2011: Bill Mauro

2012 should be an interesting one at Queens Park as the McGuinty government tries to work in a minority situation. Looking ahead MPP Bill Mauro says the upcoming budget will be one to watch.
As for 2011, Mauro says it was a year of growth and investment in the northwest by the McGuinty government

Rainy River Strategic Plan

Municipal reps are aiming to have a memorandum of understanding in place next spring that helps pave the way toward a strategic plan for the Rainy River district.

Rainy River town councillor Gord Armstrong there have been talks about the plan this year.

He says getting municipalities to formally agree to the concept keeps progress moving.

He's hoping more concrete plans will be in place by the end of 2012.

Impaired Driving

If your having a few drinks this holiday season, don't get behind the wheel.


Constable Dave Cain says despite our best efforts impaired driving number in Kenora are still on the rise.

"We had 66 total impaired drivers charged in 2010 and this year we're at 81, it's really not a good statistic to be bragging about”

The Northwest Region of Ontario had the highest number of impaired drivers convicted, 9 of which came from Kenora.

If you suspect someone to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol:  call 9-1-1

Donor Clinic

It takes less then an hour of your time and in the process you can help save a life.

Canadian Blood Services will be back at St. Thomas Aquinas on January 16th and 17th and they're looking to book over 140 appointments.

Adrienne Silver, Communications Specialist for Northwestern Ontario says blood units from Kenora alone would be enough to help 28 cancer patients or 2 people seriously injured in a collision.

The basic criteria to donate is simple: if your over 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs and your in general good health your good to go

For more information or to book your appointment visit www.blood.ca

Thunder Bay Murder

A northwestern Ontario man faces a second-degree murder charge after initially being accused of aggravated assault.

Thunder Bay Police upgraded the charge four days after 53-year-old Barney Beaver of Webequie First Nation died of his injuries in hospital.

Police say Beaver was found unconscious in his room at Thunder Bay's Victoria Inn December 17th by cleaning staff.

Thirty-three-year-old Summer Beaver First Nation resident Kelsey Lance Charles Jacob is in custody and will appear in Thunder Bay court on January 5th.

A memorial service for Beaver is to take place at Webequie today

John Rafferty 2011-2012

MP John Rafferty says 2012 looks to be a struggle for the NDP. Looking to the new year, Rafferty says that the Harper majority will be hard to crack, if not impossible.

2011 will go down as an interesting one for MP John Rafferty.  He and his fellow NPRer Bruce Hyer were sanctioned for voting against their party on the Long Gun Registry

Rafferty says 2011 proved to be full of highs and lows for the NDP

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Even without any major tax hikes, Canadians' take-home pay will get a little lighter starting Jan.1.


The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says premium hikes for employment insurance and the Canada Pension Plan will take about $306 out of the pockets of both workers and employers in 2012.

The maximum pensionable earnings rise to $50,100 from $48,300.

That will take about $142 from employees who qualify for the maximum over the year.

The hit on employers is slightly more, $164.

Border Travel

The U-S Customs and Border Protection is offering some tips to travellers planning visits across the border during the holiday season.


If bringing presents across the border, ensure that any festive wrappings do not obstruct inspection of the items.

Most fresh fruits and vegetables grown outside of the U.S. or Canada are prohibited.

And because this is usually a busy time at the border, travellers may want to consider avoid peak crossing times.

Thin ice on Lake of the Woods

A conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has escaped injury after breaking through thin ice on Lake of the Woods over the weekend.


The officer was checking fishing north of Warroad Saturday when his ATV broke through and sank to the bottom of the lake.

He was able to swim to the edge of the ice and pull himself out of the water to safety with ice picks.

He then used his radio to call a state trooper for a ride

Greg Rickford 2011-2012

2012 is going to be the year the Harper government will be wrestling with the nations debt according to MP Greg Rickford.

Looking ahead to the new year Rickford says there will also be a committment to helping out the infrastructure needs of the country


2011 helped put Rickford in the national spotlight as the Attawapiskat crisis was exposed.

