Wunnumin Lake Grieves over Fatal Fire

The Wunnumin Lake First Nation is devastated following a housefire that took the lives of three females yesterday.

Chief Rod Winnepetonga says the community is shocked and distraught over the tragedy that killed a one-year-old, a six-year-old, and a 21-year-old, who was the aunt of the two children.

He adds that a member of the First Nation Council tried to save them, but was overcome by smoke and flown to hospital in Thunder Bay.

He was released this morning.

A crisis team is in the community, which has a population of just over 600, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Ontario Fire Marshal.

Identity Of Bank Robber Remains A Mystery 40 Years Later

Its a mystery worthy of the TV series"Cold Case".

After 40 years, the identity of a bank robber who blew himself
up in downtown Kenora remains a mystery.

Former Kenora Police Chief Dan Jorgensen says they did have one
possible suspect they investigated 10 years ago, but he turned out to
be alive and well and living in the south of Frances.

Jorgensen says they did try to use DNA evidence to trace the suspect,
but to no avail.

Memorandum Signed to Transfer Ownership of ELA

It's a great day for all supporters of the Experimental Lakes Area.

After over a year of fighting the government a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed today between the government and the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the agreement was months in the making.

Rickford adds that the agreement includes operational support throughout the summer during the transition period to the IISD and that the IISD will continue negotiations with the Ontario government.

Dryden Man Charged for Wielding Axe

A Dryden man's quest has resulted in some trouble with the law.

City Police were contacted on Monday regarding a man, who appeared to be drunk, wandering around
Wilson's Trailer Park carrying a long handled axe.

Police arrived, and say that the man told officers he was looking for someone and was " going to chop them up into little bits".

As a result, police have charged 24-year-old Richard Halverson with uttering threats to cause bodily harm.

T3P Employees Vote in Favour of Unionization

An almost unanimous vote by the Treaty Three Police Service.

Public Service Alliance of Canada Regional Vice President Sharon DeSousa says 62 members voted yes to union protection by PSAC and only two voted against.

DeSousa says the fight continues regarding what jurisdiction the service will fall under.

She says they want to fall under provincial jurisdiction, not federal.

DeSousa says a number of issues will be resolved once the jurisdictional challenge has been settled.

Government Plans to Look at Flooded Communities

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the federal government is focused right now on helping First Nations repair damage caused by flooding.

MPP Gilles Bisson is calling on both levels of government to start looking at moving some communities in the far north to higher ground.

Rickford admits it is an issue that should be looked at.

He notes moving some communities would be part of a long term plan.

More Questions on ELA

More discussions are continuing about the future of the Experimental Lakes Area.

In the legislature Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell asked the government why scientists were not allowed back into the ELA.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Laurel Broten says the governmental is still working on a deal to take over the facility.

Broten says the province does understand the urgency surrounding the ELA and is working as fast as it can to re-open the facility.

Three Killed in Wunnumin Lake House Fire

Tragedy in the remote northern community of Wunnumin Lake First Nation.

Three people are dead following a house fire early yesterday morning.

All three were females and aged 1, 6 and 21.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

Officials say the community of roughly 600-people is devastated.

Crisis teams from surrounding communities have been sent to Wunnumin Lake.

The First Nation is located 360-kilometres northeast of Sioux Lookout.

Forest Fire Season Heats up in Kenora District

What a difference a week makes.

After a slow start to the forest fire season, the Kenora District has seen a rash of blazes over the past couple of days.

Fire information officer Debbie McLean says they've responded to five blazes in the past two days, all of the which have been human caused.

McLean says a fire about 10 kilometers from the Kenora Airport is listed as being held today, after it grew to over six hectares yesterday.

Taxes Going Up in Sioux Narrows/Nestor Falls

Its going to cost more to pay your property taxes in Sioux Narrows/Nestor
Falls this year.

The town council approved a 3 percent increase in the mill rate in 2013.

Mayor Bill Thompson says they wanted to to be able to put more money into
reserves this year.

Thompson says the mill rate also reflects the increased cost of paying for
the Kenora District Services Board.

Rickford Oversees Evacuations

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is in Kapuskasing today on behalf of the Prime Minister overseeing the evacuation of flood victims from Kashechewan First Nation.

600 people have been forced from their home and have been relocated to Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing and Cornwall.

Rickford says it's been a fairly smooth transition.

Rickford says it's not yet known how long the evacuation order will remain in place.

