Highway 71 closed due to collision
Highway 71 has been closed in both directions at Luther Village Road.
A collision occurred in the area around 4:45 p.m.
This story may be updated as more information is revealed.
Kenora
Annual Mikinakoos winter coat drive raises $40,000
The Mikinakoos Children’s Fund will be donating 1,248 winter coats to children in First Nations communities in northwestern Ontario this year.
The coat drive raised $20,000 from individual donors, which was matched by the Knights of Columbus, who provided an additional $20,000 donation.
“So many children in remote First Nations communities, they don’t have access or even sometimes the ability to purchase a new winter coat for themselves,” explains Mikinakoos Executive Director Stephanie Paxton.
Paxton says in these communities, children either rely on hand-me-downs from their communities, which can often be worn out, or are forced to forgo a coat entirely.
“So a lot of times children do suffer from the freezing weather. And that’s just unacceptable, in my mind,” Paxton adds.
Mikinakoos purchases new coats for children, which Paxton says can be very meaningful for those who receive them.
“We have seen firsthand the absolute awe that a child is in when they realize this is theirs. Nobody else gets to have this jacket. No one else has used this jacket before. That’s a really special thing for a child,” Paxton says.
The children’s fund hopes to continue growing year after year, supplying more coats as it can.
Unfortunately, inflation is complicating that effort.
The winter coat drive raised the same amount of money this year as it did last year, but last year the sum was enough to buy 1,400 coats, a full 150 more than this year’s haul.
Beyond the winter coat drive, Mikinakoos also has a children’s food security program, a school backpack program that includes providing healthy snacks, warm winter clothing programs (beyond coats), and a recreation program to help grant access to sporting, art, and culture programs for northern communities.
“We really strive to reach every aspect of a healthy life for kids in the North,” Paxton says.
“It’s really wonderful to be able to help support those communities and just to see the absolute happiness on children’s faces at being included in these kinds of activities and programming,” she remarks.
The winter coat drive’s fundraiser may be concluded, but Mikinakoos is still accepting donations on its website for help shipping its winter coats up north.
OPP seek public help to solve theft in Kenora
Provincial Police are looking into a theft in Kenora.
OPP say a side-by-side and a trailer were taken from the South Park Drive area last week.
They are hoping the public will help them solve the incident.
The side-by-side is a blue Polaris Sportsman ACE 570.
The trailer is homemade with treated plywood sides.
Anyone with information is asked to contact OPP in Kenora at (807) 548-5534.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com.
The items taken are similar those shown in these photos.
Warning issued after suspicious change in drugs across region
The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is warning people about tainted drugs that may be sold on the streets in communities between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay.
This is a second similar warning from the health agency after seeing an increase of suspicous overdoses, particularly in Dryden and Sioux Lookout.
According to the NWHU, people have been experiencing unusual reactions and effects from drugs and testing done by drug checking sites and people using drugs has shown there are often other substances mixed in that make use of these drugs more dangerous.
“We wanted to do a little more investigating,” says Donna Stanley, director of health protection with the NWHU. “So the second (warning) is like a follow up that we were saying this looks like it is around the region between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay so maybe everyone should know.”
The NWHU cautions people that substances are being sold as cocaine, however it is causing unusual symptoms of feeling unwell, sleepiness or unconsciousness, even death.
Stanley adds that sometimes naloxone isn’t proving effective, suggesting the substance is tainted with tranquilizer.
As well, opioids have been testing positive for medetomidine (vet tranquilizer) and crystal methamphetamine has tested positive for fentanyl.
The NWHU reminds people using drugs to practice safe harm reduction through such measures as testing drugs before using (NWHU has free test kits), keeping naloxone on hand, and to never use drugs alone.
In the end, the agency reiterates that people experiencing suspicious effects should contact emergency services and to report any adverse drug events.
Centre launches program to help local businesses adopt to AI
Small businesses across Northwestern Ontario are getting a chance to learn how to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations.
The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre (NOIC) in Thunder Bay has launched a new AI training and funding program that offers entrepreneurs comprehensive and hands-on training.
The Building Blueprints for AI Adoption (BBAA) program is a structured five-session workshop series that focuses on five key topics.
“It’s an application process that we’re meeting with companies and looking at eligibility,” says James Ellard, senior business advisor of marketing with NOIC, adding interested companies can apply by booking a free BBAA consultation. “We are only allowing so many companies into it so it is exclusive.”
