No shortage of activities this Canada Day in the City of Kenora.
There will be a number of activities and entertainment down on theHarborfront and Keewatin will be holding its own Summer Splash onJuly 1st.
Carol Davis is one of the organizers and says Keewatin will be the onlyplace to view fireworks on Canada Day.
The fireworks are scheduled to be set off at 10:00.
Kenora's fireworks will be saved for next weekend, when they will beblasting off on July 4th.
Monday, June 29, 2009
OFIA on Forestry Ministry
The forest industry seems to be embracing last weeks cabinet shufflewhich saw the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines take overresponsibility for the province's forests from the MNR.
Jamie Lim is executive director of the Ontario Forest Industries Association and says the move should be a positive one.
Lim says she wants to make sure Northern Development and Minestakes over all forestry related files.
Otherwise she suggests the move could just create more red tape forforest companies.
Jamie Lim is executive director of the Ontario Forest Industries Association and says the move should be a positive one.
Lim says she wants to make sure Northern Development and Minestakes over all forestry related files.
Otherwise she suggests the move could just create more red tape forforest companies.
Community Foundation Funds
A total of 20 groups in Kenora have been given over 84 thousand dollarsfrom the Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.
Triple Play received two grants totalling more than 12 thousand dollars.
Co-ordinator of the program, Jada Puls says they spent over 53 thousand dollars last year on registering kids in various programs last year, so the funding is definitely welcome.
The Minto Parent Child Resource Center also picked up two grantsworth more than 12 thousand dollars for its breakfast program.
Triple Play received two grants totalling more than 12 thousand dollars.
Co-ordinator of the program, Jada Puls says they spent over 53 thousand dollars last year on registering kids in various programs last year, so the funding is definitely welcome.
The Minto Parent Child Resource Center also picked up two grantsworth more than 12 thousand dollars for its breakfast program.
Federal Funding
The Rat Portage First Nation is getting two million dollars from thefederal and provincial levels of government for a new communityrecreational center.
The funding was announced by Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford on Friday.
Chief of Rat Portage, Ken Skead says the center will have a couple of purposes.
Skead says they hope to start construction in the next couple of weeks and have the community center complete in the next 18 months.
He says it will be located near Second Portage.
The funding was announced by Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford on Friday.
Chief of Rat Portage, Ken Skead says the center will have a couple of purposes.
Skead says they hope to start construction in the next couple of weeks and have the community center complete in the next 18 months.
He says it will be located near Second Portage.
Hydro Outages
Wicked weather conditions over the weekend have left 400 Hydro One customers without power.
Crews from both Kenora and Dryden are working on restoring power today.
Hydro One Media Spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says they've already restored some power to the community.
Several customers are expected to have their power restored by noon, with all hydro outages expected to fixed by 6 pm tonight.
Crews from both Kenora and Dryden are working on restoring power today.
Hydro One Media Spokesperson Danielle Gauvin says they've already restored some power to the community.
Several customers are expected to have their power restored by noon, with all hydro outages expected to fixed by 6 pm tonight.
Friday, June 26, 2009
PC Leadership Race
A new leader for Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party will be crowned this weekend.
The ballots will be counted on June 27 at a party convention in Markham.
Leadership candidate Christine Elliott is weighing in on the Premier's decision to move forestry into the already existing Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Conservative Kenora MP Greg Rickford recently announced his endorsement for Elliott.
Elliott is running against, Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, and Randy Hillier.
The ballots will be counted on June 27 at a party convention in Markham.
Leadership candidate Christine Elliott is weighing in on the Premier's decision to move forestry into the already existing Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Conservative Kenora MP Greg Rickford recently announced his endorsement for Elliott.
Elliott is running against, Tim Hudak, Frank Klees, and Randy Hillier.
VICARS office open
The Sunset Area Victim Crisis Assistance Referral Service has opened up new offices in Kenora and Dryden.
Executive Director of VICARS Monika Humink says they are now looking for community support.
She notes they are working closely with the Kenora Police, OPP and Treaty Three.
The Kenora office is located on Main Street South.
Executive Director of VICARS Monika Humink says they are now looking for community support.
She notes they are working closely with the Kenora Police, OPP and Treaty Three.
