Northwest M.P.'s Offer Mixed Response to Rickford's Promotion

Not everyone is pleased with Rickford's new duties.

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer says he's both surprised and concerned by the appointment.

Hyer says he's concerned because Rickford didn't fight hard enough to save the Experimental Lakes Area, which is in his own riding.

Hyer says while Rickford has the intelligence for the job, he wonders where his priorities lie.

Meanwhile, Thunder Bay-Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty was more conciliatory.

He's wishing Greg Rickford well.

Rafferty says while the appointment did surprise him, it's good to have a person from Northern Ontario in the position.

Rafferty says he looks forward to working with the Kenora MP.

Justin Trudeau Skypes In

Bringing federal politics to young minds in northwestern ontario.

That was Justin Trudeau's aim yesterday as he Skyped in with grade
five students at New Prospect School in Dryden.

Teacher Mary Trist says the students may not have known who the Liberal Leader was at first but after a mock parliment they clued in.

Every student got to ask Trudeau a question and the skype session lasted a half hour.

Tories Pushing For Spring Election

Pushing for action.

Opposition leader Tim Hudak put a confidence motion before the legislature to force a jobs plan and budget announcement by the Liberal government.

Kenora Rainy River PC Candidate Rainy River says it was a needed step.

No date has been set to release the provincial budget.

SMB Retro-fitting Daycare

Some more changes are taking place at Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys.

The Separate School board says along with the 6 classroom expansion the daycare is getting retro-fitted.

Director of Education Phyllis Eikre says the changes will happen within the current layout.

The change is needed as 4 and 5 year olds move into full day kindergarten classes.

Stroke Forum Updates New Protocols for ER's

The Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Forum is taking place this week in Thunder Bay.

Local health care providers will be learning from stroke neurologists about the latest practice recommendations.

Regional Stroke Educator Elaine Edwards says they'll be unveilling a new process for local Emergency  rooms.

Edwards notes that people should make themselves familiar with the signs of a stroke.

Plans for Relay for Life in the Works

Celebrate, Remember, Fight back.

That's the message as the Relay for Life committee prepares for the 2014 event.

Darell Plummer is the co-chair and says they are moving back to the Whitecap Pavilion.

Plummer says teams can now register for the annual event which take place in June.

This year's goal is $74,000.

More details and registration information can be found here.

Rickford Pleased with Promotion

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is moving up on Parliament Hill.

Rickford has been named the new Minister of Natural Resources as part of a cabinet shuffle spurred by the sudden resignation of Jim Flaherty.

Rickford says he's expecting a smooth transition, but does say he'll need to do a lot of briefing for his new portfolio.

He adds that it's a proud day for the Kenora riding.

He retains responsibility of FedNor and the Ring of Fire but gives up his Minister of Science and Technology portfolio.

Rickford Involved in Cabinet Shuffle?

CJRL News has learned that Kenora MP Greg Rickford has been called to Rideau Hall this morning.

Joe Oliver is expected be sworn in this morning as the new Minister of Finance, replacing Jim Flaherty.

Oliver was the Minister of Natural Resources.

It's widely expected that Rickford will be be selected to replace Oliver.

Rickford is familiar with the portfolio and has a close working relationship with Ontario Minister of Natural Resources.

City Ready to Pass 2014 Budget

City council has managed to trim about 100 thousand dollars in spending
from the 2014 municipal budget.

Overall the city will spend about 600 thousand dollars more this year than last year.

Chair of the finance committee Ron Lunny says they did their best to keep spending under control.

Overall, the tax rate will drop by four percent, however because of an increase in the municipal assessment, most homeowners can still expect to pay about 2.7 percent more in 2014.

Council is planning to pass the budget on Monday.

Financial Assistance Offered For Frozen Water Lines

Some good news for homeowners dealing with frozen water lines.

The city says it will be reducing water rates for anyone who has to run
a bleeder.

Operations manager Rick Perchuck says they've also stopped charging for thawing water lines on private property.

