Enjoy the spring-like conditions while they last.
Three days of above normal temperatures will come to a crashing halt later today.
Yesterday was a record days for a number of communties across northwestern Ontario.
In Kenora, the thermometer at the airport topped out at 7.6 celcius, which broke the previous high for February 16th by almost two degrees.
The previous record was 5.9 back in 1981.
Kenora wasn't the hot spot in the region.
Atikokan hit a sizzling 15.1 celcius, breaking the previous high of 9.8 degrees.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
No Rebates for Local Municipalities from DSSAB
Local municipalities shouldn't expect to see any money returned back to them from the Kenora District Services Board this year.
Council says if the provincial government is paying the cost of more services, those savings should be passed back to towns and cities in the Kenora District.
Louis Roussin is the City representitive on the District Services board and says instead for returning money back to municalities, the extra money is being put into reserves.
He says the District Services Board then uses that money for capital expenditures, such as replacing ambulences.
Council says if the provincial government is paying the cost of more services, those savings should be passed back to towns and cities in the Kenora District.
Louis Roussin is the City representitive on the District Services board and says instead for returning money back to municalities, the extra money is being put into reserves.
He says the District Services Board then uses that money for capital expenditures, such as replacing ambulences.
Kasabonika Signs Mining Agreement
MacDonald Mines Exploration has signed a three-year agreement with a northwestern Ontario first nation that gives it unrestricted access to explore properties on band territory.
The value of the deal was not released, but the Toronto-based miner says it will issue shares to Kasabonika Lake First Nation, as well as make both a lump sum and ongoing payments.
MacDonald's property on the First Nation's territory has been reviewed by nickel experts, and diamond drilling will begin later this year.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation is 575 kilometres northeast of Kenora and currently has a strategy to develop mineral exploration in the community.
The value of the deal was not released, but the Toronto-based miner says it will issue shares to Kasabonika Lake First Nation, as well as make both a lump sum and ongoing payments.
MacDonald's property on the First Nation's territory has been reviewed by nickel experts, and diamond drilling will begin later this year.
Kasabonika Lake First Nation is 575 kilometres northeast of Kenora and currently has a strategy to develop mineral exploration in the community.
Community Clubs to get Grants
The four community clubs in Kenora will be getting much needed funding
to help make it through the winter.
Kenora City Council has approved grants of six thousand dollars each
for Pinecrest, Rideout, Central and Evergreen.
Recreational Services Manager Colleen Neil says the money is really to
help off-set the cost of utilities, such as water, which is needed to flood
the rinks during the winter month, and to heat the buildings.
She adds that Rideout Community Club was able to access a reserve fund
this year to help fix up the floor of the building.
to help make it through the winter.
Kenora City Council has approved grants of six thousand dollars each
for Pinecrest, Rideout, Central and Evergreen.
Recreational Services Manager Colleen Neil says the money is really to
help off-set the cost of utilities, such as water, which is needed to flood
the rinks during the winter month, and to heat the buildings.
She adds that Rideout Community Club was able to access a reserve fund
this year to help fix up the floor of the building.
Government Continues Negotiations over Ring of Fire
The Ontario government is confident that it will reach an agreement with First Nations communities over the Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says he is working closely with the Matawa First Nations, who have threatened to block access to the chromite deposit located on their lands.
Gravelle says the government will ensure that the Matawa First Nations will benefit from the project.
Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says he is working closely with the Matawa First Nations, who have threatened to block access to the chromite deposit located on their lands.
Gravelle says the government will ensure that the Matawa First Nations will benefit from the project.
Tourist Outfitters want meeting with Minister of Natural Resources
Angry Northwestern Ontario tourist outfitters are hoping for action from the Natural Resources Minister.
They've fired off a letter to Linda Jeffery demanding that a 700 per cent increase in land fee permits be reversed.
Their point man is Paul Boucher of the Ogoki lodge who says the message to Jeffery is "talk to us".
Boucher says these are desperate times form outfitters and they don't need such a hefty increase.
They've fired off a letter to Linda Jeffery demanding that a 700 per cent increase in land fee permits be reversed.
Their point man is Paul Boucher of the Ogoki lodge who says the message to Jeffery is "talk to us".
Boucher says these are desperate times form outfitters and they don't need such a hefty increase.
Concerns Raised about the Sale of Abitibi Hydro Assets
The NDP says it wants the provincial government to take a close look at the sale of Abitibi's hydro
dams in Ontario.
MPP Gilles Bisson says any decision that allows Abitibibowater to sell hydro assets
must be carefully scrutinized and involve local community leaders.
Last week, Abitibi announced the sale of eight Hydro dams, including those in Iroquois Falls, Fort Frances and Kenora to an unnamed buyer.
The sale is still subject to approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Historically the dams have provided low-cost electricity to mills in these communities.
dams in Ontario.
MPP Gilles Bisson says any decision that allows Abitibibowater to sell hydro assets
must be carefully scrutinized and involve local community leaders.
Last week, Abitibi announced the sale of eight Hydro dams, including those in Iroquois Falls, Fort Frances and Kenora to an unnamed buyer.
The sale is still subject to approval by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Historically the dams have provided low-cost electricity to mills in these communities.
Federal Funding for Aboriginal Housing
A number of first nation communities in northwestern Ontario will benefitfrom a 14 million dollar housing program announced by the federal government.
Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford announced the infrastrucuture project at the Northern Housing Conference taking place in Thunder Bay.
The Rat Portage and Couchiching First Nations will get the largest share of the money in this region.
Both communities have been promised 400 thousand dollars.
Rickford says the money will be used for social housing projects and also to help repair aging homes in the communities.
NorWOSSA Court Sport Finals in Kenora starting today
Both Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae are hosting NorWOSSA play-offs
this week.
Action begins today up at T.A. were the semi-finals of the single "a" boys basketball and girls volleyball take place.
The finals are scheduled to start at 9:00 tomorrow morning.
The Double "a" semis and finals will take place tomorrow at Beaver Brae.
this week.
Action begins today up at T.A. were the semi-finals of the single "a" boys basketball and girls volleyball take place.
The finals are scheduled to start at 9:00 tomorrow morning.
The Double "a" semis and finals will take place tomorrow at Beaver Brae.
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