Current and Active Projects

Project details

The Bowman Electric Keewatin Memorial Arena will be getting an elevator, increasing accessibility to the second floor. Funding for this project is made possible through the generous support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

Updates

(as of October 21, 2026)

• The construction work is nearing completion. Project is expected to be completed in Fall 2026. 

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in end of Fall 2026.

Project details

The Lake of the Woods Museum roof will be getting an upgrade. The planned improvements include replacing the shingle roof with new metal roofing, installation of a solar power system, and replacement of eavestrough, downspouts, venting, and fascia.

These planned improvements demonstrate the City's commitment to seek sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impacts of City operations. The enhancements also support the Sustainability Action Plan’s priorities for showcasing renewable energy and incorporating green infrastructure.

Funding for these upgrades are generously provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC), Sustainability Advisory Committee, and the City’s Museum Reserve and Contingency Reserve.

Updates

(as of October 21, 2026)

• The Muse's Lake of the Woods Museum roof replacement work is complete and the installation of the solar panels being mounted to the roof is ongoing.
• Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre remain open during this work.

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Fall 2026.

Project details

The park will receive new deck structure surrounding the James McMillan tugboat and a new fully accessible ramp. Funding for this project is made possible through the generous support of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).

Updates

(as of October 21, 2026)

• Construction in progress.
• Construction fencing has been placed around the tugboat.
• The old wood platform surrounding the tugboat has been removed.

Aimed project start date

Summer 2026

Estimated completion in Fall 2026.

Project details

From April 2025 to last summer, the repair work design for the rehabilitation of the Portage Bay Bridge was undertaken and the contract was awarded to the same contractor performing work on the Keewatin Channel Bridge.  

Repairs to the Portage Bay Bridge initially began in October 2025, at which time the contractor uncovered additional deterioration that not previously visible.

To address this, the workplan was adjusted and work was completed in two phases: 

Repairs are being undertaken in two phases:

• Phase 1, began in April 2026: temporary bracing and installation of high-strength bolts to replace old rivets to stabilize the structure for the permanent repairs.
• Phase 2, began in June 2026: permanent repairs, where new brackets and tension structural rods that will help carry the load were be installed. 

Updates

(as of September 16, 2026)

• The City is committed to the safe reopening of the Portage Bay bridge and the City is actively working towards a solution. 
• Following completion of the Phrase 2 repairs in July 2026, stress-test data indicated that portions of the bridge’s bottom chord are not behaving as anticipated.
• Based on this assessment, the bridge was not able to reopen in July as anticipated.

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Project details

$576,000 being invested to improve both hard surface and loose top roads, ensuring better connectivity for residents.

Updates

(as of September 16, 2026)

• Hardtop repairs to Essex Road and Beauty Bay Road began at the end of July have been completed. This included replacing and repairing existing hard surface sections of the roads that were in need of repairs. 
• Loosetop Road repairs to Carlton Branch Road scheduled start by the end of September.

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Winter 2026.

Project details

The road structure will be fully reconstructed. A new 3 metre wide asphalt pathway will replace the old 1.5 metre sidewalk on the south side of the road, which will improve active transportation connectivity.

Upgrades to the Nethercutt Drive intersection will also take place, including storm sewer upgrades to improve drainage, and merge lane reconfiguration to improve safety for traffic merging onto Nethercutt Drive and Lakeview Drive.

The Nethercutt Drive intersection will see changes that minimize both capital and ongoing maintenance costs, improve active transportation and incorporate accessibility features are underway. When the construction is nearing completion, vehicle-presence-activated traffic light sensors, rather than timer-activated, will be installed. 

Lakeview Drive Conceptual Design 

Updates

(as of October 28, 2026)

• The final layer asphalt has been placed on the section at Nethercutt Drive and line painting is complete.
• At the Nethercutt Drive intersection, new vehicle-presence-activated traffic signal sensors have been installed.
• Remaining work along Lakeview Drive includes landscaping and railings to be installed along sections of the multi-use pathway.

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Fall 2026.

Project details

The Parsons Street and Minnesota Street intersection project includes:

• new curbing
• a multi-use pathway to improve accessibility and accommodate a variety of users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and others who travel through the area via active transportation
• final traffic signaling and lane configuration that will include protected left-turns in both directions. 
  
  Parsons Street and Minnesota Street Intersection Conceptual Design

Updates

(as of October 28, 2026)

• Project is nearing completion, with some minor touches remaining, including work on the multi-use pathway.
• Major project components are now complete, including line painting and updated lane configuration.
• Updated traffic signals and lane configuration include dedicated left-turn lanes and upgraded traffic signals featuring left-turn arrows in both directions
• New sensor-based traffic light signals have been installed. Signal timing is now adjusted based on vehicle presence, helping improve traffic flow and overall intersection efficiency.

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Fall 2026.

Project details

A full road reconstruction, along with curb, gutter, and storm sewer upgrades to improve drainage. There will be modifications to the road centre line elevation to improve driver sightlines and addresses safety concerns related to the existing sightlines.

A sewer and water extension is being added to the project, underground piping to be installed. 

Updates

(as of October 21, 2026)

• A full road reconstruction is underway, that includes curb, gutter, and storm sewer upgrades to improve drainage. 
• There will be modifications to the road centre line elevation to improve driver sightlines and addresses safety concerns related to the existing sightlines.
• Roadway access will be closed in both the westbound and eastbound directions, except for local traffic accessing this street.
• A temporary detour will be implemented along Ninth Street North, Sixteenth Street North, and Airport Road. 
• A sewer and water extension is being added to the project. 
• Garbage collection by the City of Kenora will continue as per regular collection schedule.

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion 2027.

Project details

Adding a sidewalk crossing across the railroad tracks. The crossing sidewalk will connect existing sidewalks on Six Street North and Railway Street, which will improve pedestrian connectivity and crossing safety.

Updates

(as of October 21, 2026)

• Project started in September. 
• Will be adding a sidewalk crossing across the railroad tracks. The crossing sidewalk will connect existing sidewalks on Six Street North and Railway Street.

Project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Fall 2026.

Project details

Fourth Avenue South, from Fifth Street South to 100 metres south, will see a full reconstruction, which includes a new road structure, new asphalt, and sidewalk replacement.

Updates

(as of October 21, 2026)

• Project is underway and currently breaking rock, followed then by a full reconstruction, including  new road structure, new asphalt, and sidewalk replacement.

Aimed project start date

Currently in progress.

Estimated completion in late-Fall 2026.

Project details

The current playground will be replaced with a new accessible playground. The new playground will feature a fully rubber mat, structures that will exceed AODA requirements, and the boardwalk will connect to the new rubber matted surface. Funding for this project is made possible through the generous support of the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), and the Kenora Rotary Club.

This project is complete

• Playground project was completed in July 2026.
• Official grand opening with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on August 4, 2026.

Project details

Corrosion protection and structural rehabilitation. Funding is supported by Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Housing Enabling Core Services Stream, the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, and the Canada Community-Building Fund.

This project is complete

• The Keewatin Channel Bridge opened two-way traffic in March 2026.
• The contractor returned in late July to apply paint coating to the locations where the scaffolding was mounted to the structure.

Project details

Redesign and upgrades of the entrance lobby. Funding for this project is made possible through the support of the Province of Ontario Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund.

This project is complete

• Project was completed in Spring 2026.
• An official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on May 5, 2026.

Project details

Plans include new pathways, landscaping, and additional play features. The stormwater throughout the park will receive an upgrade along with the main pipe on First Street South. 

This project is complete

• Project was completed in Fall 2026.
• Official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for November 9, 2026.