Agenda and Minutes | City of Kenora

Stay informed on the topics and issues addressed by Council of the City of Kenora. You can read the agenda and corresponding minutes for the current meeting and others from the past 20 years to see how Council supports the operation of the municipality. Watch the recorded Council meetings by clicking on the recorded meeting link within the minutes of the corresponding meeting.

View our Council calendar to find out about upcoming regular meeting dates and times.

Note: If you are looking for Committee and Board agendas and minutes, you can view these documents on our Committees and Boards page under the corresponding Committee or Board, if available.

Meetings

View the upcoming meeting agenda, past meetings, and find the live stream link.

Council meeting recap

Welcome to your quick guide to the key highlights from decisions made during Council meetings. Read concise updates, view meeting documents, and watch meeting recordings.

How it works

Skip to topics that interest you by tapping the blue topic headings and hyperlinked text to watch that section of the Council meeting recording.

Why are all Council Meetings not summarized?

These Council Meeting Recaps are intended to highlight the decisions of Council. We will also periodically include community recognitions, staff acknowledgements, and other achievements.

There are two types of Council Meetings:

Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings are informal, conversational-style meetings that allow for in-depth discussion and recommendations on issues before being brought to a formal vote at a Regular Meeting of Council. No decisions outside of procedural, such as adopting minutes and going into closed sessions, may be made at these meetings.

The public can watch the recordings, skip to topics of interest, and read Council documents and minutes from selecting the meeting date from the above schedule.

COW meetings may be referenced and linked in the Council Meeting Recaps to help you more easily find documents and details about subjects that matter to you.
Regular Meetings of Council, including Special Meetings, are formal sessions where decisions are made, bylaws are adopted, and resolutions are officially passed by Council. These are the meetings that bind the decisions of Council and are summarized in these Council Meeting Recaps.

Staff Recognition of Rich Pernsky for Obtaining his Class 3 Drinking-Water Operator Certificate

Council recognized Rich Pernsky, Water Treatment Plant Operator, for obtaining a Class 3 Drinking-Water Operator Certificate. This certification requires a minimum of 525 hours of classroom training, at least four years of operational experience, including two years as an Operator-in-Charge, and successful completion of an exam. Having served with the City for 10 years, including the past four and a half years progressing through various certification levels, Rich achieved this milestone through a combination of dedicated training and valuable hands-on experience at the Water Treatment Plant.

Capital Projects Updates

Director of Infrastructure & Operations, Greg Breen, shared progress updates on a number of the City's ongoing capital projects.

Additional information, including project summaries and bi-weekly updates on key initiatives, is available on the Current and Active Projects webpage.

Road paving

Lakeview Drive: Project is progressing well and asphalt on the road surface and multi-use paths has been laid, still additional paving work to take place. Regarding traffic lights located at Lakeview Drive and Nethercutt Drive intersection, new vehicle-presence-activated sensor traffic lights will be installed.
Parsons and Minnesota Street Intersection: Project continues and crews are working towards finishing the curbing, muti-use pathway (for pedestrians, cyclists, and others who travel via active transportation), line painting, and sensor-based signals installed. The intersection's final traffic signaling and lane configuration will include protected left-turns in both directions.
Railway Street – Phase 4: Resurfacing work has started. A sewer and water extension is being added to the project, underground piping to be installed.

Rural Road Enhancements

Next section of Carlton Road loose top gravelling is scheduled to begin September 22, 2026. Culverts are being replaced along the length of the road to accommodate driveways, adding in 6 inches of gravel, and ditches are to be cleaned out.
Surface treatment work on Beauty Bay, Essex Road, and East Mellick Road, are now complete, receiving a fresh surface treatment.

Bridge Maintenance Program

Maintenance work is underway on 10 municipal bridges across the City to help keep them safe and in good condition, with work expected to continue through December. Activities include vegetation removal, pothole patching, concrete and joint repairs, waterproofing, and sidewalk and pathway maintenance. Residents can watch for schedule updates on the City's social media channels and in News and Notices as the work progresses. The first notice was issued September 11 for the Bay Street Overpass, Seventh Avenue South Bridge, and First Avenue South Bridge.