The Kenora office is located on Main Street South.
Fort Frances Investigation
OPP are investigating a death in Fort Frances.Police are saying little about the case, other than the body of 75-year-old Martin Selman was found in his home early Monday morning.
The investigation is being conducted under the direction of the Coroner's Office.
The investigation is being conducted under the direction of the Coroner's Office.
Picklake Death
The death of an unindentified man during a confrontation with police outside Pickle Lake is being investigated.
OPP were following up on an investigation when a confrontation occurred.
A handgun belong to an officer went off, killing the man.
OPP were following up on an investigation when a confrontation occurred.
A handgun belong to an officer went off, killing the man.
Natural Gas Price Down
Union Gas customers across Northwestern Ontario will see a reduction in natural gas rates.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved a rate reduction effective July 1st.
Customers will likely notice about a 232 dollar decrease in their annual natural gas bill.
The Ontario Energy Board has approved a rate reduction effective July 1st.
Customers will likely notice about a 232 dollar decrease in their annual natural gas bill.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Watermain Replacement
Work to install a new submarine water line has moved one step closer.
Kenora City Council has approved a tender worth almost 2.5 million dollars to replace the aging water line between Water Street and Norman.
Operations manager Rick Perchuck says they have come up with some design changes for the new waterline.
Perchuck says the work will get under way this summer and is supposed to finish up before the end of October.
Kenora City Council has approved a tender worth almost 2.5 million dollars to replace the aging water line between Water Street and Norman.
Operations manager Rick Perchuck says they have come up with some design changes for the new waterline.
Perchuck says the work will get under way this summer and is supposed to finish up before the end of October.
Safe Grad Celebrations
Beaver Brae and St. Thomas Aquinas grade 12 students will be graduating this Thursday.
Safe grad will be held at the Kenora Recreation Centre during the evening hours.
Organizer Pauline Martin says they're in dire need of volunteers.
Over 300 grads will be partying at the Recreation Centre from 10 until 6am the next morning.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact either high school.
Safe grad will be held at the Kenora Recreation Centre during the evening hours.
Organizer Pauline Martin says they're in dire need of volunteers.
Over 300 grads will be partying at the Recreation Centre from 10 until 6am the next morning.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact either high school.
New Forestry Ministry
Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton isn't all that excited about the creation of the new Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
Hampton says moving the responsibility of forestry from the Ministry of Natural Resources does little to help the industry.
Hampton calls today's announcement as nothing more than cosmetic without a real plan for forest industry.
Meanwhile, Minister Michael Gravelle says is looking forward to the challenges the lie ahead in his new role.
Gravelle says the move of forestry from the Natural Resources Ministry is a sign that the province recognizes the importance of the industry to northern Ontario.
Hampton says moving the responsibility of forestry from the Ministry of Natural Resources does little to help the industry.
Hampton calls today's announcement as nothing more than cosmetic without a real plan for forest industry.
Meanwhile, Minister Michael Gravelle says is looking forward to the challenges the lie ahead in his new role.
Gravelle says the move of forestry from the Natural Resources Ministry is a sign that the province recognizes the importance of the industry to northern Ontario.
City of Kenora Insurance
The Standard Insurance will continue to provide the City of Kenora its insurance.
The winning bid came in at a thousand dollars more than Lake of the Woods Insurance.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says they hired a consultant because they're not insurance experts.
Meanwhile, Lake of the Woods Insurance Broker Dave Blake feels they had the better bid.
The Standard's bid came in at just over 308-thousand dollars.
The winning bid came in at a thousand dollars more than Lake of the Woods Insurance.
Councillor Chris Van Wallenghem says they hired a consultant because they're not insurance experts.
Meanwhile, Lake of the Woods Insurance Broker Dave Blake feels they had the better bid.
The Standard's bid came in at just over 308-thousand dollars.
LCBO Strike Averted
Ontario residents and restaurant owners have a reason to raise a glass; a liquor strike has been called off.
Unionized Employees with the Licquor Control Board of Ontario reached the deal this afternoon after pushing past the original midnight deadline.
Kenora based Media Spokesperson Patt Brett says the deal will greatly improve working conditions at LCBO's in Northwestern Ontario.
