressive Conservative M-P-P Frank Klees says party leader Tim Hudak should to allow a leadership review at a policy convention in London next month.

Klees says Hudak shouldn't be trying to suppress the will of Tories after the party lost four of five by-elections last week and have filed motions to seek a leadership review.

However, deputy P-C Leader Christine Elliott says disgruntled Tories should ``calm down'' and forget about looking for a review of Tim Hudak's leadership.

KBI Festivities Well Underway

The Kenora Bass International is now underway.

The first flight of teams were giving the green light at 6:30 this morning.

Included in the flight are last years championship team of Aaron Wiebe and Peter Tully.

Over 125 teams are going after the 25 thousand dollar first prize, while Team Canada is looks to retain the Frank Townsend Memorial Trophy over Team USA.

895 The Lake will have live updates of the weigh ins starting at 4:00 on the Harbourfront.

Meanwhile, the KBI  Kids tournament starts today at 10:00 on the Harbourfront docks.

The bar under the Whitecap Pavilion opens at 3:00 with dinner at 5:30 hosted by Gropps Country Catering.

Day 1 wraps up with a movie under the Whitecap Pavilion at 7:00.

Hydro One to Build New Transformer in Barwick

Hydro One is set to spend 25-million dollars on the construction of a new transformer station for the Rainy River district.

The station, to be located in Barwick, will replace an existing and aging one in Fort Frances.

Spokesperson Tiziana Baccega Rosa says they have all of the approvals in place to start the work.

She says the station will improve the electricity capacity for the area between Fort Frances and Rainy River.

MNR Offers Bear Safety Tips

The Ministry of Natural Resources has some tips to protect yourself against a bear attack following an attack at Sandbar Provincial Park North of Ignace.

Spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski says its important to keep an eye on your pets, and to properly store food away at any campsite.

Kowalski also said its a good idea to carry a whistle, bear spray, and even an axe.

She adds the bear that attacked that man was euthanized and sent for tests.

Canadian Blood Services Looking for 50,000 Donations

More blood is needed across Northwestern Ontario.

And the Canadian Blood Services says the situation is the same across the country.

Fortunately, Local Rep Mike Choi says as of right now there are no hospital patients going without blood.

Choi says more than 50-thousand-donations are needed by Labour Day.

The next clinic in Kenora is September 9th and 10.

Treaty 3 Hosts Planning For The Future Forum

Grand Council Treaty 3 is planning for the future.

They are hosting a youth career exploration forum in Kenora on August 14th and 15th at the Best Western Lakeside Inn

Youth who enroll in the forum will learn about career and education planning, job readiness, and financial responsibility.

Registration ends today.

Contact Annie Boyd at reception@treaty3.ca or at (807) 542-4214

City Council Expands Bow Hunt

Tighten those strings and sharpen your arrows.

Kenora city council is making changes to the city bow hunt.

The season will now begin on September 1st with hunting allowed on private land larger than 5 acres.

Mayor Dave Canfield says that's just the start as the city is continuing to work with the MNR regarding the hunt.

Canfield says controlling the deer population is a balancing act.

KBI Introduces teams Canada and USA

Team Canada and team USA has been introduced for the Kenora Bass International.

The teams were introduced during the KBI breakfast this morning.

Team Canada consists of Aaron Wiebe & Peter Tully, Jim Gustafson & Ben Gustafson, Jess Swenson & Michael Reid, Jeff Dingwall & Blair Dingwall, and Oliver Gibbons and Jason Gibbons.


Team USA is made of Kraig Dafick & Janice Dafick, Jim Flack & Andy Flack, John Liestman & Todd Tougas, Ernie Hearn & Forest Green, and Bill McGhie and Ken McGhie.

The 2 teams compete every year for the Frank Townsend Can-Am Challenge Trophy.

Team USA leads the overall tally 13-12.

National Aborigal Committee Welcomes Brad Maggrah

Added responsibility for Wabigoon's Brad Maggrah.

