Kenora Census

New census data shows the population of Kenora fell below the national growth rate over the last five years

Statistics Canada released the first batch of numbers from the 2011 census this morning and the population of Kenora increased by 1.1 per cent since the last census in 2006.

The city's growth rate was below the national growth rate of 5.9 per cent, while the population of Ontario increased by 5.7 per cent.

When the 2011 census was taken last May 10, the population of Kenora was 15,348, compared with 15,177 from the 2006 census.

Digital Mammography Unit

Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation says its getting closer to its goal of fundraising for a new digital mammography unit.

Donna Wallace is chair of the Foundation and says right now they are about a quarter of the way there.

Wallace says the good news is that the price on the digital mammography machines is starting to come down, so they hope to be able to purchase on for about a million dollars.

Abitibi Property

Expect to see more activity on the former Abitibi property in Kenora later this year.

That's the prediction of the chairman of the Lake of the Woods Economic Development

Commission.

Dennis Wallace says while only one business has re-located there, he's confident other

companies will follow suit.

Wallace says tourism has been a bright spot for the local economy with an 80 percent

increase in visitor traffic last year.

Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament Coming Back for a 3rd Year

The Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament is coming back for another year.

Its been announced that the one day tournament will be back at the Kenora Golf and Country Club on July 12th.

Over the past two years thousands of dollars has been raised for both the Canadian Cancer Society and the Kenora and Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation.

Last year RBC came on as a corporate sponsor.

Richards is a member of the Los Angeles Kings.

Council getting ready to set tax rate

Local residents will have to dig a little deeper to pay their property taxes this year, but how much deeper still isn't known.

Kenora City Council is reviewing its operating budget today.

Right now the city is proposing an increase of just 0.4 percent.

However, some councillors are worried that not enough money is being set aside for infrastructure projects.

Its possible the final figure could increase another one or two percent depending whether council feels like it can afford an increase in 2012.

Deliberations are continuing this afternoon.

NAN Report

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is out with a report on the critical underfunding of First Nation schools. 

Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says the current funding system is inadequate and calls it a crisis. 

Waboose says the Federal Government needs to start matching education funds for First Nations at the same level the Province funds public school boards. 

Waboose says education under the Indian Act has failed remote First Nation communities.

The Kenora Skating Club

The Kenora Skating Club sent 5 skaters to the Festival of Stars competition this past weekend.

Julia Withers finished 2nd in the Jr. Silver Ladies and the Silver Triathlon event.

Kelsey Scribilo finished 3rd in the Gold Ladies Triathlon, both girls have now qualified to represent the Northern Ontario Section at the Trillium Provincial Starskate Championships in March.

 Emily Whiting won a Silver medal in the Introductory Interpretive and both Josh Cariou and Lauren Mack just missed qualifing finishing 4th and 5th in their events.

2011 Census

We should get a better understanding of life in northwestern Ontario beginning tomorrow.


That's when StatsCan will start releasing information from the 2011 Census.

First figures to come out will be population, how many people live in cities and rural areas, which areas are growing and which aren't.

The Hardy Dam

The Ministry of Natural Resources will conduct an environmental asssessment to halt seepage of an earthern dam near Atikokan.


The Hardy Dam was constructed as part of the former Steep Rock Mine's water diversion project.

Spokesperson Michelle Novak says they're aren't ruling out a complete collapse.

The condition of the Hardy dam is part of an ongoing study to rehabilitate the former Iron ore mine site.

Ring of Fire

The Federal Natural Resources Committee will meet for two days next week to discuss the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario.


The hearings were requested by NDP Natural Resources critic Claude Gravelle.

Gravelle says we have to be sure to do this project right and that the proposr consultations take place.

Gravelle says First Nations support the project but want to ensure that treaty rights are respected.

KMTS Citizen's Prosperity Fund

The City of Kenora will be dipping into the KMTS Citizen's Prosperity Fund once again to pay for a number of large capital projects.

Council yesterday agreed to borrow over 7.9 million dollars to pay for the new fire hall, the Discovery Center and a couple paving projects.

Councillor Ron Lunny admits the three percent interest on the loan is less than the city is currently making on their investments through the Prosperity Fund.

Council learned yesterday the Citizen's Prosperity Fund earned 5.37 percent in interest last year on the 42 million dollar trust.

Kenora's Deer Hunt

The city's inaugural bow hunt for deer is being called a success.


Councillor Sharon Smith says a total of 34 deer were killed during the
month long hunt last fall.

She says they also asked the hunters to fill out a survey to gather more information about the deer population in Kenora.

