Hillier weighs in on provincial budget

The Progressive Conservative Critic for Northern Affairs says the Provincial Budget is 300-pages of nothing for Northern Ontario.  Randy Hillier says there's no mention of anything of importance including help for the forestry sector.  Hillier points out the only announcement was one that was already made; 10-million dollars extra for the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Thunder Bay MPP's defend budget

Thunder Bay's MPPs are touting the 10 million dollar increase to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.  The cash boost was included in Tuesday's provincial budget.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says it's good news for the region.  The money for the NOHFC was originally announced several years ago.  Mauro feels the province wide announcements for health care and education will also benefit the Northwest.  Meanwhile, Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is standing by his government's provincial budget.  Gravelle says there wasn't specific money set aside for the region but there was projects that were mentioned such as the Ring of Fire and the expansion of Highway 11/17.

Thunder Bay man wins $50 thousand

Thunder Bay's Jeffrey Russel won 50 thousand dollars on an instant win lottery game.  Russel plans to use his prize to pay off some debt.  The winning ticket was purchased at The Winners Circle on Victoria Avenue in Thunder Bay.

Hampton on provincial budget

The NDP feel the provincial budget leaves Northern Families in the dust.  Kenora Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says not even a political compass can get the McGuinty government headed in the right direction.  Hampton says the Liberals cut funding for important ministries like Natural Resources, Aboriginal Affairs and Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Young woman disarms companion

An 18 year old girl is a hero to a couple of city police officers. It comes after she grabbed a knife from her 18 year old guy friend who flashed it in front of the officers. Police spokesperson Chris Adams admits the girl did risk injury to herself and such action isn't recommended.   The incident took place at May and Leith Street's Monday afternoon

Transit Service seeks input

You can have your two cents heard Wednesday night at a public meeting put on by the City of Thunder Bay.  The City is collecting input on the services provided by Thunder Bay and HAGI transit services.  The first meeting is from six until 8 Wednesday in City Hall's lobby.

Jimi's owners back in court next month

The fate of "Jimi the dog"  remains up in the air.   His owners are facing charges after "Gus the Chihuahua" died at a city owned dog park last year.   Defence lawyer Francis Thatcher says a confidential pre-trial hearing was held this morning.  The case will be heard again in Provincial Offences Court on April 27th at which time a trial date will be set or it could be settled.   

Police Chief releases statement

The Chief of Police isn't being drawn into a war of words with the Mayor. Chief Bob Herman released a statement today saying it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation. Herman also said in the statement that he is taking the necessary actions to maintain his integrity and that of the office of the Chief of Police. Herman declined an interview. Herman has filed a formal complaint against Hobbs with the Civilian Police Commission in regards to his conduct at the Police Services Board meetings.

City hires auditor

The City of Thunder Bay is hiring BDO Canada to audit its books.  The five year contract comes in at 215-thousand dollars.  The accounting firm will also audit the books of outside boards and agencies the City is a member of.  The District Services Board and Thunder Bay Hydro are the only exceptions which are able to hire their own auditor.

Budget for external lawyers boosted

The City of Thunder Bay is boosting the budget for hiring lawyers.  City Solicitor Rosalie Evans will now have the opportunity to hire external legal counsel at a rate of 500 dollars per hour.  The previous budget for lawyers outside of the city payroll was 300 dollars per hour.

Survey says....you like living in T.BAY

The latest "civic survey" is painting a mostly positive picture of Thunder Bay. According to the IPSOS REID survey people like living in the City. 86 percent of people are satisfied with city services, with many saying they receive good value for their tax dollars.  Residents also rated the quality of life in the City very high at 87 percent.  The two areas that are cited as in need of improvement are road maintenance and the police service.  Seven out of 10 people polled believe that the city is relatively safe, and six in ten feel safe walking in their own neighbourhood after dark.  500 interviews were completed among residents 18 years of age and older.

Council adds to investments

Thunder Bay City Council is investing more money into it's ONE Equity Fund.  The city plans to transfer about 4 million dollars from bonds to its equity fund.  The move came after a presentation on the city's 105 million dollars in investments.  In 2010 the city earned 4.7 million dollars in interest.