Maggrah has been appointed
to the National Aboriginal Committee on Species at Risk.

The Committee was created with the mandate to provide the Minister of Environment with advice on the handling of the Species at Risk Act.

His term will last 3-years.

Maggrah is the current President of the Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal People.

Con College Adds New Mining Course

Good news for folks in the region who are interested in a career in the mining sector.

Confederation College is expanding its mining program thanks to a new partnership with the Haileybury School Of Mines in Timmins.

President Jim Madder says the end result will be a ready work force for future mining employment.

The College will deliver the mines program through its Thunder Bay campus.

Sarah Campbell Applauds Youth Job Creation

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is applauding the provincial government for its new youth jobs program.

The province will provide up to 78-hundred dollars for each eligible youth, starting in September.

Campbell says it was one of the NDP's demands in the spring budget.

The grant also includes up to one-thousand-dollars to hep youth pay for costs like tools and transportation to work.

Quiet Long Weekend for area OPP

A pretty quiet weekend for Provincial Police in Northwestern Ontario.

Sergeant Shelley Garr says they laid 286 speeding charges, nineteen seat belt charges, six charges for impaired driving and three for distracted driving.

According to OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis, the 2013 Civic Long Weekend saw the lowest number of fatalities in almost 20-years.

Treaty 3 Police Chief Resigns

The Treaty 3 Police saga has taken another turn.

Board Chair Chief Eli Mandamin says Conrad DeLaronde has resigned as the chief of police.

DeLaronde has recently fallen under intense pressure due to the financial troubles facing the force the lead to a 45 day lay off notice for all officers.

Mandamin says the board will meet next week to discuss how to proceed, but he doesn't expect the change to affect union negotiations.

City Council Discusses Parking Concerns

City council is opening up parking on Lakeview drive.

Council is working to change parking regulations near Husky the Musky during special events like the farmers market.

Mayor Dave Canfield says ticketing people is not the right thing to do.

Canfield says the city is talking to the OPP to change the by-law.

He does say the area will be open to park tomorrow during the farmers market.

Boat Parade Kicks Off KBI

KBI festivities kick off tonight.

The boat parade will head through the streets of downtown.

The parade starts at the rec centre and heads down first avenue south to Matheson street where the boats will the head over to Main Street.

The parade gets underway at 6:00.

NWHU Releases Health Report Card

The Northwestern Health Unit has released its annual health report card.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Arthurs says a main focus is chronic disease prevention.

Arthurs says the report card also includes information about programs and services in the region.

Arthurs says they also need to identify better with vulnerable populations that need this information.

head to www.nwhu.on.ca to view the full report.

MPP Sarah Campbell Going Door to Door

If you have concerns, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell wants to hear them!

Campbell says she has been going door-to-door across the riding, getting input from people on what they want to see changed.

Campbell says she welcomes phone calls, emails, and letters from anyone who wants to offer their two-cents.

MP Greg Rickford Donates to Dryden Library

A generous donation by Kenora MP Greg Rickford to the Dryden Library.

The Minister of State has handed over 24-books from some well-known Canadian Authors.

Rickford says it's important to help support small libraries.

Rickford is expected to make a similar donation to the Ignace Library.

Mine on Hold in Atikokan

Lower than expected gold prices is having an impact on a planned mine for the Atikokan area.

Osisko Mining has been working on its Hammond Reef project since taking it over from Brett Resources in 2010

President Sean Roosen says its still a valuable asset, but better prices are needed.

Roosen says the company still plans to complete a permitting process which is underway.

OPP Cracks Down on Life Jackets

OPP are seeing a dangerous trend on area waters this summer.

Police say their marine patrols are seeing an increase in boaters not only not wearing life jackets, but not even having them on board.

Constable Anne McCoy says its something they'll be watching throughout the summer.

McCoy says anyone not having a life jacket face an immediate fine of 240-dollars.

Quetico Park Turns 100

A major milestone for a popular northwestern Ontario destination.

It was 100-years ago that Quetico Park was designated a provincial park, one of the first in the Ontario Provincial Parks Act.