Bowman Electric Keewatin Memorial Arena

The elevator has been installed, increasing accessibility to the second floor. Awaiting an inspection of the elevator.

Follow the progress of major City capital projects at kenora.ca/currentprojects.

Proclamations

Council proclaimed October 21, 2026, as Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, recognizing the dedication and important contributions of childcare workers and early childhood educators to children, families, and the community.
National Dental Care Day is on October 10, 2026, this is a Canadian public awareness initiative dedicated to promoting oral health education, preventive care, and equitable access to oral healthcare services
Rail Safety Week is held across Canada from September 21 to 27, 2026. The week is dedicated to educating and informing the public about rail safety to reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens.

Closing Remarks from Council

As the final Council meeting of the 2022-2026 term, Council reflected on their time in office and expressed their appreciation to residents, community partners, and City staff for their support, collaboration, and dedication to the community. Members of Council also thanked their fellow colleagues for their service and commitment to working through challenges and differing perspectives.

Council also encouraged residents to vote in the upcoming municipal election.

City of Kenora Wins an E.A. Danby Award

At the June 2026 AMCTO Annual Conference, the City of Kenora was awarded one of three E.A. Danby Awards. The E.A. Danby Awards recognizes and honours municipalities that have demonstrated outstanding achievement through innovation with respect to municipal management activities or practices.

The City of Kenora won for “Modernizing Public Transit” with the launch and success of The Wave.
On June 23’s Council acknowledged the hard work of our City administration and partners at Via, who have made The Wave a successful microtransit service for our community.

The Wave has received many stand-out results since its launch in October 2024, including:

As of February 2026, The Wave had delivered more than 60,000 rides since launching in October 2024.
An average 4.9 out of 5 stars customer rating.
Wheelchair-accessibility included in the fleet, and that drivers receive specialized accessibility and safety training.
Survey results from residents who use The Wave indicate that 77% of riders do not have access to a personal vehicle, and 35% report travelling more often since the City launched The Wave.
Over 14,000 rider accounts created to date.
Monthly ridership is approximately three times higher than the previous traditional transit model.

Watch City Council acknowledge the E.A. Danby Award in the Regular Meeting of Council Meeting

Learn more about The Wave

Council Does Not Support the Expansion of Alcohol Availability through “Bring-Your-Own” Events

In March 2026, the Province of Ontario announced changes to alcohol regulations that expand the former tailgate event framework, where outdoor community and cultural events may permit attendees aged 19 years and older to bring and consume their own alcohol within designated event areas, subject to provincial requirements and approvals.

The changes, proposed by the Province of Ontario, do not permit unrestricted public drinking. Alcohol consumption remains limited to designated event areas and is subject to provincial laws and public safety. Event organizers must also comply with applicable Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Council does not support the expansion of alcohol availability through “Bring Your Own” (BYOB) events. Council approved to maintain the existing Municipal Alcohol policies and prohibits “Bring-Your-Own” alcoholic beverages at outdoor public events within the City of Kenora.

Watch Council's discussion and read the Report from June 16’s Committee of the Whole Meeting

Watch Council vote against the expansion of alcohol through BYOB events

Tariff of Fee Changes for Institutional, Commercial, and Industrial Customers for Recycling Bulk Corrugated Cardboard

The City collects bulk corrugated cardboard and recyclables from Institutional, Commercial and Industrial (ICI) customers at the Transfer Station. While small quantities can be collected at curbside, larger bulk quantities must be brought into the Transfer Station by these customers.

As of July 1, 2026, the City of Kenora will be changing its ICI Bulk Corrugated Cardboard fees to:

$9.70 minimum up to 150kg
$65 per tonne (pro-rated) for over 150kg
Removed the $95 per tonne (pro-rated) over 200kg, as this rate is no longer required and was not used.

This fee change does not impact residential recycling, which in January 2026 transitioned to a new model operated by Circular Materials. Residential recycling now operates under a provincial model that holds the organizations that produce the products and packaging 100% responsible for operating and funding the residential recycle program.

