Conference attracts the world

A group of about 50 health scientists are in the city for a conference.   Michael Wood of the Health Sciences Centre says they are experts in medical imaging like MRI's and other scanners.  The conference is on until Wednesday at the Best Western Nor' Wester

Courthouse planning reaches next level

The proposed new courthouse in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality. It comes with the government announcing that Plenary Justice is the preferred company to design, build, finance and maintain the building. Negotiations are now underway to determine the final contract. The new courthouse will be located in the downtown south core.

Bus talks set for Wednesday

The transit talks are going to continue on Wednesday. Amalgamated Transit Union boss Charlie Brown says that contract negotiations adjourned last week.Brown says there's not much he can say about talks so far.  Brown says the mediator will be back for Wednesday's discussions.

Mediation service a first for Counselling Centre

Families in Thunder Bay can now handle some of their legal disputes with the help of the Thunder Bay Counselling Centre. Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain says there are 9 new trained mediators who are available to help. Program coordinator Connie McLeod says it's designed to keep families and children out of court.

Hyer finalizes stand on gun registry

This week Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer, along with other MP's will be voting in the House of Commons on the future of the long gun registry. Today Hyer made his stand clear on how he'll vote on Wednesday, saying until there are new developments he will vote to end the registry. Hyer's stand came after he was pressured to change his vote by members of a coalition that included the City Police and Women's groups.

Police still looking for drug suspect

An arrest warrant remains out for a 27 year old man in connection with last weeks million dollar pot bust in the city. Police say it stemmed from a complaint one week ago, from a landlord of a home on the 100 block of Nelson. He suspected there was a grow op. Police seized about 114 pounds of marijuana with a street value of about 1 million dollars.

Miles with the Giant results

835 runners from 70 different communities took part in the first Miles with the Giant Marathon.   You can get race results from this link

First marathon in the books

The winner of the first Miles with the Giant Marathon is from Kenya. Philip Kipchumba completed the course in 2 hours and 29 minutes. The top Thunder Bay finisher was John Balabuck with Nicki Wilberforce of Thunder Bay the top female. Organizers are happy with the results and say they plan to be back next year.

Miles with the Giant off and running

The Miles with the Giant Marathon got off to a start shortly after 8 o'clock Sunday morning.. 835 runners are taking part in either the full or half marathons. For organizer Barry Streib  it's the end of a 2 year effort and credits the volunteers for the success.   He says the the satisfaction of getting it off the ground is amazing.  

Union walks away from NOSM talks

Talks have stalled in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine labour dispute.


Ontario Public Service Employees Union representatives left the table Friday afternoon after four days of talks last week.

A NOSM representative says progress was made but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.

East Avenue Accident

There was a single vehicle accident this morning on East Avenue near County Boulevard.

Thunder Bay Police say a man was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

His condition is unknown at this time.

Man on fire in front of courthouse

Thunder Bay Police and Fire Rescue responded to a call about man who was on fire yesterday in front of the courthouse on Arthur Street.

It isn't yet known how the fire started.

The fire had been extinguished by bystanders before police and fire fighters arrived.

The man was taken to hospital, his condition is unknown at this time.

Harper speaks at Conservative rally

The Prime Minister wrapped up his visit Friday by speaking at a Conservative rally at the Victoria Inn.

Stephen Harper began his speech by name dropping some local hockey heroes. He also had some complements for Conservative candidates Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann and Richard Harvey.

Harper said out of the four years the Conservatives have been in power this has been the "greatest for Canada" and touted everything from Olympic gold to the G8-G20 meetings and the nation's global economic standing to make his case.

Harper also reiterated his party will work to abolish the long gun registry even if the Tories come up on the short end of next Wednesday's vote.

PM hints registry may survive vote

The Prime Minister remains determined to have the long gun registry scrapped.  In Thunder Bay Stephen Harper hinted the registry might survive next weeks vote in the House of Commons,  but...the fight will not end.  Harper says his party will not rest until the day the registry is abolished.