Hydro rates change May 1st

The Ontario Energy Board has approved an increase for Thunder Bay Hydro.  The local utility will see its rates go up 2.9 percent.  Spokesperson Vanda Wall says that extra 3 dollars a month will be offset by the Clean Energy Benefit.  The CEB will mean an extra ten dollars off our monthly bills.  The rate changes will take effect May 1st.

OPP investigate fatal accident

A Thunder Bay man has succumbed to injuries sustained in a single vehicle crash on Umex Mine Road in Pickle Lake.  OPP say the incident occurred on March 16th and involved a tractor trailer unit, carrying a bulldozer and large metal conatainer.  Police say the tractor trailer unit slid into an intersection and jacknifed while striking a snow bank.  The driver was transported to Thunder Bay Hospital with serious injuries.  Police say the man, 58-year-old Thomas Dufault, was released from Hospital on March 24th, but later died.

Hobbs takes dispute with Herman public

The conflict between the city police chief and the mayor has become explosive. Keith Hobbs says Chief Bob Herman has lodged a complaint with the province's Civilian Police Commission about the mayor's conduct at Police Service Board meetings.  Hobbs says he's going public because the chief forced his hand.  Hobbs says the complaint against him alleges he released confidential information about what went on at closed door sessions at the board.  Chief Herman is reviewing the mayor's statement and is expected to make a comment on Tuesday.

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New Green Candidate

Thunder Bay Superior North has a green party candidate in place.  At first it was released that Lynn Palmer would carry the green colours; but Palmer has since decided to walk away from the nomination because of personal commitments.  The new candidate is Scot Kyle.

Police investigate Hodder area robbery

A woman was robbed on Hodder Avenue Monday morning. Thunder Bay police say a man carrying a knife approached her in a parking lot just before 10:30 in the morning. The 20 year old suspect fled with the victim's purse. Police describe the man as 5 foot 8, wearing a grey hoodie, blue jeans and large sunglasses.

Earth Hour fizzles in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay passed mostly unnoticed. Thunder Bay Hydro says it didn't show any reduced usage Saturday night when customers were asked to do so. Derek Tessier of EcoSuperior says awareness is most important in this case.  Tessier says the fact usage didn't go up from last year that is also a good sign

Hobbs to talk about "serious policing matter"

Mayor Keith Hobbs is holding an afternoon news conference in his office to make what is being termed "an important announcement" on a "serious policing matter". There's no further information. Our newsroom is staffing it.

Aldo Ruberto is tired of waterfront negativity

One city councillor is fed up with the negativity that surrounds the waterfront project. Aldo Ruberto spoke with our newsroom today and says some people in Thunder Bay are failing to see the big picture.  The project is over budget, but by condensing it, it will bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue to the city sooner and will also create jobs and other spin offs sooner rather than later.  Ruberto says a small group of nay sayers seem to dominate the spot light and are surrounding good news stories in Thunder Bay with a cloud of negativity.

Think tank scores local schools

It's a mixed bag for Thunder Bay's elementary schools. The Fraser Institute ranks half of them at above or at the provincial average; the other half falls below. Spokesperson Michael Thomas says the rankings alert officials that something needs to be done.  Vance Chapman school saw it's rankings slide from already below the provincial average at 3.7 to 1.7.   Claude E. Garton also saw their marks decline this year.  St. Francis, St. Paul and St. Thomas Aquinas all scored marks higher than the provincial average.

Green Party joins Thunder Bay Rainy River race

The Green Party has announced its Candidate for Thunder Bay Rainy River. Former Research Scientist Ed Shields will be representing the Greens and says with science based jobs in our future Parliament is in need of someone with his expertise. Shields says Thunder Bay has great potential for jobs in the bio technology industry.

No injuries after early morning fire

No one was hurt in an early morning fire on the south side.  Crews responded to the blaze just after 4 o'clock in the basement of an apartment complex in the 100 block of Cumming Street.  The cause is under investigation.

Hyer back from Ottawa

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is back in town from Ottawa and ready to defend his seat. Hyer says affordability of life and truth and honesty in government are two key issues in this election. The incumbent MP says while he's aware many voters aren't excited about having to head to the polls, he's optimistic some positive change will come out of the election.