The deal includes benefits for casual workers and more opportunities for full-time jobs.
Unionized Employees with the Licquor Control Board of Ontario reached the deal this afternoon after pushing past the original midnight deadline.
Kenora based Media Spokesperson Patt Brett says the deal will greatly improve working conditions at LCBO's in Northwestern Ontario.
The deal includes benefits for casual workers and more opportunities for full-time jobs.
Renewfest
A different kind of festival in being launched in the City of Kenora this week.
Renew Fest will look at ways of creating a sustainable future for community.
Erica Olson is one of the people organizing the festival and says they hope to make this an annual event.
Renew Fest will begin this afternoon at St. Andrew's United Church in Keewatin, and will continue Friday and Saturday.
There will also be a community market held at Beatty Park in conjunction with the festival.
Renew Fest will look at ways of creating a sustainable future for community.
Erica Olson is one of the people organizing the festival and says they hope to make this an annual event.
Renew Fest will begin this afternoon at St. Andrew's United Church in Keewatin, and will continue Friday and Saturday.
There will also be a community market held at Beatty Park in conjunction with the festival.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
LCBO Strike Averted
Both sides in the L-C-B-O dispute have agreed to stick a cork instrike plans and keep bargaining until they strike a deal.
But if either side walks away from the table, a strike that was scheduled to begin this morning would likely be back on.
An OP-SEU official says the union would not be extending the strike deadline if it didn't feel it could forge a new contractthrough negotiation.
The strike threat prompted many people to stock up on alcohol andsome empty shelves may greet customers at some stores today.
But if either side walks away from the table, a strike that was scheduled to begin this morning would likely be back on.
An OP-SEU official says the union would not be extending the strike deadline if it didn't feel it could forge a new contractthrough negotiation.
The strike threat prompted many people to stock up on alcohol andsome empty shelves may greet customers at some stores today.
MNR Fire Update
The forest fire hazard is high to extreme across much of Northwestern Ontario.The Ministry of Natural Resources is dealing with 24-active fires, most in the Far North.
Information Officer Debbie MacLean says fortunately they have received some help.
MacLean anticipates several new starts due to lightning, warm weather and windy conditions.
Information Officer Debbie MacLean says fortunately they have received some help.
MacLean anticipates several new starts due to lightning, warm weather and windy conditions.
OPSEU Economy Meeting in Kenora
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says it was pleased with the response to a community forum on the local economy.
About 20 people attended yesterday's meeting at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.
James Tocker is OPSEU's vice-president for northwestern Ontario andsays he was surprised by the positive outlook from most of the peoplewho attended.
Tocker says the input they received at the meeting will be compiled into one large report, which will ultimately be presented to the provincialgovernment.
About 20 people attended yesterday's meeting at the Best Western Lakeside Inn.
James Tocker is OPSEU's vice-president for northwestern Ontario andsays he was surprised by the positive outlook from most of the peoplewho attended.
Tocker says the input they received at the meeting will be compiled into one large report, which will ultimately be presented to the provincialgovernment.
Visitor Restrictions Lifted Hospital
After a couple of weeks of being closed to the public, the Lake of the Woods DistrictHospital has opened its doors again to visitors.
Director of Patient Care, Leslie Brown says they were able to re-open the health care facility yesterday afternoon.
Brown says the limited visiting hours will take effect from 2pm to 8:30pm for the rest of this week.
Director of Patient Care, Leslie Brown says they were able to re-open the health care facility yesterday afternoon.
Brown says the limited visiting hours will take effect from 2pm to 8:30pm for the rest of this week.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
H1N1 Flu Cases
The Ministry of Health and Health Canada are being urged to mobilizetheir resources to deal with the outbreak of the H1N1 virus in firstnation communities in northern Ontario.
Kenora-Rainy River M.P. Howard Hampton says he wants the McGuinty government to treat the outbreak on first nation communities the same way they treated it in southern Ontario.
Hampton says six first nation communities in northern Ontario aredealing with multiple cases of H1N1 and says the situation will onlyget worse unless the province takes action.
Kenora-Rainy River M.P. Howard Hampton says he wants the McGuinty government to treat the outbreak on first nation communities the same way they treated it in southern Ontario.
