Students begin remembrance vigil

Students at Churchill High School are joining students from across Canada in a week of remembrance.   Principal Rowan Seymore says during the vigil the names of the 16 thousand Canadians killed during World War One will be projected for students to see in the school and at night it will be projected outside on the school gym wall.

Ministry probes industrial accident

The Ministry of Labour continues to investigate an industrial accident involving a backhoe. A construction worker was injured Thursday after the bucket of a backhole hit him in the chest and pinned him to the wall. Ministry Spokesperson William Lynn says it could be several days before investigators have an update. The construction worker was sent to the hospital with unknown injuries.

Cold weather in November

Its going to be a cold one out there tonight. Environment Canada's Jim Prime says a high pressure system will being pushing cold northern air into our area which drop the temperature into the minuses. He says it'll be cold but we won't see much snow. The temperatures should jump back up towards the double digits on the plus side by early next week.

Thunder Bay target marked for Hilton International

Local developers that want to build a Hampton Inn on Airport Authority Land still need to formally apply to Hilton International.  Company spokesperson Tom Lorenzo says the project is looking good, and Thunder Bay has always been a market they've wanted to target.  He feels the local developers could get approval from Hilton in three weeks and have a target construction date of Spring. Lorenzo says the project not only needs Hilton approval but needs to be approved by the City and the Airport Authority as well.

Aboriginal Outreach Program Launched

Lakehead University and the Royal Bank are teaming up to inspire first nations youth.  They launched their joint "Aboriginal Outreach Program" Thursday at St. Patricks High School.  Spokesperson Beverly Sabourin says it all starts with Aboriginal Discovery Day at the University.  Students from across the region will be invited to tour the Lakehead campus this spring.  Students will also be matched up with aboriginal University students and a representative from the Royal Bank as part of a mentor program.  The program is a one year pilot project running on funds provided by the Royal Bank.

Fontaine speaks to high school students

The former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is hoping to inspire aboriginal students. Phil Fontaine is part of the Royal Bank and Lakehead University's Aboriginal Outreach Program. Fontaine says students are the future leaders of their communities. He stressed the importance of educaction and stresses students should set a goal of completing high school. Fontaine says first nation students should look forward to attending post secondary school as it's key to succeeding in life. Fontaine spoke to St. Patrick High School students Thursday morning.

Man hurt on the job

The Ministry of Labour is investigating an industrial accident at a construction site on Court Street. A construction worker was hurt on the job at 920 Court Street. Police says a machine was working on a retainer wall behind the building when it tilted unexpectedly and hit an observer in the chest. District Chief Allan Grey says he was taken to hospital with unknown injuries. Sgt. Shawn Mulligan says they're containing the scene and awaiting the investigators from the Ministry of Labour.

Major road closed on weekend

A major roadway in Thunder Bay is going to be off limits this weekend.  Golf Links Road between Central Avenue and the Harbour Expressway will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.  Crews will be working on the watermain and road restoration.

Police nab robbery suspects

City police have two people in custody after a woman was robbed in a grocery store parking lot at Arthur and James Streets. Police spokesperson Chris Adams says she was knocked down by a man and her purse was stolen. The thug then sped away in a car. Police later caught up with the vehicle at Balsam Street and the Expressway where a man and a woman from out of town, were arrested

DFC eyes new residence

New students at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School may soon have a residence to stay at.   Jennifer Manitowabi is heading the effort to raise 5 million dollars for the project.  She says the plan is to build the 100 unit residence right next to the school at Edward and Churchill.  It would be to accommodate grade nine First Nations students who come to Thunder Bay to attend the school.

Family of Four charged

A family of four is charged with a number of drug related offences after police searched a Cameron Street home. Police originally arrested the father for driving while disqualified and found a half a pound of marihuana. Further investigation led the arrest of 3 other family members. The total street value of the drugs is 71-thousands dollars.