Perchuck admits they are still a week or more away from being able to lift the boil water advisory.

Increased Fines for Distracted Driving Go Into Effect

The province intends to make them higher, but new fines are now in place for those caught using cellphones or other electronic devices while driving.

As of Monday, the fines for distracted driving increased from 155 dollars to 280 dollars.

Transportation Minister Glen Murray introduced legislation earlier this week to bring that fine up to as high as one thousand dollars.

Provincial Police in northwestern Ontario applaud the increase, calling distracting driving a serious threat to others on the road.

ONA Waiting for Arbitrators Ruling

The Ontario Nurses Association says it can't accept a cut in wages and benefits for nurses in their next contract.

They're awaiting the outcome of an arbitration hearing held on the weekend with the Ontario Hospital Association.

President of the Nurse's Association Linda Haslum-Stroud says nurses have already suffered through a two-year wage freeze.

Nurses will see their existing contract expire at the end of this month.

The ONA represents nurses at hospitals in a number of communities across northwestern Ontario including
Kenora, Dryden, Thunder Bay and Fort Frances.

OPP Investigate Nestor Falls School Break-in

There's been another break-in in Nestor Falls.

OPP says this time it happen at Nestor Falls Public School.

Police says sometime during the March break some one entered the school and stole cash and electronics totalling more than four-thousand dollars.

Over the past month, two businesses in the community were also broken into.

Con College Moves Float Plane Base to Kenora

Taking to the sky over Kenora.

Confederation College has announced a partnership with River Air to move it's float plane training program into the city.

Aviation Chair Paul De Oude says they received tremendous communtiy support from Kenora during the request for proposals and is confident this move provide long term stability for the program.

James Hendy with River Air says they are able to provide Con College a quick transition with docks, offices, and fuel systems.

Arrests Made Following Break in

An early morning break and enter has landed 2 men in police custody.

Kenora OPP say an alarm at a downtown area business went off around 3:30 this morning.

Police say forensic evidence during the investigation led to the arrests.

27 year old James Necanapenace and 30 year old Troy Payash, both of Kenora, have been charged with break and enter.

They will appear in Kenora Court for a bail hearing today.

Council To Mull Over Budget Options Today

Local property owners could know by the end of the day what kind of
tax increase they can look forward to this year.

City council is sitting down for an all-day budget session.

That includes reviews of the sewer and water, operations and capital  budgets for 2014.

A proposed tax rate is also expected to be on the table, although, both finance committee chair, Ron Lunny and Mayor Dave Canfield says they would like to keep any increase at zero percent or less.

Copperfin Closing Keewatin Branch

It's the end of an era in Keewatin.

Copperfin Credit Union is closing it's branch in the community.

CEO Dennis Alvestad says they did everything they could.

Alvestad says the move is a sign of the times as the younger generation transitions to electronic banking options.

The Keewatin branch is slated to close after April 30th.

Control Board Preparing for Spring Run Off

An attack plan is in place at the Lake of the Woods Control Board.

Executive engineer Matt Dewolfe says the board recently created a plan to handle the spring melt.

Dewolfe says the lake level is currently at 322.4 meters.

He notes the want to be at 322.35 when the melt occurs.

Province Won't Intervene In Proposed Natural Gas Hike

There's no intention by the provincial government to intervene on requests for rate increases by natural gas companies in Ontario.

Union Gas is seeking an increase that could result in northern Ontario users paying as much as 190-dollars more over the next year.

Energy Minister  Bob Chiarelli says he's confident in the decisions of the Ontario Energy Board.

Union gas says expected higher prices it pays for gas and transportation are reason for the increase.

Gravelle Says Framework on Ring of Fire Nearing Completion

All parties in the Ring of Fire negotiations are getting closer to a framework agreement on the giant mining project.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle  says it won't be long before we know more about what direction the project will take but he won't speculate on exactly when.

Gravelle spokes to delegates at the Greenstone Mining Expo last night in Thunder Bay on the latest behind the scene developments and says progress is being made.