Several events took place this past weekend including a barbecue, guided hikes, and native drumming.

Biz Kids Camp Come to Kenora

Young entrepreneurs are getting a chance to showcase their skills once again this summer.

The Biz Kids camp is being held once again in Kenora this month.

Diane Schwartz-Williams is the Manager of the Northwest Business Centre and she provides some details about the program.

The Kenora camp will take place August 12th to 16th.

Quetico Celebrates Milestone

A major milestone for a popular northwestern Ontario destination.

It was 100 years ago that Quetico Park was designated a provincial park, one of the first in the Ontario Provincial Parks Act.

Several events are planned including a barbeque, guided hikes and native drumming.

Speaking of great destinations, Eagle Lake First Nation is holding its annual Pow-Pow.

Festivities continue throughout the weekend.

Lengthy Waits Expected At Northwest Border Crossings

Expect delays at northwestern Ontario border crossings this long weekend.

Canada Border Services says Friday afternoon is the peak time for travel and for those coming back to Canada, the agency says Sunday evening, and Monday afternoon, are typically the busiest times

And while there's no magic solution to avoiding long lines, the agency says travellers should remember to have all their documents in order, to cut down on unnecessary delays.

NOSM Increases Student Grants

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is doling out cash to future MD students.

16 students are getting six thousand dollars each in grant money.

The medical school doubled the amount of grants awarded this year from 8 to 16 to provide more opportunities to potential students.

OPP Confirm Arson Cause of Central Fire

The OPP have confirmed that a fire that took place in the
Central area of town earlier this week was deliberately set.

Fire crews and police showed up at a house around 7:30
Wednesday night.

Police say the fire caused only minor damage to the home, and
was extinguished before the fire department showed up at the
scene.

The OPP say they are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Harborfest Ready to Rock the White Cap Pavillion

It has the makings for the busiest weekend of the Summer.

Harborfest begins tonight with the first concert of the weekend
under the White Cap Pavillion.

Dave Blake is the director of entertainment and says they've done some
tweaking to improve the evening concerts, including raising the main stage.

Blake says Saturday night's concert is almost sold out, while tickets are
moving briskly for tonight's show and also Sunday night.

Sweet, Bachman/Turner and Kenny Shields and Streetheart on the the schedule tonight.

Man in Wheelchair Found Dead

The OPP say foul play is not suspected in the death of a 39 year old man
in a wheelchair in downtown Kenora.

Officers responded to a report of an intoxicated man on Chipman Street around 11:30  Tuesday night.

Police say he was dead when they arrived at the scene.

A post-mortem exam was conducted Wednesday at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The deceased has been identified as 39 year old Craig Shawataskung.

OPP Gearing Up for Long Weekend

Provincial police says officers will be out in full force over
the Civic Holiday weekend.

The OPP are also reminding people about the "Move Over Law".

Sergeant Shelley Garr says they'll be out this long weekend making sure motorists obey it.

Garr says violating this law could cost you anywhere from 400 to 1200-dollars, and three demerit points upon conviction.

BIZ Pleased with Summer Campaign

The Kenora Business Improvement Zone says it's pleased more shops and restaurants are staying open later and opening on Sunday.

BIZ made a concerted effort to try and increase late night hours for stores in the downtown core this summer.

Mort Goss is chair of the business group and says their efforts seem to be paying off.

Goss says while lots of tourists and seasonal visitors are taking advantage of the increased store hours, locals don't seem to have embraced the concept.

Resolute Preparing to Open Two Sawmills

Things are moving along as Resolute Forest Products plans to open a retooled plant in Ignace and its new sawmill in Atikokan next year.
   
President Richard Garneau says they're spending 32 million dollars on the Ignace operation and 50 million dollars on the Atikokan plant.
   
While Garneau didn't comment on specifics with the Ignace plant, he says construction on the Atikokan plant will start soon, as they
still have to cut some wood before starting the foundation.

