Council says no to Non-Profit Housing Request

A non-profit housing project in Kenora is getting the thumbs down from city council.

Aamikkowiish Non-Profit Housing is planning to build a number of homes in the community over the next couple of years.

Some of the housing units will be built on property donated by the city, while others are on property purchased by the agency.

Aamiikkowiish had asked the city for funding to extend a sewer and water line from a project its planning between 8th and 9th Streets North.

The projected cost will be 12 to 15 thousand dollars, so council has decided to take a pass on the request.

Ontario Nature warns local communities about nuclear waste storage

An environmental group is concerned over talk that a Northwestern Ontario community might store nuclear waste.

Ontario Nature is worried what that might mean for the other communities in the region.

Spokesperson Peter Rosenbluth says they want to have a strategic conversation with area Municipal leaders and tell them that their decisions impact the entire Northwest.

Campbell Gets Ready for first session at Queen's Park

Almost a month after she was sworn at the Ontario Legislature, Sarah Campbell will be joining her colleagues for her first taste of politics at Queen's Park.

Campbell says her party's focus will be on getting legislation passed to take the HST off home bills.

She says even though the Liberals still control the legislative agenda, the opposition will be able to make its voice heard.

The Speech from the Throne will be read later today with the NDP slated to introduce their private members bill on the HST on Thursday.

Kenora sewer and water rates

Kenora City Council has agreed to proceed with a waste water financial plan even though it could result in a substantial increase in sewer and water rates.

Councillor Ron Lunny says the plan needs to be submitted to the province, or it could jeopardize the who operation of their system.

The city is planning to hold a public meeting on the long range financial plan for the water department sometime in December.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is reporting modest job growth in the city
in recent month.

Dennis Wallace presented his 3rd quarter report to council last night and says 61 jobs were created
during that period.

He say while there were 12 new business starts in the past three months, he thinks they can do better.

Wallace suggests provincial energy policies are hindering, rather than helping business expansion in the city.

AbitibiBowater

A multi-million dollar company is seeking a tax break from the City of Kenora.


AbitibiBowater hasn't had a presence in the city for years, but its still in a battle with city hall over property taxes.

Abitibi is asking council for a break on the few remaining building left on lands located on 9th Street North.

The company argues the buildings are damaged and substantially unusable.

Council rejected the claim last ngiht because one of the buildings is currently in use by Wincrief Forest Products.

The application for tax relief dates back to 2010, the last year Abitibi actually owned the property.

The company was encouraged to make a deputation to council to argue its case, but no-one from Abitibi attended last night's open meeting.

New Speaker Elected for Ontario Legislature

Dave Levac, a Liberal who represents the riding of Brant, has been elected Speaker of the Ontario legislature.

Three other Liberals were also vying for the job: Donna Cansfield, Kevin Flynn and David Zimmer.

Now that a Speaker has been chosen, the legislature can officially get back to business with a throne speech tomorrow.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell says its too early to say how much premier Dalton McGuinty will be willing to work with the opposition in his minority goverment.

The first question period at Queen's Park will take place on Wednesday, with a fall economic update scheduled for Thursday.

Saints volleyballers ranked 2nd heading into OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is expected to be a force once again this year at the All-Ontario Single A championships.

The Saints go into the OFSAA tournament ranked second in the province.

That despite the fact, T.A. only has two returning players from last year.

A year ago, the Saints won the OFSAA silver medal, after winning gold the two years previous.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team will have a much tougher schedule this week at OFSAA.

The Saints are ranked 16th out of 16 teams entered in the Single A championships in St. Catharines.

Both OFSAA championships begin on Thursday.

Ontario Legislative Speaker

History could be made today at the Ontario Legislature, where M-P-Ps will gather to elect a new speaker.

Of the four candidates, the perceived front-runner is Liberal Donna Cansfield, who hopes to become the Legislature's first female speaker.


There are there other Liberals running for the job -- Dave Levac, Kevin Flynn and David Zimmer.
Whoever wins will preside over a minority house.

