Swimming advisory up at Blvd Lake

It's a sad but true sign of summer in Thunder Bay. The Health Unit has placed Boulevard Lake's beach area under a swimming advisory. Officials say that water quality tests show higher than acceptable bacteria levels.

Survey says-residents approve of wind park

The results are in from a survey on the Big Thunder Wind Park.  Horizon Wind paid for the survey and 65 percent of people polled are in favour of the project.  700 people were consulted, including residents from the Neebing area where the wind turbines will be placed.  Residents of Neebing who were polled were 59 percent opposed to the project, and 41 percent in favour of it.

Survey shows a positive outlook

The annual small business survey by Thunder Bay Ventures shows a positive attitude for the local economy. Manager Royden Potvin says it appears to show we have turned the corner after the forest industry collapse.  He says we have transitioned into a service based economy.  Potvin says the survey shows that for the first time a majority of small business owners says the economy in the city is moving forward.  700 questionaires were sent out for the survey in May, and 115 were returned.

New candidate for McKellar Ward seat

There is another candidate vying for the council seat in McKellar Ward. David Nicholson says his priority issues will be crime...especially as it relates to drugs. He believes we have to come to terms with what he calls a "drug problem" in Thunder Bay and he believes that's leading to some of the "crime issues we are seeing on the street."   Nicholson says he doesn't want to see the city go down the tubes. So far his only challenger in McKellar is Paul Pugh

Med School unveils strat plan

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has a vision for the next five years. Officials have taken the wraps off the new strategic plan. Dean Dr. Roger Strasser says that the priorities include enhancing the schools education program and research plans.  He says that can't be done successfully without improving the learning environment for the students and "fostering excellence" among the faculty.   Dr. Strasser believes the goals are achievable.

Former Fire Chief dies

A World War 2 and Korean naval veteran and former city Fire Chief is dead. John Bryant was 86 years old. He passed away at the Health Sciences Centre. Les Newman is with the Thunder Bay Fire Service. He says Bryant was one of a kind, giving his working life to public service. First as a member of the Naval Reserve and secondly as a firefighter.  A full navy funeral service takes place at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Everest Chapel on West Gore Street

Power failure hits south downtown

The power is back on in the city's south downtown core. It follows an outage this morning that started at 10:12  lasted for over half an hour. Thunder Bay Hydro says about 3 thousand customers were affected. The cause was a stray bird.

Ottawa man surrenders to police

City police have a mystery on their hands. They're trying to figure out why a 52 year old Ottawa man turned himself in Monday claiming that he attempted to rob a city bank. Police spokesperson Chris Adams says they don't know what he was doing in the city or what his background is.   Adams says while there was an incident at the Dawson Road TD Bank on Monday afternoon, employees never thought the suspect was any threat.

Chiefs of Ontario meet in Fort Frances

First Nation Leaders from across the province are gathering in Couchiching First Nations today for the start of the annual Ontario Chiefs Conference.  Three days of talks will focus on issues such as First Nations rights and jurisdiction, health, education and the HST.  Nishinawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy and Assembly of First Nations Ontario Regional Chief Angus Tolouse will be speaking at the event.

SIU investigates North Spirit Lake man's death

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit has been called in to investigate a fatality involving a 41-year-old man from North Spirit Lake First Nation.  The SIU says the man was picked up by the OPP from the Red Lake Detachment last Monday.  Later in the day he had to be taken to the hospital in Red Lake and then was transferred to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Center.  Yesterday, the man died.  The SIU says 4 of its investigators are being sent to Red Lake to look into the incident.

Monopoly shuts out Northwest

Northwestern Ontario won't be represented when the Canadian version of Monopoly hits store shelves Monday.  After being considered for a spot, Thunder Bay has been left off the board.  The spaces were filled by public voting.  Chatham-Kent claims the coveted Boardwalk spot, while Saint-Jean-Sur Richelieu, Quebec takes the Park Place property.  Winnipeg has also been left off the Board.

City and LACL toast a partership

The city and the Lakehead Association for Community Living are celebrating a birthday. The Inclusion Services program for Association clients has been operating for 5 years. Executive Director Ken Pickard says it's allowed the clients to be involved directly in the community. He says it means people with mental disabilities don't need to take segregated recreation classes, they can take them with everyone else. Pickard calls that achieving citizenship. There are 80 Association clients in the program.

City streamlines zoning by-law

Business leaders and community members can have their say on the City of Thunder Bay's new comprehensive zoning by-law. A special council meeting on the legislation is being held Wednesday night. City Spokesperson Leslie McEachern says they want feedback on the new by-law.  McEachern says the comprehensive zoning by-law will be streamlined and user friendly.