Smith says she'd like to bring the bow hunt back next year and possibly extend it by a couple of weeks into the last part of November and the early part of December.

Kenora District Municpial Association Conference

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is promising more cooperation with Municipal leaders.


Sarah Campbell addressed delegates attending the Kenora District Municpial Association conference last Friday. Campbell says she wants to broker a new infrastructure deal for area communities.

She also claims the Province has been delaying development in the Ring of Fire, which is preventing new jobs from reaching Northern communities.

Hospital to lose V.P. of Patient Care

Lake of the Woods District Hospital will be losing one of its senior administrative staff later this year.

Vice-president of Patient Care Leslie Brown says she'll be retiring in June.

Brown has been a nurse for 40 years and has spent the past 30 years at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Muskies Dominate KIT

It was a sweep for NorWOSSA teams at the annual Kenora Invitation Basketball Tournament.

Fort Frances took top honors beating Transcona 64-58 in the A-Side final.

Thomas Aquinas took the Consolation title with a relatively easy 68-29 victory over Sioux Lookout.

Dryden placed third overall beating Red Lake 60-37 in the bronze medal game.

The tournament co-hosts, the Beaver Brae Broncos, went winless losing out to Portage la Prairie in the 7th place game 51-30.

Sharks take a bite out of the Competition in Thunder Bay

The Kenora Sharks Swim Club was as good as its word.

The Sharks claimed the team champions banner from the Northwestern

Ontario Regional Championships in Thunder Bay over the weekend.

In addition, five members of the team collected high point awards.

Rheanna Price was tops in the 10 years and under girls division, while

Gabe Mastromateo led the 11 years and under boys.

Winnie Boucha was the top point getter for 11 & 12 year old girls, while

Kira Kuzemchuk led the pack in the 13 & 14 year old girls division.

Bryce Jones had the high point total for 14 & 15 year old boys.

Highway 17 Open after an Early Morning Fire

A fire in a semi tractor trailor closed the Trans-Canada Highway between Kenora and Vermillion Bay for almost an hour early this morning.

The OPP say the incident took place about 30 kilometers west of Vermillion Bay around 3:00.

Fire crews were called to the scene and were able to put out the blaze.

Police say no one was injured in the fire and they were able to re-open Highway 17 shortly before 4:00 this morning.

Councillor Threatens Legal Action over Aging Bridges

Legal action is being recommended if the City of Kenora can't the provinicial government to come up with funding to fix up our aging and crumbling bridges.

Councillor Ron Lunny says they've talked abou the issue long enough, and its time to take action.

Its estimated that it could take up to 40 million dollars fix up our bridges and Lunny says that's money the city simply doesn't have.

Council looks at Operating Budget this week

Kenora city council will be putting the finishing touches on the 2012 budget this week.

Council is scheduled to sit down on Tuesday to go over the Operating budget.

That will dictate how much of a tax increase local residents will be looking at.

Councillor Ron Lunny says the goal is still to pass the budget by their

February 13th open meeting.

Hospital offers Pre-Dialysis Clinics

Lake of the Woods District Hospital has launched a new program to help patients with kidney disease.

The hospital has started up a pre-dialysis clinic.

Vice-president of patient care, Leslie Brown says the clinic is something that could help save the health care system thousands of dollars.

Its estimated the pre-dialysis clinic could save between 70 thousand to 110 thousand dollars a year for each patient enrolled.

NAPS Police looking for new Recruits

The Nishnawbe Aski Police is looking to hire from within.

The Police Agency is launching a two-day recruitment drive in May.

Police are targeting individuals from the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation who may or may not have thought of a policing career.

NAPS serves 35 of the 49 NAN communities.

Officials stress they need to fill the growing need for police officers in the North.

Hospital still in the Black

Lake of the Woods District Hospital is still running a slight surplus with just three months left in the fiscal year.

Vice President of finance, Cindy Gasparini says they are 125 thousand dollars in the black.

She adds that the surplus is a little lower than at the same time last year, but is still hopeful they will be able to finish the year at or above the break-even point.

Council says no to Dog Park

Kenora isn't going to the dogs.

Kenora City council met this week to go over its 2012 capital budget, but turned down a request to create a dog park.

Councillor Sharon Smith a small dedicated group has been meeting to make the dog park a reality and is disappointed council won't approve the relatively small expenditure.

She says they have a 900 name petition in favour of the dog park and suggests it would be good for the community.

Councillor Louis Roussin argues the city faces a number of financial challenges and doesn't think spending money on a dog park is a good use of taxpayers money.

Senior Thistles Win at Home

The Kenora Senior Thistles haven't played a lot of games this year, but they have been impressive when they have been on the ice.