Liberals Lose Three Seats in Five By-Elections

The Progressive Conservatives scored their first win in a Toronto riding in more than a decade, but it was their only win in five by-elections across the province.
   
The New Democrats took seats in Windsor and London, but the minority Liberal government held on to two of the five seats on the line in yesterday's by-elections.
   
The Liberals took Scarborough-Guildwood and former premier Dalton McGuinty's old riding of Ottawa South, while losing Windsor-Tecumseh and London West to the New Democrats and Etobicoke Lakeshore to the Tories.

The by-elections were the first opportunity to see how voters were judging Premier Kathleen Wynne after six months on the job.
   
Wynne admits voter backlash over the 585 million dollars the Liberals spent to cancel two gas plants cost the Liberals three of the five seats on the line in Ontario byelections.

Borderland Rage Back in Action

The Borderland Rage Under 10 girls team is hitting the road again this weekend for a summer
hockey tournament.

The Rage are competing in the USA International Hockey Cup tournament in Blaine, Minnesota.

Their first game is this morning when they take on the Minnesota Miracle.

The Rage are made up of players from Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances.

102nd Ag Fair Underway

The grand-daddy of Kenora festivals is underway for another year.

The 102nd Kenora Agriculture Fair is taking over the Kenora Rec. Center for the next couple of days.

Chris Madison is secretary of the Agriculture Society and says unfortunately they've seen entries into the vegetable growing competition drop right off this year.

Madison adds that the midway is also at the Rec. Center in conjunction with  the Agricultural Fair.

The fair continues today at 4:00 and wraps up Saturday night.

Central Fire Under Investigation

Some excitement in the Central area of town last night.

Police and fire fighters were called out around 7:30 after a blaze was reported in the 7th Avenue South area.

Fire officials says it appears a fire was deliberately set in the doorway of a home.

Fortunately the fire was extinguished by the times fire fighters arrived at the scene.

The blaze is being described as suspicious, and the OPP are continuing their investigation of the incident.

Results of School Bus Survey Released

It may be the middle of the summer, but the Northwest Student Services
Consortium is hard at work on arranging bus service for the new school.

The Consortium recently compiled the results of a survey of parents, students
and teachers.

Judy Green is the manager and says they are very pleased with the feedback.

Green says they recieved almost 300 surveys back and 97 percent of
respondants felt the local school buses were on time, with 92 percent
generally satisfied with the local school bus transportation.

Off-Reserve Aboriginals Meeting this Weekend

The pressure is on to establish a Framework agreement with the Ontario Coalition of Aboriginal Peoples and the Province.

OCAP President Brad Maggrah says it's one of the topics he will bring up at their Annual General Assembly on Sunday.

Maggrah also feels that off-reserve aboriginals need to be more involved in the mining boom in
the region.

Maggrah says they have nine districts across Ontario, and is calling on folks to write to their MP's regarding issues facing off-reserve aboriginals.

Diamonds and Ice Turns 19

An annual summer sporting tradition is back again in Keewatin.

The 19th
Diamonds and Ice hockey tournament starts tonight at the Keewatin
Memorial Arena.

The tournament is sold out once again this year with 22 teams in the hockey
portion and 16 in the mixed slo-pitch tourney.

Action begins tonight with the finals slated for Sunday afternoon.

Niagara Police Issue Amber Alert

Police in southern Ontario's Niagara Region have issued an Amber Alert as they search for a missing nine-year-old boy in an alleged
case of parental abduction.
   
Joseluis Resendiz and his father are U.S. citizens who live in Georgia, and were in Niagara Falls for a family visit to Marineland.
 
Police allege during the course of the day, the boy's biological mother and his uncle took the boy and left the large group.
   
It took about six hours for the family to notice the boy was gone.
   
Joseluis is four-foot-six, and 65 pounds with dark hair, and was last seen wearing a blue soccer T-shirt and blue plaid shorts, and he has a birthmark on his left wrist.
 
Police are trying to locate his mother.
   
It's believed both fled Niagara Falls with Joseluis in a grey
four-door sedan.