Kenora's Mining Sector Profile Released

Kenora is touting itself as a mining centre in the region.

Economic development officer Jennifer Findlay released the city's mining sector profile this week at the Northwestern Ontario Mines and Minerals Symposium in Thunder Bay.

Findlay says the mining profile has been getting great feedback from attendees at the meeting.

Other highlights include labour force, existing companies, and prospective new businesses.

NDP Demanding Review of Mining Safety

The NDP is asking the provincial government for an inquiry into mining safety.

That after a miner was killed in a Sudbury area mine over the weekend.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says a legislative committee is doing a review, but hardly anyone knows about it's consultations.

Labor minister Kevin Flynn says a public consultation session will be taking place in Marathon in May.

Energy East Consultations Continue

It looks as if the proposed Energy East Pipeline is running into some opposition following public consultations on the project.

The Council of Canadians hosted an event in Kenora this week and Chair Maude Barlow says she has seen how the publics opinion can influence a project like this.

She says ultimately they would like to make Energy East a federal election issue.

Public consultations will be held across Ontario, ending in Cornwall April 16th.

Heartbleed Bug Shuts Down CRA website

You won't be able to e-file your tax returns for the next little while.

The Canada Revenue Agency still has its website shut down over security concerns.

The precautionary move is related to the "Heartbleed Bug" - a newly discovered software that can swipe passwords and your personal information.

In a message posted online, the agency states it has temporarily closed its services site "to protect the security of taxpayer information."

The agency will provide daily updates until the situation is resolved.

Final Winter Market Moves to Rec. Center

Another great season for the Matiowski's farmers market.

Saturday marks the last winter market of the year.

Crystal Stokes in the city's special events coordinator and says the turnouts have been fantastic.

She adds that because they have the Festival of the Arts on at the Discovery Center, the Market will be moving to the lower level of the Rec. Center.

Saturday market is at the Rec Centre from 10 until 2:30.

Broncos Win Senior Badminton Title

Beaver Brae took top honors in the seniors division of the NorWOSSA badminton championships.

The Broncos won the overall points trophy, while Atikokan claimed the junior crown.

As far a medals go, Beaver Brae won a pair of gold in the junior division, with Teale Iverson taking top spot in the single girls grouping, while Jonathan Houlden and Eric Nelson won the junior boys doubles.

Not to be outdone, Thomas Aquinas also claimed a couple of gold medals, with Chase Laffin
and Emma Wehner winning the junior mixed doubles crown, and the team of Jorden Olsen and Ryan Landon winning the senior boys doubles event.

Overall, the Broncos claimed six medals, while T.A. won four.

Boutwell Named BU's Male Athlete of the Year

More accolades for a former Thomas Aquinas Saints volleyball star.

Dan Boutwell has been named Brandon University's Male Athlete of the Year.

Boutwell has just wrapped up his five year career at Brandon and was also
named the Bobcats volleyball MVP at the Athletic Awards Banquet last night.

Last month, he was also named second team all-star in the Canada West University Athletics Association.

Taxi Rate Increase Delayed Until May 1st

Local taxi drivers will have to wait a few more weeks for a proposed rate increase to go into effect.

Taxi rates were supposed to go up three percent on April 1st.

But city council still hasn't passed the by-law authorizing the change.

That won't be done until next week.

The new rates are scheduled to take effect on May 1st.

School Board Approves Move Into Former Lakewood School

Office space pretty much costs the same whichever way you cut it.

That's the feeling of the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board as it
has approved a move into the Seven Generations Building.

Superintendant of Business Dean Carrie says the space on the fourth floor of the building has it's advantages.

Carrie does says that there has been one major change made to the lease agreement.

The public school board has agreed to pay 150 thousand dollars up front to help cover any costs associated with renovating the fourth floor of the former Lakewood School.

Funding Sought for Water Quality Study on Lake of the Woods

The International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board is hoping to
secure funding for more water quality research.

The Board is submitting a draft plan of study this week to the
International Joint Commission.

Kelly Saunders says they held a workshop last month to identify some of the key
issues.

Saunders says algae blooms, invasive species and climate change have are just
some of the issues that will be focused on.

Ontarians Support Public Health Care

A provincial health lobby group says there's strong support in keeping health care services in Ontario hospitals.

The Ontario Health Coalition says it attracted more than 56-thousand people to a voluntary province-wide referendum over the weekend supporting hospitals and stopping private clinics from being set up to take over those services.

About 99 percent of the people who voted were in favour of supporting local public hospitals and stopping the private clinics.

Charges Stem From Deer Attack in Dryden

A man is facing a charge under the Fish and Wildlife Act after a dog attacked a deer in Dryden.

OPP says the dog was running-at-large and incident last Thursday was witnessed by a number of people.

One of the individuals was forced to put the deer down because of it's injuries.

