Council Talks Rec Centre Expansion

Kenora city council continues to focus on expanding the Recreation Centre.

Councillor Rory McMillan says talks are planned between the city and the events centre committee.

McMillan says some topics in the business case will include required fundraising and what's realistic for the project.

Councillor Sharon Smith wants to see concrete figures related to community support and financial challenges.

Canfield Calls PDAC A Success

An overwhelming experience.

That's what mayor Dave Canfield says about his first trip the prospectors and developers meeting in Toronto last week.

Canfield says he had some help taking in the world's largest mining conference.

He notes that Red Lake Mayor Phil Vinet introsuced him to all the movers and shakers.

Canfield says the event opened his eyes to opportunities he didn't know the city had.

Rickford Supports Seniors Centre

The Federal Government is assisting the Happy-Go-Lucky Seniors Centre in Vermilion Bay with $25,000.

The money is being used to help in construction of an addition to their office space.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford made the announcement earlier this week, stating the centre will now be able to offer more services and training.

Garry Parkes is the President of the Centre and says they have money in reserves to match the grant.

He says the office will be established at the back of the centre.

PC's Call for Hydro One's CEO

Progressive Conservatives are calling for the firing of the Hydro One's chief executive officer.

MPP Jeff Yurek says it's prompted by complaints the party's received over billing problems.

Yurek cites one business in his London-area riding received a bill for 233-thousand dollars when it bill normally runs at about 45-hundred a month.

Yurek says if Hydro One were any other business, the people responsible would be fired and a new team put in place.

Microbeads Show up in Great Lakes

A new study is revealing high levels of small plastic beads found in many facial products in water samples from the Great Lakes.

Stiv Wilson with Five Gyres Institute says the microbeads aren't being adequately captured by sewage treatment and could pose a threat to wildlife and fish.

Several Great Lakes states, including Minnesota, are looking at legislation to address the issue.

Busy Time For Swim Sharks

A busy week starts today for the Kenora Swim Sharks.

24 swimmers are at the Pan Am Pool in Winnipeg for the ManSask Short Course Provincial Championships.

The meet runs through Sunday.

Next week the swimmers start the spring session with the annual swim-a-thon.

During the event all the Sharks will swim as far as the can in 60 or 90 minutes.

Peewee Thistles Extend Semi-finals

The Kenora Double A Peewee Thistles have staved off elimination.

Last night the Thistles took down Ile Des Chene 3-1 to tie the Eastman semi-final series at 1 game a piece.

Jacob Frankcom was the star last night scoring all three goals for Kenora.

Game three is now set for next Tuesday in Kenora.

City Updates Frozen Water lines

The city's operations manager is asking for patience.

That's the plea by Rick Perchuck as crews work around the clock to thaw frozen water lines.

Perchuck says all the issues have occurred because frost levels are well below the city's water infrastructure and leaves pipes susceptible to freezing.

He notes they have received over 300 calls this winter and that 89 homes are on the wait list to have lines unthawed.

Kenora MP Hosts Passport Clinic

If you're travelling out of country you'll want to stop here first.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is holding a passport clinic in the city today.

Rickford says the clinic is a one stop shop to re-new a passport or if you're starting from scratch.

The clinic runs from 12 to 6 at the Kenora Legion.

Watershed Forum Underway

Focusing on water quality in the region.

That's the goal as the 11th Annual International Rainy lake of the Woods Watershed Forum gets underway in Intentional Falls today.

Todd Sellers is one of the organizers and says he's looking forward to a presentation calling for multi-jurisdictional action on invasive species.

Other topic being discussed over the next 2 days include Nutrients, Climate Change, and groundwater contamination.

Kenora Contractor Fined

A Kenora contractor is 5 thousand dollars lighter in the pocket.

Michael Klassen was issued the fine for illegally building a garage on a property in Clearwater Bay last March.

In court the MNR said the garage was built without permits and that it violated the Public Lands Act to protect water quality and trout populations in the lake.

It's the second time Klassen has been fined for violating the act.

In April last year he built a cottage without a permit.

Family Re-calls Fire in Waldhof

A major house fire in Waldhof is impacting the family that owns Kokom's Banock Shack in Dryden.

Owners, Josie Racicot and Bruce Dowswell, as well as, their daughter Kayla and grand-daughter Kaizly were able to escape only with what they were wearing.

The Sunday morning blaze destroyed the home within a half hour recalls sister-in-law Tammy Hourie.

The Machin Fire Service are investigating and at this point the cause is unknown.

Health Coalltion Pushes Against Privitization

The Ontario Health Coalition wants to bring people to the ballot box next month.