The Thistles downed the Southeast Prairie Thunder 5-1 Saturday at the Kenora Rec. Center.

Jeff Richards had a goal and two assists, while newcomer Tony Ilijow had a hat trick for the Thistles.

The Kenora Seniors are scheduled to take on Southeast again on February 25th.

Midget Thistles Win their Final Home Game of 2012

The Kenora Triple "a" Midget Thistles got a monkey off their back.

The Thistles won their final regular season home game yesterday at the Kenora Rec. Center with a 7-2 thumping of the Eastman Selects.

The win snapped a 10 game losing skid.

Grant Valiquette had two goals and two assists to lead the offense.

The Thistles now head out on the road to Thompson, Manitoba this week to wrap up the regular season with a pair of games against the Norman North Stars.

Sharks Heading to Thunder Bay

The Kenora Sharks Swim Club is looking for a strong showing at the 2012 Northwestern Ontario Regional Swim Championships.

A total of 44 local swimmers are making the trip to Thunder Bay today.

A team spokesperson says their goal is to bring back the championship banner.

Hospital Experiencing a Nursing Shortage

Lake of the Woods District Hospital says its would like to see more nurses trained here in northwestern Ontario.

The hospital is currently experiencing a nursing shortage.

Leslie Brown is the head of patient care and says a nursing program offered jointly by Confederation College and Lakehead University has been a bonus, but they need the course to be run on a more regular basis.

Brown says they have begun to advertise for full and part time nursing positions both locally and across the region.

A Dogs Life Leads Charity Challenge

The Charity Challenge for the Kenora Winter Carnival is into its final month and so far

its going to the dogs.

It's a Dogs Life has sold the most buttons so far, with almost 12 hundred claimed.

That's almost twice as many as their nearest competitor, Triple Play, which has sold 650 buttons.

It's a Dog's Life also won last year's charity challenge.

The top sellers will get to keep half of the proceeds, with the rest going towards the winter carnival.

LHIN's Hires Primary Care Lead for the Region

A Thunder Bay physician has been hired as the Primary Care Lead for the North West Local Health Integration Network.

Dr. Richard Almond will be in charge of working with health care providers across the Region to ensure patients are getting immediate and effective care.

Minister of Health Deb Matthews says having Almond in place wil benefit patients with early intervention care.

High School Hockey Teams in Red Lake

A High School Hockey twin-bill at the Cochenour Arena today.

The Thomas Aquinas girls will be taking on the Red Lake Rams in the early game at 4:30.

The Red Lake Boys will follow at 7:30 with a match-up against the Beaver Brae Broncos.

Solid Waste Continues to make money for City

Garbage is big business in the City of Kenora.

This week, council went through the solid waste and sewer and water budgets.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says their solid waste department should post a surplus of about 550 thousand dollars this year.

Perchuck says any surplus will go into reserves, which will eventually go towards funding a new landfill site.

Missing man found on Lake of the Woods

The OPP say they have located a man who was reported missing earlier this week on Lake of the Woods.

Police say 28 year old Steven Suche from Winnipeg was found in the area of Clearwater Bay yesterday afternoon.

He was last seen Wednesday night riding a snowmachine near Deception Bay.

The OPP say he is in good health and his family has been notified.

Kenora District Municipal Association

Municipal leaders from across the Kenora District are gathering the next couple of days for a lively discussion.


Kenora District Municipal Association President Phil Vinet says the meat and potatoes of their annual conference starts this morning in Sioux Lookout.

The Red Lake Mayor says Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell, Lieutinent-Coloniel Dan Drew and Medical Officer of Health Dr. James Arthurs are among the guest speakers.

Kenora Rec. Center

The twinning of the Kenora Rec. Center rink has appeared on the five year capital plan for the city of Kenora.

Chair of the finance Committee Ron Lunny says that includes engineering drawings and actual construction.

Lunny says the project would be contingent on getting funding from
the upper levels of government or a partner from the private sector.

The city has set aside four million dollars as its share of the proposed
twinning project.

Terrace Bay Pulp

Potential buyers of Terrace Bay Pulp have until February 15th to file a letter of intent.

Officials at CCAA monitor Ernst and Young say the company owes almost 40 million dollars to creditors and proceeds of a sale would go to them.

If no buyers can be found its a possibility the mill could be sold for scrap.

ORNGE

The highly-paid C-E-O of Ontario's air ambulance service is now out of work.

ORNGE says in a statement that it has fired C-E-O Chris Mazza along with the service's chief operating officer Maria Renzella.

Mazza has been on indefinite medical leave since December when his 1.4-million-dollar salary, paid for by taxpayers, was made public.