Hampton says six first nation communities in northern Ontario aredealing with multiple cases of H1N1 and says the situation will onlyget worse unless the province takes action.
LOW Control Board Open House
Water levels on the Winnipeg River are higher than normal according to the Lake of the Woods Control Board.
Spokesperson Rick Cousins says they'll be discussing water levels on the lake and the river at their open house today.
Area residents can visit the open house at the Best Western Lakeside Inn from 7:30 until 9.
Spokesperson Rick Cousins says they'll be discussing water levels on the lake and the river at their open house today.
Area residents can visit the open house at the Best Western Lakeside Inn from 7:30 until 9.
OPSEU Economic Crisis Meeting
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is holding a round table discussion on Kenora's economic crisis.
Representatives from the City,Making Kenora Home, Tourism, business and Labour communities will be speaking at the event.'
Summit Organizer Cassie Moehler says everyone faces challenges in today's economy.
The Kenora Forum on the economic crisis will be held at the Bestwestern from 1 until 4.
Representatives from the City,Making Kenora Home, Tourism, business and Labour communities will be speaking at the event.'
Summit Organizer Cassie Moehler says everyone faces challenges in today's economy.
The Kenora Forum on the economic crisis will be held at the Bestwestern from 1 until 4.
Downtown Revitalization Project gets 2 million dollars
The City of Kenora will get getting two million dollars from the provincial government to proceed with phase two of the downtown revitalizationproject.
The funding was announced yesterday by the Northern Ontario HeritageFund.
Jeff Port is the city's planner and says they hope to begin phase twoby the end of the summer.
Port says most of the work will center around the Lake of the WoodsPlaza, which is being developed at the intersection of Main and 1stStreet South on the Harborfront side.
The money will also help fix up aging wharves, and convert theThistle Pavillion into a year-round visitor information center.
The funding was announced yesterday by the Northern Ontario HeritageFund.
Jeff Port is the city's planner and says they hope to begin phase twoby the end of the summer.
Port says most of the work will center around the Lake of the WoodsPlaza, which is being developed at the intersection of Main and 1stStreet South on the Harborfront side.
The money will also help fix up aging wharves, and convert theThistle Pavillion into a year-round visitor information center.
LCBO Strike Deadline
Employees with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario in Kenora have set up their strike headquarters.
Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union will be in a legal strike position by midnight tonight.
Randy Robinson is an OPSEU spokesperson and says employees want to share in a very profitable crown corporation.
Robinson says the talks with the LCBO are under a media black outand he can't discuss the specific issues on the table.
However, he does say they are concerned with the large number ofpart time workers employed by the LCBO who don't enjoy workplace benefits.
Members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union will be in a legal strike position by midnight tonight.
Randy Robinson is an OPSEU spokesperson and says employees want to share in a very profitable crown corporation.
Robinson says the talks with the LCBO are under a media black outand he can't discuss the specific issues on the table.
However, he does say they are concerned with the large number ofpart time workers employed by the LCBO who don't enjoy workplace benefits.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Paved Trail
Work has nearly been completed on a new wheelchair accessible walking trail to Rabbit Lake.
A portion of the trail from Nairn Avenue to Rabbit Lake was paved this week.
A number of groups got together to help fundraise for the project,including the Kenora Association for Community Living, the Lake of theWoods Regional Community Foundation and the Rotary Club.
A portion of the trail from Nairn Avenue to Rabbit Lake was paved this week.
A number of groups got together to help fundraise for the project,including the Kenora Association for Community Living, the Lake of theWoods Regional Community Foundation and the Rotary Club.
Canada Day Fireworks
A decision to bump Kenora's famous Canada Day fireworks from July 1 to July 4 has caused a small stir in town.
Some residents are questioning whether Canada Day organizers have forsaken patriotism in the name of a few tourist dollars.
The scheduling change has more to do with economics thandeclaring any U.S. allegiance.
When the city's lavish, $25,000 fireworks celebration has landed on a weekday, attendance has been lacklustre.
Show organizers say they have to do what they can to draw people into the community, even if it means changing the date.
