A 39-year old man is dead after an altercation with Kenora OPP officers.
The provincial Special Investigations Unit is investigating the incident.
Police say they responded to a call about a man in distress in the Ena Lake area around 6 pm Monday night. He was armed with a knife.
According to police, officers fired their tasers after an unsuccessful attempt at negotiation. Multiple officers then shot their firearms at the man.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS responders.
The SIU encourages anyone with information about the investigation to contact their lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.
As winter in NWO edges toward its slow, beautiful fade, we’re taking a moment to reflect on something special… the way you see this place we all love.
Over the past season, fans of yoursunsetcountry.ca , yourborderland.ca and yourkenora.ca have shared so many of stunning photos, sun dogs glowing fiery sunsets stretching across lakes, quiet forests heavy with snow, and the wildlife that watches us from the treeline. Each image is a reminder that even at the tail end of winter, NWO has a magic that never really goes away.
This is beauty in cold weather. – Connie Calvert
Camouflage? – Connie Calvert
But what really makes this collection meaningful isn’t just the scenery, it’s the people behind the lens. And Connie, we see you… thanks for all the fantastic submissions.
It’s the way you bundle up, head out onto the ice, or pause on your morning or evening commute because the sky suddenly turned pink. It’s the way you notice the small things: the tracks on a frozen bay, the halo around the sun, the way the last light of day filters through snow‑covered pines. It’s the way you share those moments with all of us. Your photos let the whole region, and far beyond, see Northwestern Ontario through your eyes. They remind us why we love it here: not only for the landscape, but for the people who live close to it, look closely at it, and cherish it enough to capture it.
Sun Dogs captured by Government Dock – Janine Ahoff
Sunset Extraordinaire – Dana Leonzio
So as winter slowly loosens its grip and we begin to look toward longer days, we thank you… Thank you for braving the cold, for stopping to notice beauty, and for showing us your Northwestern Ontario! Reminder: Daylight saving time will begin this year on March 8, at 2 a.m so be ready to set your clocks forward! Hoo-rah to more sunshine!
Please keep the photos coming, we never get tired of seeing what you see! Snap away! 📸
Email in your photos:
Kenora – info@yourkenora.ca Dryden – info@yoursunsetcountry.ca Fort Frances/Rainy River – info@yourborderland.ca
Special weather statements have now been lifted for areas including Kenora and Dryden.
Environment Canada says the anticipated storm system has moved further south.
Those regions were under special weather statements on Tuesday.
Around two centimetres of snow is now expected throughout Wednesday.
Other areas in Northwestern Ontario are expecting higher accumulations. Regions including Nestor Falls, Atikokan and Fort Frances remain under special weather statements with 10 to 15 centimetres of snow expected tonight and on Thursday, with wind gusts up to 80 kilometres an hour.
Thunder Bay regions are under winter storm warnings with up to 40 centimetres of snow expected.
If you have travel planned, be aware that you could experience winter weather conditions.
It’s recommended that you allow extra time for travel, as road conditions could be impacted.
Half of that funding will go towards construction of a new picnic and barbeque area. Once complete, this project will become a free and accessible gathering space available to all community members.
The other half will go towards major renovations for a local hockey rink. Project highlights include engineering designs for the new rink, ground structure and roof, landscaping, new siding and roofing, light installation and upgrading the walkway from the parking area. The NOHFC says the project aims to transform the rink from a winter-only amenity to a year-round venue that can be used for various community recreational activities and cultural gatherings.
“We have been working on a vision to address child and family wellbeing in both of our communities, and the funding provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will significantly improve the quality of life for our residents at Regina Bay,” said Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation #37 Chief Linda McVicar. “This support aligns perfectly with our broader vision for community wellbeing.”
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford stands in the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 hockey rink about to receive a makeover (via Greg Rickford)
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was on site at Regina Bay Monday to make the announcement.
“The NOHFC’s partnership with Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation is supporting the community vision of improved quality of life and well-being,” Rickford said. “Through this funding, we are taking our cue from First Nation leadership to ensure that dedicated gathering and recreational spaces are available to children, families, and all community members.”
