Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Riding Commission Change Of Heart

The Federal Electoral Boundaries Commission is having a change of heart. Public hearings on riding changes in northwestern Ontario were held in Kenora recently, and there was a lot of feedback from residents in Lake of the Woods Township. George Valin is chairman of the Commission and says they understand their concerns about being moved out of the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding. Valin says they will likely recommend that Lake of the Woods Township stay put and not be moved into the Kenora Riding.

Report Picks Waterfront For Multiplex

The feasibility study on the proposed event centre is recommending the waterfront at Prince Arthur's landing as the site for the new multiplex. Study Coordinator Conrad Boychuk says the report shows the site is leaps and bounds better than the other sites. Council will hear about the site at it's Monday night council meeting. Mayor Keith Hobbs says the City can afford to build the 106 million dollar facility as long as the Provincial and Federal Government comes to the plate with funds. Council will decide on whether to proceed with the next phase of the project at it's November 26th meeting. 


Community Impact Success


A former gang clubhouse in the city has been restored to a neighbourhood friendly home. The house on Heron Street has been converted thanks to the United Way and a neighbourhood association. The United Way's  Sandra Albertson says the House can be used for many things. The revamp house will be available to the community as resource center and hub.

Hyer To Hold Nuke Meetings

Bruce Hyer is planning a road trip.    The Thunder Bay MP says he wants to hold a series of public meetings. They would be in towns that have the potential to be along the transportation route for nuclear waste which could be shipped to the northwest.  The meetings would start at the Bruce Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ontario on November 9th and work their way north.   Hyer says he's doing it because he has been repeatedly turned down by the Nuclear Waste Management Agency and has issues with the way the government agency is conducting public meetings on  possible nuclear waste burial sites.

New Walmart Set To Open Shortly

The newest Walmart store in Thunder Bay will be opening this month. The company says October is one of the largest month of grand openings for the company. The County Fair location is part of a total of 30 set to open soon.  It's one of two former Zellers stores in the city which are being converted to Walmarts.  

Wilson Gives Thumbs Up To Alberta Office

The province of Ontario is opening a trade office in Alberta to help businesses in our province make the best of opportunities in the West. Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson says it's a good move that will benefit businesses here by providing a solid presence in that province that looks at how we can tie our suppliers and companies with the demands there. Wilson says the move makes sense.

Police Penalties Hearing Set For Later Date

Two Thunder Bay police detectives will find out their fate at a Police Services Hearing set for October 23rd.  The adjudicator in the case hear both sides argue what the penalties for the officers should be ranging from a reprimand to docked pay.  Detective William Wowchuck and Detective Constable Brad Bernst were found guilty of Unlawful Use Of Authority in connection with the way they handled a drug arrest a year ago.

Experimental Lakes Area Discussions Hit City

Diane Orihel, the leader of the coalition to save the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario is in Thunder Bay today speaking out against its closure. Orihel will be at Lakehead University and Confederation College for a pair of presentations and open discussions on the topic. Scott Harris with Environment North says the scheduled closure of the E.L.A. in march of next year is disturbing to scientists all over the world. Diane Orihel will be at Lakehead University's ATAC building from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and at Confederation College from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tonight.

Pig Roast For Flood Victims

The Thunder Bay Dining Club is inviting you out to dinner on Friday night. A pig roast at the Moose Hall is being held to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund. Tickets are 20 dollars and Coordinator Kim Berley says local bands will provide entertainment free of charge on Friday night. Thunder Bay Transit is offering free transportation to the Moose Hall providing you show the driver your ticket.