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40th Anniversary Of The Marathon Of Hope: Remembering Terry Fox

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Sunday, September 20 marks the 40th Anniversary of the annual Terry Fox Run, a tradition that all Canadians have come to know and love.

The milestone will be celebrated virtually this year due to COVID-19, but that isn’t stopping people from honouring the legacy of Terry Fox.

Older brother of Terry, Fred Fox says even after all these years his family continues to be amazed by the millions of Canadians who support the cause.

“It means so much to me, our family and the Terry Fox Foundation. So many people across Canada, from coast to coast who have supported the Terry Fox run for the last 40 years. New generations, our volunteers, people who participate every year, donors, the people that fund raise for cancer research. If not for all of these people, Terry’s legacy wouldn’t have continued the way it has. Terry has inspired so many people to continue what he started in 1980.”

Fred says some of his best memories of his younger brother Terry was witnessing first hand his determination during the marathon.

“I had a couple of chances to be with Terry in Toronto and then later on in Northern Ontario near Wawa. My wife and I spent four days with him. So those are fond memories, any time spent with Terry, but especially in Northern Ontario. Running with Terry and watching him make his way through the many hills he climbed,” Fox says.

Credit-Terry Fox Foundation Website.

Fred has worked at the Terry Fox Foundation for 12 years speaking at schools in Canada, in hopes of keeping Terry’s message alive.

“You see the passion, commitment and dedication that Canadians have to continue what Terry started,” Fred says. “Those are great memories, meeting new people and seeing great parts of Canada every year.”

Fred explains that Terry had a vision of a cancer-free world.

“Terry said ‘even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue,’ and that’s what we’ve been doing for 40 years. And now with the last six or seven months or so that we’ve been dealing with COVID, we’ve had to work a little bit harder,” he points out. “Terry said that anything is possible if you try. We’re hoping that people who participated in the run over the years will step it up and try that much harder this year, in a more difficult year. Even though we’eve been dealing with COVID, people are still dealing with cancer.”

Despite the run being virtual this year, Fred hopes to see lot’s of participation on social media.

“Cancer research is so important, Terry saw that 40 years ago. $800-million later and the impact has been incredible for cancer research in this country,” Fred explains.

The decision was made back in April that the Terry Fox Run would go virtual this year and there would be no large gatherings.

People are still encouraged to participate by staying in their social bubbles and posting on social media using the hashtag #tryliketerry.

Register and see more about the virtual run here.

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AUDIO: Terry Fox Run Goes Virtual For 40th Anniversary

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The legacy of Canadian Terry Fox lives on and the Marathon Of Hope reaches a new milestone, celebrating it’s 40th anniversary on Sunday, September 20th.

While it won’t be the celebration they had planned, older brother of Terry, Fred Fox says the support and passion for Terry’s vision will continue virtually this year.

Fox says the purpose of the run is more important than ever.

“Even thought we’ve all been dealing with COVID for the last several months, people are still dealing with cancer. It’s still important to raise money for cancer research and participate virtually in the annual Terry Fox Run.”

The decision to go virtual was made back in April by the Terry Fox Foundation, due to COVID-19.

Whether it’s a lap around the track or a walk in the park, Fox says people are encouraged to go for a walk and stay in their social bubbles while supporting the cause.

“We’re hoping people that have participated in the Terry Fox Run over the years will step it up and try that much harder during this more difficult year. Research is so important and Terry saw that 40 years ago. 800 million dollars later and the impact has been incredible for cancer research in this country.”

Fox says they hope to see people posting on social media, using the hashtag #tryliketerry and sharing their efforts online since they can’t be together in person this year.

Meanwhile, schools across Canada are also finding new ways to participate in the run, hopefully later this month.

When asked about some of his best memories from Terry’s marathon, Fred said one that stands out was his brother’s drive and determination throughout the rough landscape of Northern Ontario.

“Later on (during the marathon) in Northern Ontario, near Wawa my wife and I spent 4 days with Terry. Any time spent with Terry was great, but especially in Northern Ontario and running with Terry and watching him make his way through all the many hills that he climbed.”

Fox has worked at the Terry Fox Foundation for the last 12 years, touring Canada and speaking at schools.

“You see the passion and commitment and dedication that Canadians have to continue what Terry started. Those are always great memories, meeting new people and seeing all of Canada every year.”

Click here to register for the virtual run and listen to the full interview with Fred Fox below.

  1. Fred Fox Interview


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Region Recognizes ‘Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day’

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September 9 marks International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day and communities in Northwestern Ontario are showing their support.

The Northwestern Ontario FASD Diagnostic Clinic, supported by Firefly, wants to continue this important conversation to individuals and caregivers impacted by FASD.

