Court Rules Spring Bear Hunt Can Proceed

For the first time in 15 years, there will be a limited spring bear hunt in northern Ontario.

A judge has sided with the provincial government on the spring bear hunt.  

A request to have the hunt delayed pending a judicial review has been thrown out of court.

The hunt will now go ahead as scheduled on May 1st.

The Ontario Federation Of Anglers and Hunters says it's pleased the court application by Zoocheck Canada and Animal Alliance of Canada has been dismissed and the federation looks forward to a safe and successful hunt.

NOMA Throws Support Behind Energy East Pipeline

The Energy East Pipeline Project is getting the thumbs up from the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.

The NOMA board put a resolution of support forward at it's annual conference over the weekend.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says not all the delegates voted in favour, but most see it as the best option for moving Alberta crude.

Canfield suggests the pipeline project is preferrable to moving the Alberta oilsands product by rail.

Mounties Searching For Missing Manitoba Girl

The RCMP and the Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public’s help in locating 16-year-old Toni Rose Linklater.

Linklater was last seen on the evening of April 14th in Manitoba.

The Mounties have information that Linklater may be in the Dryden area and is heading east.

She was wearing a black jacket and black tights.

Linklater is described as 5 foot 10, 143-pounds, average build, long brown hair, piercing's on her right eyebrow and lower lip.

She is considered at risk and police and family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police or Crime Stoppers.

Beaver Brae to Get Aboriginal Business Program

A business program for aboriginal students is being expanded into five
more high schools across northwestern Ontario.

The provincial government is funding the Martin Aboriginal Education
Initiative at Beaver Brae, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout and two high schools in Thunder Bay (St. Patrick and Churchill).

Lucie Santoro is a spokesperson for the program and says the students can enrol in two courses.

Santoro says the program is already up and running at Dennis Franklin Cromarty in Thunder Bay, and will be expanding into the five other high schools in the region in the fall.

NOMA Urging Province To Twin Highway 17

Five years and counting.

That's how long ago the federal and provincial government's announced 100 million dollars to twin the Trans-Canada Highway between Kenora and the Manitoba border.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association has passed a resolution urging the government to finally start construction on the project.

Transportation minister Glen Murray did have a meeting with the new band leadership at Shoal Lake last week in hopes of moving the Twinning project

forward.

Chalice Gold Takes Over Coventry Projects in NWO

A deal to takeover an Australian company's mining interests in the Nestor Falls and Rainy River areas is complete.

Conventry Resources is handing over control of four separate projects to Chalice Gold Mines.

The two Australian firms announced the deal last fall.

The four mining projects are at various stages of exploration.

Rickford Says Feds Not Idle on Ring of Fire

The Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire says the federal government remains committed to the massive mining project.

Premier Kathleen Wynne and Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle are both challenging the feds to get more involved in the project.

Greg Rickford says they have always been at the table.

Rickford says he has a good working relationship with Gravelle and looks forward to further talks to move the Ring of Fire forward.

Last week the provincial government announced a billion dollars for the giant mining project and challenged
the Harper Government to match that funding.

Province To Announce Details of Ontario Pension Plan

Premier Kathleen Wynne confirms Thursday's budget will contain details of an enhancement to the Canada Pension Plan.

In the Ontario Legislature yesterday, Wynne says financial experts agree there needs to be more capacity for people to save for their retirement.

She says since the federal government is refusing to do anything, it's up to the province to take action.

Conservative leader Tim Hudak describes the pension plan another payroll tax on business which
will kill jobs in Ontario.

NDP Call For Gas Price Watch Dog

Federal NDP are renewing their calls for a gas price watchdog.

Consumer Affairs critic Glenn Thibeault says the watchdog would ensure fairness.

The call comes after a spike in gasoline prices in some parts of the country just before
Easter and again last week in some northwestern Ontario communities.

Thibault says gas prices have hit a three year high and are 22 cents a liter more
this year than last year.

Relay For Life Offers Incentive

A new incentive for teams who sign up for Relay for Life in Kenora.

Team Coordinator Kerri Holder says NAPA Auto Parts is stepping up to the plate with a big donation.

Any team that signs up on-line will be entered into a draw for a thousand dollar contribution.

The winner of the one thousand dollar donation will be announced on May 19th.

The Relay for Life will take place on the Kenora Harborfront on June 20th.

