Agenda and Minutes

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.

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.

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

• Council approved the Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval for 5 lots at 1 Johnson Road.

• 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.

• The City of Kenora, through the Official Plan and Strategic Plan has identified housing as a key principal and priority in guiding community development. 

• 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.

• 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.

Unveiling of local artwork for Council Chambers

• New artwork has been installed in the Council Chambers. The City Council welcomed and acknowledged four local artists, each contributing a piece that reflects a distinct style and community perspective.
• The installation serves as a daily reminder to City staff, Council, and visitors of the community we serve and the diverse talents that shape Kenora. 
• Thank you to the local artists:
  • Melissa Jean – Coney Island
  • Alicia Kejick – Husky the Muskie
  • Erin Briska – Darlington Bay
  • Susan Bulman – Kenricia Reimagined

Age-Friendly Community recognition

• In January 2026, the Province formally recognized Kenora as an age-friendly community at the ROMA Conference. This milestone was celebrated at Council this week, with special thanks being given to the dedicated groups and organizations advancing the Age-Friendly Strategic Plan, including Kenora Age-Friendly Community, the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB), and the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
• Mary Bawden, Chair of the Kenora Age-Friendly Community, received a designation award for her leadership. Thank you to Mary and all community members who ensure our seniors are heard and supported, enabling them to age with dignity, connection, and hope.

2026 Capital Budget Amendment approved for Norman Park parking lot and Community Club improvements

• Council approved the 2026 Capital Budget Amendment of $85,000 was brought to Council to review for design work for planned 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 will 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.

2026 line painting to start in the spring

• Tender has closed and been accepted for the 2026 line painting throughout Kenora for a total investment of $370,157.00 plus HST. 
• Line painting work will begin in the spring.

Coney Island – Kenora Rotary Club Playground

• The tender for replacing the Coney Island playground with a new inclusive design has closed and been accepted, with a total investment of $714,138.53 including HST.
• This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), and the Kenora Rotary Club.
• The Coney Island playground upgrade is part of a broader, ongoing effort to refresh outdoor spaces for families and the community, as per the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Other playgrounds and park improvements have been completed, including at Beatty Park, Garrow Park, Norman Park, Central Park Community Club and Park, and additional recreation areas. This work reflects the City and Council’s ongoing commitment to health, wellness, and the overall well-being of the community.
• The new playground will exceed accessibility requirements, featuring 13 accessible elevated components and 10 accessible ground-level components.
• The playground is designed for all ages and abilities. Access to the island is supported by the popular Coney Island Shuttle, with partial funding from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT). MAT is collected on the purchase of short-term accommodations in the City of Kenora. The MAT generates revenue shared with the Kenora Hospitality Alliance to promote local tourism and allocated toward economic development and tourism initiatives.
• The new playground will boost the beach’s vibrancy and energy, and will include a revitalized walkway from the boardwalk to the playground, making it easier for mobility devices to access the area and avoiding the need to navigate grass or sand.
• Read more about this project and key features of the new playground at this News update.