Watch Council approve this update Recycling Rate for ICI customers

Read the Report and recommendation from June 16’s Committee of the Whole

Utility Capital Budget Amendment to Support New Hospital Project

Council approved a 2026 Utility Capital Budget amendment from $1.6 million to $2.2 million to proceed with the design of water and wastewater servicing of the future site of the All Nations Hospital, Campus of Care, Wiigwaas Longterm Care Facility, and surrounding housing and development.

City Administration is working closely with the property owners (Lake of the Woods District Hospital and the Kenora Chiefs Advisory Board), All Nations Health Partners (ANHP), and developers as they advance through the planning stages for the project.

Currently, the property owner is nearing completion of their engineering assessment of water and wastewater servicing requirements enabling design of the servicing to get started. The design work is expected to get started in late Q3 2026 with an estimated duration of a year.

The overall project will require upgrades to water booster pumping stations, wastewater lift stations, valving and piping replacements and reconfigurations, a new back-up submarine watermain from the City’s Harbourtown to the existing booster station in Norman, a new submarine watermain continuing on from Norman to Keewatin and servicing the site from Portage Bay, and wastewater piping capacity increases across Cameron Bay and throughout Norman.

Read the Utility Capital Budget Amendment Report and listen to CAO, Stace Gander, explain this budget amendment at June 16’s Committee of the Whole

Watch Council’s approval of this amendment to the 2026 Utility Capital Budget

$200,000 in Community Improvement Plan Grants to be Awarded

Council approved moving forward with the proposed Community Improvement Plan Agreements, as outlined in the June 16’s Committee of the Whole Meeting.

In February 2026’s Regular Meeting, Council approved the new Community Improvement Plan (CIP), a city-wide strategy to stimulate revitalization, support housing development, enhance commercial areas, and encourage private investment through a comprehensive set of financial incentive programs.

The CIP introduces 16 grants to support development, including fee rebates, tax increment grants, surplus land disposition, housing grants for additional units and multi-unit buildings, upper-storey conversions, façade and signage improvements, accessibility upgrades, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), safety enhancements, environmental site assessment support, activation programs Kenora’s downtown, and improved energy efficiency grants.

On April 10, 2026, the City launched the new CIP program. The 2026 approved budget allocated $200,000 to facilitate the implementation of grant programs under the new CIP. These programs aim to promote activities such as increased housing supply, beautification, economic growth, community safety, and reinvestment in underutilized properties.

Applications for grants not related to housing were accepted until May 22, 2026. Proposals for projects seeking support through the housing streams will be accepted and assessed on a continuous basis.

20 applications were received, and the City is awarding 16 grants and incentives:

One Multi- Unit Housing grant, enabling 6 new units in the Keewatin area
Four façade improvement grants
Three requests for planning and building permit fees
Two accessibility grants for two new ramps in our community
Three landscaping grants
Nine CPTED application grants, 4 of which are murals in Harbourtown Centre as anti-graffiti deterrent measures
Two energy efficiency grants
One Tax Increment Equivalent Grant

Read and Watch the Community Improvement Plan Agreements Report from June 16’s Committee of the Whole Meeting

Council Approves Amendment to Zoning Bylaw for 444 Rabbit Lake Road to Help Increase Housing Supply

Council approved to amend Zoning Bylaw for the property lands at 444 Rabbit Lake Road from a R1 Residential First Density Zone and RU Rural Zone to an R3 Residential Third Density Zone with specific provisions.

The lands are currently vacant and are serviced by municipal water and sewer.

Approving this amended Zoning Bylaw allows for approximately 118 dwelling units to be added to the community by permitting the development of a multi-unit residential project.

Council has directed City staff to bring forward, to the July 14 Committee of the Whole meeting, options for short term traffic calming measures.

Watch the discussion and read the Zoning By-law Amendment from June 16’s Committee of the Whole Meeting

Watch Council’s Approval of this Zoning By-law Amendment

Section of Boatlift Road is Getting a No Parking Zone

A Traffic and Parking Bylaw Amendment was approved by Council, now making a section of Boatlift Road, from Government Road and west for 285 metres, a No Parking Two Away Zone.