Some residents are questioning whether Canada Day organizers have forsaken patriotism in the name of a few tourist dollars.
The scheduling change has more to do with economics thandeclaring any U.S. allegiance.
When the city's lavish, $25,000 fireworks celebration has landed on a weekday, attendance has been lacklustre.
Show organizers say they have to do what they can to draw people into the community, even if it means changing the date.
Fata; Crash-update
The OPP have released the name of a person killed in a single vehicle crash on Highway 17-A on Friday morning.
65 year old Archie Wilcott sustained fatal injuries after his motorcycleleft the road and hit a rock cut.
Police say they have have concluded their investigation in to thefatality, but are unsure why the motorcycle left the road.
The crash took place around 6:30 Friday morning.
65 year old Archie Wilcott sustained fatal injuries after his motorcycleleft the road and hit a rock cut.
Police say they have have concluded their investigation in to thefatality, but are unsure why the motorcycle left the road.
The crash took place around 6:30 Friday morning.
Increase in Forest Fires
Ministry of Natural Resources Fire Crews are keeping an eye on lightning caused fires in the region.
There are currently 28 active fires in the Northwest.
Many of the lightning caused fires are burning in the far north.
The blazes have been assessed and do not pose a threat to any communities or values.
Area communities may notice smokey conditions depending on the wind direction.
No new fires were reported as of Saturday.
There are currently 28 active fires in the Northwest.
Many of the lightning caused fires are burning in the far north.
The blazes have been assessed and do not pose a threat to any communities or values.
Area communities may notice smokey conditions depending on the wind direction.
No new fires were reported as of Saturday.
Oil Spill Kenora
All is well on the roadway in front of Kenora City Hall.
OPP and Fire Personel were called out to an oil spil around 3 o'clock Sunday.
Fire and Emergency Services Coordinator Warren Brinkman says some kind of vegetable oil was dumped along a route from the city hall parking lot to the public works area.
Brinkman notes they poured absorb-all on the roadway, and public works crews sanded the area.
The oil spill and road conditions do not pose a threat to the public.
OPP and Fire Personel were called out to an oil spil around 3 o'clock Sunday.
Fire and Emergency Services Coordinator Warren Brinkman says some kind of vegetable oil was dumped along a route from the city hall parking lot to the public works area.
Brinkman notes they poured absorb-all on the roadway, and public works crews sanded the area.
The oil spill and road conditions do not pose a threat to the public.
Wallace on Economic Development
The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is working on forming partnerships with area first nations.
The group wants to develop tourism opportunities involving area native communities.
Chair Dennis Wallace says they will play a large role in tourism and future business opportunities.
Wallace notes they also want to develop a tour of the prisoner of war camps on Lake of the Woods.
The group wants to develop tourism opportunities involving area native communities.
Chair Dennis Wallace says they will play a large role in tourism and future business opportunities.
Wallace notes they also want to develop a tour of the prisoner of war camps on Lake of the Woods.
MPP'S Want Help for Swine Flu
Two northern Ontario New Democrat MPP's are calling on the Province to provide the healthcare resources needed to stop the spread of swine flu in First Nations communities.
Howard Hampton and France Gelinas also want the Liberals to address underlying conditions that are making the communities more vulnerable to the flu.
Hampton and Gelinas say nursing stations at many northern First Nations are already stretched to the limit.
And Gelinas says with several families forced to live together in two bedroom houses because of housing shortages, disease can spread rapidly.
Howard Hampton and France Gelinas also want the Liberals to address underlying conditions that are making the communities more vulnerable to the flu.
Hampton and Gelinas say nursing stations at many northern First Nations are already stretched to the limit.
And Gelinas says with several families forced to live together in two bedroom houses because of housing shortages, disease can spread rapidly.
Deer Lake fatality
OPP and Nishnawbe-Aski Police are investigating the death of a 44-year-old man in Deer Lake First Nation, north of Red Lake.
Henry Kakekagumick was found along a roadway in the community and was transported to Hospital in Winnipeg where he was pronounced dead.
A post-mortum is being conducted at the Health Sciences Centre.
Charges have yet to be laid.
Henry Kakekagumick was found along a roadway in the community and was transported to Hospital in Winnipeg where he was pronounced dead.
