Caribou Ride for Northern Cancer Fund

380 cyclists will be taking part in the second annual Caribou Charity Ride on Sunday. The fundraiser is in support of the Northern Cancer Fund. 100 km route participants start the day at 9:30 at the Norwester Best Western, while 50 km route bikers start an hour later.

Sioux Lookout has youth hostel

The Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority officialy opened the doors to its new Hostel on Friday. The Hostel is spacious, modern and celebrates local First Nations culture and traditions. The 2-storey, 38-thousand square foot facility holds 100-beds, food services, a family lounge, games area and children's play area. Planning for the 14-million dollar Hostel began in June 2004 and Health Canada provided 10-million in funding.

Solar project for Pikangikum

The Provincial Government is spending nearly 22-thousand dollars to help two Northwestern Ontario camps go solar.  The Pikangikum First Nation's Whitefeather Waters Tourism Association is developing solar powered systems at the fishing and hunting camps.  The project includes installing solar panels, storage batteries and water pumps.  The move will modernize operations and reduce costs.

Highway upgrades announced

Another tender has been awarded for the upgrades being made to the Trans Canada highway.  Pioneer Construction won the 5.9 million dollar contract.  A section of Highway 11 east of Longlac will be paved.  40 jobs will be created through this project.

Housing starts up in Thunder Bay

Single detached housing starts are up in Thunder Bay. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation is reporting 35 units being built in August, up from twenty starts in August of 2009. Single family home starts were almost evenly split between McIntyre, Neebing and Red River wards. Meanwhile, the price of new homes fell 1.9 percent between June and July.

Go Green this weekend

Earthwise Thunder Bay wants you to go "green".  The first ever "Go Green" expo is being held this weekend.  Chair Ruth Cook says they'll be offering a number of environmentally friendly workshops.  Cook says they'll also hold an exhibit featuring local green companies.

Multiplex process rolls on

Over 800 people had their say when it came to the proposed Multiplex. The input from a series of preliminary consultation sessions on the multiplex will be presented to council Monday night. Most people polled were worried about the cost of the project and how many activities could be held in the centre. The next stage of the multiplex consultation process is a feasibility study.

Bike lanes popular

The City of Thunder Bay loves it's bike lanes. That's the message from Active Transportation Manager Adam Krupper. Krupper says they have hard facts proving the success of the new bike lanes. Krupper will be making a presentation to council Monday night.

Library use up

Things are moving along at the construction site of the Mary J.L Black Library.  That's part of a 2009 review on Thunder Bay's libraries that will be provided to city council on Monday.  Chief Librarian Gina La Force says they have positive news to pass on to council.  User rates are up once again at all library braches.  La Force notes 2010 is looking positive for the library as well.

OPP searching for missing man in Quetico Provincial Park

OPP are looking for a missing man in Quetico Provincial Park. Police say they received an emergency GPS locator beacon yesterday afternoon and have been searching McAree Lake for the man. The OPP's underwater search and recovery team has been called in.

Special Olympics get support

Local organizers of this winter's Special Olympics are over half-way to their 800 thousand dollar fundraising goal. Chairman J-P Levesque says they are working on added support for the games. The latest donation is 75 hundred dollars from Molson Brewery.

Johnson seeks reelection

Rebecca Johnson has made it official and is running for her third term on City council. Johnson has launched a website for her bid for councillor at large. Johnson's website outlines her priorities noting city services, infrastructure, and public and private partnerships being in the top three.

Victim died from beating: Police

Police say the latest murder victim in the city was beaten to death. They say that a postmortem on the body of 30 year old Verna Sturgeon shows she died of blunt force trauma. Her body was found in the room at the Travelodge Airlane on Friday. Two women who were charged in the case, 33 year old Joanne Vivier and 28 year old Michelle Morris, will be back in court on Monday.

Police nab school zone violators

Thunder Bay drivers still aren't slowing down in school zones. During this first week of school police handed out almost 100 speeding tickets. In total this week there have been 122 traffic violations in school zones.

More road work; another road closure

City of Thunder Bay crews are busy at work today.  Walsh Street between Kingsway Avenue and Waterloo Street is closed to through traffic at the rail crossing.  Motorists will need to find an alternate route up until September 19th when the roadwork and rail construction is complete.

PM to visit Thunder Bay

The Prime Minister is coming to Thunder Bay. A Conservative Party official says that Stephen Harper will be here for a party rally Friday, September 17. It will be taking place late in the afternoon at the Victoria Inn. It's not known if Harper will be making any funding announcement while he's here.

Pullia seeks Mayor's chair

Frank Pullia is running for mayor. The City Councillor says recent changes in the economy create new challenges which he believes requires a new style of leadership. This would be Pullia's fourth shot at the city's top job. He lost out in previous elections to Lynn Peterson and Ken Boshcoff.

