New Mary JL Black Library opens

The new Mary J L Black Library has opened its doors.  Acting Chief Librarian says the new building is a huge upgrade for accessibility.  Philp says some shelving work still needs to be finished but they will be done by the June 11th Grand Opening.

Housing starts in Thunder Bay rise

Housing starts could soon be on the rise in Thunder Bay.  According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation year to date numbers are slightly behind last year's numbers but Analyst Warren Philp says there has been a sharp jump in permit sales, which should lead to an increase in starts. April saw one more start compared to the same month last year.

Free comic book day

Thunder Bay comic shop owners are calling Saturday's "Free Comic Book Day" a success. The industry promotion happens every May. Anyone can walk in a participating store and pick up free comics.

Hill City Comics owner Rob Quinn says he had hundreds of people come through the store throughout the day. He hopes the promotion gets kids interested in the medium. Hill City also raised around $400 for
Harbour Youth Services during the event by allowing customers to make a donation for extra comics. It was a busy day for Comix Plus owner Gary Gummeson as well. He says comic books have much to offer in terms of storytelling and are a great way to get kids interested in reading. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event.

Early morning vehicle fire

Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue responded to an abandoned vehicle fire near South Court Street early this morning. The fire was quickly extinguished. There were no injuries; firefighters are unsure of what caused the blaze.

Friday drug bust

Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit says they siezed nearly $28,000 worth of cocaine and just over $6,000 in cash from a Lawrence Avenue residence. A man is facing charges in connection.

LeBlanc seeks P-C nod

The north side Tories may be looking for some star power for this October's provincial election.  Anthony LeBlanc is looking to become the Progressive Conservative candidate in the provincial riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North.   The former Research in Motion executive is the only person to file his nomination papers with the party

Law school inches toward reality

The provincial government's approval is the only thing standing in the way of a new law school at Lakehead University.   A major hurdle was cleared after the Law Society of Upper Canada voted to approve the academic program for a proposed Faculty of Law.

Mining Centre of Excellence possible for the city

Talks are quietly taking place in the city to set up a so called Mining Centre of Excellence. City Manager Tim Commisso says the centre would be a home for mining companies, related businesses and possibly even training.  He calls it a natural development for Thunder Bay given what's been happening in the mining industry.  Commisso says discussions on the concept are in the early stages with the Economic Development Corporation and an interested business partner

Multi Plex site locations to be reviewed

City Councillors will discuss the best location for a proposed Multi-Plex at tonight's meeting.  One of the sites is near the Downtown bus terminal.  Others include property near the Airport, a site near the Canada Games Complex, the Innova Business Park area, the former Pool 6 site, and the current Fort William Gardens Site.

BMX group to speak to council

Thunder Bay's BMX club wants Council to help them build a five acre BMX park.  They're speaking to councillors tonight asking that administration embark on a feasibility study.  The current BMX park does not meet the club's needs.

The LHIN finds new chair

The North West Local Health Integration Network has found a new Chair of the Board of Directors. Joy Warkentin is taking over the position from Janice Beazley whose term expires later this year. Anne Krassilowsky has been appointed the new Vice Chair of the board.

Health Sciences Centre gets provincial funding

ER wait times are being attacked at the Thunder Bay Health Science Centre.  The Provincial government is providing over 2.2 million dollars for 11 short stay beds and another just over 100 thousand to help shorten wait times in the ER.  The province also announced an additional 800 thousand dollars for the Northwest Community Care Access Centre.

Police handing out tickets at Waste and Recycling facility

Free Entry week at the Thunder Bay Waste and Recycling centre is keeping city police busy.  Officers have handed out over 100 tickets for a number of violations.  35 people have been given 160 dollar tickets for hauling unsecured loads. 