In Summer 2025, a paid parking kiosk was added at the Boatlift Road Boat Launch to bring this public launch in line with all other paid City boat launches. This change prompted a noticeable shift in parking behaviour, leading complaints about parking congestion in the area. Overflow parking from Two Bears Marina customers further compounded the issue.

Establishing a no parking zone and signage on both sides of Boatlift Road will be added, easing congestion and supporting safe and unobstructed emergency vehicle access.

Watch Council's approval of this amendment and see map

City Moving Forward with Kenricia Revitalization Project, Authorizing the Certificate of Approval

On May 28, 2026, City Council approved to proceed with the expropriation of the Kenricia Hotel, completing the Certificate of Approval stage, and moving forward with the Registration of an Expropriation Plan.

The City first initiated the process to expropriate the historic hotel on July 24, 2025 as part of its efforts to revitalize Kenora’s downtown core. The initiative aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving community space for residents and visitors alike.

The process of expropriation follows the Expropriations Act of Ontario. Key steps in the process that have taken place thus far include:

Council Resolution – July 24, 2025
Notice of Application – July 24, 2025
Hearing of Necessity – Hearing took place on February 11 and 12, 2026, with closing statements received February 27, 2026.
April 15, 2026 – City received the Report of the Tribunal delivered by Vice Chair William R. Middleton from the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), who oversaw the Hearing of Necessity.

During a Special Meeting of Council on May 28, 2026, Council approved to proceed with the expropriation of the Kenricia Hotel. Next steps, as per the Expropriations Act of Ontario, are to register for the Expropriation Plan, issue a Notice of Expropriation, and complete an Offer of Compensation, after which time City possession can take place.

Estimated possession of the Kenricia Hotel to take place in Fall 2026.

Watch the Council Meeting.

Read the Media Release.

Visit Kenricia Revitalization Project webpage for more details and updates.

Citizen Recognition Awards

Mayor and Council had the privilege of honouring two Kenora locals with a Citizen Recognition Awards, shining a spotlight on their positive impacts to our community:

Chris Madison for her compassionate leadership with 'A Dog’s Life Fostering Network'. Council thanked her for her dedicated volunteering efforts and her positive influence.
Jonie Marchand for her passion, leadership, and dedication to her community through volunteering at Witches Walk, Kenora Minor Soccer, and the Kenora Fall Festival.

AccessAbility Week - Sticker Contest Winners

In anticipation for National AccessAbility Week (NAAW), which takes place from May 31 to June 6, the Accessibility Advisory Committee invited residents to participate in an art competition to design an "Accessibility Matters" sticker. The contest was open for residents of all ages and ran from March 16 to April 7, 2026.

During the Regular Council Meeting held on April 28, 2026, Mayor, Council, and members of the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee were honoured to announce the winners of the 2026 "Accessibility Matters" sticker design contest.

Collect all three stickers during National AccessAbility Week, from May 31 to June 6, at The Muse, Moncrief Construction Sports Centre, and the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre.

Congratulations to Kenora’s local winners:

Ella (age 9) for her tribute to para Nordic skier Jesse Bachinsky, who was also in attendance during the Council Meeting to offer his congratulations!
Skyla (age 17, joined by Zoom) for her vibrant, digital design featuring people who use wheelchairs, hearing aids, and support animals.
Angel (winner of the 18 and older category) for her design that highlights a range of tools, devices, and assistive technologies that make participation in community life possible.

National Public Works Week

Mayor Andrew Poirier proclaimed the week of May 17 to 23, 2026, as National Public Works Week.

National Public Works Week acknowledges our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees, and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and advancing quality of life for all.

2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week, sponsored by the Canadian Public Works Association.

Past Council and Committee of the Whole meeting documents

View the past Council and Committee of the Whole agenda and minutes. Select the year and meeting type from the listing.

Accessible formats

If you require an accessible format of a document or report, please contact the City Clerk. We will provide you with this within two business days of your request.