It plans to hold a voluntary referendum April 5 as part of a campaign denouncing the privatization of hospital services.

Executive Director Natalie Mehra says they are in the process of getting organized in northwestern Ontario.

Mehra says if certain medical procedures are shift from hospitals to private clinics, patients in northern Ontario would likely be forced to travel out of town more often for access.

Kenora OPP Seize Percocet Pills

The OPP have charged 2 Manitoba men with drug charges.

57 year old Dean Fagnan and 68 year old Abie Parenteau were arrested on Friday last week after police pulled their vehicle over on Highway 17.

Police found 452 Percocet pills valued at 45 hundred dollars.

Both have been charged with trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

They will answer to the charges in May.

Police ID Man Found in Washagamis Bay

Police have identified the body of a man found dead inside a Washagamis Bay First Nation residence last weekend.

Treaty 3 Police confirm that 39 year old Matthew Cherry of Washagamis Bay was found Saturday afternoon.

A post mortem was performed yesterday at the Lake of the Wood District Hospital.

Police say the death is not suspicious.

The investigation is continuing with assistance from the OPP's Northwest Region Crime Unit and Forensic Identification unit.

Boil Water Advisory Not Going Away

Despite some warm weather water issues continue to be problem number 1 for the city of Kenora.

However no new water main breaks have been reported since Friday on Tenth street in Keewatin.

Crews are continuing to repair breaks on 5th Avenue North, 1st Street South, 2nd Street South, and River Drive.

Along with the water mains there is still a large water list waiting list of frozen water lines to thaw.

The boil water advisory remains in effect for the entire city.

Nominations Sought for Influential Women Awards

A unique awards program for woman is accepting nominations.

The Influential Women of Northern Ontario awards will be presented in June.

Spokesperson Kimberley Wahamaa says along with six awards to be given out, they're also offering up a scholarship.

The awards have also been expand to include new categories in aboriginal leadership, tradeswoman and community trailblazer.

To more information visit www.influentialwomen.ca

KPDSB Downplays Fraser Report

The Director of Education for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board is firing back at the Fraser Institute and its lastest report on student achievement.

The right-wing think tanked ranked area High Schools near the bottom of the list in student achievement.

Sean Monteith is inviting Author Peter Cowley to a visit of our schools.

Monteith notes the graduation rate is well above the provincial average.

Thunder bay Tackles Dementia

Thunder Bay will be one of the many communities to push for the Federal Government to create a national dementia strategy.

Councillor Andrew Foulds says the cause is gaining traction with 102 communities in Ontario passing a resolution on the issue.

Canada is currently the only G8 country to not have a strategy in place.

Winter Carnival Wraps Up

Another Winter Carnival has come and gone in Kenora.

The Great Canadian Canoe race wrapped up festivities of Sunday.

Jacob Jeswiet of the winning 4-some says it was quite the challenge.

Meanwhile the Brooms for beds funspiel hosted by CJRL raised just over $3500 for the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.

Police Investigate Washagamis Death

A death on Washagamis Bay First Nation is under investigation by the Treaty 3 Police.

A 39 year old man was pronounced dead inside a residence on Saturday after police were called.

A post mortem exam is taking place today at the lake of the Woods District Hospital.

The investigation is being assisted by the OPP's Northwest Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Unit.

The man's name has not been released at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP or Crimestoppers.

City Supports Private Member's Bill

City Council is trying to lower property taxes by changing the rules surrounding joint and several liability.

Current rules can see municipalities held fiscally responsible for traffic accidents such as hitting a pothole while speeding.

Mayor Dave Canfield says a resolution passed last month is calling for a level playing field.

The Private members bill tabled by MPP randy Pettapiece is currently before the legislature.

Elk Not Affected by Weather

The harsh winter conditions aren't expected to affect the elk population in northwestern Ontario.

Elk were released into the Cameron Lake area southeast of Kenora about 15 years ago.

Murray English is the co-chair of the Elk Restoration Committee and says the animals are pretty well adapted to surviving deep snow.

English says the elk population ranges between 40 to 50 animals, but they do see more calves every year.

KDSB Upgrading Homelessness Plan

The Kenora District Services Board says it's continuing to work on it's Homelessness Plan.

The Board recently submitted it's 10 year plan to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Dan McNeil is the Chief Administrative Officer and admits ministry officials found their plan waning.

McNeil says they are working to fill out the plan, providing time lines for certain goals to be completed.

Ministry Focused on All Mining Projects

The Ring of Fire may be get all of the attention, but Ontario's Mine's Minister says he has a good sense of the other mining projects that could be in production well before that in the remote north.

