Kenora

LWCB released an update on water levels following a massive rain storm on Tuesday night.  

The region saw significant rainfall on July 19, with widespread totals of 50 mm and as much as 100 mm in some areas around the Winnipeg River. As a result, local tributary flows and lake/river levels are expected to increase.  

Washouts and floods continue to plague drivers in the region.

The Ministry of Transportation is now reporting that Highway 601 is closed in both directions at McGogy Road North near Dryden.

Traffic control is in place and drivers are asked to use caution in the area.

The City of Dryden says the closure, from Scott Street to Theil Road, is to complete emergency repairs to the Swanson Creek Bridge.

Highway 17 has reopened between Kenora and Vermilion Bay following a washout that closed the Trans-Canada Highway for several hours Wednesday morning.

The highway closure, which was reported at 03:43 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, was near Richard Lake east of Kenora.

Environment Canada says they recorded up to 101 mm of rainfall last night, which shattered rainfall records for the area. The previous record of only 20 mm, or one-fifth of what we received last night, was set back in 1992.

The region’s still recovering from Tuesday night’s severe storm and rainfall which closed highways, took out power to homes and shattered weather records in northwestern Ontario.

Highway 17 reopened between Kenora and Vermilion Bay at Richard Lake Road late this morning after being closed for several hours due to a massive hole in the highway.

Hydro One reports 11 seperate power outages within the Kenora area affecting 134 homes. They include two outages on Airport Road, one on North Poplar Bay Road and seven outages in the Channel Island and Thompson Island area.

The American League, with five Toronto Blue Jays in the lineup, defeated the National League 3-2 in last night's Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Blue Jays' ace Alek Manoah pitched a near-perfect second inning, striking out 3 and hitting 1 batter while being caught by Toronto teammate Alejandro Kirk as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played first.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were big winners on and off the field last season.

Winnipeg capped the CFL's return in 2021 with a second straight Grey Cup title. On Wednesday, the community-owned club reported an overall operating profit of $2.1 million for last season.

The CFL didn't play in 2020 due to the global pandemic. It returned to action last season with a shortened 14-game regular season, culminating with Winnipeg's 33-25 overtime Grey Cup win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field.

Due to extreme rain last night, parts of the highway to Grassy Narrows are covered in water.  

According to Ontario 511, Highway 671 near the CNR Crossing, approximately 36km north of Highway 17A, is blocked due to water over the road. One lane is closed at this time.

Not much is known of the damage yet but Ontario 511 recommends all drivers proceed with caution when using the highway.

*** This article was written prior to the rain storm on the evening of July 19 ***

The level of Lake of the Woods is still above average for this time of year.  

The Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB) says that the level of Lake of the Woods is in the 95th percentile for this time of year and that the average lake level declined by 2cm over the past week.  

The City of Kenora has announced that they have hired a new Director of Finance and City Treasurer.  

The City of Kenora worked with an independent recruitment firm to find a new Director of Finance and Treasurer, as a result, the City has selected Ryan Marsh, Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) to take on the job.  

Another community member has put their hat in the race for the title of Mayor of Kenora.  

On July 18, Andy Scribilo, a familiar Kenora name, submitted his paperwork to secure his spot in the next Municipal election.