New Year's Eve in Kenora

The Kenora Rec. Center will be a hopping place once again this New Year's Eve.


The Kenora Rotary Club will be holding its 3rd annual Family night.

There will be free skating and swimming from 4:00 until 7:00 for everyone.

There will also be free sleigh rides from 4:00 until 6:00 outside the Rec. Center.

Kenora Lions Club

$67,000, that’s what this year’s annual Lions Club Christmas draw brought in.


Don Brown of the Lions Club says the tickets have been sold out for the last 5 consecutive years and he hopes 2012 will be no different.

Winners for the 2011 season include:

1st prize: Robert Gray (Dodge Journey or $28,000)

2nd prize: Murray MacDonald ($500 gift card to Safeway)

3rd prize: Dianne Little ($500 gift card for Canadian Tire)

The draw was held on Christmas day.

Healthy Smiles

There are plenty of Healthy Smiles in the Rainy River district.

Northwestern Health Unit has concluded a lengthy visit to the district of its mobile dental office.

The Health Unit's Dental Health Program Manager Dawn Sauve says its aimed at bring dental services to children in need.

Funding for the van came from the Ministry of Health.

Legislative Agenda

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says he's proud of his government's track record this fall.

Rickford says while the opposition spent a lot of time talking about the conditions on the Attiwapiskatt First Nation, the government stayed focused on its legislative agenda.

Rickford says a couple of important bills were passed including Electoral Reform and the Safe Streets and Communities act.

2012 in Kenora

A positive outlook for 2012 in Kenora.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield believes the city is due for better times.

He says its important to put out the welcome mat for business.

Canfield says a lot of money has been spent on improving the city's infrastructure over the past few years and he feels that will pay dividends in the months ahead.

Chamber of Commerce Business Awards

There are a dozen awards up for grabs this year including: entrepreneur of the year, manager of the year, customer service excellence, hospitality, and new business of the year.


Nominations can be submitted online to the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce.

January 6th is the last day to submit nominations.

Recycle Your Electronics

If you're looking for a New Years Resolution how about this: Recycle your old electronics.

The Ontario Electronic Stewardship says they've seen a big increase in the amount of old cell phones, computers and televisions being recycled in northwestern Ontario.

But executive director, Carol Hochu suggests we can do better.

In Kenora, you can recycle your old electronics at the Waste Transfer Station on Barsky's Hill.

Ice Candle Festival Starts Tomorrow

Lake of the Woods Cemetary will be aglow with ice candles once again this Christmas

Volunteers will begin lighting the candles tomorrow.

Barb Manson organizers the annual event and says this year the funds will go towards completing a park in the Lakeside area.

A special ceremony will take place at 1:00 tomorrow afternoon at the cemetary with a special choral presentation from the Sideways Singers.

Bill to Abolish the Long Gun Registry Delayed until the New Year

The abolition of the federal long gun registry has now been put off until the new year.

Parliament rose last week, without third reading of the bill.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford expects it will be one of the first items of business when the House of Commons resumes sitting in February.

Rickford had hoped the bill would pass before Christmas, but says a very busy legislative agenda prevent it from getting third and final reading.

A mild Christmas in the Forecast

Santa isn't going to have to put on his warm, thermal underwear when he visits Kenora this Christmas.

Bill Laidlaw from Signal Weather Services says its going to remain unusually warm until at least early next week.

The forecast for Christmas calls for plus one and plus two for Boxing Day.

Local Business Survey Launched

What do local businesses need to survive and to thrive?

That's the question being asked by the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission.

Thelma Wilkins-Page says volunteers are contacting local business owners getting their feedback.

Wilkins-Page says they recently completed their survey of the automotive sector and will continue with their business poll in the new year.

IJC Report on Lake of the Woods Delayed

A report on the Lake of the Woods Watershed by the International Joint Commission is going to be delayed.

A Task Force set up by the IJC submitted its recommendations back in July, and the Commission was to present its findings to the government's of Canada and the United States by December 17th.

However, it now appears the final report won't be ready until the end of January.