Four boaters rescued on Lake Superior near Thunder Bay

The Canadian Coast guard were involved in a water rescue on the east of Sleeping Giant this morning.  A vessel ran aground near Edward Island and had to be rescued.  Maritime Coordinator Robert Bradbury says they received a distress call at 7:43 this morning and sent out a May-Day call shortly after.  It was a 45 foot commercial fishing boat owned by Thunder Bay's Glen Dawson who was one of four people rescued after the boat began taking on water.  The four were rescued by a different boat in the area and  were taken to shore injury free. 

Heritage Fund boss touts tourism

The new Executive Director of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation is targeting the tourism business.   Bruce Strapp says that he's looking to get the word out on what kind of grants are available to the tourism sector to help it grow.

Thunder Bay North Stars

A new ownership group has been confirmed for the Thunder Bay North Stars.  A group of local investors have banded together in an effort to improve the business fortunes of the SIJHL team.  David Dubinsky will serve as the first President of the now community-owned franchise.  Marvin Pelletier will serve as Treasurer and Ken Perrier will act as Secretary.  Jeremy Adduono has been brought aboard as Director of Hockey Operations.

Drug Bust in Kenora

A major drug bust in Kenora. OPP have arrested 8-people after searching a Scramble Avenue home. Police seized 9-pounds of marihuana, 43-marihuana plants and over 16-thousand dollars cash. The street value of the drugs is estimated at over 123-thousand dollars. OPP say the investigation is continuing and further charges are pending.

Port Stats released for October

It's been a slow month for Thunder Bay's Port Authority.  Monthly statistics were released showing almost 623 thousand tonnes of cargo came through the port last month. That's down from October 2009, where 790 thousand tonnes of cargo was shipped.

Crime Prevention Council Coordinator appointed

Amy Siciliano is the new Crime Prevention Council Coordinator. Siciliano says she's starting to look for people to sit on the council. Siciliano will be formally introduced to Council and the public on Monday.

LU Classes resume

Lakehead University is up and running after a watermain break last night caused the school to cancel classes.  Construction crews working in the area ruptured a water line yesterday afternoon.  Classes and normal day to day operations are resuming today.

Police looking for escaped teen

Thunder Bay police are on the look out for a girl who escaped the McKitrick centre.  The 15 year old escaped from the centre on Oliver Road just before 10 last night and is described as 5 foot 6 with long dark hair.  Police are looking for the public's help in finding the girl.

Hampton Inn to locate in city

There may be a new Hampton hotel in the offing for Thunder Bay. Councillor Larry Hebert says a hotel chain is considering building on property owned by the Airport Authority on Arthur. Not many details are known about the type of hotel it will be.

Truck driver charged in weekend death

A 44 year old truck driver from Winnipeg is charged in connection with a weekend fatality on the Nipigon Bridge. OPP say that the accident resulted in the death of a 21 year old man from Lake Helen. The driver is charged with Failing to Stop.

Bus driver charged

A Thunder Bay Transit driver is facing a charge following last weeks accident on Red River Road and Clarkson.  Police say that the 62 year old is charged under the Highway Traffic Act with Failing to Stop for a red light.

Copperfin considering merger with Northern Lights

Copperfin Credit Union is considering merging with Northern Lights Credit Union.  The two businesses are in talks with a joint Board of Directors meeting scheduled for the New Year. Copperfin C.E.O. Dennis Alvestad says they are in the preliminary stages.  Alvestad says if they merge credit union users would have access to their accounts from sites across Northwestern Ontario.

Mace says lobbying info wrong

The president of Thunder Bay Hydro is again answering for an NDP discovery.  This time the New Democrats say the utility paid for a lobbyist for almost 8 years starting in 2002.  However Hydro's Rob Mace says the last time the utility paid a lobbyist was in 2003.  He says he's not sure why the Integrity Commissioner would have the wrong information.

Camp owners worried about border

The Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association is calling for changes to be made at the Fort Frances border crossing. Campowners are growing increasingly upset over the way American visitors are getting treated at the border. Gerry Cariou is the Executive Director of the Sunset Country Travel Association and says there needs to be a major shake-up in Fort. Cariou says it depends on the day and the staff on site, whether or not an American visitor can cross through Fort Frances. Cariou adds there will be nothing left of the tourism industry in 5-years if nothing is done.