PM promotes waterfront project

The Prime Minister thinks the new Thunder Bay waterfront will be a tourist magnet. Speaking in the city Stephen Harper says when the project at Prince Arthur's Landing is complete, it will change our city. Harper says it will be a project cherished for years to come.   He was in the city to tout his governments 14.6 million dollar contribution to the project. 

Harper pays tribute to Terry Fox

A whirlwind visit to Thunder Bay for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Harper's first stop on Friday was to the Terry Fox Monument where he paid tribute to the long distance runner. Harper called Fox ``a true Canadian hero.'' The 30th Terry Fox Run is taking place Sunday.

Two new doctors in Thunder Bay

Two medical experts are relocating to Thunder Bay.   Dr. Michael Wood has been appointed as the new Vice President of Research at the Health Sciences Centre and the Research Institute.  Wood says he's looking forward to advancing the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.  Dr. Margaret Sweet will be taking up the role of a clinical neurologist.

Field of Greens comes to a close

If you plant it they will come.  The Field of Greens Community Garden has come to a close with harvesting taking place this weekend.  Spokesperson Kevin Holloway says the food grown will be used in the Salvation Army's hostel and food bank.  The project was a partnership between Port Arthur Rotary Club and the Salvation Army.

Rafferty goes back to work Monday

It's back to work for Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty.  A vote on dismantling the long gun registry is scheduled for later in the week.  Rafferty says he's sticking by his original stance and voting to dismantle the legislation.  Rafferty is introducing a private members bill asking the government to create a national strategy on FASD.  The Northern Ontario NDP MP notes he will also maintain his original position on the long gun registry and vote to abolish it.

United Way kicks off fundraiser

United Way wants to help provide help to the community 24/7.  The group kicked off its 2010 fundraiser by announcing their goal for the year.  Campaign Chair Wayne Fletcher says they hope to raise 2 million 470-thousand dollars.  That amount is higher than the amount raised last year.  Thunder Bay's United Way supports 69 programs and services that help 1 in 3 in the community.  The services are provided by 28 local agencies.  Fletcher adds they feel strongly that Thunder Bay will be able to dig deep and come up with that money.  The campaign wraps up in December with the final numbers being announced in January.

A man on the most wanted list could be in the city

A man on the RCMP's most wanted list may be in the City. Police say Paul Gallagher was spotted in the city yesterday trying to cash a cheque. Gallagher is wanted on a Canada wide Warrant for Parole Violations. He has a history of Identity theft and a picture can be seen on our news blog.

Marathon man talks to students

Motivational speaker and marathon runner Dick Beardsley is in Thunder Bay.  He's here to help promote the Miles with the Giant Marathon and talk to local high school students with a positive message of living a drug free lifestyle.  He says he knows his message is getting across, because many come to thank him later. Beardsley is no stranger to the city, he's been here to speak before.

Debate brings up many election issues

It was standing room only at the mayoral candidates debate at the Lakehead Labour Centre last night.  250 people took part, and only one candidate didn't show Brian Kwasny.  Audience members brought up the proposed Multi-plex and questioned if they city can afford such a project.  Keith Hobbs says if he's elected Mayor big ticket items will go to the public for a vote. Meanwhile, incumbent Lynn Peterson says it's not a done deal they are just conducting a feasibility study. Frank Pullia says nothing is final since council will change in two months time. Collin Burridge says he would engage the public on major infrastructure projects.  Another hot topic was the city's tax rate.  Councillor Frank Pullia says the city can't raise taxes any higher or else people will be forced out of their homes.  Meanwhile, Collin Burridge says he would put the money used to pay off the Health Sciences Center towards lowering property taxes.  Lynn Peterson says they pay close attention to what is in the budget, balancing cutting items and providing critical services.  Keith Hobbs says he would put off projects that are not necessities such as the waterfront project.

