Event Details:

Kenora Moving Forward (KMF), a Coalition focused on addressing homelessness and the underlying issues of poverty, mental health, addiction and racism, have invited candidates in the Kenora municipal election to participate in an all-candidates public forum, 5 p.m., Tuesday October 11, 2022, at the Ne-Chee Event Centre, 226 Second St. South in Kenora.

This forum offers candidates an opportunity to share their thoughts on the city’s role in the crucial work of creating safe spaces in Kenora for people most vulnerable to homelessness, mental illness, addictions and stigma. 

A moderated discussion will follow strict time limits and general rules of respect and decorum. The Coalition states that it is not interested in debate but rather, in what each candidate’s approach and commitment is to issues related to:

• Kenora’s housing crisis
• Relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people
• Ensuring the safety of Kenora’s most vulnerable citizens
• Harm reduction/safe consumption site
• Representing diversity in Council’s work

“As temperatures drop, community groups like Kenora Moving Forward are increasingly concerned with how the City Council and community as a whole respond to those experiencing homelessness and/or precarious housing,” said Marlene Elder, who is part of KMF’s management team. “With cold weather comes deeper desperation and we feel that the lack of affordable, available housing and other supports for our most vulnerable community members continues to fall off the radar of our city leaders.”

The public is invited to attend, but are also asked to respect the format and intentions of the evening so that maximum time is given to each candidate to express their ideas. 

Enter at the ground level entrance beside the theatre on 2^nd Street. Light refreshments will be available.

Please send any questions to kenoramovingforward@gmail.com or call Marlene Elder at 807-464-3922.

Kenora Moving Forward is an open group of community members committed to ending homelessness. We support people with lived experience to be heard. Addressing racism, poverty, mental health and addictions is part of the solution.