Keewatin Channel Bridge Weight Restriction

The Keewatin Channel Bridge currently has a vehicle weight limit due to scaffolding adjustments.

Load restrictions remain in place at 8,500 pounds (3,855 kilograms) per vehicle. Commercial vehicles over this limit must use the Highway 17A Bypass.

Emergency vehicles and buses are permitted to cross the bridge with the flow of regular passenger traffic, although no more than one emergency or bus may be on the bridge at the same time. When multiple are crossing, these vehicles are to cross only after the preceding vehicle has passed the high mid-point of the bridge.

Community Improvement Plans

The City of Kenora offers incentives in the form of grants and incremental tax incentives for a number of business improvement and housing development areas.

We are in the process of updating these programs as part of the Official Plan, Zoning By-law, and CIP Review project, and we will be launching new programs to support community development and growth in early 2026.

Project update

A new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) has been prepared in draft by the project consultant, WSP, which will replace the Harbourtown Centre CIP, Former Mill Site CIP, and Keewatin CIP, prepared in 2007, 2011, and 2015 respectively, and last reviewed and updated in 2017. The new CIP represents a renewed opportunity for the City to support continued economic growth and vibrancy in Kenora, with an added focus on enhancing support for housing development.

Open houses

Two public open houses will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 for you to drop-in and learn about the proposed new CIP. 

  • 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre - 931 Lakeview Drive, Kenora, ON
  • 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Operations Centre, 2nd floor, training room - 60 Fourteenth Street North, Kenora, ON

Everyone is welcome to attend. These are come-and-go events with no formal presentation. We will provide an overview of the proposed Draft Community Improvement Plan (December 2025), including the proposed Community Improvement Project Area, Program Areas, and Financial Incentive Programs. Interactive mapping of the proposed CIP Program Areas will also be available for property and business owners to look up their eligibility for the proposed Financial Incentive Programs available within certain Program Areas. 

Benefits of CIPs

Community Improvement Plans offer the following benefits:

  • Stimulation of private sector investment in targeted areas through grants and loans from the City of Kenora
  • Promotion of revitalization and place-making to attract tourism, business investment and economic development opportunities
  • Development of affordable housing
  • Promotion of brownfield cleanup and redevelopment
  • Enhancement of streetscapes and building façades
  • Effective use of community infrastructure

Success stories

Watch our Kenora Community Improvement Plan video to find out how our CIPs help local business owners.

Provincial legislation

A Community Improvement Plan, is a planning tool permitted under Section 28 of the Ontario Planning Act. They also include financial incentives, which are legislated under Section 365.1 of the Municipal Act.

Contact us

Contact the Economic Development Team

Megan Dokuchie, Economic Development Officer
Phone: 807-467-2127

Allyson Pele, Economic Development Officer
Phone: 807-467-2204

Operations Building
60 Fourteenth Street North
Kenora, Ontario P9N 4M9

A City of Kenora Department

Kenora Lake of the Woods Corporate Logo

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