Kenora

November 5 2026

Case closes on two-year missing person search

Jacob Henriksen-Willis News Kenora, Missing Person

Kenora OPP say they have identified the remains of a 63-year old man from Northwest Angle # 33 First Nation.

Kendall Paul was declared missing two years ago shortly after travelling from Winnipeg to Kenora.

Police say he left a friends house sometime in the morning of October 14, 2024 and was never seen or heard from again.

Human remains were found on May 19, 2026 in a wooded area off War Eagle Drive in the Laclu area, according to police. An investigation later positively identified the remains as those of Paul.

The death is reportedly not being treated as suspicious, and no foul play is suspected.

The OPP says it would like to thank members of the public and media for their assistance.

No further details will be provided out of respect for the family’s privacy.

Detailed view of a police car's red siren light shining at night.

October 9 2026

Kenora taxi driver charged with sexual assault

Tara Clow News Kenora, New Brunswick, taxi

A 19-year-old Kenora taxi driver is facing a charge of sexual assault.

OPP say an investigation began on October 3.

Police have released few details, but they said the alleged incident occurred when the driver was on duty at a local company.

OPP are looking for additional information in this investigation. If anyone believes they may have been a victim, they should report it to the Kenora OPP detachment at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.

October 5 2026

Kenora seeking proposals to revitalize Kenricia Hotel

Jacob Henriksen-Willis News Kenora

The City of Kenora is looking for proposals to revitalize the historic Kenricia Hotel.

Officials say two new documents (report 1 / report 2) are now available for review ahead of the October 15th submission deadline.

These reports include questions from interested proponents and the city’s responses.

A major goal of the project is restoring the building’s historic façade, with proposals expected to outline plans to preserve heritage features.

October 5 2026

Voter information letters arriving this week ahead of municipal election

Jacob Henriksen-Willis News Kenora, Voter information cards

Eligible voters in Kenora can expect to receive their Voter Information Letters in the mail this week ahead of the upcoming municipal election.

The letter contains information on how to access online voting, as well as details about each voter’s designated polling location for Election Day.

Residents are being reminded to make sure their voter information is up to date. Changes can be made right up until Election Day.

The voters list serves as the official register of eligible electors and is used to provide election information and help ensure that only eligible voters are able to cast a ballot.

Anyone who does not receive a Voter Information Letter is encouraged to visit the Help Centre at City Hall or call the Voter Help Line at 807-470-8620.

More information is available through the City of Kenora’s election hub.

September 16 2026

Person of interest taken into custody following Kenora OPP investigation

Jacob Henriksen-Willis News Kenora, opp, person of interest

A person of interest sought by Ontario Provincial Police in Kenora has been taken into custody without incident.

The OPP issued a public advisory Wednesday afternoon during an active investigation, warning that a person of interest was believed to be in the Kenora area and may have been travelling on foot. Police also advised motorists not to pick up hitchhikers while the investigation was ongoing.

The individual was described as a man in his mid-30s wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and carrying a grey bag.

Just after 4 p.m., police announced that the person of interest had been located.

The OPP says there is no threat to public safety and thanked members of the public who provided information during the investigation.

No further details have been released.

September 12 2026

Multiple roads closed in Kenora due to water main repairs

Jacob Henriksen-Willis News Kenora, Road closure

Several roads in Kenora are closed as city crews repair a water main break.

Sections of Tenth Street North, Main Street Rideout and Scramble Avenue are closed Saturday while repairs are underway.

The City of Kenora says staff are working to complete the repairs as quickly as possible, and thanks residents and drivers for their patience.

September 12 2026

Boil water advisory issued for parts of Kenora

Jacob Henriksen-Willis News Boil water advisory, Kenora

A precautionary boil water advisory has been issued for several properties in Kenora due to repairs to the city’s water distribution system.

The advisory affects residents and businesses at the following addresses:

Main Street Rideout: 101, 102, 106, 107, 110, 111, 114, 115, 118, 120, 121, 124, 125, 126, 129, 131, 132, 133, 134, 202, 203, 206, 207, 211, 212, 213 and 215.

Scramble Avenue: 112, 185, 191, 193, 195, 197, 201, 201.5, 203, 205, 207 and 213.

Officials say the safety of the drinking water cannot be guaranteed while repairs are taking place.

Anyone affected by the advisory is being told to bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking or other activities where it could be ingested.

That includes brushing teeth, cleaning dentures, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing uncooked food or drinks and making ice cubes.

The advisory will remain in effect until it is officially rescinded.

More information about the advisory is available by calling 807-467-2000. Residents or businesses looking for advice on operating during a boil water advisory can contact a Northwestern Health Unit public health inspector at 807-468-3147 or 1-800-830-5978.

August 28 2026

Report: One in ten people in Kenora, Fort Frances used food banks this year

Jacob Henriksen-Willis News Food banks, Fort Frances, Kenora

The Salvation Army reports that food bank demand is surging this summer in Kenora and Fort Frances.

Stuart Walter, Community Ministries Director for The Salvation Army in Kenora, said the latest figures show roughly one in ten residents of the two communities have accessed a food bank at some point in 2026.

The Kenora Food Bank, in particular, has seen an unprecedented increase in demand. The organization served a record 437 people in August, compared to just 60 people during the same month in 2025.

“A lot of people are struggling to make ends meet,” Walter said. “We’ve made ourselves more available than we have in the past, just to make sure that we can help everybody we possible can.”

Walter reports that around 40% of food bank users are employed.

“It’s not people you would necessarily think of. These are people who are working and need that extra help because things are too expensive right now,” he said.

As the Canada/U.S. trade war escalates, Walter says he is expecting the high demand to continue in the near future.

“I’m bracing for things to stay the same here, especially with the way things are going economically with our relationship to the United States. It may seem like a far off problem, but the ripple effects are felt very closely,” he said.

Walter thanked Safeway and the Wholesale Club for helping The Salvation Army meet the growing demand through donations of grocery bags for people in need.

To help reduce stigma and provide more choice for individuals and families, the Kenora food bank has adopted what Walter calls a “shopping model.”

“You don’t just come into the food bank and get a box of food. You can come in and pick what you want and what your family will eat. By offering that choice, we’re trying to make it less like you’re coming to a food bank and more just a place to help get you some groceries,” he said.

The Salvation Army is welcoming donations of food and money through its website and is also seeking volunteers to help serve food and stock shelves.

“It’s really an invisible problem,” Walter said. “It’s neigbours. It’s kids that go to the same school as your kids […] People are facing the reality that if they don’t ask for help, they’re going to go without. And I don’t want anybody to have to face that challenge while myself and the Salvation Army can do anything about it,” Walter said.