Outbreaks at old age homes

There are a couple of outbreaks at local old age homes.  Officials at the health unit have declared a respiratory illness on Plaza One.  Meanwhile, there's an outbreak at Versa Care on the fifth and sixth floors only.  The health unit is urging people to stay at home and refrain from visiting those sites.

First Nations sign agreements

Marten Falls and Webequie First Nation signed a relationship protocol with each other.  The document deals with exploration of any Ring of Fire discoveries.  The two first nations also signed a protocol with the Ministry of Northern, Mines and Forestry and Natural Resources.

No transit deal yet

The transit dispute still isn't settled, but the buses will still be running Friday.   Conciliator Myrna Mann will be flying in from Toronto to help both sides come to an agreement.   Union boss Charlie Brown says for now, there will be no strike as long as the talks are continuing.  Brown also promises that he will give the public plenty of warning if there is a strike. 

Jordan Staal out for the start of the season

Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal is going to miss the first six weeks  of the NHL season.   The star forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins needs 5 to 6 weeks to recover from a foot infection that followed an operation.    The surgery necessary to repair a tendon injury Staal suffered during the playoffs. It's a bit of a blow for Staal since he has only missed one regular season game in his 4 year career

Waterfront the backdrop for PM visit

Final preparations are complete at the  site of the waterfront project   for Prime Minister Harper's visit to the city Friday.  A huge tent has been set up on the construction site and police and security have scoped the area.   Harper will be part of an event there during the noon hour.   At 6 o'clock Friday evening he'll be at the Victoria Inn to make a speech to Conservative party faithful.

LU prez calls tuition news shocking

There are tough words coming from the president of the Lakehead University Student Union.   Mike Snoddon  says Stats Canada figures that show Ontario has the highest average undergraduate tuition fee at 6 hundred dollars,  is shocking. Snoddon says even LU is getting up there after it broke the 5 thousand dollar barrier this year. He also accuses the McGuinty government of allowing it's own tuition increase guidelines to be broken.

Fundraiser receives boost

There are smiles all around at the local Alzheimer Society office. It follows a 5 thousand dollar donation towards the Coffee Break fundraiser. Director Alison Denton says it came from Bob Stewart of the Caribou Restaurant.   Denton says the money was raised at Stewart's 50 birthday party

Home owner is charged after not maintaining smoke alarms

The Owner of a house on Redwood Avenue is facing some fines after being caught without working smoke alarms.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to a small fire Tuesday evening and found smoke in the home.  The fire was confined to an electronic air filter in the furnace.  The home did have two smoke alarms but were not working.  Officials are reminding people to make sure all their smoke alarms are working properly. 

Thunder Bay Marathon is just days away

Organizers are geared up for this weekends inaugural Miles with the Giant Marathon. President Barry Streib says runners will be able to pick up their kits at the Chamber of Commerce Superior Living health and wellness leisure expo Friday and Saturday.  The race starts at 8 o'clock Sunday morning on Red River Road.

Terrace Bay Pulp is out of creditor protection

Great news for Terrace Bay, the pulp mill is reopening. Yves Fricot says the facility pulled out of creditor protection late yesterday evening and is bringing employees back to the mill. There will be about 340 people employed at the mill and around the same amount working in woodlands operations.  Fricot says it will take about two weeks of prep work before the mill will be ready to produce pulp.

Transit talks ongoing

The City and Amalgamated Transit Union officials are still locked in talks trying to hammer out a deal.  City administration has said talks are in a critical state.  Manager Tim Commisso says some progress was made in terms of non-monetary and language issues.  The earliest transit workers could walk off the job is Friday morning.

Opponents review Horizon's plan

Opponents of the Horizon Wind Park project have reviewed the company's environmental plan.  The plan was one of the steps required by the company to move forward on its proposed Big Thunder Wind Park.  The Nor'Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection Committee is asking the Ministry of Environment to halt the project until it meets several conditions.