In the October 6th Ontario election, Premier Dalton McGuinty's

Liberals finished one seat short of forming their third straight majority government.

Treasury Metals

Wabigoon Lake First Nation has served notice of non-compliance of all operations by Treasury Metals.

Chief Ruben Cantin sayas the Company has been conducting exploration work in the area without free and prior consent.

He adds that Treasury has expressed an unwillingness to negotiate any agreements that support the First Nation.

He's ordered a halt on operations until a satisfactory deal is reached and he's asked Natural Resources Minister Rick Bartolucci to get involved.

Cantin adds Wabigoon Lake is prepared to take any and all necessary measures to proect their land and their rights.

Arie Hoogenboom

Sioux Lookout has a new interim CAO and you may recognize his name.


Council has agreed to appoint Arie Hoogenboom to the position, effective tomorrow.

Hoogenboom is the former Dryden City Manager and will serve as CAO for a 6-month term.

Mayor Dennis Leney says Hoogenboom knows the opportunities and challenges facing local communities.

Teen Pregnancy

After analysing four years of birth outcomes in Ontario, Code Red says more and more teens are starting families.

At Sandy Lake First Nation, 40 per cent of the mothers giving birth were teens .

In Pikangikum, 47 of the 144 mothers were between the ages of 15 and 19 and in 2009 there were 53 pregnancies for every thousand teens here in Kenora .

Harmonized Sales Tax

Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is making good on her promise to remove the HST from our home heating bills. The NDP party is ready to introduce a private members bill that could save us a few bucks.


Campbell hopes the Conservatives will back her up on the motion to make life more affordable for families in Northwestern Ontario.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Free hot chocolate, apple cider and treats!


It’s all part of this years Christmas Tree Lighting along with free sleigh rides from beaver creek ranch.

It all starts at 5:30 on the corner of Main and Second Street this Thursday night.

15-year-old Boy Charged in Death of Young Girl

A Sandy Lake First Nation teen has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and criminal negligence causing death in relation to the death of a young Big Trout Lake girl.
The body of 11-year-old Chloe Matthews was discovered back in March on the Sacred Heart School property in Sioux Lookout.

The OPP say Matthews died from hypothermia.

Charges against the 15-year-old boy were laid Thursday.

The accused has a preliminary hearing set for March in Sioux Lookout.

His name can't be released.

"Lock it or Lose it!"

It's Midnight Madness in Kenora.

OPP are reminding folks to "Lock it or Lose it!"

Constable Dave Cain says you shouldn’t keep anything valuable in your vehicle.

With Christmas shopping underway keep your purchased items in the trunk, in the glove box, or store them out of sight from would be thieves.

Police say they will continue foot patrols to ensure everyone has a festive season.

Drive Safe this Winter

The winter weather has arrived and Police are urging motorists to take it easy.

Constable Dave Cain says motorists should take their time and slow down.

Cain says drivers should also keep a safe distance between vehicles

The OPP remind motorists to keep snow boots, winter coats and an extra tire in the vehicle in case it breaks down.

Bundle up!

CJRL Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says it might be time to unpack your winter guear!
Laidlaw says it looks like we're in for a so-called La Nina Winter.

Expect a cold winter with less snow.

Long Gun Registry

Bruce Hyer isn't saying if he'll be voting to scrap the long-gun registry when it comes up again for third reading in Parliament.

 The Thunder Bay NDP MP says even though he has voted against the party line on the issue doesn't mean he'll do it again.


Meantime fellow NDPer John Rafferty says he plans to vote to scrap the registry like he did before.

Kenora District Services Board

One of the longest serving staff members at the Kenora District Services Board is calling it quits.

Toni Thurbide is the director of finance for the KDSB and was the second employee hired for the organization.

Her resignation comes as the Services Board is getting ready to finalize its 2012 budget.

NWOSSA Championships

The Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team will try to book its ticket to the All-Ontario Single "a" championships today.

The Saints are hosting the NWOSSA championships. T.A. will take on Marathon in a best-of-three final series.

Game one tips off at 9:30 this morning.

