OPG Gets Power Deal

Ontario Power Generation has a power purchase agreement with the Ontario Power Authority for its soon to be converted coal-fired plant in Atikokan.

It was the last step needed before the plant can be switched to using biomass.

Mayor Dennis Brown says it's a huge relief for his community that has been waiting several months for the announcement.

Work on the conversion will start this fall.

Northern Fires Key Focus

MNR photo

Focus for Ministry of Natural Resources forest firefighters continues to be in the remote north.

Eleven fires of the 70 active are now over 100 hectares.

One of the largest is within Woodland Caribou Provincial Park that has scorched almost one thousand hectares.

Another concern is a cluster of fires burning near the remote communities of Deer Lake and Keewaywin where smoke may be a concern for residents.


Meantime, a new forest fire has been reported in the Rainy River district.

The small fire, located at Dash Lake, north of Emo, is listed as being human caused, but under control.

It's the 35th fire in the district this fire season.

Walk For Good Life Approaches

An annual pilgrimage by native youth through the Kenora and Rainy River districts remembers a well respected elder this year.

The 500-kilometre Walk for Good Life is aimed at inspiring youth.

Larissa Desrosiers of the group Good Life for Young People says this year's walks honours Elder Joseph Morrison.

The walk starts July 29th at Eagle Lake First Nation, ending there a week later.

BIZKIDS Coming to Fort Frances

CKDR photo

A camp aimed at creating young entrepreneurs comes to Fort Frances for the first time next week.

The Northwest Business Centre's BizKids Camp is geared to those between the ages of 9 and 12.

The Centre's Stephanie Armstrong says they'll be a number of activities and tours with participants selling products created at a market next Friday.

There's still some space available and those interested can contact the Centre's Dryden office.

Drilling Scaled Back

Rainy River Resources is scaling back some of its drilling work in the district.

Eight of twelve diamond drill rigs working at its gold project north of Barwick have already been demobilized.

Another will be halted in September.

Meantime, more gold findings are being reported in the latest results of the drill program done to determine the exact size of deposit.

Railroad Daze

Supplied photo

Railroad Daze kicks off in Rainy River today.

Rec Director Kam Kuzyk says there's plenty of events to help celebrate the communities railroad heritage.

Among event is the Great Beaver Cardboard and Duct Tape Boat Races - vessels made up of only cardboard and duct tape.


The race is now in its 10th season.


Registration is Sunday at 12:30 p.m. down at Hannam Park with the race at 3 p.m.


Here's a complete list of all events.



Friday July 20, 2012


10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - The Library's Best Book Sale Ever! ~ Rainy River Public Library
11:00  a.m. - 11:45  a.m.  -  Kids' TD Summer Reading Club ~ Rainy River Public Library
5:30 p.m.  -  Beer Gardens & Canteen Open ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
5:30  p.m.  - So You Think You Can Dance Rainy River ~ Upstairs of Rec. Centre
5:30   p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Locum House Supper ~ Senior’s Centre ~ 201 Atwood Ave - Pulled Pork sandwiches, Salads, Dessert – Freewill Offering
6:00  p.m. -  Opening games of the Mixed Slo-pitch Tournament Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
8:00  p.m. -  Family Movie Night – Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Upstairs of Rec. Centre – Free Admission

Saturday July 21, 2012

9:00  a.m. - Mixed Slo-pitch Tournament starts ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
10:00  a.m. -  6:00 P.M. The Library's Best Book Sale Ever! ~ Rainy River Public Library
10:00   a.m. - Canteen open’s ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
10:00   a.m. -  4:00 P.M. 1st Annual Craft Show ~ Seniors Centre ~ 201 Atwood Ave.
10:00   a.m. - 5:00 P.M. Fun Fly (radio controlled planes) on Burns Rd. (In between Hwy 600 and Government Rd.)
10:00   a.m. - Bike Rodeo ~ School Parking Lot
11:00   a.m. - Beer Gardens Open ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
11:00  a.m. - Railroad Daze Parade ~ Route: Hannam Park up through Main St. (Please call the Rec. Centre to register a float)
11:00  a.m. -  1:30  p.m. -  Farmer’s Market ~ Atwood Ave.
1:00  p.m. -  2:30  p.m. -  Fastball Grudge Match between R.R. Royals and Pinewood Bears
Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
1:00  p.m. -  3:00  p.m. -  “Ooey Gooey Fun” Kids Games ~ Best Start Hub Parking Lot
4:30  p.m. -  7:00  p.m. -  Steak Fry $12 a plate ~ Legion
8:00  p.m. -  Home Run Derby ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
9:00  p.m. -  2:00 a.m. - Age of majority Dance – DJ Amy Anderson Rec. Centre - $5 Admission



Sunday July 22, 2012


9:00  a.m. - Mixed Slo-pitch Tournament starts ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
10:00   a.m. - Canteen opens ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
10:00   a.m. -  2:00 p.m. - 1st Annual Craft Show ~ Seniors Centre ~ 201 Atwood Ave.
10:30  a.m. - Rainy River Community Worship Service (inter-denominational)  Hannam Park ~    Rain Location - Evangelical Covenant Church
11:00   a.m. - Beer Gardens open ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
12:30  p.m. -  The Great Beaver Cardboard Boat Registration and supply pick up: $10.00 per team at Hannam Park
2:00  p.m. -  Championship Slo-pitch ball game ~ Rec. Centre Ball Diamonds
3:30  p.m. -  The Cardboard & Duct Tape Boat Races Begin! Hannam Park Waterfront