Attawapiskat Co-Manager Faces Fraud Charges

The former co-manager of Attawapiskat First Nation has been charged with fraud over 5-thousand dollars and theft over 5-thousand dollars.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Sergeant Jackie George says the charges stem for an 13 month long police investigation.

62-year-old Clayton Kennedy was co-manager of the northern Ontario band's finances from July 2010 until the end of the summer of 2012.

Kennedy will appear in court on May 28th.

In his private life, Kennedy is also the partner of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence.

NOSM Recognized for Supporting Rural Health

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is receiving a Rural Medical Education Award.

NOSM is getting the award because they excelled at matching the most graduates to rural family medicine programs.

In 2013, 64% of NOSM’s graduating MD class were matched to a rural family medicine residency program.

Conservatives Slam Ontario College of Trades

The Ontario PC's are slamming the Ontario College of Trades on this, its first anniversary.

Leader Tim Hudak says the college is nothing more than a money grab for the Wynne government.  

Hudak claims it creates more red tape for companies and stands in the way of creating jobs for young people and must go

The college charges a yearly fee of 120 dollars in order for a trade to be certified.

Legislation Governing Teacher Contract Talks Passes

Legislation to be used in future contract talks with the province's educators is now law.

Final approval of Bill 122 came today at Queen's Park with New Democrat support.

The Liberals says it allows for associations representing school boards to be at the bargaining table with government and unions reps on province-wide issues.

Local bargaining will still continue on all other issues.

Almost all existing collective agreements are to expire at the end of this August.

Hockey For Health Begins Tomorrow

Hockey teams are collecting donations as they prepare for the 6th annual hockey for health tournament.

The puck drops this Thursday for the yearly event in support of the hospital foundation.

Organizer Jess Rheault says if you can't donate before hand you can donate at the rink.

The teams which raise the most in each division will in the finals on Sunday.

Kenora Hosts NorWOSSA Badminton Finals Today

NorWOSSA badminton champions will be crowned today in ten different
categories.

Thomas Aquinas and Beaver Brae are hosting the NorWOSSA finals.

Medals will be handed out in junior boys and girls singles, doubles and mixed doubles
as well as senior boys and girls singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

The birdies will start flying around 10:00 this morning in all three gyms.

Winners in the senior divisions will advance to the NWOSSA championships next Wednesday.

OPP Arrest Robbery Suspect

A 27 year old Grassy Narrows man is in custody for a robbery in Kenora.

On Saturday afternoon police were called out after a man was assaulted and robbed in the downtown area.

As a result Sheldon Land has been charged with robbery with violence and remains in custody while he awaits a bail hearing.

The victim was transported to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital with serious but non life threatening injuries.

March Unusually Cold and Snowy

The month of March was like a microcosm of our winter in northwestern Ontario.

Environment Canada has issued a summary for the province of Ontario.

In Kenora, last month was both snowier and colder than normal.

While no records were set, we had more than twice as much snow than normal, with 48 centimeters.

The average daily mean temperature was -11.1, which is 5.5 degrees colder
than ususal.

Seven Generations Ready To Launch Mining Programs

You should start seeing some new vehicles on the grounds of the Seven Generations Institute in Kenora shortly.

The trailers are part of a mining preparedness program offered through the school.

CEO Delbert Hortons says it's all part of the 5.2 million dollar funding announced by the federal government last week.

Horton says they currently have 260 students in their programs throughout the region with a 94 percent retention rate in all their training programs.

Health Unit Says Region Measle-Free So Far

The Northwestern Health Unit wants to inform people about Measles.

There is an outbreak of measles happening nation wide.

Manager of Infectious Diseases Donna Stanley says it's easy to contract the airborne virus.

Stanley is happy to note that no cases have been reported in the region.

That's thanks to a 95 percent vaccination rate.

Public Inquiry Demanded for Missing Aboriginal Women

There are renewed calls for the federal government to launch a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

The demand comes from a member of the Grand Council Treaty #3 Women's Executive Council.

Karen Kejick doesn't stop there.

She is also asking the government to increase awareness and funding to combat some of the social determinents behind the violence against aboriginal women.

Kejick says the Council is displeased with the government's lack of support on the issue.

Goldcorp Expanding Operations

Goldcorp is expanding its operations while creating eight new jobs through the province's Industrial Electricity Incentive.

The Musselwhite Mine has another projected decade worth of mine life.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says that the incentive is a big part of supporting investment in the north.

Still Time To Register for Worst Roads

Just in time for pot hole season.

The Canadian Automobile Association has once again launched its Worst Roads campaign.

Amy Orfanakos says the last northern road to make the list was in 2010 when Pelican Falls Road in Sioux Lookout reached number 1.

She notes that 90 percent of the roads that make the top 10 actually do get fixed.