Fire Marshall Wraps Up Investigation Into Fort Motel Blaze

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office and the OPP have wrapped up their investigation - at least at the scene - of last Thursday's motel fire in Fort Frances.

But the exact cause of the blaze at Reids Voyageur Inn Motel is still not be released at this time.

Meantime, a 39-year-old man who was taken to hospital is now in Thunder Bay.

He condition continues to be monitored.

OPP Investigate Vehicle Break-Ins

Another reminder from the Kenora OPP to Lock it or Lose it.

Over the weekend, the OPP say they received several complaints of
theft from vehicles.

In each case, police say they were unlocked.

The OPP say if you keep valuables in your vehicle make sure they are out of sight and the doors are locked.

Kenora Racer Wins Gold

Kenora has a new national champion.

Over the weekend Tim Wehner won a gold medal at the Canadian Biathlon Championship.

Wehner posted a time of 23:54 in the 6 kilometer master men's event.

Green light Initiative Seeks to End Violence

A new stragegy in is place to prevent violence in Treaty 3 communities.

The Green Light initiative was launched in Onigaming First Nation last night.

Karen Kejick says they need the support of the provincial and federal governments as well as others to put an end to violence.

The green light is a symbol of a community safe house for individuals who are in need of safety in the event of a domestic violence situation.

Kenora Dispatches Water Trucks

The city is offering water to those in need.

Starting today a water truck will be made available everyday to fill jugs.

Residents can find the trucks at the Rec Centre boat launch from 9-12.

In the afternoon it will move to the Keewatin Memorial Arena boat launch from 1-4.

The city notes the water will still need to be boiled if used for consumption.

OFIA Opposes Bill 83

Working to stop Bill 83.

President of the Ontario Forest Industries Association Jamie Lim fears the bill will "shield" groups who slander industry.

Lim says the whole bill is pointless.

The bill seeks to allow opposition activity without fear of a SLAPP lawsuit.

Lim is worries that it'll allow groups to spread malicious information with no penalty.

Red Lake Mayor Preaches Mining

The Mayor of Red Lake says the future looks bright for the mining industry in northwestern Ontario.

Phil Vinet is making the comment following positive talks with officials at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada International Convention in Toronto.

Vinet says he was able to make some headway with several junior mining companies.

He notes market confidence in the sector is on the rise.

Key Tags in the Mail

War Amps key tags are being mailed out to people in Ontario.  

Spokesperson Jamie Lunn says that 3.7 million of them are being distributed throughout the province.

As for northwestern Ontario, we won't receive them until next month.

Money from donations is used to help war amputees in Canada.

Union Gas Annoucnes Increases

Union Gas customers users could be in line for an increase in their natural gas costs.

An application before the Ontario Energy Board proposes a rate increase that see Union Gas northern Ontario customers pay about 190-dollars more over a 12 month period.

Forecasted increases for Union Gas' purchase and transporting costs cites as the reasons.

If approved, new rates would take effect April 1st.
     

Ontario Pushes Against Paird Blood Donations

The Liberal government intends put a stop to donors from being paid for blood and plasma in Ontario.

Health Minister Deb Matthew says new legislation will be introduced in the near future.

Health Canada has received a licence application from at least one private, for-profit company wanting to open plasma collection sites in Ontario that would pay donors.

Matthews says she's taking action so ensure the voluntary donor system is not compromised and has written to her provincial and territorial counterparts asking to do the same.

UFO Sighting on the Rise

It's a war of the worlds.

That may be a little extreme but UFO sightings are on the rise in Canada.

UFO report author Chris Rutkowski says the increase is easily explained by the fact more people are curious of wha tthey see in the sky and there are so channels to report sightings.

Rutkowski notes that 15 percent of sightings are considered unexplained.

He notes there was one sighting in Thunder Bay last week.

In the 2013 report 2 sightings took place in Kenora and 3rd was spotted in the Whiteshell.

Acadia Broadcasting Adds to Radio Family

The parent company of CJRL - 89.5 The Lake has received approval from the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission to purchase Moncton, New Brunswick radio station CKNI-FM from Rogers Broadcasting.

