MPP States Demands for Upcoming Budget

Home health care and auto insurance premiums are Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell's main concerns.

And she hopes that the provincial government will address them when they reveal the budget on May 2nd.

Campbell says she's heard from local residents who can't afford their car insurance because it's too high.

Campbell adds that she would also like to see the government close some of the corporate tax loopholes.

New Infrastructure Funds for Smaller Communtiies

The Provincial Government is investing in small communities across Northwestern Ontario.

Provincial Infrastructure Minister Glen Murray says they are going to benefit from a new 100-million dollar infrastructure fund that will go to bridge and road repairs.

Murray says the new fund would be available by October 1st.

New NOACC President Selected

Times are changing for the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce.

Michael Nitz, who comes from Thunder Bay was announced as the new president at the spring Annual General Meeting this past weekend in Dryden.

Nitz says a big focus for him is getting more people involved.

Nitz says another priority for him is connecting all Chambers in the Northwest and making sure they are coming to the table and providing input.

Health Unit Offers Needle Safety Tips

Now that the warmer temperatures are finally here, more people are hitting the outdoors.

However, the Northwestern Health Unit wants to remind the public to be careful if you see needles laying around.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says it's important to use gloves and tongs to pick one up and the place it in a hard-sided plastic container..

Stanley says don't forget to wash your hands after, and needles can be dropped off at the health unit.

Mining Report Released at NOMA AGM

A report on the future of mining in the area has been unveiled.

The strategy was presented at the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Conference yesterday in Thunder Bay.

The analysis indicates that there will be considerable opportunities for suppliers to support the potential mining projects in the north.

The mining sector is expected to create 10,000 full-time jobs over the next decade and bring in up to 1.7-billion dollars in overall economic revenue each year over the same period.

On the downside, the study warns that upgrades to the province's electricity transmission system may not be completed in time to foster completion of planned mining projects.

NOACC AGM in Dryden This Weekend

Businesses and organizations from all over the region will be in Dryden this weekend.

The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce is holding its spring Annual General Meeting starting tonight at the Best Western.

President Andy Scribilo says there's lots happening over the two-day conference.

Scribilo says the public is invited to attend.

visit www.noacc.ca for information.

Local Reactions to Proposed Border Fee

Speaking out against the proposed border fee to enter the United States

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says both countries will benefit if the fee does not pass.

Campbell adds that a more open border concept will help keep tourists from the United States coming into the region and in turn impact the economy.

At the same time, the MP for Kenora says he is working to advance our borders with the United States.

Greg Rickford says we have advanced border crossings and the purposed border fee to enter the United States goes against what Canada is trying to do.

The purposed fee is going into a feasibility study to see if it would work and help the US pay for security costs.

Neither Campbell or Rickford expect the proposal to pass.

Mayors Unhappy With MPAC Presentation

A presentation from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation has done nothing to appease area Mayors.

Several Northwestern Ontario communities including Dryden are withholding payments to MPAC over their assessments of mill property.

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall calls the MPAC presentation at yesterday's NOMA conference bureaucratic rhetoric.

MPAC President Antoni Wisniowski says they hear the communities concerns and that's why they came to the conference in the first place.

Storm Watcher Session in Dryden

A safer way to watch the weather.

Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson is offering a program called CANWARN, which is essentially how to become a "Storm Watcher" in Northwestern Ontario.

A session is being held in Dryden on June 7th, starting at 7:00.

For more information email geoff.coulson@ec.gc.ca.

Priorities Remain the Same for New Director of Education

There may be a new director but the goal remains the same.

Last week Sean Monteith was selected as the director of Education at the Keewatin Patricia District School Board, and he says they will continue down the same educational path.

Monteith says some key priorities are the unique learning needs in the region, infrastructure needs, and advocating to the powers that be in Southern Ontario.

Local Reactions to ELA Announcement

 A level of cautious optimism for the Experimental Lakes Area.

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says she was excited to hear the government commit to keep the facility open.

However Campbell said they did not clarify how they'll support the ELA.