Among them, New Gold's project north of Barwick which the company says is prepared to start construction next year.

Michael Gravelle says the Ministry's not ignoring those other projects.

Gravelle adds his Ministry is working well with New Gold and shares in the excitement of the economic opportunities.

Broncos Win Bronze in Boys Hokcey

Another medal for the Beaver Brae boys hockey team.

This weekend the Broncos took bronze at the tournament of champions.

Cole Forsyth and Adam Withers each had a pair of goals as the team doubled up Thunder Bay's Westend Bruins 4-2 for the medal.

It was another mark to end a strong season for Beaver brae after winning silver in NorWOSSA league play.

Kenora Wrestler Wins Bronze

A Beaver Brae wrestler is coming home from OFSAA with a medal.

Tyanna Carpenter used the momentum of a great season to finish with a bronze medal in her weight class.

In her second provincial championship Carpenter fought her way to a 6-1 record.

Her only loss came to the eventual gold meadlist.

Water Main Break Strikes West Side of City

Another water main break in the city.

This time it's affecting the communities of Keewatin and Norman.

The sewer and water department has confirmed the break in the area of Tenth Street.

As a result Firefly Child Care at Cameron bay will be closed for the day.

Reports have come in that water is returning to the affected areas.

The city wide boil water advisory remains in effect.

KDSB Takes Government to Task Over Patient Transfers

Pressure is being put on the provincial Government once again to address the issue of land ambulance non-emergency patient transfers.

Kenora District Services Board Chair Barry Baltessen says they are sending strongly worded letters to both the Ministry of Health and the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

Baltessen says the LHIN has received 5-separate reports on the financial impact of transfers but stresses nothing has been done about it.

Rickford Angry at Rifle Changes

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he's doing everything in his power to overturn an RCMP decision to reclassify a sporting gun that is common in northwestern Ontario.

The Swiss Arm SG550 and SG551 have been deemed prohibited.

Rickford says local residents are outraged with the decision.

The Minister of State says the RCMP hasn't announced what gun owners should do with the rifles after purchasing them in good faith.

More Power to be Given to Ombudsman

The provincial Liberals says they want to bring more accountability and oversight to government and the broader public sector.

The Liberals intend to introduce legislation that includes new powers for Ontario Ombudsman and more oversight of spending of provincially-funded agencies.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says it's been a commitment of her's since taking office.

The legislation also calls for the creation of a new patient Ombudsman to investigate complaints specific to hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Conservatives Focus on Math Scores

Back to basics.

That's the Conservatives plan for improving math scores in Ontario.

Tory Critic Rob Leone says the Conservatives have come out with a Math Achievement Action Plan to address falling test scores.

Recent EQAO test results show math scores across the province have dropped in the past couple of years.

Time to Spring the Clocks Forward

It's a sure sign spring is coming.

Daylight savings time begins on Sunday.

It means you will have to push your clock ahead an hour when you go to bed Saturday night.

Cell phones, laptops, computers will automatically update.

However, don't forget to change your oven, microwave, automatic timer light or car clocks.

Kenora Skiiers Bring Home More Medals

Kenora Nordic Skiiers are continuing to rack up the medals at the Manitoba Winter Games.

6 more skiiers took home medals yesterday.

Christopher Moose and Jaicey Myer topped the podium with gold.

Breeze Boucha and Elise Hummelbrunner both took home silver.

Tyson Silvestor and Dustin Scheiblier also found success with bronze medal performances.

Multi Vehicle Collision on Highway 17

Traffic remains slow moving on Highway 17 just east of the 71 junction.

Emergency crews are on scene following a reported 4 vehicle collision.

The accident took place in the Westbound lane.

Police are directing one lane of traffic at a time.

Earlier today a two vehicle collision held up traffic on Highway 17 East infront of McDonald's.

Caution is advised on all area roadways.

Charges Laid in Shovelling Scam

Provincial Police have laid charges following a theft last month.

OPP say 25 year Mitchell Bryant of Kenora was charged for theft under 5 thousand after items were stolen from the bathroom of a home.

Bryant and a woman were going door to door offering their services to shovel snow

At one house he asked to use the washroom and that's when the resident noticed items were taken.

He will answer to the charge later this month.

Slippery Road Conditions Cause Accident on 8th Avenue South

8th Avenue South might be a good area to avoid today.

A couple of accidents have already been reported in the area of the 8th Avenue Bridge, where the road is very slippery.

That's the area where there was a water main break last week, and today's snow has made matters worse.

Right now, police, rescue crews and an abulence is on the scene of a two vehicle collision in the area of McDonald's Restaurant.