A post-mortum is being conducted at the Health Sciences Centre.
Charges have yet to be laid.
Making Kenora Home
It's been over 2 years since the Making Kenora Home Committee was struck.
In that time, the group has made progress on four out of the eight recommendations they created.
Spokesperson Nan Normand says they worked hard to get the emergency shelter operating on a year round basis.
Norman notes they're also working on creating transitional housing for women.
In that time, the group has made progress on four out of the eight recommendations they created.
Spokesperson Nan Normand says they worked hard to get the emergency shelter operating on a year round basis.
Norman notes they're also working on creating transitional housing for women.
Parliament ends without an election
There was an almost audible sigh on Parliament Hill on Friday.
The opposition decided not to topple the Harper government, forcinga general election.
Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford no-one was very eager to see a vote thissummer.
Friday was the last day of the current sitting of the House of Commons.
Business won't resume on Parliament Hill again until the fall.
The opposition decided not to topple the Harper government, forcinga general election.
Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford no-one was very eager to see a vote thissummer.
Friday was the last day of the current sitting of the House of Commons.
Business won't resume on Parliament Hill again until the fall.
School Board Amalgamation
Staff from the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board plan to travel tothree schools being amalgamated before the end of the current school year.
The public school board will be taking over schools in Pickle Lake,Savant Lake and Upsala in September.
Larry Hope is the director of education and says they don't plan anymajor changes to the way the schools operate.
Chair of the public school board, Dave Penny says they have beenassured by the Ministry of Education that all costs associated with theamalgamation will be covered by the province.
The public school board will be taking over schools in Pickle Lake,Savant Lake and Upsala in September.
Larry Hope is the director of education and says they don't plan anymajor changes to the way the schools operate.
Chair of the public school board, Dave Penny says they have beenassured by the Ministry of Education that all costs associated with theamalgamation will be covered by the province.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Swine Flu in the Far North
The swine flu has hit First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario, with more than 100 sick on the Sandy Lake reserve.
Nurses and a doctor are distributing the antiviral drug Tamiflu to the sick.
Authorities have asked people from Sandy Lake to not travel to other First Nations communities in the region to keep the virus from spreading.
Nurses and a doctor are distributing the antiviral drug Tamiflu to the sick.
Authorities have asked people from Sandy Lake to not travel to other First Nations communities in the region to keep the virus from spreading.
Hospital Foundation Exec Resigns
The Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation is welcoming a new Director.
Former Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Economic Development Officer Megan Barr will be filling the role.
Outgoing Director Darrily Michiluk says he enjoyed his time at the helm of the foundation.
Michiluk is stepping down to further his education at the University of Toronto.
Former Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls Economic Development Officer Megan Barr will be filling the role.
Outgoing Director Darrily Michiluk says he enjoyed his time at the helm of the foundation.
Michiluk is stepping down to further his education at the University of Toronto.
Grassy Narrows Walk
A number of members of the Grassy Narrows First Nation are scheduled to resume their mach to Ottawa today.
The walk is a continuation of a march that began on Earth Day from Grassy to Kenora.
The march in part has to do with clear-cut logging activity that hastaken place surrounding the community in recent years.
Members of the Treaty Three Coalition Group says they also will join the Grassy Narrows residents on their cross-province walk.
The walk is a continuation of a march that began on Earth Day from Grassy to Kenora.
The march in part has to do with clear-cut logging activity that hastaken place surrounding the community in recent years.
Members of the Treaty Three Coalition Group says they also will join the Grassy Narrows residents on their cross-province walk.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Forestry Pensions
The NDP's forestry critic is demanding the Federal Government protect workers pensions.
Various forest industry companies have failed to pay out severance and pension packages.
Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the Conservative Government could help workers and protect their hard earned pensions.
Recently, Kenora Forest Products failed to make a payment deadline for severance packages.
Abitibi Bowater also stopped paying pensions during its time under bankruptcy court protection.
Various forest industry companies have failed to pay out severance and pension packages.
Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the Conservative Government could help workers and protect their hard earned pensions.
Recently, Kenora Forest Products failed to make a payment deadline for severance packages.
