Kenora

The Sandy Lake First Nation Chief and Council have confirmed a fatality, following a plane crash in the community on Thursday night (May 26, 2022). 

Chief Delores Kakegamic says in a social media post, that the aircraft was a Sandy Lake Seaplane Cessna floatplane, and an official investigation has begun and the crash site has been secured. 

"At this difficult time, the family is requesting that no one post pictures of the crash site on all social media platforms," adds Kakegamic in her social media post. 

As of 6:00am Friday, May 27:

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure wants to advise people not to travel into the Whiteshell Provincial Park area. Many highways are flooded, making travel conditions treacherous. Flood Warning in Effect for Winnipeg River and Whiteshell Lakes Area.

Hwy 105 - Red Lake, at Dixie Lake Rd. lanes are alternating for barrier work. Traffic control is in place.

Hwy 105 - Vermilion Bay, Closed at Buller Creek due to water over the road.

Disclaimer: This article is the third part of a four-part series. This series will discuss sensitive matters pertaining to the ongoing war in Ukraine such as brutality, murder, and sexual assault. Please read with discretion.  

After spending weeks in Kyiv setting up a make-shift trauma clinic, Jordan Searle and his team of volunteer first responders were finally ready to move deeper into the country of Ukraine to continue their relief efforts.  

The City of Kenora has added a new playground area to their plans for Central Park.

During Kenora’s May 10 Committee of the Whole meeting, councillors moved to accept a $452,000 contract for the installation of new playgrounds at Norman Park and Central Park. The Norman Park project was announced in February, but playground equipment coming to Central is new information.

Leaders of three northwestern Ontario communities say the OPP’s billing model is unfair to residents across the region, as the millions of dollars in extra fees we pay could have been better spent on protecting roads, infrastructure and on projects that benefit the community.

With water levels high across the region, boaters are being reminded to be mindful of their wake.

The Lake of the Woods District Stewardship Association (LOWDSA) says natural shorelines are at most risk with the increased water levels.

The association points to the impacts wakes can have on shoreline nests, particularly those belonging to loons, and the erosion of shorelines. 

In women's slo-pitch action - the Car Star Renegades won over the WNHAC wreckers 13-12, with a home run by Sabrina Beacham. Devils Gap Chiefs won a 10-0 to edge Dunit. CUPE won 16-13 against DJ services where Julie Campbell got a home run and the Royals destroyed Riverview Rebels 38-3

On the men's side, the Matheson Bay Mustangs defeated the  Beauty Bay Cubs 19-18

Work to repair roads and get residents back in their homes continues north of the Kenora by-pass.

The City of Kenora says, ‘water levels have held steady over the past number of days allowing for remedial work to progress in the in the area that is 500m north of Bells Point Road.’

The city notes, ‘Engineering and Roads staff will be able to safely access the evacuated area to begin inspection and evaluation of road conditions over the coming days.’

The city anticipates that there could be unstable areas that require remediation prior to full reopening. 

Flooding across the region and the driver shortage is continuing to impact school bus routes.

The following routes have cancelled stops or delays on Friday, May 27.

Kenora

• KN13, KN15, & KN88 – all stops north of the Kenora By-pass (Hwy. 17A) will be cancelled due to road closures.

Red Lake

• RL6 – stops on Dupont Drive and Young Street east of Chelsea Street will be cancelled due to conditions on Young Street.

Dryden/Vermilion Bay

Black Sturgeon resident, Tami Radke is one of many that chose not to evacuate back on May 14, when the city shut down the East Melick and Essex Road intersection due to flooding.

Radke says she had no choice but to stay so she could protect her property on Essex Road and take care of their various animals.