WinterFest About To Begin

It's time to celebrate winter on the waterfront as the first ever WinterFest is being put on by the city at Prince Arthur's Landing on Family Day.   Organizer Sophie Best says the highlight of the day will be the snow sculptures that  will be worked on this weekend. There will also be all kinds of outdoor snow activities including a toboggan hill, curling and pond hockey along with the skating rink.  Activities begin at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon and ends with a fireworks display at 8 pm.

Wynne-ing Over The North

Kathleen Wynne is unveiling a 4 point plan that she hopes will resonate with northern Ontarians. While campaigning in Thunder Bay, Wynne met with a number of groups to hear their concerns. Part of Wynne's plan would be to create a northern Ontario Cabinet Committee within 30 days if elected.

T-Wolves Take Another

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's basketball team improved to 2-1 in the pre-season after posting a 79-76 win in their series finale against the visiting University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils. The Thunderwolves came from 15 points down in the first half as they struggled offensively and defensively. Next up for the Thunderwolves is the University of Manitoba on September 28th.

Strathcona Invitational This Weekend

The 82nd edition of the Strathcona Invitational takes place this long weekend, as it does every august long weekend. Robert Cumming is the defending champion. He'll be in tough against the likes of 7 time champion Barry Caland who is out to re-claim his title and add to his record number of titles. Regular division qualifying takes place tomorrow. Today in Senior qualifying Randy Fossum shot a 5-under 67 to lead the way. 4-time champion Tony Stokaluk posted an even par round of 72 to lead the Super Senior division. The tournament concludes Monday at Strathcona Golf Course.

Oh Canada! What A Day It Will Be

Staff are releasing details about what is happening this Canada Day long weekend. Coordinator Megan Shanks says the parade is back again this year at 6:00 p.m on Water Street. Brand new activities this year include canoeing, kayaking and even dragon boating at the marina. Canada Day festivities at Marina Park officially begin at 5:00 p.m. on July 1st and wrap-up with the fireworks display at approximately 11 o'clock.

Disaster Relief Claim Forms Now Available

Flood claim forms are now available from the city for residents affected by the May 28th catastrophe. The Emergency Organization Committee and members of City Hall were on hand for a pair of public meetings held today at the Slovak Legion and the Moose Hall. The Slovak Legion was full of people looking to fill out two possible claims, an advance form for up to $1,000 within five business days and another for the detailed disaster relief which will be paid out after October 31st. Disaster relief claim forms can be picked-up from City Hall starting Monday and are also available from the city's website: www.thunderbay.ca.

Sports Celebs In Town

Frank Mir

The eleventh annual Tbaytel Sports Celebrity Dinner takes place tonight at the Valhalla Inn. Celebrity guests include Canadian ski-cross Olympic gold medalist Ashleigh McIvor and former Ultimate Fighting Champion Frank Mir. 

Lightning Strike Costs City

The city might be on the hook for damage to vehicles after the Whalen building was struck by lightning yesterday afternoon. The bolt blasted the roof and debris was scattered all over St. Paul Street. Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says insurance costs will be part of the total damage estimation. Smith says the roof has been deemed as "safe" and is thankful that no one was hurt in the blast.