Kenora Not Expecting Flood Evacuees

The City of Kenora has not been asked to be an evacuation center for residents from the  far north displaced by flooding.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says no requests have been made so far.

Last year, Kenora agreed to be an evacuation center after wild fires forced hundreds of
people from their homes in remote first nation communities.

So far evacuees have been sent to Cornwall, Sudbury, Kapuskasing and Thunder Bay.

Firefly Celebrates Children's Mental Health Week

Firefly is celebrating Children Mental Health Week.

Jackie Mitchell is the board chair and Firefly and says they have one big initiative this week to raise awareness about mental health.

Mitchell encourages anyone who takes part in the challenge to send pictures to Firefly.

More information on mental health week is posted on the news section of 895 the lake.ca.

Health Unit Issues Water Advisory in Red Lake

The Northwestern Health Unit is advising residents in the Red Lake area about the potential of heavy metals in well water.

Due to the mining developments in the area, heavy metals are found also in the soil.

The health unit encourages residents to sample water to test, treat or not drink water that contains heavy metals and avoid tailings and slimes for play areas.

NorWOSSA Soccer Season Starts Today in Fort Frances

The short NorWOSSA double "a" soccer season gets underway today in Fort Frances.

Both the Beaver Brae boys and girls teams will be on the road for games against the Muskies and the Dryden Eagles.

The games will act as a warm-up for this weekend's soccer tournament being hosted by Beaver Brae at the Tom Nabb Soccer Complex.

Thomas Aquinas begins its Single A soccer season next week.

Kenora VCARS Receives provincial Honor

Years of work has paid off at the Sunset Area Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service of Kenora.

Executive Director Monika Huminuk, who created an E-learning program, has received an Award of Distinction.

Huminuk says it has taken a long time and incorporates e-learning with in-house training to allow victim services to work with area service providers.

Over one thousand users have taken advantage of the province.

Ontario's Attorney General, John Garretson presented a 2013 Award of Distinction to Huminuk
last month.

More Concern Raised With 2011 Census Numbers

A Northwestern Ontario MP is wondering if the latest Canadian census will accurately reflect the region.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River's John Rafferty says the results need to be close to dead on in order to help, but it'll be hard to monitor since the census was voluntary.

Rafferty it will also be difficult to compare the latest data to previous years.

He is worried that small communities and minority populations will suffer as a result.

Training For First Nation Students in the Ring of Fire

A handful of students from a Northern Ontario First Nation have completed a Mining Essentials Training Program.

Cliffs Natural Resources along with Oshki Training and Education Institute offered the program to 14 youth from Webequie.

Oshki Executive Director Rosie Mosquito says the students were able to learn about what it's going to be like to work in the Ring of Fire.

Mosquito says Cliffs has made a commitment that there will be an intent to hire the students who graduate
from the program.

Metis Nation of Ontario Urges Action by Feds

Ontario Metis are looking for action from the federal government in response to a pair of recent court cases that favoured Metis people.

It includes a land claims issue in Manitoba.

Ontario Metis president Gary Lipinski says the ruling is only a first step towards the feds actually dealing with land claims issues.

Lipinski is also disappointed with the feds wanting to drag out another court ruling that recognizes Metis being under federal jurisdiction the same way First Nations are.

Legion Gets New HVAC System

A breath of fresh air for the Royal Canadian legion in Kenora.

The legion unveiled its newly installed HVAC and Air Conditioning unit over the weekend.

Building Chairman Jerry Lava says it couldn't have come at a better time.

Lava says the replacement was made possible due to a Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of over 89 thousand dollars.

Borderland Rage Continue Hockey Season

Believe it or not, still some local hockey going on.

The Borderland Rage, an under 10 regional girls hockey team, with players from Kenora, Dryden and Emo, took the c-side championship of a tournament this past weekend.

The Rage routed a team from Wisconsin 9-2.

Their next action will take place in June in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Update on Infrastructure Projects in City

Mayor Dave Canfield says the city is right on track to complete 2 big infrastructure projects in the city.

Canfield says work on the West Branch Bridge will start this month with the Phase 3 downtown revitalization plan to follow in 2014.

Canfield said an announcement regarding funding for the 4 million dollar bridge project will likely be coming soon.

The city selected a tender without any government funding but that the province had the project high on it's list of priorities.

Emergency Prepardness Week

If an emergency were to happen, would you be prepared?

Information Officer Reagan Breeze with the Kenora District Fire Mutual Aid Association says folks should set up a 72-hour survival kit.