Clinical Manager at Firefly Amanda Brennan says FASD exists throughout Canada, and right here in Northwestern Ontario as they see 45-55 kids each year through the diagnostic clinic.

‘We just want people to remember that FASD does not discriminate, anyone can be susceptible to it if they have prenatal alcohol exposure. Really, there could be people you work with, or go to school with that have FASD so just bringing awareness to that.”

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body in 4 percent of Canadians, which is more than Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and Spina Bifida combined.

Brennan explains the day was first recognized in 1999 to raise awareness about the conditions that can develop from alcohol use during pregnancy.

“It was chosen so that on the ninth day or the month month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy, women should try to abstain from alcohol if possible.”

There’s a wide range of conditions in which FASD can present but some of the conditions include deficits in cognition, language, motor skills and attention.

While there is still research to be done about the disorder, Brennan says experts agree that no amount of drinking is considered safe while pregnant.

Brennan says there’s a few activities going on across the region.

“There’s a walk that’s taking place in Kenora from Husky The Muskie to the Farmers Market and back, so people are encouraged to wear their red shoes.”

Red Shoes Rock is part of the campaign, which entourages people to start a conversation and end the stigma of FASD.

Sioux Lookout’s Healthy Generations FASD Family Support Program and other organizations will also be participating by hosting a zoom rock painting party.

You are asked to gather rocks and get ready to paint them red, black and white.

The goal is to paint red shoes on the rocks and then scatter them around town to bring awareness to FASD.

You can join the zoom painting party by emailing yvette.jones@cldsl.ca to register.

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Fall Boating Safety: Distressed Boaters Found By Kenora OPP

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Kenora OPP are reminding you to be prepared out on the water, after safely locating two stranded boaters on Shoal Lake.

On Monday August 31, around 3 a.m members of the OPP responded to a marine call.

Police were told that a 37 year old man and a 7 year old child were stuck on a pile of rocks, and the waves were getting bigger.

Police were able to find the the two, who were then transported back to their camp after being wrapped with warm jackets.

With fall approaching and the temperature dropping, Kenora OPP encourage boaters to bring a dry bag with warm clothes, food and a water proof fire starter, as it could end up saving your life.

Another tip police give is to always let people know where you are going and make sure all required boater safety equipment is on board before heading out on the water.

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Winds Damage Dryden Area Family Health Team Building

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Powerful winds Sunday night caused a bit of damage to the Family Health Team building and some information technology systems at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Staff and service personnel are on site to address and remedy any damage.

Services at the Family Health Team will be open Tuesday as normal.

The safety of staff and patients is DRHC’s number one priority.

DRHC appreciates ongoing patience and cooperation, if any delays or inconveniences be experienced.

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Two New Exhibits Open Tuesday At Dryden And District Museum

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The Dryden and District Museum will feature two new exhibits inspired by Northwestern Ontario roots.

Starting Tuesday, The Mystery and the Marvel: White Otter Castle and There’s No Place Like Home are open to the public.

Museum and Heritage Coordinator Bethany Waite explains what you’ll see at ‘The Mystery and the Marvel: White Otter Castle’ exhibit.

“This exhibit if on loan from Don Marion, Vice President of Friends of White Otter Castle and they’ve done lot’s of work in restoration work to preserve the castle, so that it can remain a unique attraction in Northwestern Ontario.So we have some of the original floor boards, a piece of the original roof which has the original roofing material left on it. We also have a large replica of the castle, which was done by Bill and Igna Dawson.”

Waite explains how ‘There’s No Place Like Home’ exhibit was prompted by our current situation.

“We’ve all been spending a lot of time in our own homes. So, I wanted to look at how homes starting with the Log House have expanded in Dryden, ranging from Georgian, to Mid-Century Modern, to the Modern Ranch home.”

After being closed for several months,Waite says COVID-19 has made an impact.

“The museum did see an impact in reduced visitor-ship over the summer months, with the reduced tourism to the area. But, it has been great to welcome those who have been coming to the museum again to see some smiling faces.”

The ‘Hanging Around’ Museum fundraiser, which was supposed to take place this month has been postponed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the museum is still accepting donations.

The fundraiser could happen as early as Spring 2021, but the situation will be re evaluated at a later date.

Visitors to the museum must wear a mask and schedule their visits to donate or check out exhibits in advance.

These two exhibits are on display from Tuesday September 8 to Friday November 20.

The Dryden and District Museum stresses they are following the Northwestern Health Unit’s protocols and mandate in order to keep visitors and the community safe.

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Keewatin Patricia District School Board Ready To Welcome Back Students

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The Keewatin Patricia District School board says they feel ready and excited to welcome back students.

