KDSB Releases Homelessness Plan

The Kenora District Services Board is out with a 10-year homelessness and housing plan.

The issue sparked considerable debate yesterday at the KDSB table, with Sioux Lookout Mayor Dennis

Leney suggesting that a majority of the homeless in his community have homes in northern communities.

Manager of Integrated Social Services Diane
Apland says the homeless problem is a major issue across the district.

One recommendation to curb the problem is the creation of a Managed Alcohol program.

Leney says that's not the way to go and suggests the province must step up and notes there are 21 beds at the Kenora District Jail that aren't being used.

Harborfest Projecting Deficit in 2013

The final Harbourfest results aren't as low as initially projected.

Harbourfest chair Randy Nickle says they are still expecting a substantial deficit but the numbers are getting better.

Nickle says the biggest factor to the debt is the cost of the bands.

The final numbers should be known later this month.

National Youth Suicide Prevention Plan Needed

Partners for Mental Health have launched a national campaign to shine the light on youth suicide.

Michael Kirby is chair of the group and says there isn't a band-aid solution to the problem.

He says a number of first nation communities have been dealing with suicide epidemics.

Kirby says their campaign called Right By You urges the federal and provincial levels of government to work together to tackle the issue.

Military Veterans Protest Closure of Thunder Bay Office

Military veterans are standing up against the planned closure of some Veterans Affairs Offices in Canada.

The office in Thunder Bay is the only one in north
western Ontario.

Second world war vet Roy Lamore says refocusing some the government's current spending could help keep the office open.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says closure of the Thunder Bay office will force veterans from northwestern Ontario having to access services in Kirkland Lake which has experienced its own staff cuts.

Province Announces More Money for Breakfast Programs

The provincial government is adding another three million dollars to a student nutrition fund.

Health Minster Deb Matthews made the announcement this week.

The funding will ensure more first nation students get access to healthy, nutritious food and snacks.

Until now, student nutrition programs in First Nations schools have been solely funded
by charitable organizations.

The new provincial money will support 200 new breakfast, snack and lunch programs.

Broncos Faces Muskies in High School Football

An all-northwestern Ontario match-up in the Winnipeg High School Football League.

Beaver Brae will host Fort Frances this afternoon at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

The teams are tied in the standings, both with six points.

This will be the Muskies second game this week and third in seven days.

The Broncos are working on extending their three game winning streak.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon.

We will have live updates from the game on Twinnter @CJRLnews or twitter.com/CJRLnews