Habitat wraps up raffle

There won't be much of a profit but Habitat for Humanity in Thunder Bay will be making some money off its raffle.  CEO Diane Mitchell says the situation has improved dramatically.  A month ago it looked like Habitat was going to lose thousands on the raffle but has since hit the break even mark.  Tickets are available at the Habitat Restore until tomorrow afternoon. 

Health unit urges caution with found needles

Spring cleaning is on the mind of many Thunder Bay residents, but not everything can be simply thrown out. The Thunder Bay Health Unit is urging residents to take extra precaution if you find discarded or used needles. Always use tools when picking up used needles and store them properly in the yellow disposal units found in various locations in the city.

MNR hears residents concerns

The Ministry of Natural Resources is asking for public comment on their draft Lakehead forest management plan.  Spokesperson Leona Tarini says they've heard area residents concerns about cutting around their cottages and the impacts on the surrounding lakes and fish.  The plan will manage the forest for five years starting in 2014.

Teachers to eye kids at risk

A suicide prevention group in the city is getting 140 thousand provincial dollars to teach teachers. The program will see school teachers get information on how to spot potential suicide victims among the students they see daily. The program is run through the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

Drug bust nets kilo of cocaine

Police are boasting about yet another drug bust.  This one netting police a kilo of cocaine with a street value of over 100 thousand dollars. They say the coke was destined for the city.  A 42 year old man from British Columbia was arrested at the Terry Fox Lookout on Highway 11-17

Local bar to face strict conditions

The owner of Dragon's Den Sports Bar is again being allowed to serve liquor. Lisa Murray of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission says a 40 day licence suspension will be lifted May 13th.  Murray says the owner will have some strict conditions to follow in order to avoid another suspension.

More heat on Liberals over Bill 151

The PC's Northern Development Critic says the McGuinty Liberals have blown through discussion on the Forest Tenure Reform bill. Randy Hillier believes the forestry industry in the province is about to take the shape of current Local Health Integration Networks.  That is, the minister would be able to back off on making wood supply decisions by using political interference as the excuse .   Hillier is also condemning the government for voting down some amendments to the legislation

May Street Mac's Mart robbed again

The May street Mac's store has been robbed again. Thunder Bay Police say the suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and lottery tickets. The suspect is believed to be 30 to 40 years old, six feet tall, and wearing a red hoodie, sunglasses and red gloves.

Folino's robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking into a robbery at Folino's Superette on South Algoma Street.  A man armed with a knife made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.  The suspect is described as a 20 to 30 year old Native Canadian, with a scar on his cheek and nose.

Firefighters train in Thunder Bay

Firefighters from across the province were in Thunder Bay this past week to train for the upcoming forest fire season.  Training Specialist Brad Diehl says they were lucky enough to teach Crew leaders in the field.  50 crew leaders took part in the 10 day training course that wraps up on Friday.

Wilson talks Bill 151 amendments

The Chamber of Commerce is cautiously optimistic about amendments being made to the Forest Tenure Reform legislation.  President Harold Wilson says there were a number of amendments that would have eased their concerns but the government voted them down.  The bill still needs to receive third reading in the Ontario legislature.

Atikokan Mayor presses Province

The provincial government is being pressed by the town of Atikokan to provide the new owners of the Atikokan Forest Products Mill with a wood supply.  Eacom Timber of Montreal has an offer to buy the idled Sapawe mill, but first wants a secure wood supply.  Mayor Dennis Brown says reopening the mill would bring back lost jobs.  A hearing on the matter is schedule for next week.

Shrine Circus is coming

The Lakehead Shrine Circus is hoping to raise around 20 thousand dollars with it's 56th circus show.  President Craig Wolverton says money raised in Thunder Bay helps local families.  10 year old Thunder Bay resident Bryce Foster will be taking part in next weekend's circus performance.  The Shrine Circus is May 13th and 14th at the Fort William Gardens.