He says that emergency responders may be dealing with other situations before they can get to you.

Breeze recommends having dry goods, water, toiletries and cash.


The Northwestern Health Unit seconds the notion that you can never be too prepared.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley is encouraging folks to update their emergency kit, as a part of Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 5th to 11th.

Stanley says even having a checklist is helpful, so you can grab what you need right away.

Health Coalition Upset With Budget

Some mixed feelings regarding the provincial budget.

Director of the Ontario Health Coalition Natalie Mehra says it's great that the government is investing 260-million-dollars into home care for seniors, but there's more then meets the eye.

Mehra adds that hospitals across the region won't see any increase, which could lead to possible cuts in beds and services.

It's Music Monday

Don't be afraid to sing in your car today.

That's because it's the national holiday Music Monday.

Beaver Brae student Alisha Morphet says anyone can take part.

Morphet says students from Beaver Brae will be performing all day at various school and the docks beside the Banister Centre.

Another Large Drug Bust in Kenora

Another large drug bust in the city.

Yesterday, Provincial Police stopped a vehicle for speeding on Highway 17A in the area of Redditt Road.

Officers located 40-pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $188,000.

OPP say a 23-year-old Calgary man has been charged with trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

This follows a $750,000 cocaine bust two weeks ago.

Prescription Drug Abuse Rate on the Rise

Parents need to talk to their kids.

More teenagers then ever are using prescription drugs to get high and only 14 per cent are talking to their parents about the risks involved.

Patti Dryden-Holmstrom from the youth addiction program says more parents need to initiate talks with their children.

Although it's believed that Prescription drug abuse is safer, they can be just as deadly as illegal drugs.

For more information visit any of these area addiction and prevention services.

http://www.lwdh.on.ca/index.php/Programs-and-Services/addictions-services-kenora.html

http://substanceabuse.kenora.ca/

http://www.drugandalcoholhelpline.ca/Directory/Organization/1612

Mayor Canfield Selected as NOMA President

Mayor Dave Canfield has been elected the president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.

Canfield says he hopes to do a lot of work with the government and that there is no time to be politically correct with the mining and forestry sectors expanding.

Canfield was selected as president last week at the NOMA Annual General Meeting in Dryden.

Mixed Local Reactions to Budget

The Provincial budget is getting some mixed reactions.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says it is a bit concerning.

Campbell says the Liberal's are fine with spending five times the amount the NDP suggested for home care, but there is still no commitment to service.

She adds there was also no mention of the Ring of Fire and mining opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.


Meanwhile, Nishnawbe Aski Grand Chief Harvey Yesno is giving the provincial budget a thumbs down.

Chief Yesno says he's disappointed there is nothing new about building transmission lines for the Ring of Fire project or all weather roads.

Chief Yesno says he will take a closer look at the budget and form his opinion on the Liberals from there.


And, despite the negative comments about the Ontario Budget, the Minister of Northern Development and Mines says the North will benefit.

Michael Gravelle says keeping industrial electricity rates down in the north remains a priority

Gravelle further emphasized the government's commitment to the 100 million dollar fund for roads and bridges.

Hertiage Fund Makes Money Available for the Region

The province is out with new funding opportunities for northwestern Ontario.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Executive Director Bruce Strapp is hoping to hand out 30-million dollars this year for various projects.

The Heritage Fund had a budget of 291-million dollars last year and Strapp says 681 jobs were created or retained.

For more information on Heritage Fund programs go to www.nohfc.ca.

New Cell Tower to go up in Keewatin

Calling it a cell tower may be a little misleading.

A new T-Bay Tel tower going on top of the water tower in Keewatin will just be a minor extension.

Mayor Dave Canfield says unless you look at a before and after picture you won't notice a difference.

He added that the tower will just be some new metal infrastructure that looks like railing.

PC Leader Annoucned Plans for the North

Progressive Conservatives are out promoting their plan for northern Ontario.

Leader Tim Hudak says it includes bringing back more decisions about the north by northerners

Hudak says Conservatives would work to permitting at least 10 new mines and introduce initiatives that strengthen the mining and forestry sectors.

Treaty 3 Police Vote for Provincial Jurisdicition

The Treaty Three Police is challenging the Federal Jurisdiction in a fight for better rights.

All employees with the service will take part in a union vote today on whether the officers should be represented under provincial jurisdiction.

Public Service Alliance of Canada Spokesperson Sandra Goodick says it's only a matter of time.