Game two is this afternoon at 1:30 and game three if necessary will take place Friday morning at 9:30.

The winner will advance to the OFSAA championships next week in St. Catharines.

Resolute Forest Products

Members of CEP Local 141 and 259 at Bowater Mersey voted to accept the latest proposal from Resolute Forest Products - formally Abitibi Bowater - which includes massive job cuts.

In total, 51.7 percent of those who cast a ballot, voted in favour of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with the company.

It means 110 employees at the mill along Nova Scotia's South Shore are going to lose their job. That includes 80 full time and 30 casual positions. The reduction of the workforce represents almost half of the union's membership and will leave 128 workers left to operate the mill.

Union President Courtney Wentzell was clearly dejected and emotional as he delivered the news to a handful of his co-workers and union members at the union hall in Brooklyn on Wednesday night.

No word on when negotiations between the company and union will commence. Wentzell didn't take any questions or reveal how many of the union's 228 members voted but he said turnout was solid.

Redditt Railway Crossings

Redditt may be a small community, but its getting some attention from the federal government.

A total of 43 thousand dollars is being spent in the community to upgrade six railway crossing in the area.

The funding is part of a 14 million dollar program to fix up railway infrastructure across Canada.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says northwestern Ontario has one of the safest rail systems in the
country, but notes that improvements can always be made.

Kenora Handi-Transit

After years of penny pinching, Kenora Handi-Transit will be getting a helping hand from the city.

Handi-Transit had racked up a deficit of 25 thousand dollars, but has managed to cut that in half over the past couple of years.

The board of Handi-Transit has asked city council for 13 thousand dollars to help erase the deficit.

Most of the city councillors have agreed to the request, saying the volunteer board has worked hard to address its financial situation.

Ontario Tourism Awards

Northwestern Ontario has always been known for its tourism potential, now its being recognized for its tourism marketing.

The "Escape to Ontario" campaign place third in the Ontario Tourism Awards this year.

Tourism Development Officer Heather Paterson says they finished just behind Toronto and Ottawa in the competition.

The campaign ran in June of 2010 and February of 2011.

Red Lake OPP

An OPP officer with the Red Lake Detachment has been suspended amid allegations a person was driven several kilometres out of town before being released from custody.


The incident is alleged to have happened on October 29th.

The name of the officer now under investigation has not been released.

2nd annual charity challenge launched

The snow is barely on the ground, but the organizers of Kenora's Winter Carnival have already started planning for the 2012 event.

Teams are being recruited for the 2nd annual charity challenge.

Tourism Development Officer, Heather Paterson says last year's challenge was so successful, they wanted to give local groups more time to sell their buttons this year.

Paterson says just eight teams will be selected to take part in the charity challenge this year.

Any group interested in entering the challenge has until November 23rd to send in their application.

JM Judo Club Brings four medals home from Brampton

Four members of the Jaffray Melick Judo Club collected medals at the first ever  Ontario Youth International Judo tournament in Brampton.

Over 400 fighters from across the province attended including five local judokas.

Ben Dennis recorded the only gold medal, going a perfect 4-0 in the under 17, 50 kilo division.

Kaitie Dennis, Thomas Hertz and Luke Heatherington each brought home bronze medals from the competition.

The tournament is one of Judo Ontario's Provincial Team qualifying events.

Kenora's youth Council getting closer to Reality

Young people in Kenora could soon have a voice at city hall.

Kenora's new youth council is expected to begin meeting in the new year.

City council is expected to formally approve the terms of reference for a youth council next week.

The council would have five youth representitives as well as at least one member of city council sitting in on the discussions.

Councillor Rory McMillan has volunteered to the city rep on the committee.

Another Drug Bust in Sioux Lookout

The Kenora Joint Forces Drug Unit has charged two people following a search of a Sioux Lookout home.

Officers searched the Second Avenue residence on Monday and seized 2-thousand dollars worth of marijuana as well as drug related material and a quantity of cash.

Police say 45-year-old Warren Parenteau of Dryden and 45-year-old Rena Trout of Sioux Lookout faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Highway Closed near Nipigon

A road closure of note if you are headed east.