ORNGE says neither Mazza nor Renzella will get a severance

Distracted Driving

Ontario Provincial Police are warning motorists about the dangers of distracted driving.


Police are asking folks to not talk or text on their phone while driving.

Police say distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal collisions.

It could also net you a 155-dollar fine.

Police have laid 3-charges over the past few days.

Dragon Boats

The Rainy River could be the site of Dragon Boats this summer.


Jenny Greenhalgh of NCDS as secured a boat from Dragon Boat Canada with the intent of establishing an event in Fort Frances.

She says several groups are interested.

Greenhalgh is exploring the idea of having the event tied to Canada Day.

FEDNOR

Northern Ontario's New Democrats want to see FEDNOR used to help fund municipal infrastructure projects.


Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says a separate pot of money could be set aside through the regional development agency for northern Ontario municipalities to access.

Rafferty says financial help for infrastructure upgrades is a major need among municipalities, but doubts there could be any coming in the upcoming budget.

Search for Missing Man on Lake of the Woods

The OPP is trying to find a man who has been reported missing on Lake of the Woods.

28 year old Steven Suche of Winnipeg was last seen last night leaving his camp on Deception Bay.

Family members are trying to locate him and confirm his well-being.

Police say he was riding an Arctic Cat snowmachine at the time.

Anyone who may have seen or heard from him is asked to contact the Kenora Detachment of the OPP.

Travel Advisory issued due to Fog

The ground hog wasn't able to see his shadow today, but in Kenora it wasn't because it was cloudy, instead heavy fog has descended  across the area.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement due to the fog.

Visibility is greatly reduced and at the airport its has reached zero at times.

Travellers are being told to be ready for poor driving conditions in the Kenora and Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls areas.

Raven's cause problems for City's Operations Building

The City's operation's department is dealing with a pesky pecking problem.

One of the items cut from the capital budget is a new roof for the Operations Building on Barsky's Hill.

Even though the building is only about five year's old some problems with the roof have developed.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says for some reason ravens have been pecking holes in the rubberized roofing.

That's led to some leakage.

Perchuck says he's reluctant to spent any money on roof replacement until they can find a solution to the black birds.

Council extends Condolences to Mayor Canfield

Mayor Dave Canfield was a no-show at yesterday's budget deliberations.

His father Charlie passed away earlier this week and the mayor has cancelled all his municipal appointment's.

He had been scheduled to attend the Kenora District Municipal Association Convention in Sioux Lookout this weekend, but will be sending his regrets.

The funeral for Charlie Canfield is scheduled for Saturday.

Council looks at Capital Budget

Kenora City council is trying to keep spending down this year.

Yesterday, council met to go over its five year capital plan, and the municipal levy is going to be capped a 1.7 million dollars a year.

Chair of the Finance Committee Ron Lunny admits that keeping spending down will put pressure on the city's infrastructure deficit.

The city will be spending about four million dollars on capital projects in 2012, which includes drawing about two million dollars from reserves.

The roads department will eat up a majority of that spending.

Ring of Fire Co-ordinator defends her work

The McGuinty government's Ring of Fire coordinator is facing criticism for not visiting camps in the mining zone.

Christine Kaszycki says she's felt it was more important to know the communities around the area

Kaszycki says she has flown over the camps during her visits to the area.

New Regional Economic Agency Proposed for the Northwest

A new regional economic development agency for Northern Ontario is being pitched to area communities.

Consultant Patricia Forrest says the group can bring many benefits to the area.

Forrest says they'll be seeking approval in March from the Province to work on implementing the new organization by the end of this year.

Rafferty Worried about Riding Changes

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is worried what redistricting may mean for northwestern Ontario.

A change in riding boundaries is expected as government determines how to include fifteen new federal ridings for Ontario.

Rafferty says it's possible the western portion of his riding could be merged with the Kenora riding.

Thistles Extend Losing Skid

The new year hasn't been kind to the Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles.

The Thistles losing streak is now nine games after a 5-0 loss last night to the Winnipeg Thrashers.

The Kenora Midgets have a 1-10 record so far in 2012.

The Thistles have just three games left in the regular season to try and turn things around.

Their last home game is Sunday afternoon against the Eastman Selects.

Fisher Sets Canadian Record

A record breaking performance from Kenora's Edie Fisher.

She set a new Canadian record for her age group at the

Catherine Kerr Masters swim meet at the Pan Am Pool in Wpg.

She swam the 400 Individual Medley in 6 minutes, 3 seconds, smashing the previous Canadian record in the female 55-59 age group by 17 seconds.