No indication if there were any injuries.

Van Wallenghem Enters Council Race

A Kenora realtor says he plans to run for a seat on city council.

Jeff Van Wallenghem has set up a Facebook page and says he filed
his nomination papers yesterday.

That would make him the third person to enter the council race.

He joins Gregory Potvin and Kelvin-Chicago Boucher as the only candidates so far.

However there is still six more months to enter the municipal election race.

The deadline to file nomination papers is September 12th.

OPP Warn of New Scam

OPP are warning area residents of a phone scam that asks those being called to support an initiative to combat cyber-bullying.

Recently a Fort Frances resident was contact and asked to make a donation of  one, two or three hundred dollars.

OPP are warning people to remain cautious if an unfamiliar organization calls asking for donations.

New Osnaburgh Declares State of Emergency

A call for support for the community of New Osnaburgh First Nation as it continues to deal with a tragic house fire.

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation says a woman, her two daughters and her nephew died in the February 13th fire.

Chief and Council have declared a state of emergency, stating that widespread trauma has burdened their ability to provide assistance.

NAN's Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is urging the federal and provincial governments to deploy all appropriate resources to ease the burden.

Resolute Still Looking Into Cause of Bio-Mass Explosion

The cause of an explosion at the Resolute Forest Products Mill in Fort Frances is still under investigation.

One worker was seriously injured in the blast at the biomass boiler and he remains in hospital.

Resolute says both the Ministry of Labour and the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service have conducted investigations.

The company is also looking at what corrective measures can be put in place.

Light Snow Poses No Problems So Far

Despite some light now overnight, it's all systems go this morning.

The snow has created some slick driving conditions, especially in the
area of 2nd Street South and 8th Avenue, where there was water main break last week.

The road is very slick and at least one accident has been reported in that area this morning.

Most roads in the region are described as snow covered to partly snow covered with poor visibility.

Highway 1 in Manitoba to Winnipeg is now listed as partially ice or snow covered with fair visibility.

Bottled Water Companies Busy With Boil Water Advisory

The boil water advisory has meant more business for companies that bottle water.

Worlframes World of Water is all hands on deck.

President Darcy Wolframe says the store is facing more and more questions these days about treatment systems.

He says previous work in the city has eased some of the pressure.

Wolframe notes the store has treatment systems that can work on single taps for an entire house.

NDP Offer Up Hydro Plan

The provincial NDP are unveiling a plan to help Ontarian's save on Hydro costs.

Leader Andrea Horwath says the plan includes stopping energy subsidies to the U.S, capping pay for executives and a stop to private power giveaways.

Horwath says the plan was an easy one to support.

Should the plan go through the NDP are promising a 100 dollar hydro rebate to customers.

OFIA Pushes Province for Building Code Changes

Kenora stands to prosper if the Ontario Forest Industries Association gets their way.

President Jamie Lim says they continue to push for building code changes to allow for six level wood frame construction in the province.

Lim says Kenora is in great position once it happens.

Lim adds a design of the world's largest wood construction building in B.C. used Weyerhaeuser products.

Con College Tight-lipped About Student Excursion

Confederation College says it will not confirm a report that some students in a winter survival training course on the weekend suffered from frostbite.  

The course is supervised by the Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit.  

The College will only say that the staff along with members of  Lakehead Search and Rescue will review current protocols-ensuring that the health and safety of students and instructors will continue to be a priority.

Roller Derby League Looking to Expand

Looking to expand the Kenora Roller Derby League.

That is the goal on Thursday according to Spokesperson Bayley Zilinski when the league hosts the Fresh Meat Recruitment event.

Zilinski says they are hoping for more players before the host a bout later this year.

She invites any interested players out to the meeting at 7 at the OLV Gym on valley Drive.

More Medals For Kenora Skiers At Manitoba Winter Games

More medals for members of the Kenora Nordic and Biathlon Club at the Manitoba Winter Games.

August Hummelbrunner, Sadie McCallum and Jesse Bachinski all medalled in cross-country  ski events for a second day in a row.

They each won silver medals in their respective events.

Meanwhile, Shayna Hensrud, Dustin Scheibler and Elise Hummelbrunner won bronze medals in
their races on Tuesday.

Galusha Wins Second Medal At OFSAA Swimming Championships

A Thomas Aquinas student has medalled at the All-Ontario High School Swimming championships
for a second day in a row.

Socorro Galusha picked up a silver medal yesterday in the girls 14 and under 100 meter Individual medley.

A day earlier, Galusha won bronze in the 50 meter breast stroke.

Thomas Aquinas finished the OFSAA championships in 97th place in the team standings.