Commission spokesperson Bernard Beckhoff says they are in the process of  finalizing the report and says additional time is needed to complete it.

NAN calls for Action on FASD

There's an accusation that the McGuinty Government isn't doing enough about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says the Province needs to get serious about the problem because his people can't do it on their own.

Waboose says a countless number of children with the disorder are falling through the cracks.

Habitat For Humanity Committee Making Progress

Habitat for Humanity is confident it will be able to meet its fundraising target to build its first home in Kenora.

The local committee is hoping to raise 125 thousand dollars before the spring.

Ralph Page is one of the local members and says he's pleased with their progress to date.

Page says they have about 18 thousand dollars in cash donations and even more promised with "in kind" donations of labor and materials.

Catholic Board approves revised budget

The Kenora Catholic District School Board has approved its revised budget estimates for the current fiscal year.

Because enrolment is up, the separate school board is getting more funding from the Ministry of Education.

However, Finance manager Erica Baily, they still expect to add to their deficit this year, due to the extra student population.

Bailey says they have about 25.5 more students enrolled in the Catholic Board right now that they have projected back in June when they finalalized their budget.

Broncos split in Fort Frances

Beaver Brae's junior boys basketball team is going into the Christmas Break with a two game winning streak.

The Broncos edged the Fort Frances Muskies 27-26 yesterday in the Fort.

Beaver Brae opened the season on Tuesday with a win over Dryden.

The Broncos senior boys are still a work in progress. They were hammered 56-19 by the Muskies yesterday.

In girls volleyball action, the Beaver Brae senior girls picked up their first win of the season, downing the Muskies three sets to one.

The Broncos junior girls lost in three straight to Fort Frances.

Shoal Lake #39 Threatening to take Winnipeg to Court

The Shoal Lake #39 First Nation says its prepared to take legal action against the City of Winnipeg over the issue of water.

The band has given Winnipeg a deadline of January 20th to open negotiations.

Earlier this year, Chief Eli Mandamin indicated they were seeking 124 million dollars a year for the water Winnipeg uses.

The band claims the city is taking the water illegally.

Shoal Lake says the ball is now in Winnipeg's court.

Rickford supports adult training center

Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission is getting some high level support for its concept of a Adult Training Center in Kenora.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says developing training opportunities is key to the economic future of the community.

Rickford goes on to say he supports the concept.

The Commission briefed city council on the proposal for an adult training center at Lakewood School.

A final business plan is expected to outline some of the potential sources of funding for the project.

Atikokan not happy with Comparisons to Attiwapiskatt

The Mayor of Atikokan says he's not sure why his community is being used as a comparison with the financial spending of troubled Attawapiskat First Nation.

A published report notes Atikokan's operating budget to be a third of the remote Northern community.

Dennis Brown says location may play a factor.

Brown says it's also difficult to compare budgets since Atikokan doesn't have all of the same financial responsibilities as Attawapiskat.

Trout Forest Lands funding

A big catch for organizers of the Trout Forest Music Festival.

The Federal Government has handed the Ear Falls Festival 50-thousand dollars to help it through 2013 and 2014.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the event is a great venue to showcase local and national talent.

Trout Forest Executive Director David Hoey says the funding will make it easier for planning and will allow organizers to showcase the top talent in Canada.

Grassy rejects Long Term Plan for Whiskey Jack Forest

The Grassy Narrows First Nation is rejecting a long term forest management plan for the Whiskey Jack Forest.

The plan was released last week, but Grassy Chief Simon Fobister says it still would allow for clear cut logging in their traditional land use territory.

Fobister says the document was developed without their participation or consent.

He's now asking for a meeting with Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle asking the government to work with them.

So far Fobister says he hasn't heard back from Gravelle's office.

Just Say No to Chainsaws

City council is being asked to toughen up Kenora's noise by-law.

Charles King made a deputation to council this week complaining that chainsaws were not included in the current by-law.

King says one of his neighbors used a chainsaw constantly this summer and it was an irritant not only to him but other in his Lakeside neighborhood.