Countdown to Allen Cup is On

The schedule has been released for next week's Allen Cup in
Dundas.

The Kenora Triple A Senior Thistles will play their first game on
Monday at 2:30 in the afternoon against the Ontario champions,
the Brantford Blast.

The Thistles second round robin game is one week from today against
the Clarenville Caribous fro Newfoundland.

The Thistles will leave for Dundas this Sunday morning.

Half Load Restrictions Now In Place

Another sign spring is running about a month behind schedule.

The City of Kenora is putting load restrictions on a number of
municipal roads starting today.

Load restrictions were supposed to go into effect at the start of
March, but were delayed due to the cold weather.

Signs posting the half-load restrictions have been now been
uncovered on most of the gravel roads in the city.

New Medical Officer of Health On the Job

A new face at the Northwestern Health Unit.

With Dr. Jim Arthurs now retired, Dr. Kit Young-Hoon as taken over of medical officer of health.

Young-Hoon says she can't wait to get to work.

Young-Hoon comes from Toronto public Health where she was working in a similar role in Hamilton.

She also has teaching experience at Lakehead University.

Ice Anglers Encouraged to Be Careful on Local Lakes

Anglers across northwestern Ontario are being advised to be aware of ice conditions before fishing on the ice.

Uneven thickness, holes and cracks, and flowing water can make for weakened ice.

Anglers should check conditions and carry protective equipment as a precaution.

Hospital Approves Quality Improvement Plan

Improving patient care at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

That's the goal of the new Quality Improvement Plan.

CEO Mark Balcaen says lots of topics are covered in the plan.

Reducing the length of stays for Alternative care patients and improvement to the discharge system are 2 recommendations.

The QIP is monitored monthly to ensure progress is being made on all 10 areas of concern.

LOWBIC Surpasses One Million in Business Loans in 2013

Another big year for the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation.

At the AGM Executive Director Ryan Reynard announced LOWBIC once again issued over  one million dollars in business loans in 2013.

Reynard says the money is well spent.

He notes the loans helped support 123 jobs in the region.

Also at the meeting Les Ainspac was welcomed back onto the board of directors.

Terrace Bay Pulp Faces Major Fine

A northwestern Ontario mill has been fined 275 thousand dollars for an explosion that killed a worker in 2011.

The incident at Terrace Bay Pulp claimed the life of an individual in on Halloween that year.

An investigation determined that welding repairs to a steel tank had been allowed to proceed before the tank had been cleared of hazardous material.

The probe also found that reasonable precautions to the planning and co-ordination of activities in preparing for the work on the tank were not taken by the mill.

The explosion created a 30 foot hole in the roof of the mill and a debris field of about 300 feet.

OPP Urge Local Residents to Be Bear Wise

The public is being reminded by the Ontario Provincial Police that simple precautions can go a long way in reducing interactions with bears as they come out of hibernation.

Cleaning barbecue grills after each use and picking fruits and berries off the ground before rotting are just a few of the recommendations.

Police also say residents should put away their bird feeders and only put garbage out the morning of pick up as bears come out of hibernation.

Attorney General To Focus on Aboriginal Justice

The Provincial Government is creating a new leadership position at the Ministry of the Attorney General's office.

The new position will focus on aboriginal justice.

Nishnawbe Aski Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says it's good news.

The position will be posted shortly and Fiddler hopes to see someone in the job by the summer.

Province Urged to Clean Up Contaminants

Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy is calling on the Government and Industry to help clean up environmental contamination found on or near area First Nations.

Beardy feels it only makes sense for industry to help pay for the clean up since they made the mess in the first place.

Beardy made the comments last week in a news release.

Prospectors Hold Annual Conference This Week

Perserverance in Challenging Times.

That's the theme of this year's 2014 Mines and Minerals Symposium held by the Ontario Prospectors Association.

Executive Director Garry Clark says they are hoping for a great turn out.

The event is being held in Thunder Bay Tuesday and Wednesday this week at the Vallhalla Inn.

Lake of the Woods Canucks Take Silver

(Photo provided by Nadine Hoshawa)

A good way to finish the regular season in girls minor hockey.

The Lake of the Woods Canucks Atom hockey team brought home
a silver medal from a tournament in Morris, Manitoba over the weekend.

The Canucks dropped a 1-0 decision to McDonald in the gold medal game yesterday.

The Canucks topped their pool in the round robin with two wins and a tie advancing directly to yesterday's final.

Seven Generations Receives Federal Funding

The federal government is committing 5.2 million dollars to the Seven Generations Education Institute.

The money is to help develop a mining workforce preparation program.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford says there is a real need for a skilled workforce
in the mining sector in this region.

Seven Generations is working with a number of partners, including Cambrian College to offer the
new mining program.