Members of the Kenora detachment of the OPP are laying trafficking charges on a 35 year old from Winnipeg.
The accused was stopped late Tuesday night for a highway traffic offence. Police observed cannabis packaging inside the vehicle and conducted a search under the Cannabis Control Act. They found and seized $47,413 worth of suspected crack cocaine and cocaine.
The man has been arrested and faces the following charges:
· Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
In addition, the accused is facing charges of the following highway traffic violations:
· Speeding 1 – 49 km/h over posted limit
· Failure to surrender licence
He is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Kenora on the 11th of February 2026.
Ontario is investing over $2.1 million towards the replacement of 60 septic fields in Animakee Wa Zhing First Nation #37.
Animakee Wa Zhing #37 is a remote First Nation with two communities: Windigo Island on the west side of Lake of the Woods and Regina Bay near Sioux Narrows
A septic field is a network of underground pipes that filtrate wastewater from homes not connected to a municipal sewer system.
Funding comes from the province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream, which has encompasses 120 projects across 127 municipalities and First Nations to support access to safe drinking water, housing, job creation and protection for communities in the event of extreme weather events.
“This support will allow us to address critical wastewater infrastructure needs in our two communities,” said Animakee Wa Zhing #37 Chief Linda McVicar. “Meeting the infrastructure requirements of our citizens is an important step toward our development and prosperity.”
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was on site at Regina Bay Monday to make the announcement.
“This expanded funding for critical water infrastructure will contribute to strengthening the safety and reliability of water services for Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation,” Rickford said. “The Health and Safety Water Stream is ensuring the safety, functionality and longevity of treatment plants that community members rely on, today and well into the future.”
The City of Kenora is celebrating a major milestone as its on‑demand transit service, The Wave, has now completed more than 60,000 rides since launching in October 2024.
The Wave was created to replace the City’s fixed‑route bus service with a more flexible, efficient model.
The system allows riders to book trips through a mobile app or by calling 1‑866‑515‑6664. Passengers are directed to nearby virtual stops, where vehicles pick up and drop off riders travelling in similar directions.
Since its launch, the service has seen strong adoption. More than 14,000 rider accounts have been created, representing over 90 percent of Kenora’s population, and monthly ridership is now triple the levels seen under the former fixed‑route bus system.
“The decision to launch Kenora’s own on‑demand microtransit system is working,” said Deputy CAO Heather Pihulak, noting that the service is making transit more convenient and affordable for residents and visitors.
The Wave has also significantly expanded access to public transportation across the city. According to the City, 24 percent more residents can now easily reach transit than before the program began, helping more people connect to jobs, services, healthcare, and daily essentials.
Rider feedback highlights that impact. A recent survey found 77 percent of respondents do not have access to a personal vehicle, and 35 percent say they now travel more often or spend less time travelling because of The Wave.
More information, including booking details and app download links, is available through the City’s transit website.
Provincial police in Kenora are warning the public after a counterfeit Canadian banknote was discovered in circulation.
The Ontario Provincial Police say officers were notified on February 6 after a fake $20 bill was used to pay for a taxi ride earlier in the week.
Investigators determined the passenger had passed what appeared to be “prop” money during a fare on February 2.
The taxi driver became suspicious at the time of the transaction and later brought the bill to the Kenora OPP detachment, where it was turned over for further examination.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
The Bank of Canada offers online information on how to identify counterfeit currency and encourages people to routinely check the security features on banknotes to help prevent fake money from circulating.
A traffic stop by the Kenora detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on Saturday has resulted in a 32-year-old Kenora woman being charged with possessing a number of substances for the purpose of trafficking.
OPP officers arrested the woman for failing to adhere to release conditions, and in the process discovered a significant haul of illegal drugs, valued at over $47,500.
Police seized suspected psilocybin, methamphetamines, oxycodone, and fentanyl, as well as knives, cell phones, and cash.
The suspect is facing possession charges with the purpose of trafficking for psilocybin, methamphetamines, oxycodone, and fentanyl, as well as three charges of failing to comply with release orders.