Yves Fricot on election

Yves Fricot is the Liberal candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North. Fricot says voters in the riding want to be able to find work and raise families without having to leave the region. Fricot says if he's elected he wants to work with MPs from other parts of Canada facing the same challenges as Northwestern Ontario to come up with solutions. 

Richard Harvey ready for election

 

Richard Harvey is running for the Conservatives in Thunder Bay-Superior North. Harvey says he feels there was a lot of voting along party lines during the last session of Parliament, which ran contrary to the interests of Northwestern Ontario. Harvey—who’s also mayor of Nipigon— believes he can do a better job of representing the region in Ottawa.  Harvey says unemployment and economic recovery are the main concerns of the voters he’s been talking to.

Polar Bear Plunge

The second annual Polar Bear Plunge saw some brave swimmers leaping into the chilly waters behind the Slovak Legion Saturday afternoon. The thrill seekers were raising money for Special Olympics Ontario. 

Citizen Satisfaction Survey

City Council is getting the results of a citizen satisfaction survey during Monday's meeting. The poll conducted by Ipsos-Reid Public Affairs looked at a number of factors like quality of life and how city services are being delivered. The survey results can be used by city council to help make decisions.

Bouncer threatened with knife

Police have arrested a 17-year-old male last night who allegedly threatened a bouncer at a Victoria Avenue bar with a knife. According to police, employees of the bar subdued the teenager until police arrived. There were no injuries. 

First ship of the season arrives

Thunder Bay's shipping season is officially kicking off, with the arrival of the Ojibway this morning. The captain and chief engineer of the vessel will be presented with a top hat in a ceremony at the Port Authority office at noon. The annual honour is bestowed on the first arrival of the year. The Ojibway is in port to pick up a load of canola. Three other vessels are expected to come in today. A pair of U.S. Coast Guard ice-breakers have been helping to clear the way to the port.

North Stars fall to Wilderness

The Thunder Bay North Stars fell to the Wisconsin Wilderness 4-3 in the SIJHL semifinals giving Wisconsin the sweep along with a ticket to the championship game. Wisconsin's win puts an end to a seven year championship-game-appearance streak by the North Stars.

RegenMed gets donor designation

Another first for Thunder Bay's knowledge based economy. The Centre for Regenerative Medicine, which recycles human bone and tissue,  now has designation from the Trillium Gift of Life Network in Ontario.  CEO Robert Thayer says it essentially gives the non profit company a new lease on life.  They now have the legal right to be a bone and tissue bank for the Regional Health Sciences Centre

Waterfront project has extra staff

The City of Thunder Bay has hired a part time employee to over see the Waterfront project.  City Manager Tim Commisso says it's because the project is becoming more complex.  The Mayor has said he wants the project micro-managed and asked for the extra position.

Calendar parking over

Most of the snow is gone from the roads; and so is calendar parking. You can now park on either side of the street.

Student Housing By-laws to be discussed

Administration is recommending to council they hold off on enforcing by-laws that impact student housing.  The current by-law prohibits people from renting out more than three rooms in their home.  City Lawyer Rosalie Evans says they want to waive those by-laws to allow for affordable housing.  Council will make a decision on the request by mid-April.

Comuzzi-Stehmann on election

Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann carries the Conservative banner in Thunder Bay-Rainy River.  It's her first campaign, but is eager to help the Tories win the riding by showcasing projects helped by programs initiated under Prime Minister Harper.  Comuzzi-Stehmann says her team is already in place and has her campaign headquarters set up in Thunder Bay

Earth Hour Saturday

Thunder Bay residents are being asked to turn off their lights tomorrow from 8:30 until 9:30 in recognition of Earth Hour.  The city has supported the program since its inception and will be handing out prizes for participants who power down for those 60 minutes.

Public $ for cycling safety

EcoSuperior is getting 115 thousand dollars in public funds to teach people how to ride a bike safely. The city's Adam Krupper helped EcoSuperior get the grant says it will be used to teach the teachers about the CAN-BIKE Safe Cycling Education Program.   The money comes from the Ontario Trillium Foundation

Two arrested for breaking into vehicles

For the second time in the last two days city police have arrested someone for breaking into vehicles.  Officers nabbed the 29 year old this morning after they saw him going from car to car.  A 45 year old man was arrested Wednesday after he was caught trying to break into cars near Fort William Gardens.