For companies that are eligible to participate, they will have access to training that is valued at $5,000 for the discounted price of $150.
The workshop-based program, which begins in February, aims to help regional businesses uncover opportunities and plans for AI integration including learning how to design marketing campaigns, how to sell using chatbots and other AI-powered incentives.
It will also teach business owners how to streamline operations by automating administrative tasks, managing files and organizing meeting notes to enhance efficiency.
“If a company is new to AI or has been dabbling, this really gets into a lot of the nitty gritty details,” says Ellard.
The end goal of the program is ensure participants can create a practical AI adoption plan tailored to their business. In additin, once those businesses form that plan, they can apply for up to $20,000 in funding to put it into action.
“The training is great in itself and it’s a great deal,” says Ellard, noting “It allows them to leverage that money (to) really execute and implement those AI initatives that are really going to help out their company create those efficiencies and really compete with other companies outside of our region that they normally couldn’t.”
NOIC was established in 1999 in Thunder Bay to support information technology start-ups in the region. It has since expanded to encompass all forms of innovation with an office in Kenora opened in 2019.
Chamber spotlight: Kenora’s Safeway
Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of articles submitted by the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce
This week we’re shining a light on Kenora’s Safeway — a cornerstone of the community that has long been known for its high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and deep commitment to local support.
We sat down with Trent Hamilton, Store Manager of Safeway Kenora, to learn more about how the store contributes to our local economy, how they support their dedicated staff, and what makes Kenora such a special place to live and work.
About Trent Hamilton
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you came to manage Safeway here in Kenora?
“I’ve been running Safeway here for 10.5 years, and before that, I was the Assistant Manager here for a couple of years, 15 to 16 years ago. I had to leave to Saskatoon to get my own store and was lucky enough to get the chance to come back and get to run this store.”
What Safeway Brings to the Community
Q: For those who may not know, how would you describe what Safeway brings to the Kenora community?
“We sell groceries. Everyone laughs but, I love selling groceries. We try to offer something to everybody in the community. Sometimes a little bit higher-end – full service meats, cut fruit, a full bakery, a full deli – something for everybody.”
Community Involvement and Local Support
Q: Safeway has always been known for its community involvement. What motivates your team to stay so involved in supporting local initiatives and events?
“At the end of the day, without the community – the stores don’t run. Without customers, we don’t run. We have a lot of fingers in a lot of different ponds, trying to help out wherever we can – hockey, baseball, figure skating, service clubs like rotary and kinsmen. At the end of the day, I think it’s the right thing to do. You have to be a good corporate citizen, and I think people appreciate that.”
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Q: What do you think makes Safeway such a positive place to work, and how do you maintain that culture within your team?
“I’m super lucky. I have great staff, and customers see that. Before my time, John Dahl ran Safeway here for 20 years – a phenomenal man – and he built that culture where we look for people that want to help people out and genuinely want to serve people. You see that bleed through. They’re going to do the right thing for customers. That’s the big thing, and that’s harder to teach.”
“And I’m thankful that we have a lot of leaders and key people in the store that come to work everyday and their sole focus is just to make people happy. It creates a workplace where not only is it fun to come into work, but customers are happy to come here. It’s a really positive place to work.”
Kenora’s Strengths
Q: In your view, what does Kenora do especially well as a community?
“We do a lot of things really well. We highlight what Kenora has to offer. We’re right on the lake, people shop by boat, and we’re surrounded by nature. The Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce and the City of Kenora do a great job with events that bring people to Kenora, like the Matiowski Farmers’ Market and Open-Air Markets.”
“For me personally, I’m always really proud of our great, young people who work for us. Some people say young people don’t want to work, but that’s not my experience. We have phenomenal summer residents who come out and stay at the cottage, and without them, it would be tough through the summer. Kenora does a great job of incorporating those summer residents and making them feel at home. It makes a big difference.”
Looking Ahead
Q: What’s next for you personally, and for Safeway here in Kenora?
“This is it. I’ve had my opportunities if I wanted to do more than run a store, and I’ve said thanks but no thanks. This is home for me, my kids and my wife. As long as I keep fooling them into thinking I know what I’m doing at the store, I’m going to stay here until I retire. I love Kenora, this is home for us.”
Kenora’s Safeway continues to lead by example – supporting the community, their staff, and Kenora as a whole. The Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight the important role they play in our community.