Northern Students wary of specialized Universities

The Northern Ontario Federation of Students feels a report calling on creating specialized Universities will negatively impact northern students.  Chair Vanessa Gastaldo says this region is already losing programs to the south.  Gastaldo says if Universities are specialized; northern students will have to choose between incurring travelling expenses or sacrificing their educational goals.

Road Closure Warning

City crews will be closing parts of John Street Wednesday. John Street between Chercover Drive and Biloski Road will be closed to traffic starting at 9 Wednesday. Crews are installing a new sewer and water connection. The road will reopen when work is complete.

Library revamps web image

The library has a new look to it's website.  It has a number of new features that the old one didn't have according to spokesperson Joanna Aagard.   She says they've change around how items are presented and made more popular areas easier to access. The website changes cost about 40 thousand dollars.

Thunder Bay pianist learns from the best

A Thunder Bay piano player will learn and mingle with Canada's best musicians this weekend.  Connor Curran received high marks in the Conservatory Canada Senior Piano Examinations.  Curran will travel to Vancouver for the Conron/Geiger Master Class weekend and learn from Jane Coop.  Coop heads the piano division of the University of British Columbia's School of Music.

NOSM and OPSEU have reached a tentative deal

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine strike could finally be coming to an end.  The two sides came to another tentative deal early this morning.  Support staff still need to ratify the deal but OPSEU is recommending employees accept the deal.  No date for a ratification vote has been set.

Hobbs weighs in on Take A Hike moving

The soon to be Mayor is weighing in on one south side businesses decision to move out of that neighbourhood.  The owner of Take a Hike has said that she's moving her business from Fort William to the Bay and Algoma area because of the crime in the City's South core.  Keith Hobbs says the area will be much safer for businesses once they embark on new crime programs.  Hobbs says he really feels for Take a Hike and notes he spoke to the owner last week on his walk about.

3 Q's rule municipal law

Thunder Bay City Councillors will only be allowed to ask three questions a round at their meetings. The 3 question rule was made into law last night after a trial basis ended. Councillor Trevor Giertuga voted in favour of the rule and says it's made people more aware of the questions they are asking. Councillors Mark Bentz, and Andrew Foulds voted against the rule because it's too difficult for the Chair to keep track.

Changes made to Hydro Board

Changes are being made to the Thunder Bay Hydro Board.  The City of Thunder Bay is increasing the size of the Board from five members to seven.  Council can only have one representative on the board, and will compete in the open process.  The City Manager will also sit on the board but will be an unpaid member who does not have voting power.  Each member of the board will also see an increase in their yearly stipend from 5-thousand to 6 thousand.  Board members will also be paid a 100 dollars per meeting, and Chairs of the board will be paid an extra 1 thousand 500 dollars.  Many councillors felt the increase in cash reimbursement will attract top notch candidates to the board.

Council gets a peak at what the future holds

The City of Thunder Bay got a sneak peak at its future tax levies.  It was part of the City Managers Strategic Plan update.  Tim Commisso says these figures are not set in stone and are managable.  The report shows a 1 to 3 percent increase over the next few years.  The Strategic Plan also shows a 1 percent increase in Gross Expenditures, and 1 percent increases in the tax levy and property tax assesment.  As part of his presentation to council, Commisso recommends the city embark on a corporate review process to see where there could be potential savings.

Council receives financial update

Administration is reporting positive financial figures in its latest update to City Council.  The City is taking in more money in property taxes to the tune of almost 203 thousand dollars.  Solid Waste is showing a 127 thousand dollar surplus.  The City is seeing some areas of trouble, the Waterworks department is reporting a 656 thousand dollar deficit and a million dollar deficit in Wastewater.