Elementary students first day is September 3rd, while most Secondary students have staggered start dates.

Director of Education, Sherri Lynn-Pharand explains the reasoning behind staggered starts and why some secondary schools will still start on the 3rd.

“We’re staggering the start to the school year in order to allow students to return in smaller groups and get used to the new routines. It’s really intended for the safety of all. It really depended on the size of the school and number of students that would be returning. So, in a very small school like in Upsula there’s only 5 students. So there wasn’t a need to stagger the start. It was few enough students so they could learn the new routine all at the same time.”

Some of the safety measures in place include staggered break times, directional arrows and enhanced cleaning.

“One of the most important is hand hygiene and frequent hand washing. So within the school day there will be times and reminders for students to wash their hands on a regular basis.”

Pharand also says masks are mandatory for students Grades 4-12 and all staff.

“We are providing a mask for students and we will also extras available in the event that something happens to the student’s mask. It will be the parent’s responsibility to keep the mask clean. It’s a cloth mask. Families can also provide their own mask or face covering as long as it meets the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education website.”

The board will provide staff with 2 medical grade masks per day, as staff will be required to switch masks after their lunch break. Additional personal protective equipment will also be provided by the school board if and when 6 feet distance is not possible, depending on their role.

Pharand can’t express enough how flexible and adaptable KPDSB staff have been, in order to be ready to start the 2020-2021 school year.

“It’s been a lot of work and a lot of planning. I would like to assure our families that all of us have been working very hard since May and throughout the summer to ensure the safe return to school.”

The board has been working with the Northwestern who have been a key partner in the development of their back to school plans and they will continue to provide guidance as needed throughout the school year.

KPDSB stresses it will take everyone in the community to make sure students can stay in school safely.

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AUDIO: Dryden Businesses Respond To Mask Order

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It’s been over a week since the mandatory mask order went into effect.

CKDR spoke with several Dryden business owners to see how their customers were responding.

The feeling of the businesses that CKDR spoke with was that a majority of customers have reacted positively and are wearing a mask.

One business owner says there was the worry of how the mask order could affect business.

“I was very concerned that at the beginning of last week when masks became mandatory, that it would get very quiet as a result. But it’s been just the opposite!”

This business owner adds almost a hundred percent of customers wear masks in their store.

Another business that CKDR talked to says they’re pleased with how many customers are complying with the mask order and as a business owner they feel protected.

“I feel quite safe. We have a big store, so on top of the masks we’re able to physically distance just fine.”

Businesses say their customers have been upfront about indicating health issues at the door and their choice not to wear a mask.

All businesses that CKDR spoke with say they understand and welcome customers who have health issues and their choice to not wear a mask.

More information from the Northwestern Health Unit has surfaced in the last few days that further clarifies details of the policy for area businesses.

Listen below to hear from Dryden businesses:

  1. Dryden Businesses on Mask Order


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WATCH: Dryden Residents Speak Out About Colonization Avenue

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A group of Dryden and area residents are speaking out about changing the name of Colonization Avenue.

The name change of Colonization Avenue has come up in the past at City Council and on social media, but hasn’t seen much progress.

The definition of Colonization, as explained by Dylan Mackinnon-Ottertail with Dryden Area Anti-Racism Network is “when a colonizer basically conquers an area of land and takes control over the Indigenous people of that area.” Ottertail goes on to say, that area should be celebrated with a different name.

Lawyer, Peter Keen says Colonization was a disaster for Indigenous people where millions of people died.

“When we have people visiting this community and they see Colonization avenue, Colonization for our Indigenous brothers and sisters was one of our greatest crimes in history and it’s an insult. As somebody who has lived and worked in Dryden for many, many years, I don’t want to be insulting our visitors when they come. That’s not fair. It’s not who we are and it’s not what we should be standing for.”

A video compilation of local Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices and organizations hit social media this week to raise awareness about the street name.

Watch the entire video below:

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Multiple Bear Sightings In Dryden And Ignace

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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is reporting multiple bear sightings in Dryden and Ignace areas over the past few weeks.

This includes bear sightings in the Sandy Beach Road, East Thunder Lake and Thunder Lake Road areas within the City of Dryden, and the Pine Street, Spruce Crescent, and Humphrey Road areas in Ignace.

All of these reports have involved attractants such as household garbage and barbeques.

Some steps that residents can take to avoid attracting bears into their neighbourhood include:

  • store garbage securely in an enclosed space
  • put your garbage out in the morning of collection
  • keep pet food inside
  • put bird feeders away until winter
  • clean outdoor grills of grease or leftover food after each use

If a bear poses an immediate threat to public safety by exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour, call 911 or your local police.

Read more about bears and how to be bear wise here.

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