Nipigon OPP say Highway 11 at Lake Helen First Nation is closed.

Police say a transport spun out of control this morning and is blocking the road.

OPP add that fuel is leaking from the tanks into a nearby creek.

Police recommend that motorists use Highway 17 as an alternative.

There is no word on the length of the closure.

Festival of Trees set to Celebrate its 8th anniversary

The Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation is gearing up for another major fundraiser.

The 8th annual Festival of Trees will take place at the Museum the first weekend of December.

Executive Director of the Community Foundation, Darlene McGilvary says they have 25 trees entered this year.

The Festival of Trees will run from December 1st until the 3rd.

Blood Donor Clinic Exceeds Expectations

Canadian Blood Services says Kenora residents are continuing their strong support their blood donor clinics.

Over the past two days, 278 people showed up at Thomas Aquinas to give the gift of life.

That was 15 more than their target for this clinic.

In all, 238 units of blood were collected.

The next blood donor clinic will take place early in the new year.

Two Winnipeg Men Fined for using false licences

A couple of fishing licences ended up costing a lot more than two Winnipeg men had bargained for.

The MNR says the anglers have been fined a total of 17 hundred dollars for using a false fishing licence.

The two Manitoba men initially bought their fishing licences and outdoor cards at a marina on Lake of the Woods in June of 2010, but gave the marina as their home address.

The next year, John Bracken returned to the same marina to purchase his licence.

He was eventually contacted by conservation officers who noticed the irregularity.

Bracken has been fined 12 hundred dollars, while Michael Mendres was fined 500 dollars.

Broncos and Saints win on the ice

Home ice was just what the doctor ordered for Beaver Brae's hockey teams.

Both the Bronco boys and girls squads beat Fort Frances last night.

The Beaver Brae girls raced out to a 2-0 lead in the second period, but had to hold on for a 3-2 win.

Annie Johnson scored the game winner in the third period for the Broncos.

Meanwhile, the Beaver Brae boys needed a shootout to get by the Muskies.

The Broncos edged Fort 5-4, avenging a 4-2 loss in their season opener in

Sioux Lookout. 

In Dryden, the Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team skated to a 6-3 victory

over the Eagles.

Duncan McGilvary led the offense with a goal and two assists. 

Ben Dennis picked up the win in goal for T.A. 

Emergency Plan

Always be prepared.

That's the slogan for the boy scouts, but it should also be the mantra for the City of Kenora.

City council is being urged to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian Red Cross should there be an emergency situation in the region.

Fire Chief Warren Brinkman beleives the two thousand dollar cost is well worth the expense.

The City was caught off guard this past summer when there was a mass evacuation of thousands of people from first nation communities due to forest fires.

Lake Smart Program

The first ever Lake Smart Program is being described as a big success.


Lake Smart was carried out by the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association and encouraged cottage owners to be more environmentally aware.

Susan McLeod is the executive director and says they visited over 400 properties this past summer.

The Property Owners Association hired two students this past summer to go out on Lake of the Woods
and surrounding areas with the Lake Smart Program.

Kids for Cancer

Kids for Cancer has been shut out by Kenora City Council once again.


The fundraising hockey tournament had asked the city to one of its corporate sponsors this year.

Instead council turned down the request, saying it already supports the tournament through subsidized ice rentals at the Kenora Rec. Center and the Keewatin Arena.

Councillor Rod McMay pointed out that Kids for Cancer also receive a 25 hundred dollar grant from the Community Foundation, which the city also provides monetary support.

Ring Of Fire

The Federal Government has started the public consultation process for Noront's Eagle's Nest project.

It's part of the Environmental assessment process and the public can comment up until December 16th.

Noront wants to operate a nickel-copper-platinum mine at the site in Northern Ontario.

Broncos open home hockey schedule tonight

Double Header high school hockey action at the Kenora Rec. Center this evening.

Beaver Brae's girls team plays its home opener against the Fort Frances Muskies this evening at the Thistle Rink.

