Former Minaki Lodge Development

The former Minaki Lodge site is scheduled to begin development this year. The property was purchased by former Manitoba cabinet minister Bob Banman and Steinbach real estate developer Bob Shinkel in 2010, and they immediately began developing plans for the property. The plan is to convert existing buildings into 75 condo units, and also develop 75 lots for the construction of individual cottages.

The emphasis is on affordability, and the smaller units, which are about 450 sq. ft are expected to run under $100,000, and the larger two bedroom units, which are about 920 sq. ft are expected to be under $200,000. The design of the cottage unit is up to the purchaser, and there are four plans to select from for the larger unit, and one plan for the smaller unit.

The contract for the development of the property is with Wincrief Forest Products Ltd., which is a joint venture between Moncrief Construction and Wabaseemoong Independent Nations. Updates and photos can be viewed online at the development’s website: www.minaki.com

News

Health Unit Moves Clinical Services Downtown

The Northwestern Health Unit is shuffling some of its services around in the community.
As of Monday, all of its clinical services have been centralized into office space in Market Square. Mark Perreault is the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Unit and says the move just made strategic sense. The news services available in Market Square include the needle exchange, sexual health clinics, travel information, infectious disease control and the tuberculosis program.

Slow Start Expected for 2011 Fire Season

With spring around the corner, fire season is on it’s way. April 1st marks the official start of fire season in northwestern Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources spokesperson Debbie Mclean says she’s anticipating a quiet start to the 2011 season. Mclean says the average number of fires in the area has dropped in the past few years.

Snowmobile Trails Closing Across NWO

Police are warning motorists and snowmobilers about unstable ice conditions. Police say travelling on ice is not recommeneded now that the Spring weather has finally arrived across Northwestern Ontario. Most snowmobile trails are also closed for the season, although a small number along the Trans-Canada in the Dryden area are expected to remain open for the first weekend of April. Anglers are urged to carefuly check ice depths before heading out for one final fishing venture.

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Weather

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Upcoming Events

April 11-16 – Allan Cup in Kenora

Kenora is the host of the 2011 Allan Cup hockey tournament! Check out www.allancup2011kenora.ca for schedules and ticket information.

April 16 – Lake of the Woods Gun Club Pig Roast

Cocktails at 5pm, supper begins at 6:30pm. Tickets available at the Kenora Curling Club or Wharf Marina.

View a full list of Upcoming Events >>

Other Stuff

Call for Recipes!

The Blue Heron is creating a Lake of the Woods cookbook this year, and we are looking for authentic recipes to fill the book! Submit a recipe using local ingredients such as blueberries, wild rice, and fish, or submit a family favourite. If your recipe is published, you will receive a free copy of the cookbook! Maximum of three recipes per person, one free book per person. Email recipes to info@cottagereport.ca, or mail to The Blue Heron, 321 1st Ave S, Kenora, ON P9N1W2. Please include your name, mailing address, and where on Lake of the Woods (or area) you live. Name and region will be published with the recipe.

If you have any questions for us, please send them to info@cottagereport.ca