Cops for Cancer is this weekend

Several Thunder Bay Police officers will be sporting new 'hair-less do's' after Saturday's Cops for Cancer event.  Spokesperson Maria Cabral says they'll welcome walk ins at the Intercity Mall for a donation of 25 dollars.  The Giant's Ed Lavoie will be shaving his head in support of his brother in law and Rob Brown. The local Cops for Cancer event has raised over 450-thousand dollars over the years.

Rafferty gets back to work

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is anxious to get back to Ottawa.  The NDP member plans to focus attention on the Northern Ontario economy in the House of Commons.  Rafferty is also planning to reintroduce bills on protection pensions and severance that died with the election call. He's hoping to play a role in the NDP's shadow cabinet.

Fort Frances Military Find

A chance discovery at a Fort Frances laundry mat is helping an Edmonton woman learn more about her father. A box of items belonging to World War II vet Donald Keith Nelson was discovered in a previously unexplored basement area of Suds and Tubs. Owner Sherry Loveday says she was happy to find his daughter living in Edmonton. Loveday says some discussions locally helped locate the daughter.

Accident claims life on Highway 11/17

One person is dead following a traffic accident on highway 11/17 just east of highway 527 Wednesday afternoon. OPP Constable Diana Cole says it was a collision between a pick-up truck and a dump truck. She says when they collided both trucks burst into flames. The driver of the pick up was pronounced dead at the scene, the driver of the dump truck was taken to hospital, but was not seriously injured. Police are hoping any witnesses to the crash come forward.

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Search turns up no results

Thunder Bay Police have yet to find any traces of missing teen Jordan Wabasse.  An extensive search of the Kaministiquia River banks in the area of the James Street Bridge provided no clues.  The R.C.M.P. also used their boats to search the water around the shoreline.

The Alpaca's are ok

The Alpaca's are OK.  Thunder Bay OPP responded yesterday to a two vehicle collision on Highway 11/17 and the Harbour Expressway.  A vehicle was parked on the northbound side of the highway, when it pulled out and collided with a Dodge truck pulling a livestock trailer loaded with 10 Alpaca's.  Everyone involved is safe and injury free.

Roberto wants more bike friendly city

City Councillor Aldo Roberto wants to create a more bike friendly Thunder Bay.  Roberto plans on introducing a motion he says could be controversial.  He would like to close two lanes of traffic on a main road for bike traffic.  It would be a trial for the summer months and still needs to come to council for approval.  Roberto also wants to close one lane of car traffic around Boulevard Lake for the summer.

Multi-Plex locations to be discussed

City Council is considering six locations for a proposed multi-million dollar multi-plex on Monday night. Councillor Iain Angus expects a lengthy discussion about the suggested site locations.  Some of the proposed sites the city owns and others would require the city to purchase additional property.  Monday night's report is part of the feasibility study and doesn't mean the City is going ahead with a Multi-plex.

Highway construction closes Trowbridge

One of Thunder Bay's more popular campgrounds will not be open for the summer. Because of the highway construction work taking place on the Thunder Bay Expressway,  Trowbridge Falls will be closed for the entire camping season.

Aboriginal housing issues addressed

More roofs are needed for homeless aboriginals in Thunder Bay. A variety of aboriginal groups met in the City to discuss housing strategies. Strategy planner Francis Wesley says this is an urgent issue because there are many aboriginals living in poverty in Thunder Bay. The forum held at the Prince Arthur Hotel helped shed some light on the subject. Wesley says they will be working closely with the Federal Government to provide more housing.

Residents weigh in on Whalen

After word that it will cost the city millions of dollars to refurbish the Whalen building, we gve residents a chance to give their two cents on whether the historic building should be saved or scrapped.

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Single vehicle accident in Sunshine

A 59 year old Kaministiqua man is being treated at the Thunder Bay hospital after a single vehicle accident in Sunshine.  Police say he was driving west bound and crossed into the east bound lane.  The investigation is continuing.