Habitat for Humanity Choses family for its first Kenora Build

Its a Christmas wish come true.

A single woman and her girl will be the first family in Kenora to receive a home from Habitat for Humanity.

Ashley Neniska says she's very thankful to the Habitat committee selecting her.

Habitat For Humanity is hoping to start construction on its first Kenora home in May.

Business Plan Unveiled for Proposed Adult Training Center

A proposed adult training center at Lakewood School is getting the thumbs up in a new report.

Grant Thornton was asked by the Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission to provide a business plan for the training facility.

Geordie McEwan is the vice-chair of the commission and says the initial numbers are very promising.

McEwan admits there are still lots of hurdles to cross, including the fact the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board owns the school and has not declared it surplus to its needs.

McEwan says they will be making a presentation to the school board trustees next month.

Drunk Driving Charges Higher in Kenora

A published report suggests northwestern Ontario has the worst drunk driving rates in Ontario.

The Global News report based its findings on the number of convictions of impaired driving between June 2010 and June 2011.

The Kenora area came in with a rating of almost 12 convictions for every one thousand drivers.

Dryden's came in at 3.8, while Fort Frances was 2.6.

The provincial average was 1.7.

Local First Nations want more Consultation on Twinning Highway 17 West

Four first nations in the Kenora area say they are still concerned with the lack of consultation on the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora.

Shoal Lake Bands number 39 and 40, the Dalles and Washagamis Bay met recently and shared their common concerns with the project.

Chief Lorraine Cobiness from the Dalles says the consultation process carried out by the Ministry of Transportation so far has been deeply flawed.

They say the government's of Canada and Ontario are not respecting their treaty rights.

The band chiefs says they want their interests addressed befor any work on the twinning project begins.

Bastone Elected Chair of Catholic School Board

A new face at the helm of the Kenora Catholic District School Board.

Frank Bastone takes over as chairman, following last night's board elections.

He beat out Theresa Gallick for the position.

Bastone admits their biggest challenge these days is a good one, and that's dealing with an increasing enrolment.

Bastone is joined on the board's executive by Paul Landry who was elected vice-chair.

Catholic School Board Buys Pinecrest

The Kenora Catholic District School Board is getting into the community club business.

Last night the board agreed to buy the Pinecrest Community Club from the city for 122 thousand dollars.

Phylis Eikre is the director of education and says they don't plan any changes to the operation of the outdoor rink at this time.

Eikre says the city will be tearing down the clubhouse in the spring because its no longer deemed to be safe to use.

OPP disappointed with RIDE numbers

Disappointment from the OPP with the number of people still drinking and driving this holiday season.

Thirty-one drivers have been charged with impaired since the OPP Festive Ride program started at the end of November.

Traffic Staff Sergeant Ken Mantey says people need to make smarter choices.

The charges stem from over 500 RIDE checks conducted by Police so far.

Solar Panels for Non Profit Housing Units in Kenora

Solar pannelling for seven housing units in the Kenora District.

Services Board CAO Dan McNeill says 3-project have been approved for Dryden, three for Kenora and one for Red Lake.

McNeill says two more units in Red Lake were turned down.

The housing units must be connected to the energy grid by mid-April.

No word on future of Zeller's in Kenora

Hudson's Bay Company says it hasn't decided on the fate of the Zeller's department store in Kenora.

HBC says there are 84 stores across Canada that were not included in the sale to Target last year.

The company says its currently doing a review of the Zeller's outlets and will likely decide early in 2012 what to do with them.

Target is planning to take over more than 100 Zeller's stores starting in 2013.

Bronco and Saints court teams have mixed results

The Thomas Aquinas court sport teams made it a clean sweep over Sioux Lookout.

The Saints Senior boys basketball team got 20 points from Devon Luby to cruise to a 59-39 victory.

The T.A. junior boys earned a 57-42 win over the Warriors.

Tristan Argue had 14 points for the Saints.

In girls volleyball, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls continued their dominance early in the season winning three sets to none over Sioux Lookout.

