Monday, October 15, 2012

Regen Med Gets Cash

City Council is giving Regen Med 150 thousand dollars.  Council decided to provide the not for profit bone and tissue bank an interest free loan.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga has concerns over giving out more money to that group.  The money gives the organization an almost 3 month window to complete a business plan for the Provincial Government.

Youth Centre Is A Go


The City is spending 122-thousand dollars towards setting up a youth centre in the Victoriaville mall.  They approved the spending for the 18 month pilot project at last night's meeting.  Youth Centre Spokesperson Colleen Peters says they're thrilled.  The group hopes to have the youth centre open by November 1st.

Consultants Report Received

City Council is one step closer to voting on building a multi-plex on the newly redeveloped waterfront.  Council received the consultant's study at last night's meeting.  Council will vote on whether to proceed with the 106 million dollar project at it's November 26th meeting.  A public meeting on the project is set for November 21st at the Community Auditorium.

McGuinty Resigning

Premier Dalton McGuinty is stepping down as Liberal leader.  He dropped that bombshell at an emergency meeting of his MPP's this evening.   No reason was given for the move except to say it's time for a change.   He says the party heirarchy has been asked to get the wheels in motion for a leadership convention to be held as soon as possible.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says he was surprised by the announcement but respects the Premiers decision.

CEP CAW Merger Vote

Canada now has its biggest private-sector union.  The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada has approved a merger with the Canadian Auto Workers.  Thunder Bay's CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says it's a big move for the two unions.  A union official says more than 90 per cent of delegates at Monday's C-E-P national convention in Quebec City endorsed the merger.

Border Cats New Manager

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are hiring a new field manager for the 2013 season.  Dan Holcomb becomes the tenth manager in Border Cats history.  Holcomb is currently the pitching coach at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.

City Ring Of Fire Project Up For Award

Thunder Bay is nominated for a strategic project of the year award.  The award is being put on by the City's North American colleagues.  The city's Ring of Fire project is being considered for the award.   The winners will be announced Tuesday afternoon.

Car Goes Through TD Store Front

A 79 year old woman isn't hurt after crashing her vehicle through the Dawson Road TD Bank. Police were called to the scene of the collision just after 3 o'clock Monday afternoon. The woman was parking at the front of the TD Bank when her vehicle sped up and over the curb and continued into the glass window. The vehicle came to a rest inside the bank. No charges are being laid because it happened on private property.

Flu Clinics Open

It's time to consider getting your yearly flu shot. Clinics have started in the city today organized by the District Health Unit. Spokesperson Darlene Binette says it's important to get vaccinated because there are some new flu strains about. The vaccine will help protect you from A-California, A-Victoria and A-Wisconsin strains. The free clinics run until the middle of November.

Football Blowout Defended

A lopsided victory in a weekend senior high school football game has one official wondering what can be done to prevent such a blowout in the future. David Pineau, the head of school sports programs in the city, says Churchill's 79-0 victory over Superior is something that will likely come up with officials of the SSSAA when they meet next. He says there is no mercy rule in the system.  Pineau says he spoke with both coaches and is confident there was no intention to run up the score.

Waste Reduction Week Kicks Off

It's Waste Reduction Week in Thunder Bay and right across the country.   Jessica Bracken of Eco Superior says once again the organization is teaming up with the city to keep waste reduction top of mind.  It kicked off with a ceremony at Franco Superieur Catholic School this morning.

Youth Centre Up For A Vote

City Council is considering moving ahead with a youth centre. City staff are recommending to council they spend over 122-thousand dollars towards the 18 month pilot project. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's a good idea.  Council will vote on whether or not to go ahead with the project at its meeting tonight.

Municipal On Life Support

City Council will re-evaluate the fate of Municipal Golf Course. Councillor Rebecca Johnson isn't pleased council is considering operating the golf course for another year while a group looks at how to make the course more affordable. Johnson says if they vote to keep the course open until the end of 2013 she'll be very disappointed. Under the proposal, during the 2013 season a group would be set up to look into how to make Municipal more cost efficient and sustainable.