OPP lay mischief charge

Lying has led to a 43 year old Sioux Lookout man being charged with public mischief.  Two witnesses came forward to Greenstone OPP saying they picked up a hitch hiker who told them he was robbed at gun point by four white men in a red truck.  OPP investigated and found that none of the man's story was true.

No injuries in Westfort fire

No one was hurt after a house fire on the south side.  Fire crews responded to the fire on Home Avenue just after 10 last night and found smoke and flames coming out of the back of the house.  Officials say it took about 2 hours to get the blaze under control and heavy damage was done to the home. 

Mills may have new buyer

There's been a potential buyer found for two former Buchanan owned sawmills in Northwestern Ontario. Eacom Timber Corporation of Montreal says it's entered into a purchase agreement with the receiver for both the Sapawe Mill and Northern Sawmills in Thunder Bay. The purchases are subject to a number of conditions, including securing necessary approval from third parties and the courts.

Majority might end gun registry

The Vice President of the Ontario Anglers and Hunters sees a Majority Conservative Government as a good thing for the long gun registry. Thunder Bay's Glenn Rivard says the PM has promised them he'll scrap it. Rivard notes the Harper Government has also promised to form a National Advisory Panel on Fish and Wildlife Management.

Province provides money for abuse victims

The Provincial Government is giving 50 thousand dollars to the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. The money is going towards an awareness campaign to new Canadians who may be at risk of domestic abuse. Support workers will receive culturally sensitive training.

Final ground search for Wabasse to begin tomorrow

Thunder Bay Police will be doing another ground search for Jordan Wabasse Wednesday. Spokesperson Chris Adams says they'll be walking along the Kam river shore line and won't leave a stone un-turned. The 15 year old Webequie First Nation boy has been missing since February 7th.

Hansen set for December visit

The Man in Motion Relay starts in August and Rick Hansen is out promoting the 25th Anniversary Relay.  The relay will involve some 7-thousand Canadians and will re-create the Canadian-portion of his original tour.  Hansen says he would like to be part of the festivities in Northwestern Ontario.  The Relay will stop in Thunder Bay on December 22nd and will resume in the City on January 10th.  Hansen says two places will always hold a special place in his heart; China and Thunder Bay.

2011 Census in the mail

Local residents should begin receiving their census forms this week. Statistics Canada has begun the census process and has enumerators going door to door across the Northwest. Gary Dillion is the Regional Co-ordinator for Stats Can and says its important for all households to fill out the census form. While every household is required to fill out the 10 question mandatory short form census, only 1 in 3 households will be given a long form survey.

Kasabonika gun seizure

The Northwest Regional Guns and Gangs Unit has charged a 45-year-old man in Kasabonika Lake First Nation.   Police executed a search warrant last Friday and seized 10-firearms and 4-prohibited devices.  Officers found semi-automatic rifles, shotguns and 4 high-capacity rifle magazines.  Police say John Winter faces 3-charges including weapons trafficking and careless storage.  Winter will appear in court on June 16th.

Beardy reacts to federal election results

The Grand Chief of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Stan Beardy is congratulating the Conservative and NDP parties for their successes in the federal election. However Beardy is concerned that NAN issues may get lost in the shuffle. Beardy said when he looked at the Conservative party platform it had very little mention of NAN issues. The Chief hopes that between the Conservative and NDP parties that some of those issues will be addressed.

Thunder Bay residents have their say

Following the federal election, Thunder Bay residents had some mixed reactions. 

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Increase in voter turn out

Around 37-thousand residents exercised their right to vote in the Thunder Bay Superior North Riding.  Returning Officer Bill Everitt says it's an increase in voter turnout.  The official numbers for the Thunder Bay Rainy River riding have yet to be released.

Green candidate lauds May victory

A local Green Party candidate in yesterday's election is elated his leader has won a seat in parliament. Ed Shields says the victory of Elizabeth May should do wonders for the party.   He believes the news media will pay attention to the party.   Shields agrees May's election is a watershed for the party in Canada