Council Acknowledges City Staff Professional Development
Mayor and Council had the pleasure of recognizing Tara Vader, City’s Associate Planner, for her achievement in earning her Registered Professional Planner (RPP) certified designation.
Lake of the Woods Museum Roof Project
The City and the Sustainability Advisory Committee are excited to have improvements to the Lake of the Wood Museum on the horizon, with work to begin in 2026.
Improvements include:
- replacement of the roof, including the installation of a solar power system
- replacement of the air conditioning system, fencing, fire alarm panel
- accessibility improvements in the washrooms
- repair of the entrance pathways and courtyard area
Funding sources for the Museum’s upgrades are from the Museum Reserve, the Contingency Reserve, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund (NOHFC), and the Sustainability Advisory Committee.
A tender specifically for the roof replacement and solar system closed in late March with a single bid received, totaling $548,532 plus 1.76% HST. As construction costs continue to increase, the original budget fell short by $185,000.
- An amendment was requested, which will include allowance for contingency for unknowns during the roof replacement. This amendment was approved in Council during this Regular Meeting of Council, with $130,000 to be funded by the Museum Reserve and $55,000 from Contingency Reserve.
These overall improvements to the Lake of the Woods Museum demonstrate the commitment to the City’s Strategic Plan to seek sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impacts of City operations (Goal 1.3). The enhancements also contribute to the Sustainability Action Plan’s Energy Conservation (Project 3) and Green Infrastructure (Project 5) efforts.
Pickleball Court Rental Booking Fees
Council approved an amendment to the Tariff of Fees and Charges bylaw to add pickleball court rental fees at specific times.
Booking the pickleball courts is based on first come first serve basis. Pickleball courts can be reserved on the Recreation Department’s Activenet booking system or by calling 807-467-2087.
| Youth rates | Adult rates |
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Weekday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: $20/hour Weekend 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: $20/hour Saturday-Sunday Tournaments 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.: $100/day |
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All non-booked hours, or hours outside of the designated rental times, are considered drop-in, and individuals may use the courts at their leisure free of charge.
- This new rate structure was developed in consultation with the Kenora Pickleball Club.
- The Kenora Pickleball Club is accepting members.
- For more detailed discussion about Pickleball fee changes, please see April 14’s Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Council Approves an Application for Draft Plan of 5-Lot Subdivision on Johnson Road
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Council approved the Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval for 5 lots at 1 Johnson Road.
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The developer’s draft plan outlines a five-lot subdivision, which will require the extension of municipal water and sewer. The extension of these services are at the expense of developer. To add these additional future residential lots, there are 12 conditions that will need to be met, including: a zoning amendment from a Rural Residential to a Residential I, widening Johnson Road along the western property boundary, and realignment of Hager Road.
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The City of Kenora, through the Official Plan and Strategic Plan has identified housing as a key principal and priority in guiding community development.
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As per the City’s Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) completed in Spring 2025, the report outlines 13 initial actions the City will undertake to help address the housing challenges in our community. This approval for the Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval demonstrates the City and Council’s commitment to working closely with developers to accelerate new unit construction in Kenora.
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For more detailed discussion and documents about this Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval at 1 Johnson Road, please watch April 14’s Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Notice of Motion Provided to Council to Support the Investment of a Business Plan to Develop the Possibility of a Community Safety Program
Councillor Bernie put forward a Notice of Motion for Council to consider supporting an investment in building a business plan to develop a community safety program for Kenora.
- The intent is to first develop a business plan to explore the possibility of the addition of Community Safety Officers (CSOs) who would conduct regular foot, vehicle and bike patrols, support crime prevention efforts, and strengthening the City’s connection with residents and businesses.
- These CSOs would work closely with local police and community partners under a collaborative enforcement model that focuses on education, prevention, intervention, and enforcement.
- The presence of CSOs would help to deter crime, promote safety, and respond to community concerns in real time.