Taylor Pyatt re-signs in Phoenix

Taylor Pyatt has signed a two year extension with the Phoenix Coyotes. Pyatt is coming off a season where he scored 12 goals and added 11 assists in the desert and finished with a career high plus 13. Pyatt joined the Coyotes last year after spending 3 seasons in Vancouver.

Northern Hearts wrapping up Walk with Doc

Thunder Bay's Northern Hearts is wrapping up their Walk with Doc Campaign this week. The month long event raises awareness about heart health in a fun way. Organizer June Bjorn says exercise is vital for heart health the program allows people to walk with other people and learn more about a heart healthy life style.  Anyone can head down to Birch Point Park at Boulevard Lake to take part from today until Thursday from 7-8 in the evening.

Funeral Centre wants another parking lot

The Harbourview Funeral Centre wants to build a parking lot for its facility. The City of Thunder Bay rezoned the property at 179 MacDougall Street from light industrial to highway commercial. Owner Chris Lent says they plan to make changes to the property to allow for proper water drainage. The City is currently in the process of selling the land. Most City councillors were in favour of the rezoning application, but Joe Virdiramo wanted it written into the legislation that the property could be used as a parking lot only and not a Methadone clinic.

Methadone Clinic phobia

Clinic phobia is making the rounds of Thunder Bay.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo made mention of the methadone clinic being proposed for Frederica Street at last night's council meeting.  Virdiramo asked Development Services Manager Mark Smith if the City has any say on what types of clinics set up shop in the City.  Smith says there is a phobia amongst the public in regards to clinics popping up in their neighbourhoods.  Smith adds they typically just have say over the zoning but not what forms of clinics can be operated on that property.  The rezoning of a piece of property on high street sparked the conversation on methadone clinics. A local union office and a possible future community clinic is being proposed for high street.

More open spaces proposed for Kam River area

More open green spaces are planned for the Kam River area. A draft report on the area was presented to City council last night and the public will have their chance to weigh in on it this summer. Development Services Manager Mark Smith says once the final report is in place; council can decide what forms of infrastructure they would like to put in place. Councillor Ian Angus would like to see a mixed use residential area on the waterfront with the possibility of a condominium.

Local Tories show interest in running

Some north side Conservatives appear to be anxious to have a shot at federal politics. Mike Auld has stepped down as the candidate in Thunder Bay Superior North for health reasons. Riding Association President Michael Picard says the buzz has already started. He says interest has been shown but he wouldn't say who those people might be until it's formalized. Picard hopes to have a candidate chosen before the end of the summer.

Public school board gets good grades

The Lakehead Public School Board is happy with its students test scores in the Ontario Secondary School literacy tests. The tests are handled by the Education, Quality and Accountability office and results were released last week. Director of Education Kathy Seminieuk says their students scored 81 percent, just 3 percent below the provincial average. Hammarskjold high was above the provincial average with 85 percent. Meawnhile, Sir Winston Churchhill scored 80, Superior Collegiate came in with 69 and Westgate scored 87 percent.

Ride for Dad sets record

The final numbers are in. The annual Motorcyle Ride for Dad on the weekend set a new record for participation. Michael Pedri of the Health Sciences Foundation says over 78 thousand dollars was raised by the 346 riders. Pedri says organizations have no complaints.  He calls support for the community oustanding especially the assistance from the coporate sponsors.  The ride's 10 year history 628 thousand dollars has been raised for the Foundation.

Counselling Centre gets thumbs up

The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre is celebrating. It's received it's accreditation, essentially a stamp of approval from counselling experts. Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain says it gives them continues credibility. She says it assures the community that they are following accepted practices in everything from administration, to finance to programming. Chamberlain credits her staff and the board for the achievement.

Still no deal for Superstore workers

The workers at the Real Canadain Superstore are yet another step closer to striking. Not only have they already voted in favour of a walkout, now comes work that concilation talks aimed at getting them a new contract broke off Monday.   The major stumbling block in negotiations are companty concessions that include wages and benefits.   The countdown to any strike action will begin with the release of a conciliators report.

Native merchants sell their wares at Chippewa

Ruth Stebens was one of the many merchants who were selling First Nations jewerly at the Aboriginal Day celebration at Chippewa Park.