20 new jobs created

A Thunder Bay industrial contractor is growing its pipe fabrication business. The expansion will create 20 new jobs. Venshore Mechanical has purchased extra production equipment and a custom designed building with overhead lifting capacity. The money used to buy the equipment was provided by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Superior North EMS wants to save more lives

Thunder Bay's Emergency Medical Services wants to save more lives.  Superior North EMS will be leading a coalition of groups to increase the survival rates from sudden cardiac death.  Chief Norm Gale says they want to train the public in CPR and public access defibrillators.  Gale will be asking for City council's support on Monday.  Gale says if bystanders can help with CPR and public access defibrillators they could save an extra six lives each year.

Extra 47 thousand dollars needed

Thunder Bay City Council is going to be asked to provide an additional 47 thousand dollars for a series of sewer and watermain replacements. Engineering Manager Pat Mauro says the money is needed to cover the increased costs associated with the contract. Mauro says they have the money in their budget they just need council to approve it.

Pow-Wow for FASD

The fight continues to prevent women from drinking alcohol while they're pregnant. As part of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder day, there was an annual Pow-Pow at Marina Park. Kelly Hicks of the Native Friendship Centre says it remains a critical issue here. She says awareness and support are key to helping resolve the problem.

Michael Power not running

The past president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is stepping down from municipal politics.  Greenstone Mayor Michael Power has announced that he will not be running in this year's municipal election.  The 68 year old is going to use his time away from office on his family.

CAA visits Thunder Bay

CAA's Worst Roads Campaign paid a visit to Thunder Bay this morning. The 8th annual campaign is used to to prod governments to invest more to repair roads, highways and bridges. Spokesperson Korey Kennedy says Northwestern Ontario residents can help fix area roads and highways just by voting. Votes will be accepted up until September 30th.

Boshcoff running for Councillor at Large

After saying he doesn't want to run for the city's top job, former Mayor Ken Boshcoff now say he intends to run for city councillor at large. Boshcoff doesn't call it a change of heart, just a change of priorities involving his private business. Boshcoff is also the federal Liberal candidate for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding.

RV Parking examined by Council

Councillor Ian Angus wants the city to consider a by-law banning overnight RV parking at large retail stores.  Angus says he's not targetting Walmart or any one particular store.  Administration is going to be asked to look at what power the city has over parking on private property.  Angus feels its hurting business for local RV campgrounds and municipally owned camp sites.

LU opens up Orientation for new students

New students at Lakehead University will be getting a crash course on post secondary life this weekend. LU's Brendan Hughes says it kicks off Thursday and will give students a number events to take in. Hughes says the events will cover the academic, athletic and social aspects of campus life. Orientation wraps up with the President's Dinner Saturday night.

Missing Kayakers found safe and sound

Everyone is safe and sound. That's the word from the Canadian Coast Guard who conducted an air search this morning for 9 missing Kayakers from Lakehead University. Coordinator Erin Vincent says fears arose when the group couldn't be reached by radio, but once the search plane flew over the group they made radio contact.  Vincent says the group was located in the Nipigon straight and are expected to arrive in Redrock sometime tonight.

Chief makes plea over gun registry

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is pleading with the city's two MP's not to vote in favour of scrapping the long gun registry. Bob Herman calls the registry an effective tool to battle crime. He asks John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer, to consider the safety of his officers and the citizens of the city when voting on the issue.

Participants needed for study

St. Joseph's Care Group is looking for people willing to take part in a study on brain injuries. Scientific Director Michel Bedard says it's to examine some new treatment options that appear to be effective. The 10 week study is being done along with hospitals in Toronto and Ottawa.

Hunting season upon us

With the fall weather comes the start of hunting season. Grouse hunting season opens across most of northwestern Ontario next Wednesday. Don't forget to brush up on your hunting rules and regulations. To do so you can consult the 2010 Hunting Regulations handbook through the Ministry of Natural Resources' website. The daily limit for ruffed grouse and spruce grouse is a combined total of five.

Port achieves another first

Another first for the Port of Thunder Bay. This time it's a ship that came with one load of cargo and left with another unrelated load. CEO Tim Heney says it arrived from Germany with a load of 50 wind turbines and left with a load of flax for Belgium. Heney says it's two way service they hope will continue.

Accident sends two to hospital

Highway 61 to the U.S border is open again after being closed for a short time today because of an accident. OPP say it was a 3 vehicle mishap that took place around quarter to 10 this morning just south of Highway 130. They say all three vehicles sustained major damage and two of the drivers were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Road Closure Thursday

The City of Thunder Bay is closing down Lakeshore Drive on Thursday. The roadway from Hodder Avenue to Spruce River road will be closed from 8:30 until 4 Thursday. Crews will be repairing a watermain.

Riverfest 2010 this weekend

Fort William will be hopping this weekend.  A number of festivals will be taking place in the south core including Elkfest, Doors Open Ontario, the Fort William street festival and Riverfest.  Street Festival Chair Laury Alexander says downtown Fort William is thriving.  The Kam River Heritage Park will also play host to a variety of local musicians, food vendors and a youth fishing derby.  For more information log onto www.thunderbay.ca/riverfest

Municipal nomination deadline

Friday is the last chance for would be politicians to file their nomination papers. The deadline for nominations in the upcoming municipal election is September 10th at 2pm. The latest person to throw his hat into the ring is John Radl who will be taking on incumbant Joe Virdiramo in the Westfort riding.