Bearskin sold

A major announcement impacting the airline industry in Northwestern Ontario. Exchange Income has signed a letter of intent to acquire Bearskin Airlines. The acquisition is valued at 32.5-million dollars. Bearskin President Harvey Friesen says the timing was right. Friesen says the sale will help stabalize the company and stresses there will be no layoffs or change in service. Exchange Income owns and operates CalmAir and Keewatin Air as well as Perimeter Air. The cash and share deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.

Staal signs 20 million dollar contract

Thunder Bay's Marc Staal is 20 million dollars richer.  The New York Rangers defenceman agreed to a five year contract extension.  The 23 year old set career highs with eight goals and 19 assists in 82 games last season.

Contaminated waterfront soil set for removal

Contaminated soil at the waterfront development will soon be removed. The city has received 5 local bids to take away the soil at the site of the proposed hotel and condos. It would be replaced with clean soil. Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore says the work is required as part of the original deal.  She says the city knew when the request for proposals was put out, it was with the understanding the city would provide a clean and serviced site for a future developer.   The bids came in at between 1.1. and 2.1. million dollars.  The contract for the soil removal goes before council on September 27th.

Marathon has potential as an annual event

This weekend's Miles With The Giant Marathon could be the start of something big.   City tourism boss Paul Pepe says runners from 60 different communities in North America will be here for the event which he hopes will become a major attraction and an annual event

Police charge 25 year old

Thunder Bay police charged a 25 year old man for uttering threats to a bus driver.  Police were called to the transit bus area at City hall at 1 today.  Reports say the man threatened the bus driver and told him he had a gun and would shoot the driver.  No gun was found and the man was drunk.

More heat on local MP's to change vote

MP's John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer are getting more pressure to support the national gun registry. This time it's from a coalition of city groups that includes the Canadian Auto Workers Union Local 229 and it's president Kari Jefford who has a warning for the two members.  She says this is very much an election issue and that labour had a large part in getting both the NDP members elected and could easily turn on them in the next vote.   The coalition also includes the City Police and the Faye Peterson Transition House.

Harley owners to converge on the city

There will be millions of dollars worth of chrome on display in the city next year.  That's when Harley Davidson owners in Ontario will gather here for their annual rally.   Organizers are hoping for about 800 riders from the province to visit here. They're also hoping riders will come from Manitoba and the American Mid-West.

Northern Networks Conference

Delegates from northwestern Ontario, Minnesota and Wisconsin are taking part in the Northern Network's Trade Conference.  Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Future Development Corporation says  the conference is now into its 16th year.  125 representatives from across the Northwest are gathering to talk about ways of improving economic development and trade.

Two Feather Project update

Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Chief Ruben Canton says he can understand why some people may be frustrated over the Two Feathers Forest Products Value-added initiative, but stresses patience is needed.  Canton says its a new project, with new ideas, and it's going to take some time to put it together.  Pikangikum First Nation, Eagle Lake First Nation, and Finland's Wood Tech Group are involved in the project.

NAN still dislikes Bill 191

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and Nishnawbe Aski Nation are expected to protest at Queen's Park Thursday.  The two groups are upset over the McGuinty Government's attempts to push through the bill 191 legislation.  Grand Chief Stan Beardy says there will be conflict in the north if the bill is forced through.  Thunder Bay's Chambers of Commerce will be joining in on the NAN protest at Queen's Park today.

Official statement expected Thursday

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is keeping mum on his fellow NDP counterparts changing their positions on the long gun registry.  Rafferty will be making an official announcement on how he will vote Thursday afternoon.  Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer has announced he is committed to seeing the long gun registry scrapped.  N-D-P Leader Jack Layton says he's confident his caucus will deliver the votes the opposition needs to defeat a Tory bill to abolish the registry.

Murder was a stabbing

The cause of death in Tuesday's murder is a stabbing.  Police say 25 year old Keegan Williams died of the wound he suffered on high street just before 3 o'clock in the morning.  Charged is 19 year old Patrick Kanate and police say the two knew each other.