Council Code of Conduct Policy & Boards/Committees Policy
Council received a presentation from Principles Integrity for recommendation on updates to the City’s Council Code of Conduct Policy #CC-5-2 and Boards and Committees Code of Conduct Policy #CC-15-2. The proposed changes aim to better serve the Council by enhancing accessibility, providing clearer guidance and commentary, and avoiding unnecessary inclusion of legislative provisions and jargon.
2025 Quarter 4 Report from Kenora’s Fire and Emergency Services
Fire Chief Gordon Howard reviewed the Quarter 4, October to December 2025, successes and priorities of Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services team. Some accomplishments included:
- Secured $120,000 from the new Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program to deliver a regional first responder mental health initiative.
- Partnered with the Ontario Fire College to deliver an Exterior Fire Attack program.
2025 Quarter 4 Report from Recreation and Culture
General Manager of Recreation and Culture, Andrew Smith, reviewed the Quarter 4, October to December 2025, successes and priorities of the City's Recreation and Culture teams. Some accomplishments included:
- The City has successfully secured funding from the government of Ontario for upgrades to Skatepark for an accessible seating area, and tile wall repairs, and new lighting while will allow enabling the community to use the basketball courts and skatepark longer into the evening.
- Launched the online Kenora Leisure Guide. Local groups and organizations can now add their leisure activities and volunteer opportunities to the Kenora Leisure Guide is free.
2026 Capital Budget Amendment for Norman Park North Parking Lot and Community Club
- 2026 Capital Budget Amendment of $85,000 was brought to Council to review for improvements to the north parking lot of Norman Park and to the Community Club building exterior. Sources of funding proposed to come from Recreation Parking Reserve and Parklands Reserve.
- Improvements would include: paving the parking lot and adding line painting, trail system expansion - connecting the incoming multi-use pathway with the existing trails in the park, exterior lighting, and site grading to manage stormwater. Accessible and inclusive improvements to the Norman Community Club entrance, replacement of windows, doors, and siding.
Infrastructure and Operations updates on current projects
- Keewatin Channel Bridge: Scaffolding is currently being removed. Repairs to occur on each of the tail ends of the bridge. The weight restriction cannot be removed until all scaffolding is removed.
- Moncrief Construction Sports Centre lobby renovation: Beginning March 17, the public can begin using the original main entrance. The doorway into the Thistle Arena is a temporary door. A new door is on route from the supplier and will be installed soon.
Infrastructure and Operations updates on upcoming projects
- Municipal paving projects: $8.5 million of municipal paving projects are advancing this summer.
- Bowman Electric Keewatin Memorial Arena: the arena will be getting an elevator, increasing accessibility to the second floor.
- Central Park greenspace: The greenspace project now awarded and work is to start this spring. Plans include new pathways, landscaping, and additional play features.
- McLeod Park: The park will receive new deck structure surrounding the James McMillan tugboat and a new fully accessible ramp.
- Coney Island Accessible Playground: Coney Island's current playground will be replaced with a new accessible playground. Work is planned to commence in July. The new playground will feature a fully rubber mat, structures that will exceed AODA requirements, and the the boardwalk will connect to the new rubber matted surface.