Hydro Protests Planned for This Afternoon

Local residents fed up with soaring hydro rates will voice their concern today in Nestor Falls and Dryden.

A peaceful protest is planned from 12 until 1 today.

In Nestor Falls it will take place in the parking lot at Dalseg'sTrading Post, while the Dryden protest will be staged in front of the Government building on Highway 17.

Local residents are showing their displeasure with high hydro rates as well as Hydro One.

Less Than A Week Left in Rotary Auction

Less than a week to take advantage of some great deals.

The Rotary Auction will wrap up next Wednesday.

Incoming president, John Dahl says there are still lots of
items up for grabs.

The Rotary Auction is one of the major fundraisers for the local club and supports local projects as well as some of their international initiatives.

The on-line auction wraps up on April 9th.

Path of the Paddle Receives Trillium Funding

The manager of Trans Canada Trail Ontario is excited to see work continue on the Path of the Paddle.

Melissa Pomeroy says they just received a grant of over 330 thousand dollars from the Trillium Foundation.

Pomeroy says it will help keep the project organized.

She notes they hope to have the trail from Thunder Bay to the Manitoba border complete by 2017.

Dryden Mayor Takes Leave of Absence

Some surprising news from the City of Dryden.

It appears there's temporary changes at the top.

There are reports that Mayor Craig Nuttall has taken a 3 week leave of absence.

The move comes after a 4-3 vote that resulted in the defeat of a staffing position in the community.

Nuttall was one of three council members to vote in favour of the position.

The vote centred around the hiring of a previously advertised Economic Development Manager position.

Mary Trist will take over Acting Mayor duties.

New Fire Season Officially Underway

Starting fires might be the least of our worries these days.

However, the fire season is offiically now underway across northwestern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is remind residents that daytime burning regulations are now in place.

Fire information officer Deb McLean says the regulations kicked in on Tuesday.

McLean notes that with all the snow and ice in the region it will be a slow start to the season.

Valleyview Holds Ribbon Cutting

Valleyview School is showing off it's newest addition.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held yesterday for the kindergarten
wing at the school.

Principal Jason McDonald the new classrooms have helped them expand their
kindergarten programs.

The one million dollar expasion started in July of last year and was completed by
December.

Lay-Offs Confirmed at Bearskin

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is confirming several layoffs at Bearskin Airlines.

The Union says Bearskin has provided its entire 11-unionized aircraft maintenance staff at Sioux Lookout with a temporary layoff notice.

All maintenance will now be performed at the Thunder Bay maintenance base.

Permanent layoffs were also issued for four workers at the Kitchener-Waterloo airport and six at the Winnipeg airport.

Union Spokesperson Michael Corrado says the company has also announced they will be closing down their

Engine Overhaul facility in Thunder Bay, contracting out that work, resulting in the loss of four jobs.

Nishinabe-Aski Nation Demands Better Fire Prevention

The death in a house fire in the remote community of Fort Severn First Nation has prompted calls for a better approach to fire safety and prevention in First Nations.

Nishnawbe-Aski First Nation wants governments, and emergency service providers to begin putting more emphasis on prevention.

Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says a chronic lack of firefighting services and substandard housing, many without smoke detectors or fire extinguishers, is becoming a deadly combination that claiming too many live.

Monday's fire at Fort Severn fire comes just weeks after four perished in a house fire in Mishkeegogamang near Pickle Lake.

TransCanada Pleased With Energy East Feedback

TransCanada Pipeline says most local residents appear to be on board with the proposed Energy East Pipeline.

Philippe Cannon is making the comments after a series of open houses in northwestern Ontario.

Cannon says they still are in the preliminary stages on plans to transport Alberta oil to the east coast.

Cannon says the plan is to convert one of the main lines in northwestern Ontario as well as build pump stations.

OPP Blues Hockey Team Hits The Ice

The OPP are dusting off their hockey jersies for a good cause.

The Blues will be taking on a group of high school players from
Thomas Aquinas in a charity game Saturday night.

Constable Bob Bernie says they'll be collecting donations for
the Salvation Army's food bank.

Bernie says they will also have a silver collection which will go
towards the OPP's youth camp.

Game time is April 5th at 6:30.

Beaver Brae Dominates Badminton Qualifier

A total of 27 local badminton players have advanced to the NorWOSSA finals.

The regional play-offs were held yesterday at both Beaver Brae and Thomas Aquinas.

Broncos teams were dominant, with 15 players heading to the NorWOSSA championships.

Andrew and Tyler Neil won their respective divisions, while John Houlden and Eric Nelson
won the junior boys doubles, while Bo Rogers and Alex Smith took top honors in the
senior boys doubles.

Logan Ginn and Kate Charlebois also won the senior mixed doubles event.

A total of 12 Thomas Aquinas players also qualified for next week's championships
taking place at the Beaver Brae and T.A. gyms.