Kenora OPP Make Numerous Arrests

The Kenora OPP have arrested 5 people following numerous incidents last weekend.

Provincial police say the investigation and subsequent search warrant began when a firearm was reported stolen from the vehicle in the Rideout area on Saturday morning.

At the same time police were called about a black GMC Sierra being stolen in the same area.

Afterward OPP got flooded with reports about break ins up Highway 671.

A road block allowed police to seize the stolen vehicle and arrest 3 suspects.

On Monday a search warrant at a residence on Mascott Avenue saw police seize the stolen firearm along with other property.

All 5 suspects are being held in custody and will appear in Kenora court tomorrow.

21 year old Edward Kersch from Kenora:

• Theft of Motor Vehicle
• Theft from a Motor Vehicle
• Mischief Under $5,000
• Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime
• Break, Enter Dwelling Commit an Indictable Offence
• Break, Enter Place Commit an Indictable Offence

19 year old Tristen Futros from Winnipeg:

• Theft Under $5,000
• Mischief Under $5,000
• Break, Enter Dwelling Commit an Indictable Offence x2
• Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle

40 year old Timothy Elliot from Kenora:

• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order
• Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited or Restricted Weapon Obtained by Crime

20 year old Bryan Fehr from Winnipeg:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

19 year old Mikhayla Mann from Winnipeg:

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

TBayTel Launches New Campaign

TBaytel's latest "Tbaytel for Good" campaign is now underway.

The telecommunication's company is offering up a total of 15-thousand dollars to organizations with the focus this time on the environment.

Groups across northwestern Ontario can register their idea and lobby for votes until June 20th.

The Border Skating Club in Fort Frances was the winner of the company's winter contest.

TransCanada Defends Energy East

A spokesperson for TransCanada Pipeline says they have a strong working relationship with First Nations regarding the proposed Energy East Pipeline.

Concerns about treaty rights have been raised at Ontario Energy Board consultations over the past month across Ontario

Philippe Cannon says they have an open dialogue with aboriginal leaders.

Cannon says several letters of agreement have been reached.

Ontario Court To Hear Appeal of Spring Bear Hunt

An Ontario court is to hear arguments today against the province’s planned spring bear hunt.

Animal Alliance of Canada and Zoocheck Canada are challenging the hunt, saying mother bears will be killed and their orphaned cubs left to starve or be killed by predators.

The new spring hunt is scheduled to begin in selected northern communities on Thursday and ends on June 15th.

The animal rights groups have filed an application for a judicial review, and say they hope the court will at least delay the start of the hunt until it can issue a ruling.

Their lawyer has said the hunt would be contrary to animal cruelty provisions in the Criminal Code.

The hunt was cancelled in 1999.

City Releases Boating Sector Profile

Business opportunties in boating.

That's the thrust of a  new economic development profile
developed for the City of Kenora.

Don Denver is chair of the Economic Development Commission and says the Boating Sector Profile fits in nicely with Kenora's brand promise.

The Boating sector profile outlines a number of business opportunities including boat maintenance and repairs, storage, as well as docking and rentals.

It's the most recent of the City's business profiles, which also includes mining, forestry and tourism.

Gravelle Promise One Billion For Ring of Fire

The provincial government is making a huge financial promise to the Ring of Fire mining development.

Northern Development and Mines minister Michael Gravelle says they will commit one billion dollars for infrastructure projects to the Ring.

Gravelle is challenging the federal government to pony up the same amount.  

The money will go towards building access to the project through either roads or railways.  

The funding will be included in this weeks provincial budget.

FedNor Promotes Export Opportunities

FedNor would like to see more companies in northwestern Ontario get into the export business.

The regional economic development agency is out offering specific financial assistance programs.

Director Aime Dimatteo says since announcing them last fall, thirty companies have made application.

Dimatteo says of the 67 hundred business with available products or services, just 6 per cent are now in the export business.

Tories Complain About Fake Deficit Numbers

The Progressive Conservatives claim the Liberal government has been using fake deficit numbers as part of its budget process.

They say the numbers are contained in documents obtained.

Tory leader Tim Hudak says its only hurts future investment.

The Tory says documents first identify a fake deficit number of 24.7 billion for the the 2009/
10 fiscal year.

Unifor Begins Contract Talks With Resolute

Contract talks between Resolute Forest Products and Unifor are underway.