Abitibi Bowater also stopped paying pensions during its time under bankruptcy court protection.
Adult Education
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board says its seen good successwith its adult education classes, after re-instating the program this year.
A total of 30 students are scheduled to graduate later this month.
Program Co-ordinator, Cyndi Cossais says they are also working withhigh schools to ensure day students also have access to the adult education courses.
Cossais says in all, they had 275 students enrolled in adult educationclasses this year in five locations within the board.
A total of 30 students are scheduled to graduate later this month.
Program Co-ordinator, Cyndi Cossais says they are also working withhigh schools to ensure day students also have access to the adult education courses.
Cossais says in all, they had 275 students enrolled in adult educationclasses this year in five locations within the board.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Rent Bank gets money
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-06-12
07:25:44
Northwestern Ontario's "Rent Bank" will be a little bit richer thanks to the Provincial Government.
The Kenora District Services Board received just over 18 thousand dollars for their rent bank.
Ontario Works Director Dianne Apland says the bank is for low income families.
Apland notes the recession has meant an increase in residents applying for funds from the rent bank.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hospital Funding and Construction
By: Sheri Leviski
Photo courtesy of: http://www.lwdh.on.ca/
The Provincial Government is helping the Lake of the Woods Hospital replace its aging air conditioning system.
The hospital recently received its share of the annual Hospital Infrastructure Renewal fund.
C.E.O. Marc Balcaen says they saw an increase in their funds, with 191 thousand dollars coming their way.
Balcaen notes they won't start the project until September since it will interfere with the existing cooling system.
Meanwhile, Construction work on phase 2 of the Lake of the Woods Hospital's capital redevelopment project is almost complete.
The hospital used Provincial Government funds to install new nurse call systems, and safety alarms.
C.E.O. Marc Balcaen says its all part of a 4.9 million dollar 3 phase project.
Balcaen notes they've asked the Provincial Government to hurry up the process so they can start construction before the colder months.
Phase 3 includes replacements to the back up emergency generating system and bulk oxygen operating system.
Child Minding Center
By: Tim Davidson
Photo by: www.kenora.ca
2009-06-11
05:37:59
The Kenora Rec. Center will continue to have a place for families to care for their children while using the facility.
But it will no longer be staffed.
The city cut funding for the Child Minding Center in the budget, but Recreation Manager, Colleen Neil says they want to keep the space available for families to use.
Neil says it will be free to use the space, but it will be available to rent for birthday parties or other special occasions.
Kenora's Heritage Properties
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-06-11
05:36:40
The City of Kenora's Heritage Committee wants several buildings added to the municipal registry of cultural heritage properties.
The Best Western Lakeside Inn, Keewatin Memorial Building, Moncrief Barn and Del Art Manor are just some of the area properties that are steaped in local history.
Chair Laurie Nelson says they look at the buildings that are on the property.
Nelson notes properties on the registry are not subject to any construction rules or regulations.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
KPDSB OSSLT Results
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-06-10
11:36:33
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy test results are in, and the Keewatin Patricia District School board scored just below the Provincial Average.
The public board saw a 3 percent decrease in their OSSLT test success rate.
Director of Education Larry Hope says their board wide score was 72 percent.
Beaver Brae came in at 73 percent, while Dryden improved their score at 80 percent.
The most drastic decrease in OSSLT results was in Ignace, with their marks going from 89 to 33 percent.
Meanwhile, the Kenora Catholic District School Board scored just 10 percent below the Provincial OSSLT average.
75 percent of St. Thomas Aquinas students were succesful with their first attempt at the literacy test.
The board's average dropped this year from 86 percent in 2008, to this year's 75.
Rafferty on Forestry
Story By: Sheri Leviski
Photo By: www.thunderbayrainyriver.ca
2009-06-10
07:17:25
Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the Conservative Government is doing nothing to help the ailing forest industry.
The NDP MP says the Harper/Rickford partnership has provided no real solutions to stemming the region's mill closures.
Rafferty was a guest speaker at the Ontario Federation of Labour's "Drive To Work Caravan", a Province-wide tour to find out how the resession is affecting Ontario workers.
Taxi By Law
By: Tim Davidson
2009-06-10
07:16:24
The City of Kenora is considering some changes to its Taxi Law.
