Kenora

A poll suggests more than half of Canadians viewed the recent visit by Pope Francis and his apology for abuses at residential schools as a step toward reconciliation.

The Angus Reid Institute released the findings from its latest online poll in which nearly 60 per cent of participants said they saw the Pope's apology as a meaningful step toward reconciliation, while 32 per cent said it did nothing to move reconciliation forward.

The conviction of Aydin Coban for the "sextortion" of British Columbia teenager Amanda Todd has prompted calls from lawyers and advocates for more regulation, resources and education in Canada to protect future victims.

Lianna McDonald, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, said Todd's case served as a warning, but Canada "failed to act."

The Kenora community will be electing a new Mayor this fall.

On August 12, Mayor Dan Reynard confirmed with regional media members that he will not be letting his name stand in this fall’s election, saying the decision was a difficult one to make and he is keeping his reasons private.

That means Kenora is set to elect its 9th Mayor on October 24. Currently, councillor Andrew Poirier is running for the seat, along with Andy Scribilo and David Byers-Kitt.

Reynard was elected as Kenora’s Mayor in 2018, defeating Lydia Harlos for the seat.

Leadership with the City of Kenora say they’re hopeful that the boil water advisory affecting roughly half of the city will end no later than Monday afternoon, if not sooner.

The city issued a boil water advisory for all residences north of the Canadian Pacific Railway Line on Tuesday after a water main was struck on private property.

The City of Kenora is warning drivers of road work and delays in a few different areas this weekend.

Crews will be performing crack sealing work on various city streets between today and Monday, and traffic delays can be expected. Residents are reminded to slow down and move over when near working crews.

In Kenora Slo-Pitch action, the Dunit Diamonds took down the Riverview Rebels 24-22. Elsewhere, Kenora DJ Services beat Bat Intentions 7-0. Joella Alcock, Lee Roach and Kristine Oulette had home runs, and Eleanor Rumple ended it with a grand slam.

The Under 18 Kenora Triple-A Thistles are gearing up for another season. The main camp tryouts kick off today and will run until Sunday at the Keewatin arena. Spectators are welcome to attend through Sunday morning.

Campers say a convicted Canadian sex offender identified himself as security at a South Dakota campground, where he was staying with two children at the centre of a Saskatchewan Amber Alert with their mother.

Benjamin Martin Moore, 50, was located late Tuesday at a campground that takes part in the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the state. Glencoe Camp Resort posted on social media that its security team assisted in locating and apprehending Moore. 

The campground did not respond to a request for comment. 

Lake of the Woods is finally on the cusp of dropping below 2014 flood levels, after months of sustained high water levels across the region.

Staff with the Lake of the Woods Control Board say with a lack of precipitation in the area, water levels on Lake of the Woods dropped by 4” over the past week, bringing the current level to 323.86 metres.

An eight-year city councillor has announced his plans to retire ahead of the 2022 municipal election.

“I just felt that after 8 years on council, it was time for me to step back and let other folks with different thoughts come forward,” confirmed City Councillor Chris Van Walleghem, in a statement to Q104 and KenoraOnline.

The City of Kenora is warning drivers of short traffic delays on Darlington Bridge today and tomorrow.

Staff say crews will be working with traffic control on Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13 for bridge maintenance purposes.

The public is thanked for the patience and cooperation during the work, and drivers are reminded to slow down and move over near working crews.