Acadia plans to move the station to newly constructed studios and launch its new music and information format later this year.

The purchase increases the number of Acadia stations to 13 spanning New Brunswick - Nova Scotia - and - Ontario.

Local Festivals Receive Provincial Funds

Northwestern Ontario is going to be lively this spring and summer thanks to new money from the Provincial Government.

Through the Celebrate Ontario 2014 program, the province is helping 229 festivals and events.

In Kenora the Muskies on Main Summer Arts Festival is receving $22,631.

Elsewhere in the reigon Thunder Bay's May long weekend Franco-Festival, celebration of pop culture, and Hunter jump show have gotten funding..

Fort Frances will get 73-thousand dollars for a music festival.

City Changing Highway 17E Speed Limit

It's time to slow down.

The City of Kenora is working to drop the speed limit on Highway 17 East.

Operations Manager Rick Perchuck says it's about safety following a complaint about school bus pick up.

The move is supported by the Kenora OPP.

Perchuck says \tThe affected highway is from Whitehead road to the Kenora sign at the city limits.

HST and Gas Tax Won't Fund Metrolinx

The Liberal government says it will not increase gas taxes, HST or personal income taxes to help pay for an expansion of rapid transit services in southern Ontario.

But it's not saying immediately how they're cover the billions of dollars needed.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says that will come in the upcoming budget.

PC Critic Vic Fedeli calls it a pre-election mirage intended solely to get the Liberals past the next vote.

Terrace Bay Mill Tests New Technology

The Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy, or CRIBE, are announcing an extension in their partnership with Greenfield Specialty Alcohols.

Greenfield is currently working on making pulp mills more efficient and will be testing new technology at the Terrace Bay Mill.

CRIBE CEO Lorne Morrow says if successful it would mean less waste for mills.

The project has two phases, the first of which saw CRIBE invest 1.5-million dollars, this most recent phase included an investment of 1.3-million dollars.

Kenora Teams Head to Thunder Bay

Lots of hockey hitting the ice in Thunder Bay.

The branch championship are at the Fort Williams Arena today through Sunday.

The Kenora Triple "A" Midgets will look to keep it's dominance over the Thunder Bay Kings to earn a berth into the Telus Cup Western Playdowns.

In Bantam and Peewee action the NWO All-stars made of players from Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances will also face off with the Kings.

Winter Fish Off Tomorrow

The 11th annual Winter Fish Off takes over Falcon Lake this weekend.

Organizer Andrew Klassen says they have some huge prizes up for grabs with $40,000 guaranteed.

Klassen says there is also 50 thousand dollar hidden weight prize.

Registrations are still being
accepted until the tournament gets under way tomorrow.

Visit the Winter Fish Off page for more details.

Another Drug Bust in Kenora

The drugs busts continue in Kenora.

On Tuesday Kenora OPP executed a search warrant in the North end of the city.

Police seized a pound of pot valued at 3 thousand dollars along with cash, cash, and a rifle.

As a result 48 year old Patrick Savoyard, 45 year old Gloria Savoyard, and 18 year old Shane Savoyard are facing multiple drug related charges.

All 3 will make court appearances at a later date.

Dryden Fire Continues Move to Kenora

The Dryden Fire Service is on schedule for a switch-over to a new provider at the Kenora Ambulance and Fire Dispatch Service.

Chief Ken Kurz says new equipment is being installed this week and testing will start next week.

He notes the move will mean all emergency service providers will be on the same network and it will allow for greater communication.

Kurz anticipates the move will be completed before the end of March.

Boil Water Necessary

The city's operations manager is supporting the action of the city wide boil water advisory.

Rick Perchuck says recent water main breaks affected the entire water system.

Perchuck says that they are working on 2 major leaks on 8th Avenue North and 1St Street South.

He is hopeful repairs could be complete next week.

Adding that if no other issues arise, they can then start testing water to lift the advisory.

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.