Local cab companies have been lobbying to allow older vehicles on the road.
Eric Lovas from Co-Ot Taxi says having a 10 year old vehicle on the road doesn't necessarily mean its unsafe.
Council has agreed to increase the age of taxis on the road from a maximum of six years, up to 10 years, as requested by local cab companies.
Visitor Ban at Hospital
Photo by www.ontariotowns.net
Story By: Tim Davidson
2009-06-10
07:15:36
A stubborn respiratory illness has forced Lake of the Woods District Hospital to close the facility to all visitors.
Leslie Brown is the head of patient care and says they decided to impose the visitor ban Tuesday afternoon because the illness seems to be spreading.
Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home has also closed its doors to visitors due to the respiratory illness.
Brown says they don't known when they might be able to lift the visitor ban.
Redditt Gets Money
By: Tim Davidson
2009-06-10
05:52:14
Redditt is getting extra funding from the federal government to help out with its community water project.
The community has been promised another 121 thousand dollars from the federal government to install a membrane filtration system.
Jack Martin is chair of the Redditt Services Board and says the community has been working hard to get the project off the ground.
The total project will cost about 270 thousand dollars.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
City Potholes
By: Tim Davidson
2009-06-09
12:11:39
The cool, damp weather this spring has been playing havoc with the city's roads.
Operations manager Rick Perchuck says pot holes has been particularly bad.
He says one of the options they are looking at is a new truck, that fills potholes more efficiently.
Perchuck says the trucks tend to do a much better job of filling potholes.
At this point, he says they are looking at leasing a truck rather than buying one.
School Board Review
By: Tim Davidson
Photo by: www.kpdsb.on.ca
2009-06-09
12:11:04
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is planning to conduct of review of its elementary schools in the City of Kenora.
Director of Education, Larry Hope says declining enrolment means that a number of schools are being underutilized.
He says the review doesn't necessarily mean the closing of any schools in the city.
Hope says it currently costs the school board about 300 thousand dollars more than it gets from the province in grants to operate the elementary schools in Kenora.
The review is scheduled to be complete by April of 2010.
School Board Budget
By: Tim Davidson
Image by: www.kpdsb.on.ca
2009-06-09
12:10:02
The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is looking at a big increase in its budget this year.
Trustees were presented the draft budget last night, which included 96.7 million dollars in spending.
Superintendant of Business, Dean Carrie says that's an increase from this years budget, which was projected at 89.8 million.
Carrie adds that due to a projected drop in enrolment next year, they had to cut about 900 thousand dollars in spending from the budget to ensure that it was balanced.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Drive to Work Caravan Kicks off in Kenora
By: Sheri Leviski
2009-06-08
12:21:18
The Ontario Federation of Labour is standing up for Ontario's workers.
The OFL kicked off its Drive to Work Caravan this morning in Kenora.
President Wayne Samuelson says they intend to demand the Premier take action to protect workers pensions, benefits and severance pay.
The OFL's caravan will be making stops in Dryden and Fort Frances later today.
The caravan will arrive in Toronto on June 25th.
Kenora Assault
By: Tim Davidson
2009-06-08
05:34:49
The OPP have arrested a suspect in connection to an assault in Memorial Park in downtown Kenora.
The assault took place late last Thursday evening.
Police say the victim was taken to the Winnipeg Health Science Center for treatment of what were believed to be life-threatening injuries.
He is now reported to be in stable condition.
The OPP's Northwest Regional Crime Unit was brought in and a 28 year old Sioux Lookout man has been charged with aggravated assault.
Joseph William Wesley is currently in custody at the Kenora Jail is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Kenora Man Charged
By: Tim Davidson
2009-06-08
05:26:57
A 25 year old Kenora man is facing a number of charges after a motor vehicle collision on Valley Drive.
On Thursday, Kenora OPP and Kenora Police were advised that someone was driving erratically and had hit a tree.
Police found the vehicle still running against the tree, and were advised by witnesses a number of males had fled on foot.
Two of the males were located shortly after and it was determined that while fleeing from the scene, one of the men assaulted a citizen walking his dog.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kenora OPP or Crimestoppers.
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