Victory For Shoal Lake in Water Dispute

It's a big victory for the Shoal Lake First Nations.

The International Joint Commission has ruled against the City of Winnipeg's plan to sell water to surrounding communities.

The first nations argued that the city would break the agreement in place by making a profit off the water.

In a letter, the IJC supported the argument and informed Winnipeg that it could not sell the water.

The decision put a dent into the city's CentrePort project.

MPP Speaks Up for Remote First Nations

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is calling on the premier to address the social conditions in First Nation communities.

Speaking at Queens Park, Sarah Campbell says it's unfair that these communities have to declare a state of emergency to get some attention from the government.

A remote Northern First Nation declared a state of emergency last week due to recent suicides and the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Update for LOWBIC Annual General Meeting

The chair of the board at the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation is stepping down.

last week at the annual general meeting Executive Director Ryan Reynard says Anita Webb did a lot of great work and will be missed.

Reynard says last year LOWBIC did a great job helping to diversify the economy by creating 31 full time jobs and handing out 15 loans to small businesses.

He also announced a surplus of over 7 million dollars.

Health Fair in Machin

Promoting health services available to residents in Machin.

That's the focus of a Health Fair being put on by the Northwestern Health Unit on May 1st at Lillian Berg School in Vermilion Bay.

Public Health Nurse Sue Wood says it runs from 2 till 6pm, with two evening sessions to follow.

The sessions including speakers from the Dryden OPP, Dryden Regional Health Center,
and Firefly.

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.

Northern Leaders to Meet with Finance Minister

Several municipal leaders will bend the ear of the province next week regarding the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

They're concerned with how MPAC has greatly reduced the assessment of pulp and paper mills.

Fort Frances Councillor Ken Perry says it's an issue that growing.

Meanwahile Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis is joining with other mayors for a meeting in Toronto on Monday with the province's Deputy Finance Minister

Resolute Temporarily Stops Production in Thunder Bay

There's time off coming for some workers at Resolute Forest Products in Thunder Bay.  

Marvin Pupeza of the Paperworkers Union says the newsprint operations are down for two weeks because he says there is too much paper on the market and hopes it's not part of a bigger plan

About 100 workers are affected by the shutdown.

Earth Day Walk-A-Bout In Kenora

A group of Kenora residents are showing their support for Earth Day and climate change this year.

Ashley Bennett organized a walk-about that took place yesterday in an effort to raise awareness
 on environmental issues.

Bennett talked about how climate change can affect people around the world.

Bennett says that we must come together as a community to sustain a healthy future for the planet.

Hockey for Health Exceeds Fundraising Goal

The 5th Annual Hockey for Health Tournament is a roaring success.

Organizer Dean Caron says he has been blown away by the support, as they surpassed their fundraising goal by 11 thousand dollars.

Caron says everything was simply amazing.

Caron congratulated the community after the final game.

A total of over $66,000 was raised.

The money is all in support of the District Hospital Foundation, twinning the ice at the Rec Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Treaty 3 Happy with Health Funding

Aboriginal Health Access Centres in Kenora are having a positive affect on the aboriginal community.

Treaty 3 Grand Chief Warren White says the centres are very welcoming to aboriginal people who practice traditional medicine.

White added that  the centres benefit elders who prefer to stay in their communities to receive health care.

Last Week Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer Announced over $2.3 million in funding to the Aboriginal Health Access Centres in Kenora and Fort Frances.

Sunset Travels Responds to Northern Tourism Remarks

The Executive Director of Ontario's Sunset Country Travel Association is reacting to tourism discussions in Queens Park.

Last week Tourism Minister Michael Chan responded to questions in Queens Park saying we need to modernize our tourism information.

However, Gerry Cariou says Sunset Travel is all over the internet.

Cariou adds that websites can only do so much and don't offer the services that can be provided at travel centres.

Senior Thistles Lose Semi-Final

Close but no cigar for the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles.

On Friday the Thistles faced off with the Bentley Generals in the Allan Cup Semi Finals.

Bentley started the scoring and took a 2-0 lead midway through the 2nd before Kenora answered with a goal of their own.

After another goal by the general the Thistles continued to fight and potted a goal in the last 30 seconds.

Unfortunately, they were unable to find the equalizing 3rd goal and lost 3-2.

the Generals went on to win the championship on Saturday over the Clarenville Caribous.

Senior Thistles Advance at Allan Cup

It's just what the doctors ordered for the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles.

Kenora came out flying in their quarter final against Fort St John and pummeled them 8-2.

Alternate Captain Jeff Richards had a hat trick in the victory.

The Thistles will now have a rematch with the host Bentley Generals in the semi finals tonight.

Bentley beat Kenora 5-2 in the round robin on Tuesday

The puck is scheduled to drop at 9:00.

Aboriginal Affairs Looking at Education Funding

Ontario's new Aboriginal Affairs minister hopes to balance education budgets.

David Zimmer, was in Kenora this week, and said the funding for off-reserve schools is much higher than it is in schools on-reserves.

Zimmer adds that they are focusing on closing that gap and offering better education to students living on reserves.

Other priorities for the minister are health concerns and land claim disputes.

OSSTF Votes in Favor of New Contract

Public high school teachers and support staff have endorsed the recently-negotiated contract changes with the provincial government.