Thousands take in Aboriginal Day

Aboriginal Day is another success. About 3 thousand people took in the festivities at Chippewa Park. This year's ceremonies were special for the Metis. Thunder Bay Council President Wendy Landry says it's the Year of the Metis. She says under the constitution Metis are considered Aboriginal People and so it's a huge statement for the local committee to recognize them. Landry says the contribution the Metis made to Canada can't be ignored. Organizer Stephanie Feletto says Aboriginal People have come together to celebrate the day for generations. She says it's a time to celebrate life and meet new friends.

Relay for Life fundraiser a success

Friday night marked the annual Relay for Life Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser. Almost one thousand people participated this year, with over 160 walking the Survivors Victory Lap. Fundraising Coordinator Dana Levanto says that by closing ceremonies, over 143-thousand dollars had been raised. The money goes towards cancer research, as well as treatment and support for those affected.

May St. Mac's Robbed Again

Thunder Bay Police are investigating another robbery at the Mac's Mart on north May Street. Early yesterday morning, a man armed with a knife entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. An undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes were taken. The man is described as approximately 30 years of age, Native with a scruffy face, and wearing a black hoodie and black pants with a white stripe. The male left the store on foot. Police have been unable to locate the suspect.

New hospital chair to stay the course

The new chair of the Health Sciences Centre Board of Directors wants to build friendships in the community. Angele Brunelle says she doesn't want the board to stray from what it's doing best and that is patient and family centred care.  She stresses that the facility is a teaching hospital and should continue it's focus on research.  Brunelle says one of her first jobs will be to find a person to succeed Ron Saddington as hospital CEO.  She says there should be news on that front "pretty soon."

Council to meet at Chippewa Park

Thunder Bay City Council will be starting a little earlier Monday night. The meeting is being moved to five o'clock at Chippewa Park pavillion. Aboriginal Liason officer Anna Gibbon says the meeting will be special because council intends to sign a declaration of committment with area first nations. Gibbon adds it's a great first step and will better the City's relationship with first nations. The second half of the council meeting will take place in council chambers.

Quaint shops and bistros could line the Kam River

Thunder Bay City Council is expected to approve a draft report on the redevelopment of the Kam River area. Project Lead Victoria Kofny says they want to find new uses for the property.  Kofny says they want to encourage small businesses and restaurants along the waterfront and on the islands. After the report is brought before council, a series of public consultation sessions will be held.

Health Unit and Dilico team up for early learning education

A new early learning program is being launched in three area first nation communities. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care have teamed up for the Nitam Giigadowin program. Health Unit Spokesperson Cathy Ferrel says they want to reach out to first nation communities and hopes they'll walk away with a better understanding of first nation culture. The program will teach speech and language skills to young children.  The project will be available in Ginoogaming, Fort William, and Long Lake First Nations.

Red Rock paramedics "homeless"

Paramedics in Red Rock are away from their home base for a week at least. The EMS station there has been temporarily closed after mould was found. Deputy Chief Ernie Kadikoff says they have moved to a new location in the Red Rock Fire Hall without any problems. Until the station is declared mould free, the paramedics will stay away .

Virdiramo didn't know about methadone clinic

City Councillor Joe Virdiramo says he too was caught off guard about a proposed methadone clinic in the Westfort business area. Area merchants are raising concerns about it. Virdiramo says it was a surprise to him as well. He says the owner of the business across the street from the future clinic made him aware of the issue. Virdiramo says he sympathizes with the merchants but says the clinic will not be operating illegally.

Mutiny on the Bounty

The Bounty will be paying a visit to Thunder Bay and it's not the chocolate bar or the paper towel. HMS Bounty is one of the most famous tall ships and has been featured in the movies "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Pirates of the Caribbean". Spokesperson John Ongaro says boating enthusiasts are encouraged to join the Bounty as it makes its way into port on Tuesday, August 3rd. Public tours of the ship will be staged the following day on August 4th.

Gravelle unaware of funding cuts

Northern Development minister Michael Gravelle is scrambling to get answers about funding cuts. Gravelle says he was not aware that the province reduced funds to the District Social Services Board for an addictions program. He's hoping to discuss the issue with Board Chair Iain Angus and then lobby the minister responsible to get the funding maintained.

Herman named President of Ontario Police Chiefs

It looks like it will be a good working relationship between the Ontario Government and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.  Thunder Bay's police chief Robert Herman was appointed as President.  Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci says he looks forward to sitting down with Herman.  Bartolucci feels Herman will do a great job as President and has a wealth of experience.   Herman joined the Thunder Bay police service in 1980 and was made chief in 2000.