MPPs head back to work Monday

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work they go.  MPP's will open up the Ontario legislature's fall session this Monday.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the fall schedule will be released in the next couple of days.  Mauro adds they'll be defending the local health integration networks after the PC's spent the summer slamming them.

Sally Ann wants toys

The Salvation Army is back with it's Ride for Toys fundraiser. Major Mervyn Halvorsen says a toy will be the entry fee for a motorcycle ride on September 18. He says the toys are given to needy children all year long. Donated toys can also be dropped off at any motorcycle shop in Thunder Bay.

Foundation taking grant requests

The Thunder Bay Foundation is accepting funding request applications. Executive Director Paul Wolfe says the organization has about 3 million dollars of money to grant to local charitable groups. He says there are very few restrictions on which groups can apply.  The deadline for grant applications is October 11th

Shuniah Reeve seeks re-election

Maria Harding is seeking re-election as the Reeve of Shuniah.  The reeve filed her nomination application last month.  Harding says she wants to continue to maintain a position of balace and reason while making decisions for the community.

T-Wolves start training camp

Hockey training camp is underway for the Lakehead University Thunderwolves. Coach Joel Scherban says there are over 25 players trying out including 19 returnees. Scherban hopes to pare down the roster rather quickly. He says the earliest would be this Friday, but realistically it's likely to come by the end of next week. Seven players will not be returning from last years team.

OPP lay additional charges

Further investigation has lead to Thunder Bay OPP laying additional charges in a drug and money seizure dating back to December.  Last year, police searched a Mapleward Road residence and seized 1.2 million dollars and 22-thousand dollars worth of drugs.  Marcel Breton is charged with possession of proceeds of crime and laundering proceeds of crime.  Breton will appear in court on October 22nd to answer the new charges.

Police looking for good samaritan

Thunder Bay's Criminal Investigations Branch is on the lookout for a good samaritan who helped two young men after they were assaulted.  Someone driving a pickup on Blucher Avenue in the early morning hours of August 27th stopped during the incident.  Police would like to speak to the individual to further their investigation.

Katimavik helping in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is welcoming a Katimavik group of volunteers. 11 young Canadians will begin volunteering in the community starting this weekend. Sarah Tamosetis is heading up the project and says they're looking forward to doing some good. The Katmivak team is made up of 17 to 21 year olds. The group of volunteers will be working with Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and the Salvation Army.

FASD Awareness Day

It's Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day.  The NorWest Community Health Centre is holding a full day workshop on FASD at the Airlane Travelodge.  FASD Coordinator Maureen Parkes says people living with FASD don't necessarily understand the consequences of their actions.  Lawyer David Boulding will be discussing how to help FASD clients when they are involved in the legal system.

Mining program helps Aboriginals.

Aboriginal students in Northwestern Ontario are learning the ropes of the mining industry. It comes in the form of a school program backed by the industry and Cambrian College. Jonathan Kakegemic is the Principal at Cromarty High School in the city and thinks it's exciting.    He says it gives Aboriginal students an incentive to continue their education once they see the program is directed towards them.  175 students are enrolled in the program at the school.

Methane gas provides renewable energy

There's more green energy on tap in the city. It comes from Thunder Bay Hydro at it's generating station on Mapleward Road. President Rob Mace says it comes in the form of methane gas from the city dump.  In partnership with the city, Hydro is buying the gas that the landfill produces and turning it into electricity. 
Mace says the amount of energy generated can power up to 3 thousand homes in the city.

Methane machines built for safety

The city is hoping to reap the benefits of renewable energy. Two new machines are capturing methane gas from the city dump and turning it into electricity. Bruce Baxter, of Toromont Energy, helped to design the machines and says safety is priority one.  He says temperature and pressure are monitored on a regular basis and that if any thresholds are exceeded it will lead to a shutdown.   Thunder Bay Hydro president Rob Mace says there is potential for a third machine to be built on the site.

Ontario introduces activity tax credit

The Ontario Government is making it a little easier for parents to get their children involved in after school activities. The province is introducing legislation creating a tax credit for those activities. Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says its going to help both the families and kids. If the legislation is passed, parents will be able to claim up to 500 dollars of expenses per child.

Another candidate for councillor at large

Former CBC host Gerald Graham will be joining the fray for this year's municipal election. Graham retired in June after 25 years as a journalist in the city and will be up against 10 other candidates for councillor at large.

Thunder Bay man sets new Kayaking record

Thunder Bay's own Joe O'Blenis is the new record holder for the fastest paddling around Vancouver Island. The Kayaker made the trip in 16 days and 12 hours which beat the previous record by half a day. O'Blenis could have done even better but ran into some equipment trouble during the one thousand 140 kilometre voyage.