Puck drop is at 5:00.

Meanwhile, The Bronco boys will try to bounce back from a disappointing season opener on the road.

Beaver Brae were doubled up 4-2 by Sioux Lookout on Saturday.

The Broncos also host the Muskies starting at 7:30 following the girls game.

Blood donor clinic continues today

Canadian Blood Services is hoping for another good turn-out today for its blood donor clinic in Kenora.

Yesterday, 168 people turned up to give the gift of life, with 146 units collected.

That was 12 more than organizers had hoped for.

The Blood donor clinic runs until 12:30 this afternoon at Thomas Aquinas and there are still 25 appointment times available.

Thomas Aquinas Student Enjoys being Mayor for a Day

A Thomas Aquinas student has received a crash course in municipal politics.

Emily Bernie was the winner of a Mayor-for-a-day contest.

She shadowed mayor Dave Canfield yesterday as he did his rounds.

She says there are a couple of issues she'd like to see addressed in the city, including more of a focus on a youth and improved winter tourism. 

Bernie presided over yesterday's committee of the whole meeting, along with three runner's up in the Mayor-for-a-day contest.

Rainy River Resources updates Gold Mine project

There will be no base camp for employees working at its proposed gold mine south of Kenora.

Rainy River Resources released a preliminary economic assessment of the project last week.

President Raymond Threlkeld expects the projected 618 full-time workers to live in nearby communities.

As many as 675 would be involved in the construction phase with an open-pit mine in operation by 2015.

Two people charged in Fort Hope Cruiser Fire

Two people are charged  in connection with last weeks police cruiser fire in the far north community of Fort Hope. 

Police say the two, one 20 the other 23 years old, are scheduled for a court appearance in Thunder Bay today.  

No one was hurt in the blaze which destroyed the cruiser and caused damage to the house of a Nishnawbi-Aski Police officer.

Talks between Big Trout Lake and the Province on Hold

Talks between Big Trout Lake and the Ontario Government are on hold.

The First Nation feels the province is unable to provide assurance that mining  exploration by God's Lake Resources would stop while the joint panel meets.

Three deputy ministers were recently in the remote first nation community to meet with band members about the creation of a joint panel.

This past summer, Big Trout Lake issued an ultimatum to God's Lake, about its mining activity on KI's traditional land use territory.

City Councillors Due for a long overdue raise

Members of Kenora City Council are amongst the worst paid in Ontario.

But that could soon change.

City administration has come out with a report recommending a 30 percent increase next year.

Councillor Rory McMillan says they haven't had a pay raise since the year 2000.

If council approves the pay raise, the mayors salary will increase to just under 30 thousand, while councillors will get almost 15 thousand dollars a year.

Kenora Police Services

It took almost two and a half years, but the final costs surrounding the disbandment of the Kenora Police Service have been calculated.

The final payment from the disbandment of the Kenora Police was made last month.

It ended up costing the city about 2.5 million dollars once all the dust settled.

That included severance packages for former employees of the KPS as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees.

The final payment of 55 thousand dollars was made last month, ending a long drawn out process.

The previous edition of council decided to disband the municipal police service and go with the OPP back in July of 2009.

Utility Bills

Local homeowners might get sticker shock when they open their utility bills in the new year.
Kenora city council has received a report which suggests that sewer and water rates should increase 10 percent a year for the next six years.

Mayor Dave Canfield says one way they might be able to reduce rates is to increase the number of customers on the system.

The report suggests the sewer and water system is seriouly underfunded and higher rates are needed to pay for upgrades to the infrastructure.

Kenora City Payroll

Pay equity is catching up with the City of Kenora.

A pay equity plan has been completed which could affect five employees on the city payroll.

Its estimated that it will cost the city about 115 thousand dollars to implement the plan.

The pay equity review is retroactive to January 1st, 2009.

Councillor Louis Roussin says they knew there would be cost associated with the pay equity review, they just didn't know how much it would be when they drafted the 2011 budget.

Any pay adjustment could come from the City's contingency reserve fund.