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 July 16, 2026)

• The construction work is currently in progress and 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 July 16, 2026)

• The installation of pathways, lighting, and landscaping is currently in progress. 
• A new slackline has been installed on the playground.
• Playground remains closed at this time to allow for surface improvements and paving of the pathways.
• 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 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.

Updates

(as of July 17, 2026)

• The new playground is complete and open to the public.
• Date of the formal ribbon cutting ceremony to be announced soon. 

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.

Updates

(as of June 17, 2026)

• The contractor will be returning to apply paint coating to the locations where the scaffolding was mounted to the structure.
• The work is expected to be completed by end of June, with little to no impact to traffic.

Aimed project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Summer 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 July 16, 2026)

• 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.  

In October 2025, repair work to Portage Bay Bridge began and the contractor uncovered that the bridge had more rust deterioration that was not previously visible. The work had to then be paused to adjust and update the design scope. 

Repairs are being undertaken in two phases:

• Phase 1: stabilizing the bridge with temporary bracing and installing high strength bolts which replaced old rivets. Those detailed measurements from the old rivets had to be sent to fabrication for custom-made, new structural components. 
• Phase 2: permanent repairs, where new brackets and tension structural rods that will help carry the load will be installed. 

Updates

(as of July 16, 2026)

• Phase 1 started the week of April 14 and has since been completed.
• The custom-made, new structural components were delivered in June.
• Phase 2 began on June 22.
• Work is expected to be completed in 6 weeks.

Aimed project start date

Currently in progress. 

Estimated completion in Summer 2026.

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 July16, 2026)

• Lakeview Drive work began in May 2026. Starting with an approximately one km long section from the Winnipeg River West Branch Bridge to the Winnipeg River East Branch Bridge. This work will continue until the end of September 2026. 
• Overnight construction from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with 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. 
• Dust suppression tentatively scheduled to start the week of July 27.

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 16, 2026)

• Tender has closed and been awarded. 
• Hardtop repairs to Essex Road and Beauty Bay Road is expected to start during the last week in July, and will 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

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.

Updates

• Project was completed in Spring 2026.