The government says there won't be any additional costs to the deal.

However, Tory education critic Lisa MacLeod disagrees.

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation says members voted 84 per cent in favor of the revision to the contract imposed in January under Bill 115.

Emergency Management Ontario Looking at Host Communities

The Chief of Emergency Management Ontario is asking local communities to be "host ready".

Allison Stuart stressed that area leaders must be prepared in the event of evacuations this summer.

Stuart says the province looks at services such as spiritual services, recreation, and accommodations when looking at a community to host evacuees.

In 2011, some 44-hundred people from several northern First Nations were forced to live elsewhere because of raging forest fires near their homes.

First Championship at Hockey for Health

The Hockey for health tournament is in full swing and the Bantam Division has a champion.

The Penalty BoX Heros with tournament organizer Dean Caron as coach won the division with a 8-5 victory over the Penalty Box Heroes.

Caron says the tournament has been a huge success so far and has raised $22,000 towards their goal in only 18 of 82 games.

The tournament continues this afternoon and straight through till Sunday.

All the funds raised support the District Hospital Foundation, twinning the ice at the Rec Center, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Foul Play Ruled Out in Death at Vernon Trails

Foul play has been ruled out after the death a man near the Vernon Nature Trails yesterday.

Police say foul play was ruled out as a result of a post mortem.

Constable Bob Bernie confirmed the victim is a 61 year old man from Kenora but is not releasing the name

The incident occurred yesterday morning just after 8:00 when the body was found by a passer-by.

Success so far at Hockey for Health

The Hockey for Health Tournament has gotten off to a great start.

The tournament got underway on Monday and has raised almost $21,000.

They organizer are continuing to push for their goal of $55,000 to support the Hospital Foundation, twinning the ice at the Rec Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Today at noon the Bantam division comes to an end with the final between the Penalty Box Heros and the Keewatin Kanucks at the Rec Centre.

Senior Thistles Struggle at Allan Cup

More disappointment for the Kenora Triple "A" Senior Thistles at the Allan Cup.

The Thistles took a major set back last night dropping a 8-0 decision to the Rosetown Red Wings.

Scoring came early and often for Rosetown who scored on almost half their shots.

The loss puts Kenora at 0 and 2 through the round robin and will have them cross over to play Fort St. John in the Quarter Finals.

That game will go tonight at 5:00 local time.

Province Says Tourism is a Priority

Tourism in Northwestern Ontario is a top priority for Michael Chan.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport says since 2010, they have funded 18-million dollars into a Regional Tourism Strategy, which represents the entire region.

Chan adds that since 2007, they have invested in more then 130 festivals in the North.

YPN Hosting Leadercast in Kenora

The Young Professionals Network of Kenora is hosting a Leadercast Event in the city.

Leadercast is a large event being held in Atlanta on May 10th and is being simulcasted at the Super 8 Minis Hall.

YPN Committee co-Chair Lindsay Wenaas says the event features many high profile presenters.

For information email ypnkenora@gmail.com.

KPDSB Seeks Public Input

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has started the task of drafting a new 5-year strategic plan.

Outgoing Director of Education Jack McMaster says they are seeking feedback from community members, teachers, students, staff and school councils.

McMaster says a survey is now available on-line.

He notes trustees will meet May 3rd and 4th to go through the survey results and make changes to the current plan.

The plan will include new goals, a review of the board mission statement and indicators of success.

The survey can be found by visiting www.kpdsb.on.ca

Police Confirm Death at Vernon Trails

Kenora OPP have confirmed that a deceased man was discovered this morning at the entrance to the Vernon Trails, West of the City.

Constable Bob Bernie says police were called just after 8:00 and paramedics confirmed the death.

Police remain on the scene at this time and the area is closed off to the public, however McKenzie Portage Road remains open to traffic.

Bernie could not confirm how they are proceeding with the investigation.

Bernie adds he is looking into the incident this morning on St. Clair Street to see if the incidents have any relation.

Police on Scene at 2 Locations in City

Some new developments in the report of an incident on St Clair Street in Keewatin.

Kenora O.P.P are at the scene of incident at the Vernon Trails West of the City.

Reports say a deceased person was found at the location.

We have calls in with the O.P.P and are awaiting more details.

Meanwhile there are also police on the scene at 817 St. Clair Street in Keewatin.

It is not yet known if the locations are related.

New Director of Education Chosen for KPDSB

Sean Monteith is the new Director of Education of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

The Kenora resident was named to the position at a special board meeting last night.

Monteith says he's humbled and excited by the opportunity.

Monteith has been a Superintendent of Education with the board since 2008.

Sector Profile Hopes to Attract New Business

Lots of work is being done to attract more forestry business to the city.

Thelma Wilkins-Page with the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission presented city council with a sector profile on Monday.

Wilkins-Page says the report highlights strengths and advantages, opportunities for value added products, and government services and supports in the region..

Councillor Sharon Smith says the report will be great to helping companies get the information they need when deciding to do business in Kenora.

Health Unit Changing Pandemic Plan

The Northwestern Health Unit is supporting the province's new pandemic plan.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says the strategy provides a stronger working relationship with all three levels of government.

Stanley says the Health Unit was burned during the last H-1-N-1 pandemic because other Health Units were offering the free vaccine at earlier times.