Campbell adds it's about time the government recognized how important the facility is and how it benefits the province.

At the same time Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the announcement was quite a pleasant surprise.


Rickford says it's great news that the Provincial Government has stepped up to the plate to save the Experimental Lakes Area, East of Kenora.

However, Rickford notes it's not official yet bu is confident an agreement will be reached in the near future.

27th Annual Home & Leisure Show Right Around the Corner

The 27th annual Home and Leisure show signifies that spring is just around the corner in Kenora.

The Leisure show goes from May 3rd to the 5th at the Rec center.

This year it'll be a full house of vendors with hundreds of ideas for your home or cottage.

Chairman of the Leisure Show Andy Scribilo says that they are always looking for volunteers.

Scribilo adds that none of this would be possible without the help of their volunteers.

It's a Dog's Life Social

It's a dogs life will be having a social on May 4th at the Lakeshore Hotel.

It's a Dogs Life volunteer Chris Madison says that they wont be doing a silent auction but will have lots of prizes.

The proceeds will be go towards spay and neutering dogs in their care and within the community.

Tickets are available at, Johnsons Pharmacy, Taylor Made Pet Products, Pet Value, and Ho Joe's Coffee.

ELA Gets Big Boost by Province

The Experimental Lakes Area has gotten a big boost from the province.

Ontario is working hand in hand with the federal government, Manitoba government, and other partners to sustain long term operations at the facility East of Kenora.

Premiere Kathleen Wynne says they have had numerous meeting with the scientific and academic communities and that investing in science and research is a wise choice for the people of Ontario.

The province will provide the operating support needed as an agreement is worked on with International Institute for Sustainable Development.

NOMA Gathers in Thunder Bay

Municipal leaders from across the region are in Thunder Bay for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Annual General meeting.

The highlight of the 3 day conference, which starts today, is a forum with 8 Ontario Ministers.

Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will also address delegates.

There will also be an appointment of a new President.

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is widely expected to replace Ron Nelson who has indicated he won't seek another term.

Kenora Man Fined by MNR

A reminder to be careful where you shoot.

A Kenora man has been fiend two-thousand-dollars for shooting a deer from a roadway.

Conservation officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources came across Steven Burke with an antler-less deer in the back of his truck, and saw him again returning to the site where the deer was apparently killed.

Officers spoke to Burke, and learned that he had shot the deer on the side of the road and was returning to the site to cover his tracks.

The MNR would like to remind the public that it's illegal to discharge a firearm from, down or across a roadway.

Sunset Area Victims Services Holds Open House

Sunset Area Victims Services is reaching out to the community in a bid to raise its profile.

An open house is being held from 11 until 2 today and tomorrow at 136 Main Street South.

Executive Director Monika Huminuk says they provide immediate emotional and practical support and referral services to victims of crime or other tragic circumstances.

"Vickers" partners with police and emergency services in the Kenora and Dryden areas as well as northern First Nations.

Next Step in Re-banding City

Changing the perception of available docking spaces in the city.

The Brand Leadership Team is asking for public input as they venture into the next phase of re-branding the city as the premiere boating destination.

Chair of the Team Randy Nickle says they were at the boat show in Winnipeg and docking spaces was the main question they faced.

The Leadership team is also looking at available docks, waiting lists, day spots, and parking.

An public survey has been posted online at www.kenoradocking.ca.

Big Drug Bust by Kenora OPP

A 26 year old from Pickering is facing numerous possession charges in Kenora.

Kenora OPP say they stopped a vehicle driven by Bulchan Sukhedo yesterday for speeding.

During the stop police found 7 kilograms of cocaine, cell phones, and money inside the vehicle.

Opp say the street value is $750,000.

Sukhedo has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Health Unit Talks About Immunization Week

It's time to roll up your sleeves as a part of Immunization Awareness Week.

Judy Hovi is a nurse with the Northwestern Health Unit, and says it's important that children receive all of their vaccinations.

Hovi recommends that adults need to keep to up to date with tetanus and diphtheria shots every 10-years.