Badanai Motors could be moving

The President of Badanai Motors wants to buy an extension of court street that's located near his property. George Badanai told council last night that he's tired of renting the piece of property from the City. Badanai says if he can't buy the property he will pick up his business and move it to a new location. Administration is concerned about selling the land because it could impact their underground infrastructure.  Council wants administration to come back with a report on the property.

Counselling Centre trains local service providers

Thunder Bay's Counselling Centre is now a provincial training site. The centre is now one of 15 sites that will take part in a financial literacy program funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The training is being provided to 11 local service providers who work with low income families in Thunder Bay and the region. Local staff will learn how to deliver a financial literacy curriculum that covers subjects from Investing Basics and Income Tax to Debt and Savings. Training is taking place Monday and Tuesday.

Old school may see new life

There may be life left in the old Hillcrest School after all. Local business consultant Sandi Boucher says she and developer Robert Zanette have plans to turn the vacant school into place to bring businesses together.   She says they are looking at a shared spaces concept.  Boucher says the building has a lot of amazing assets that shouldn't be wasted.

Jordan's return stalled by new injury

It looks like more injury woes for Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal.   Reports say the Pittsburgh Penguins Centre left practice on Monday with an injured hand.  Staal was on the ice for 30 minutes before he exited.  This could be a bad blow to Pittsburgh, as Staal was projected to make his season debut on Wednesday, after recovering from a foot infection, and now his return status is not clear.

Fire season ends with a wimper

The forest fire season is officially over.   The Ministry of Natural Resources says there were 370 fires in Northwestern Ontario this year compared to just under 200 last year.    However there were over 3 thousand fewer hectares that were burned this year .

Bring on the Parade of Lights

The Parade of Lights fundraiser for children's charities is all set for Saturday, December 4th. Greg Stephenson of the Thunder Bay Police Association says this year there are 4 charities which will be vying for a portion of the money raised including the new one this year, the Special Olympics of Ontario. The goal is to raise 20 thousand dollars.

Remains Identified

A body found on Highway 17 near Ignace this summer by blueberry pickers has been identified.  The remains of 55 year old Steven Raycroft were identified recently through the use of medical records.  Raycroft is described as a transient person who frequently travelled across Canada.  Police are ruling out foul play.

Thunder Bay soldier receives award

A Thunder Bay soldier is receiving an award from the Governor General today. Major Geoffrey Arthur Abthorpe is set to receive the Meritorious Service Medal. The award recognizes a military deed that was performed in a highly professional manner.

Mace defends political spending

The president of Thunder Bay Hydro says the city run utility doesn't donate to political parties.  The NDP claims that the utility donated 330 dollars to the Liberal Party of Ontario.  Hydro's Rob Mace says that was likely a luncheon that featured the Energy Minister as the guest speaker.   He says they look at it as an opportunity to spend one on one time with the minister to discuss energy policy as it relates to Northwester Ontario.  NDP leader Andrea Horwath says it shouldn't be necessary for the head of Hydro to spend money in order to see a cabinet minister.

Police say very little about bridge death

Police aren't releasing more information on the death of a  Lake Helen man on the Nipigon River Bridge Sunday morning.   OPP Sgt. Ken Mantey says they are treating the case as a hit and run.  A post mortem has been conducted at the Health Sciences Centre. 

Accident probe ongoing

The investigation continues into Friday's accident involving a transit bus on Red River Road. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says they still don't know the extent of any damages. That's being determined by the experts in the Fleet Maintenance department.   The driver was treated and released from hospital.

Flu clinics underway

The Health Unit is expecting to give out 15 thousand flu shots in the city this year. The series of clinics are continuing all this month and into December. Spokesperson Darlene Binette says the current vaccine protects against 3 flu strains, including last years H1N1 bug.   Binette hopes it will help to lighten the load at the E-R

Man held at gun point this morning

No one was hurt after a man held another man at gun point this morning.  City Police say they were called to a residence on Cummings street just after 4:30 this morning with reports of a man with a gun.  When police arrived they spotted the man through a window, pointing a handgun at another man.  After a short negotiation police arrested the 23 year old.