Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Canada Post Rotating Strike not set on Thunder Bay yet

So far there are no concrete plans to hold a rotating strike at Thunder Bay's post office.  That's according to CUPW Local President Wendy Johnston who says if there was a strike they'd only be told the day before.  Victoria and Moncton will experience the rotating strikes next.  Johnston does note that some routes in the city are not getting mail delivered because the company won't put more staff on or offer overtime.

100 year old tree cut down

Thunder Bay Police are trying to get to the root of a case of mischief. A 100 year old White Pine was cut down in its prime sometime between Saturday and Sunday. Police say the tree had survived a number of car accidents. The person who felled the tree illegally is not known at this time.


CRIBE giving money to LU

The Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy is handing out more money.  CRIBE dolled out 3 million dollars to help build a partnership between Lakehead University and a Chatham company.  G2 BioChem Spokesperson Bob Benson says a portion of the funds will go towards the construction of an ethanol plant in Chatham which LU researchers will have access to.  CRIBE is also giving 150 thousand dollars to LU for a separate project.  MPP Bill Mauro says after 2 years of work CRIBE is finally ready to start announcing projects.

Rafferty says budget disappointing

A Thunder Bay MP thinks the federal budget should be remembered for what it doesn't contain. John Rafferty says it's a document that doesn't have anything for working people, but says the NDP are reaching out to the Prime Minister to make changes.  Overall, Rafferty calls the budget disappointing.

Herman being honoured Wednesday

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is being invested to the National Order of Merit of the Police Forces. The outgoing Police Chief is being recognized for his contribution to policing. Bob Herman is among three northwestern Ontario officers being inducted Wednesday.

OPP still looking for missing angler

The OPP say they still have not located an angler who has been missing on Lake of the Woods for the past two weeks.  69 year old Richard Herman from Illinois was reported missing on evening of Monday, May 23rd.  Only the Marine Unit is still actively looking for his body.

Pat Lang receives award

The outgoing President of Confederation College is being honoured for her work in the region.  Pat Lang has received a national Award for her advocacy in getting students the advanced skills education they need in Northern Ontario.  Lang has more than doubled the apprenticeship opportunities for Northerners and developed new contract training opportunities for 50-Aboriginal communities.

Rickford talks budget

The federal budget does contain some goodies that will help out northwestern Ontario. Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says there is funding specifically for the cyclotron project in Thunder Bay, which will have an impact right across the region. Rickford adds that there are a couple of programs announced in the federal budget that will help out the forest industry, to diversify the types of products being produced.

New bike lanes a go, even on Shuniah

The city's Active Transporation Policy is on track now that the next phase of bike lanes has been approved by council. Councillor Andrew Foulds voted in favour of the plan inspite of objections by Shuniah Street residents because it's about the larger issue of where we want to take this city.  Six more streets will now get bike lanes:  Balsam, John, McIntyre, Shuniah, Syndicate Avenue and Victoria Avenue.