The results of the negotiations, impacting nineteen collective agreements are intended to serve as a pattern for talks with other pulp and paper companies in eastern Canada.

The talks are scheduled to continued all this week in Montreal.

Local Fighter To Compete in Jiu Jitsu Competition

A local Jiu Jitsu fighter is competing in an international event.

Amanda Kowalik is heading to Brampton for the Ontario Opens.

Kowalik says she'll be fighting in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition.

She will be fighting in the white belt middle
weight class.

The tournament runs Saturday and Sunday.

OPP Investigate breaks Ins and Robbery

The Kenora OPP are investigating a number of break and enters in the community.

On Thursday last week police say a home in the North End was broken into and numerous electronics were stolen

At the same time police are investigating multiple break ins to cabins and a business on Coney Island.

The incidents occurred between the 22nd and the 25th.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents are asked to call the OPP or crimestoppers.

Meanwhile provincial police have charged 2 youth for robbery.

Early this afternoon a youth in the 9th Street North area was confronted by 2 16 year old boys, one of whom was carrying a knife.

Both youth suspects are being held in custody as they await a bail hearing tomorrow.

Green Party Concerned With Fair Elections Act

After a two-week break, the House of Commons and Senate return to work today.

Expect talk and debate among MP's and Senators as the session resumes about the Supreme Court's decision on Friday which claimed provincial consent is needed before the Senate can be eliminated.

Meanwhile, proposed amendments to the federal government's Fair Elections Act are not sitting well with the Green Party

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says there is nothing fair about the Fair Elections Act.

He says he would rather see a system of proportional representational.

Hyer adds that the entire elections system needs to be overhauled.

Green Party Announces Candidate for Kenora-Rainy River

The Kenora-Rainy River Riding now has a Green party candidate for the next provincial election.

Tim McKillop of Pickle Lake has been selected to carry the green colours.

McKillop is a High School teacher with the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board.

He joins Sarah Campbell, Anthony Leek of the Liberals and Randy Nickle of the Progressive Conservatives.

Campbell Acclaimed as NDP Candidate in Kenora-Rainy River

Sarah Campbell will once again represent the NDP in the Kenora-Rainy River riding in the next provincial election.

Campbell was acclaimed on the weekend at a nomination meeting in Dryden.

Campbell says she's ready to hit the campaign trail whenever the writ is dropped.

She says she knows the issues and has a lot of projects that she wants to see through.

Heritage Fund Dollars Announced

Several communities will share in funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

The Stanjikoming First Nation near Fort Frances is receiving 569 thousand dollars to upgrade a road for a quarry development project.

It's also getting 280 thousand to build a multi-use centre.

Lake of the Woods Township will use 125
thousand to install a geothermal heating system at the Bergland Hall.

Grassy Narrows Arena Destroyed by Fire

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office has been contacted about a fire to
the arena on the Grassy Narrows First Nation.

The arena was gutted by a blaze early Sunday morning.

It's believed the fire was caused by youth who may have broken into the
building late Saturday night.

The building was completely engulfed in flames by the time members of the  local volunteer fire department showed up at the scene.

No dollar figure has been given for the amount of the damage.

Province Wants Feds To Contribute to Highway Maintenance

Ontario says the federal government needs to ante up when it comes to road improvements.

The province is proposing to spend 14 billion dollars in northern Ontario alone.

Transportation Minister Glenn Murray says the federal commitment is well below that, closer to 73
million a year.

He says they are seeking at least three billion a year in Federal support for highways.

Some smaller municipalities also say a federal program for upgrades excludes them because of their size.

Federal Government Promises to Pursue Senate Reform

Minister of Natural Resources and Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the federal government is hoping to gain support from the provinces for Senate reform.

The Supreme Court of Canada says the government doesn't have the power to enact most of the changes it has proposed for the Senate without the support of the provinces.

Rickford says they will review the decision.

Rickford says they can always improve on regional representation.

Mental Health Agreement for Treaty Three

Tackling mental health in the Treaty 3 territory.

Members of the Minobimaadiziwin project have signed a relationship agreement with support providers to tackle issues of mental health.

Project manager Melanie Hyatt says it's a long time coming.

Hyatt says one big part of the agreement is to ensure patients aren't forgotten when they leave care an re-enter their communities.