The Saints junior girls capped the day with a three sets to one win over the Warriors.

Meanwhile, up at Beaver Brae, the Broncos boys basketball teams split their games against Dryden.

The Beaver Brae Juniors trailed at the half, but allowed the Eagles just eight second half points en route to a 37-28 decision.

The Broncos senior boys lost their first league game of the regular season 39-25 to Dryden.

In girls volleyball action, the Bronco seniors and juniors lost to Dryden three sets to one.

Saints boys win on the road

The Thomas Aquinas boys hockey team head into the Christmas break on a roll.

The Saints won their third in a row last night, a 6-3 decision over Sioux Lookout. Erik Davidson led the scoring attack with three goals and an assist.

T.A. holds down first place in the Single "a" division.

Meanwhile, the Saints girls hockey team took Fort Frances to overtime, but lost in a shootout 3-2.

Beaver Brae's girls team was the latest victim of the Dryden Eagles.

The Eagles remain unbeaten in league play following a 4-1 win over the Broncos at the Rec. Center.

Ainsley Lindquist scored the lone marker for Beaver Brae.

Impaired Driving Charges up During 2011 RIDE Campaign

The number of impaired driving charges are up so far during the seasonal RIDE campaign.

The OPP in northwestern Ontario say they have laid 31 impaired driving charges in the first three weeks of their holiday blitz.

That's up from 29 for the same period last year.

There were also five three-day suspensions issued, compared to just one in 2010.

There have also been 260 motor vehicle accidents investigated with seven involving alcohol.

Broncos Hockey

The 2011 season closes today in Boys High School hockey with 2-games on the docket.

The Fort Frances Muskies are in Kenora to face the Beaver Brae Broncos in a battle of the top two teams in the league.

The other match-up is in Sioux Lookout where the Queen Elizabeth Warriors face the Thomas Aquinas Saints.

Both games start at 7:30.


Girls Hockey:

A big test for the Dryden Eagle Girls High School Hockey team today.


The Eagles are in Kenora to face the Beaver Brae Broncos.

Dryden is undefeated this season, but the Broncos aren't too far behind.

Game time is 4:30.

Kenora's other team is also in action as the Thomas Aquinas Saints take on the Muskies in Fort Frances tonight at 7:15.

Corrine Owen

The Kenora District Services Board has filled an important vacancy.

Corrine Owen has been hired as the new Director of Finance.

Owen brings roughly 15-years of senior accounting and auditing experience to the Board.

She spent the last 4-years as Director of Finance for Community Living Dryden and Sioux Lookout.

Her first day on the job is January 16th.

Trans-Canada Highway

More highway upgrades in Northwestern Ontario.


The Province says a 20-kilometre stretch of Highway 17 near Ignace is going to be repaved in the New Year.

The project is being carried out by Pioneer Construction and will employ about 40-people.

Work is expected to begin next Spring and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2012.

Jaffray Melick Arena

Its official: there won't be any ice at the Jaffray Melick Arena this winter.

Kenora City Council has decided to shut the facility down for the season, after receiving an engineering report.

Recreational Services Manager, Colleen Neil says a strcuture assessment found some issues with the building.

Neil adds the decision to take the arena off-line this winter will give the city a chance to
decide what it wants to do with the facility.

KMTS Prosperity Trust Fund

The City of Kenora is lending itself 800 thousand dollars to help pay for

a municipal infrastructure project.

Council voted last night to borrow the money from the KMTS Prosperity Trust Fund
to cover the city's costs of installing the new submarine sewer and water line.

Councillor Ron Lunny says even though the water line was installed two years ago,
they still had to arrange long term funding for it.


Lunny adds he would also like council to borrow from the KMTS Prosperity Trust Fund for
a long-term debenture on the new fire hall on Barsky's Hill.

Resolute Forest Products

Some workers at Resolute Forest Products in Thunder Bay are getting an unexpected Christmas break.


Spokesperson Pierre Choquette says market conditions are forcing the company to temporarily halt kraft operations for 10-days starting on Friday.

The newsprint mill will continue to operate during the period.