Thunder Bay has it's say

Thunder Bay residents seem to be split on whether they want a spring election or not.  Our newsroom hit the streets to see what the public had to say.

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Angus voices concerns

The Chair of the District Social Services Board is satisfied after speaking with a provincial government commitee. Iain Angus gave his two cents on the new Social Housing Act and says there are a couple of things they should change. Angus says they want the Province to ensure the province doesn't download any more costs onto the DSSAB. Angus made the presentation to the government committee on Thursday.

OPP charge officer with criminal offences

An OPP officer in Schreiber is in some hot water. Police say that Constable Gregory Sutton is charged after the Thunder Bay police contacted them back in December. OPP Sgt. Shelley Garr says it involved incidents between the accused and another person.   Garr says it's alleged that the accused made false statements against the victim and that he allegedy intercepted a private conversation.  The 41 year old Sutton is charged with intercepting private communications and two counts of public mischief.

Hyer reluctant for an election

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP Bruce Hyer isn't looking forward to Friday afternoon's non-confidance motion.  Hyer says he's received calls from residents saying they'll be mad at him if he helps cause an election.   The NDP MP says he's also heard from residents who think we need a new Government.  Hyer says if an election is called he will be ready to fight for his job.

Rickford thinks public may not want election

The clock is ticking on the Harper government. At 1:30 Friday afternoon a vote of non-confidence will be held in Ottawa, that's expected to bring it down and force an election. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the opposition may be making a mistake by forcing an election that the public may not want. Regardless, Rickford says he's prepared to take the governments record to the public

Science meets celebrity , Thunder Bay style

There's a new business in town selling the DNA of celebrities both living and dead. Celebrity Gene claims to have the DNA of such people as Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley as pendants and other forms. Company biologist Ryan Letho says they can even have something custom made for you, like having he DNA of Jimi Hendrix embedded into a guitar pick. He says there have been calls from publicists of some current Hollywood celebrities who are interested as well.  Letho says more names will be revealed at an official launch next month

Coroner launches probe into jail death

The Regional Coroner's office is launching a full investigation into the death of Dwane Turk.The 55 year old Thunder Bay man was accused of second degree murder and died in police custody. Dr. Peter Clark says they've already started preliminary work. Turk was charged with the death of fellow Thunder Bay resident 32 year old Christopher Jean.

Possible spring election in place

It looks like we're headed for a spring time election this May. MP's vote Friday afternoon on a Liberal non-confidence motion that could trigger an election. Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he's election ready and wants the public to be too. Rafferty says if the government loses the vote; the Prime Minister will probably ask the Governor General on Sunday to dissolve Parliment.

Name of Sioux Lookout girl released

Hypothermia is the cause of death for an 11 year old girl in Sioux Lookout.  Chloe Matthews of Big Trout Lake died Saturday and was found outside, near a school yard.

Boshcoff ready for spring time election

The Liberal candidate in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding is ready for a possible spring time election. M-P's will vote Friday afternoon on a Liberal non-confidence motion that would trigger an election. Federal candidate and City Councillor Ken Boshcoff says he hasn't set up campaign offices as of yet. When the election is called, Boshcoff says he will take a leave of absence from his council seat.

Compton stopped for drunk driving

The former mayor of Kenora , Len Compton, will appear in court in May on impaired driving charges. The OPP say they pulled over a vehicle in downtown Kenora at 2 o'clock this morning because it was being operated in what they called a suspicious manner. 

Icebreaker on it's way

There's been a delay, but the icebreaker Mobile Bay is still due to come in to port today. Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says it was supposed to have been here by now, but was delayed by some winds but should be here by 8 tonight

Murder case takes gruesome turn

The Thunder Bay man accused of murdering another local man in the Elk Lake area is dead.   55 year old Dwayne Turk died in the North Bay District Jail.  Police would not give the cause of death saying it's in the hands of the Regional Coroner's Office.  Turk was charged with second degree murder of 32 year old Christoper Jean.