Plane Problems on Sachigo Lake

The Chief of Sachigo Lake First Nation is confirming an incident involving a Wasaya Airways plane.

Alvin Beardy says the community is in shock after the doors of a Wasaya Airways plane flew open shortly after take-off early Friday morning

Beardy says the aircraft had finished dropping off passengers when it took off.

He says passengers on the ground heard something different and knew right away that something was very wrong.

The aircraft came back to the airport and landed safely.

Beardy says the door above the propellor had opened during mid-flight.

He says it was a full load with members of his community as well as others.

Beardy stresses the incident needs to be seriously looked at.

The Transportation Safety Board is looking into the incident.

Calls to Wasaya haven't been returned.

CUP-W Protesting Postal Changes

Nearly 50 municipalities across the country are rallying behind Canada Post amid drastic cuts planned within the Crown corportation.

Communities from Victoria, British Columbia to St. Johns Newfoundland are worried about the planned reductions in door to door mail delivery.

Municipalities have passed resolutions urging the federal government to reconder their decision to introduce more community mailboxes - instead of home delivery of mail.

Canadian Union of Postal Workers spokesperson Jeff Callaghan says they are urging people concerned about the changes to contact their MP.

Callaghan says they want to see Ottawa consult with communities before making sweeping changes to mail deliver in Canada.

Sharks Excel on the West Coast

A successful weekend for the Kenora Sharks Swim Club out in Victoria, B.C.

Ten members of the Sharks competed in the 11th Annual Pacific Wavemaker Long course Invitational.

12 year old swimmers, JC Drygasuk and Joe Morrison both set meet records in the backstroke.

Drygasuk in the 50 meter and Morrison in the 100 and 200 meter events.

12 year old Natalie Peterson qualified for more three races at the National Age Group championships taking
place in Winnipeg this summer, while Alex Illman is also close to qualifiying after her results in the 200
meter butterfly over the weekend.

1,000 People Without Power

Hydro One is confirming a power outage in the city of Kenora.

Initial reports this morning indicated the outage in the Donbrock / Airport Road area.

A spokesperson with Hydro One confirms that 1,000 customers are affected.

The cause of the out is still being investigated and the company hopes to have power restored by 8:30.

We will have updates as they are made available.

Harbourtown Biz Talks Downtown Revitalization

Waiting to move forward.

Mort Goss is the President of Harbourtown Biz and says work on phase 3 downtown revitalization is at a stand still.

Goss sais things are slow moving as the city awaits federal funding for the project.

He made the statement following the annual general meeting adding that the Biz is consulted at the engineering level.

Also at the AGM Goss noted money is set aside for businesses who will be impacted by the project.

Wynne Promises Northern Debate

Ontario's Premier has issued a challenge to her opposition leaders.

Kathleen Wynne used her visit to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association last night to challenge PC leader Tim Hudak and NDP leader Andrea Horwath to a leaders debate in northern Ontario if they force a spring election.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath was quick to respond says the Liberals have ignored the needs of northern Ontario for too long and she'd be happy to debate Wynne anywhere, anytime.

NOHF Funding Announcement Expected

Watch for an announcement today from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

It's expected Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle will announce funding to 8-communities in northwestern Ontario.

Kenora, Emo, and Sachigo Lake First Nation are said to be among the benefactors.

Gravelle will be atending the beapit session at the NOMA Conference.

Funding for Local Festivals

More funding for of festivals planned in Kenora this summer.

Muskies on main is getting $3,700 undred dollars, the Kenora Bass International is receiving $4,530 hundred, and Harbourfest will also see $9,050 handed over to them.

The money is coming from the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation and is to be used to marker the events.

Feds Provide Funding to NAN Women

The Federal Government is providing 200-thousand dollars to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to provide training and skills development for First Nations women.

NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says they want to reach out to as many communities as they can.

The 200-thousand is for two years and Fiddler hopes they'll be able to expand it after the funding runs out.

Local Agency Speaks Against Moose Tag Reductions

The Sunset Country Travel Association is the latest group to complain about the reduction in
moose tags this year.

Executive Director at Sunset Country Travel Association, Gerry Cariou says it will not only impact the
tourist industry, but local hunters as well.

Almost every Wildlife Management Unit across northwestern Ontario will see a reduction in the
number of moose tags available this year.