Goodick says if passed, she doesn't think the workers will see a significant difference.

Voting will be held at the Couchicing Detachment between 3-4 and 6-8 and the General Headquarters in Kenora between 3-4  and 6-8.

Tree Canada Mulches Tree in City

A new tree outside the Discovery Centre will have to wait to be planted.

This year Tree Canada held their annual general meeting in Kenora at the Discovery Centre and president Mike Rosen said the cold weather changed their plans of planting a new tree in every city the meet in.

Rosen adds that once the ground allows it TD bank will plant a tree for them.

Endless Opportunities for Youth in the Region

The options are endless in Northwestern Ontario.

Andy Scribilo is the past president of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce, and says the jobs are out there, but it's a matter of finding people to fill them.

Scribilo says schools need to let students know what is out there and let them try it.

Spay and Neuter Program at White Dog

White dog is starting a new spay and neuter program to help control the dog population in the community.

Project Manager Waylon Scott says it's a 5 year program and is more humane than the dog shoots they had used previously.

Scott says there are more dogs than houses in the community.

A team to help with the initial spaying and neutering will arrive on May 2nd. and will start the program on the 3rd.

Rail Safety Week

Some tips for anyone caught hanging around the tracks.

CN Police Constable Cynthia Stotz says it's Rail Safety Week and is reminding people that walking along the tracks is illegal.

Stotz says people should contact the railway if they see continually crossing the tracks.

An identifier at each cross-way that will tell you the name and number of the railway.

Stotz adds that ATV's and snowmobiles can damage the tracks and are at risk of being hit because it can be difficult to hear an oncoming train over the sound of the engine.

Victory For Shoal Lake in Water Dispute

It's a big victory for the Shoal Lake First Nations.

The International Joint Commission has ruled against the City of Winnipeg's plan to sell water to surrounding communities.

The first nations argued that the city would break the agreement in place by making a profit off the water.

In a letter, the IJC supported the argument and informed Winnipeg that it could not sell the water.

The decision put a dent into the city's CentrePort project.

MPP Speaks Up for Remote First Nations

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is calling on the premier to address the social conditions in First Nation communities.

Speaking at Queens Park, Sarah Campbell says it's unfair that these communities have to declare a state of emergency to get some attention from the government.

A remote Northern First Nation declared a state of emergency last week due to recent suicides and the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Update for LOWBIC Annual General Meeting

The chair of the board at the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation is stepping down.

last week at the annual general meeting Executive Director Ryan Reynard says Anita Webb did a lot of great work and will be missed.

Reynard says last year LOWBIC did a great job helping to diversify the economy by creating 31 full time jobs and handing out 15 loans to small businesses.

He also announced a surplus of over 7 million dollars.

Health Fair in Machin

Promoting health services available to residents in Machin.

That's the focus of a Health Fair being put on by the Northwestern Health Unit on May 1st at Lillian Berg School in Vermilion Bay.

Public Health Nurse Sue Wood says it runs from 2 till 6pm, with two evening sessions to follow.

The sessions including speakers from the Dryden OPP, Dryden Regional Health Center,
and Firefly.

MPP States Demands for Upcoming Budget

Home health care and auto insurance premiums are Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell's main concerns.

And she hopes that the provincial government will address them when they reveal the budget on May 2nd.

Campbell says she's heard from local residents who can't afford their car insurance because it's too high.

Campbell adds that she would also like to see the government close some of the corporate tax loopholes.

New Infrastructure Funds for Smaller Communtiies

The Provincial Government is investing in small communities across Northwestern Ontario.

Provincial Infrastructure Minister Glen Murray says they are going to benefit from a new 100-million dollar infrastructure fund that will go to bridge and road repairs.

Murray says the new fund would be available by October 1st.

New NOACC President Selected

Times are changing for the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce.

Michael Nitz, who comes from Thunder Bay was announced as the new president at the spring Annual General Meeting this past weekend in Dryden.

Nitz says a big focus for him is getting more people involved.

Nitz says another priority for him is connecting all Chambers in the Northwest and making sure they are coming to the table and providing input.

Health Unit Offers Needle Safety Tips

Now that the warmer temperatures are finally here, more people are hitting the outdoors.

However, the Northwestern Health Unit wants to remind the public to be careful if you see needles laying around.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says it's important to use gloves and tongs to pick one up and the place it in a hard-sided plastic container..

Stanley says don't forget to wash your hands after, and needles can be dropped off at the health unit.