Province finds funds for Duel Credit program

The provincial government is putting almost 1.3 million dollars into a college and high school program. The Duel Credit program allows high school students to get college credits in a course while still in at the grade level. Confederation College President Pat Lang says it helps students find the right course.   The provincial money will fund the local program for the upcoming school year.

Tory candidate steps down

The Conservatives in Thunder Bay-Superior North are looking for a Federal Candidate. Mike Auld says he is stepping down for health reasons. Auld was nominated last year after a coin toss was used to break a tie vote between him and challenger Richard Harvey. Riding Association officials say that it will be up to the Party in Ottawa to decide what direction to take next

Health Sciences Centre goes into the black

There are no worries about deficits at the Regional Health Sciences Centre. The Annual General Meeting was told the surplus is a modest 139 thousand dollars. Hospital CEO Ron Saddington says it was an effort by all departments to get into the black.   He says it took all of them looking over the organization with a microscope and making sure the hospital was efficient as possible.  Angele Brunelle was elected as Chair of the board.

Methadone clinic raises concerns

There's concern among Westfort businesses. They have discovered that a methadone clinic is about to open in their area. Spokesperson Jack Moro says it took all of the area merchants by surprise. He says they had no idea it was coming in and says it appears to be have been done in a "hush hush" manner. Moro says the merchants hope if the clinic goes through, it's not a detriment to buiness.

The Link helps kids testify in court

Thunder Bay's counselling centre has launched a new initiative under it's child and youth victims program. Co-ordinator Tara Gauld says they created a child friendly room called "the link". Up to 120 children take part in the child victim witness program a year. They named the room the "link" because the centre is the link between local court services and youth victims.

T-Wolves release hockey sked

The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey schedule is out. This year there are 20 home games starting on October 1st against the Ottawa Gee Gees.  The last regular season home game will be February 5th and the playoffs beginning February 16th.  Spokesperson John Payetta says they'll follow the same league format that was used last year.   They'll mainly play the 9 teams in the OUA West Division and two teams from the East division.  This year those East opponents will be Concordia and Nippissing

Death confounds OPP

The OPP in Kenora are stumped. For one year they have been trying to indentify the remains of a woman one year ago. They say her body was found in a small tent located in a wooded area near Miller Rapids Road. They believe that she was at the site for no longer than one week before her body was discovered. They don't believe the death was deliberate or suspicious. Pictured: Tent the dead woman was found in

Isotope shortage not hugely impacting hospital

The medical isotope shortage isn't having a big impact on the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Vice President of Regional Cancer & Diagnostic Services Micahel Power says they've got another option for cancer patients. Patients in need of a bone scan are being directed towards the hospital's PET CT scanner. The PET CT Scanner uses a different type of isotope, one that isn't produced at the Chalk River facility. The chalk river facility is expected to be back up in the fall.

Cancer fundraiser ready to roll

The 9th annual Relay for Life takes place this weekend at Fort William Historical Park. The event raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Organizer Dana Levanto says there are 850 participants this year and the fundraising goal is 145 thousand dollars.  About 160 cancer survivors will be walking the first lap of the relay starting at 7 o'clock Friday evening.

Hospital AGM tonight

The Annual General Manager of the Regional Health Sciences Centre board takes place tonight. There will be a new chair elected as Ingrid Parkes has completed her third, three-year term and is not returning. Hers is one of three board positions that will be filled at this evening's meeting. It takes place at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma Street starting at 7 o'clock.

Thunder Bay hospital has breast MRI

Northwestern Ontario breast cancer patients now have access to a world class Breast MRI. Thunder Bay's Regional Health Science Centre is teaming up with Sentinelle Medical to offer the initiative. Dr. Neety Panu is the lead radiologist with the hospital and says they'll be offering world class MRI service. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation donated 185-thousand dollars towards the project. The breast MRI is expected to be up and running some time in September.

Addiction Services Initiative gets funding cut

Thunder Bay's Addiction Services Initiative is being hailed as a success but is suffering a major blow. The province has decided to implement the pilot project across Ontario but to do so Thunder Bay funding is being cut by almost 40 percent. Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board Chair Ian Angus says the cuts will save the government just over 350 thousand dollars but will cost the District 3.42 million in added treatment costs.

Another drug bust by Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit

Over 31 hundred dollars worth of illegal drugs have been taken off the street thanks to the combined forces organized crime unit. Officers searched a house on Windsor Street yesterday and found the drugs along with over 60 thousand dollars in cash. A 24 year old woman and a 30 year old man have been arrested and are facing a number of charges.