Time to Invest in Forestry

Investment bank Dundee Capital Markets says it might be worth investing in the forestry sector.

A research report cites increasing housing starts in the U.S. and a lower Canadian dollar to the American greenback as being favourable to Canadian producers.

It names Domtar and Resolute Forest Products as preferred investments because both stocks are inexpensive and because of the forecast for growth in earnings.

NOMA Gets Underway in Fort Frances

Municipal reps from across northwestern Ontario get down to work in Fort Frances today for the start of the annual meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.

NOMA President and Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says the theme this year deals with partnerships.

But Canfield says that theme could be overshadowed by the discussion over winter road maintenance and property assessment which have greatly impacted municipalities over the past year.

As many as 180 delegates are expected to attend, including the Grand Chief of Treaty Three and the
president of the Metis Nation of Ontario.

More Snow on the Way?

Winter just isn't ready to release it's icy grip on northwestern Ontario.

A snowfall warning has been issued for areas to the east of the City of Kenora.

Mark Shuster is a meteorologist with Environment Canada and says there's a lot of
moisture in the system.

He says Thunder Bay could get up to 20 centimeters.

Shuster says Kenora will just get brushed by the system, but could still see between five
and eight centimeters of wet snow.

Red Cross Conducts Emergency Exercise

The Kenora Red Cross is turning St. Louis School into a disaster shelter.

Elizabeth Playfair is the Community Services Coordinator and says they are running a mock emergency preparedness exercise.

Playfair says high school student will be filling the role of displaced victims.

The drill begins at 5:30.

Accident Slows Traffic on the D-2

Traffic is moving slowly on the D-2 this morning.

Police are on the scene following a two vehicle collision that took place shortly after 7:00 just
south of the turn-off to the Operations building.

A pick-up truck and a car were involved, with the car getting the worst of
the accident and was slammed into the rock cut.

No one was seriously injured.

Just one lane is open as a tow truck is on the scene removing the wreckage.

New Courthouse Opened in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's new consolidated courthouse is now officially christened.

The Attorney General and other dignitaries took part in a ceremony opening the building yesterday.

Regional Chief Stan Beardy says the new building will help aboriginal people caught up in the justice system.

The building has been been open for several weeks hearing cases.

Heart of the Continent Map Being Developed

An effort is underway to promote local attractions within parts of northwestern Ontario and northeastern Minnesota as part of an international tourism marketing initiative.

The Heart of the Continent is seeking nominees to be a part of a web map for its Geotourism project with National Geographic.

Committee member Eric Johnson says they're looking for things that fall within the geotourism guidelines.

The public is being asked to offer its suggestions to traveltheheart.org by June 15th.

Province to Eliminate Hydro Debt Retirement Charge

The much-hated hydro debt retirement charge could soon be a thing of the past.

The Liberal government is promising to get rid of the debt retirement line on residential
electricity bills by the end of 2015.

Energy Minister Bob Chirelli says the average home-owner could save about five dollars and 60 cents a month.

The charge will remain for other customers like large industrial users until the debt is retired, sometime in 2018.

By-Pass Closed Again Temporarily

The OPP have reclosed a section of the Kenora By-pass.

Police say the closure is just west of the Highway 17 and the 596 intersection.

Crews are cleaning up after this mornings tractor trailer fire.

The highway is expected to be closed for about hours.

Traffic is being re-routed through Kenora.

Police Searching for Missing Windsor Man

Local residents are being asked to be on the lookout for a missing Windsor man.

It's believed that 30-year-old Brandon Wheeler may be in the Dryden-Kenora area as reports say he may be travelling west to Alberta.

Windsor Police say Wheeler may be under distress and they are concerned about his safety.

Wheeler is driving a green 2010 Jeep Wrangler, with Ontario plates ALPD512.

The Jeep has a soft top and very large tires with a customized bumper.

He's described as 6-foot-4, skinny and muscular and usually wears a leather jacket, t-shirt and jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.

OPP Deploy Spike Belt in Ignace Car Chase

A Quebec man faces charges following a police chase in the Ignace area.

Provincial Police tried to stop a speeding eastbound driver on Highway 17 last Friday.

The driver refused to stop but his trip eventually ended about 40-kilometre east of Upsala when officers from the Thunder Bay and Upsala Detachment's deployed a spike belt.

38-year-old Jean Guy Bergeron has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle and flight from police.