The KDCC sends a big thank you to Trent and his team at Safeway for sitting down with us!
If you would like your business highlighted, please reach out to the Kenora & District Chamber of Commerce by emailing: communications@kenorachamber.com
Kenora wins marketing award for campaign to shop local during the holidays
The City of Kenora is being recognized for its Holiday Trail marketing campaign.
It has received an award from the not-for-profit Developers Association of Canada.
The city launched the Holiday Trail in collaboration with Wake Marketing, Harbourtown BIZ, and the Chamber of Commerce, to get people to shop at local stores during the festive season, according to a news release.
Customers could buy a Holiday Trail brochure of vouchers for $30 at participating shops. Then customers can redeem the vouchers for a gift item worth between $10 and $20.
When a voucher was redeemed, the retailer would get $5 reimbursed to them.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase a special item and attract new customers to the store,” the non-profit wrote in the release.
The group says nearly 650 vouchers were redeemed for the 2024 campaign.
“The success of this initiative comes from our business community, who are prepared to support a program like this, and from our local residents who support shopping local,” wrote Stace Gander, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for Kenora, in the news release.
Show us your NWO📷
Thank you to everyone who submitted their stunning fall photos! We’ve been lucky with some beautiful weather lately, and it’s given us the perfect opportunity to capture the vibrant colors and peaceful moments that make this season so special.
Your submissions truly highlight what life is like in the communities we call home. From quiet lakeside mornings to our fur babies on the boat, each photo tells a story of why North-Western Ontario is such an incredible place to live.
Let’s keep showing the world what makes NWO awesome: the people, the places, and the spirit of our region.
(Scroll down to enjoy a gallery of this season’s submissions, and keep them coming!)
Beautiful Lake and Northern Lights photos by William George
Sunday afternoon fishing with Solomon on Wabigoon lake, Dryden by Lynne Slack
Image of Rocking K Ranch by Lisa Koshel (Oxdrift, ON)
Foggy Lone Fisherman by Kayla Pitchenese
The Beautiful Autumn Dance of Color has Begun, Elisabeth Anne West
Woodland Refreshment by Darcy Danielson
In Memory of Val Durocher by Cyndey Cumming
Garden Symphony: A Celebration of Color and Life by Cydney Cumming
Reflections of Serenity by Connie Calvert
Twilight Reflections by Brian Saari
Dawn Breaking Through the Fog by Heman Redsky
Thistle Arena reopening soon after upgrades
The Thistle Arena will reopen soon following months of upgrades.
The City of Kenora said the facility will welcome users again next Tuesday, with regular ice scheduling resuming that day.
It also noted that the lobby renovation is still underway, which means there will be changes to how people enter the building.
Access to the arena will be through the west side entrance beside the skate park, which is at grade level for people with accessibility needs.
Access to the pool, fitness centre and Kenora Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre will remain at the far west entrance.
Meanwhile, the multipurpose rooms, senior centre and staff offices will continue to be reached through the front entrance.
Signage will be posted around the property to guide users. The city said accessible parking will remain available in three areas, with general parking unchanged for the winter.
The walking track will be open on Tuesday, but the city has added that the bridge at the north end will stay in the raised position for now because of changes to the ice resurfacer ramp.
NOSM University leader wins national award
A director from NOSM University has won a prestigious award for her contributions to the health of the Francophone community.
Danielle Barbeau-Rodrigue has been director of the Office of Francophone Affairs at NOSM since 2005, where she has helped shape Francophone health education in Northern Ontario for two decades.
At the annual general meeting of the Société Santé en français on Oct. 2, Barbeau-Rodrigue was awarded the national Une étoile montante award from the Société Santé en français, which is given to an individual whose actions “demonstrate promising leadership in his or her field as well as an exceptional commitment to the development of the health of Francophones.”
According to a release from NOSM University, Barbeau-Rodrigue has had a direct impact on the school’s success, helping train more than 200 Francophone physicians and ensuring that French-language health services are available across the region. She is also a tireless and energetic advocate for access to quality medical education in French.
“In the vast and often isolated region of Northern Ontario, Danielle Barbeau-Rodrigue’s name is inseparable from health training for Francophones, from Kenora to Hearst and all the way to Midland,” said Laïla Faivre, Manager of Equity and Inclusion at NOSM University in a statement.
“She has made a rare, authentic and profoundly transformative contribution to health care in Northern Ontario.”