City to spend $3k to buy 38 pieces of land

The City of Kenora is looking to spend just over $3,000 to purchase and acquire 38 small pieces of property throughout the community, which in the future, could later be redeveloped.

The city explains that when the former Western Ontario Lumber Company and stud mill ceased operations and dissolved, 38 small pieces of land that they owned within the city were forfeited to the Ontario government.

Further staff shortages could cut services at Kenora hospital

The leader of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, President and CEO Ray Racette, says he’s nervous heading into the summer season with an ongoing and worsening staff shortage and the potential for future spikes of COVID-19 cases in the community.

In a conference with regional media members on June 13, Racette fielded questions related to the hospital’s staff shortage, which the hospital has recently described as ‘critical’, especially in the Emergency Room department.

Tyrese Belmore

Tyrese Belmore
September 24, 2001 – June 1, 2022

With the sad news of Tyrese Belmore a first nation member of Saugeen, ON at the age of 20 years old has passed away on June 1, 2022 on the way to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.

Tyrese will be remembered by all his ndaweemaa Tyson Belmore, Tyler Belmore, Tyrah Belmore, Keith Lawson, Anthony Belmore, Dawnis Belmore, Tabatha Belmore, Chase Belmore, and Kenzie Whyte. Along with his two fathers Claude Whyte and Keith Lawson, as well the rest of his beshwaji and kin.

Another severe thunderstorm watch issued for the region

For the second time today, a severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Kenora, Dryden, Vermilion Bay and the surrounding communities.

There is potential for severe thunderstorms to develop along an approaching cold front. The main threats are damaging wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h, nickel to ping-pong ball-sized hail, heavy rain, and a tornado may also be possible.

Environment Canada says severe thunderstorms could hit the region this afternoon into this evening.

Shed fire out on River Drive

Kenora firefighters helped to stop the spread of a shed fire to any neighbouring homes on River Drive this afternoon.

The call came to firefighters shortly before 1 p.m. today, and members of the Kenora Fire and Emergency Service and the Kenora OPP were on scene to assist.

Deputy Chief Dave Pratt confirms the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and no injuries were reported.

ENDED: Storm Watch upgraded to Warning for Kenora area

-- Update --

The severe thunderstorm warning has ended, but the watch remains in place.

-- Original Story --

Environment Canada has upgraded its Severe Thunderstorm Watch to a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Kenora area, as meteorologists say we could see 90 km/h winds, nickel-size hail and heavy downpours.

They say a line of strong thunderstorms developed over parts of North Dakota and Minnesota and they made their way into parts of northwestern Ontario shortly after 10 a.m. this morning.

City to vote on zoning, development of Northlands lot

The City of Kenora and the Kenora District Services Board are looking to reclassify and redevelop the former Northlands property on Matheson Street South, after a Public Statutory Meeting earlier this month.

The empty lot at 216 Matheson Street South is currently zoned as Institutional and the KDSB is hoping to rezone the area to a General Commercial Zone, in order to build a multi-unit residential development with commercial space on the main floor and affordable housing units above.