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 August 5, 2026)

• The construction work is currently in progress and nearing completion. Project is expected to be completed by end of August. 

Aimed project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in end of August 2026.

Project details

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

Updates

(as of August 5, 2026)

• Final touches on paving the parking area are ongoing.
• Playground remains closed at this time until fencing is removed.
• Paving of the pathways, lighting, and landscaping is finished.
• A new slackline and sun shade have been installed in the playground area.
• Date of the ribbon cutting ceremony to be announced shortly.

Aimed project start date

Currently in progress.

Estimated completion in end of July 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 July 16, 2026)

• Crews will begin on-site activity the week of July 20.
• Access to The Muse's Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre will remain available through the main entrances.
• Protective coverings will be installed along entrance paths to safeguard pedestrians during construction.
• Memorial Park courtyard may be periodically inaccessible to support construction activities.

Aimed project start date

Summer 2026

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 August 5, 2026)

• Construction is progressing.
• Construction fencing has been placed around the tugboat.
• The old wood platform surrounding the tugboat has been removed.
• The washrooms, picnic tables, and play area remain open at this time. When closure is required a public notice will be issued.

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 July 30, 2026)

• 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 cannot safely be reopened at this time.
• The City is committed to the safe reopening of the Portage Bay bridge and the City is actively working towards a solution. 

Aimed project start date

Currently in progress. 

Project details

Investing $8,747,376 for paving municipal roadways.

Parts of this planned road paving work are supported by the Province of Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program – Housing Enabling Core Services Stream.

• Lakeview Drive, from the Winnipeg River East Branch Bridge (by the Lake of the Woods Hospital) to the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge (by Tunnel Island Trails entrance): 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.
  
  Lakeview Drive Conceptual Design
  
  
• Parsons Street and Minnesota Street intersection: the intersection is being reconfigured to allow for a dedicated left turn lane for both the eastbound and westbound lane of traffic. The traffic signals will be updated as well to provide a protected left turn and to improve pedestrian crossing safety.
  
  Parsons Street and Minnesota Street Intersection Conceptual Design
  
  
• Railway Street Phase 4, from 1629 Railway Street to approximately 350 metres east: 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.
  
  
• Enhancement of the railway crossing at Sixteenth Avenue North: 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.
  

  

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

  

Updates

(as of August 5, 2026)

• Lakeview Drive, from the Winnipeg River East Branch Bridge (by the Lake of the Woods Hospital) to the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge (by Tunnel Island Trails entrance): 

  • Between the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge and Winnipeg River East Branch Bridge, excavation and installation of the new road base have been completed.
  • To improve driving conditions through the construction zone, the first layer of asphalt pavement has been placed on approximately half the project.
  • Paving is expected to be completed by the end of August, with the overall project scheduled to be completed by end of September.

• Parsons Street and Minnesota Street intersection:

  • Overnight construction will begin at the Parsons Street and Lakeview Drive intersection starting July 27 and is expected to continue until the end of August. Overnight work from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. will see traffic reduced to one lane, controlled by flagging.
  • During the day, two-way traffic will continue through the construction zone at a slow, safe pace. There may be times when lane shifts or single lane traffic may be required.
  • Please follow reduced speed limits and traffic control signs. Slow down to minimize dust.
  • The sidewalk will be closed as a new multi-use path will be replacing the existing sidewalk.
  • The public can access businesses and services in the construction zone remains, although entrances may be temporarily moved. 
  • Additional and traffic signage installed to alert motorists to construction activity and changing road conditions.

• Railway Street Phase 4:

  • Project is estimated to start mid-September.
  • A full road reconstruction is coming, 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.

• Enhancement of the railway crossing at Sixteenth Avenue North: 

  • Project estimated to start mid-August.
  • Will be adding a sidewalk crossing across the railroad tracks. The crossing sidewalk will connect existing sidewalks on Six Street North and Railway Street.

• Fourth Avenue South, from Fifth Street South to 100 metres south):

  • Project has not started, prioritizing Lakeview Drive paving project before beginning this project.
  • There will be full reconstruction, which includes a new road structure, new asphalt, sidewalk replacement, and a streetlight replacement.

Aimed project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Fall 2026.

Project details

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

Updates

(as of July 30, 2026)

• Hardtop repairs to Essex Road and Beauty Bay Road began at the end of July, and include applying, replacing, and repairing existing hard surface sections of the roads that are in need of repairs. 
• Loosetop Road repairs to Carlton Branch Road; date to be determined.

Aimed project start date

Summer 2026

Estimated completion in Winter 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.