Constable facing charges

A Nishnawbe-Aski Police officer is facing charges after an incident in Muskrat Dam First Nation.  Police say the charges against 49 year old Constable James Remus were laid after they investigated a report of a man being assaulted at the detachment.

BIA pushes for downtown Multi-Plex

There's no doubt in Suzan Cooper Rochon's mind where the proposed Multi-Plex should go. The head of the Waterfront District BIA says the bus terminal location on Water Street is the best for the economy of the city.  Cooper Rochon says it also fits in with the north's designation as the entertainment district.

Tenants keep Alma's memory alive

There is now a permanent memorial to Alma Teravainen who was murdered in July of 2005.   Residents of Andras Court on Cumberland Street have put a plaque with her name on it on the outside of the building where she was stabbed to death operating her convenience store.   Meantime police are no closer to finding her killer today than they were almost 6 years ago

Multi Plex location debate is premature

The growing debate over the location of a proposed multi-plex is a bit premature, according to one councilor.  Iain Angus says we're still far away from choosing a location.  Angus says more consultation is needed so the community can learn all the pros and cons of all the sites before any decision is made. Angus says the public needs to understand that this isn't going to be just an arena but also an event and conference centre.

Water Walk raises pollution awareness

A bucket of water, taken from Hudson Bay, is making its way to join buckets from four other bodies  which will be dumped into Lake Superior.  The Mother Earth Water Walk is being held to create awareness about water pollution.  It reached Fort Frances this week.

Police undercover alleged child sex stash in Fort Frances

A Fort Francis man is facing some serious sexual offences involving children. OPP say the 41 year old was arrested after a search of his home turned up alleged images of child sexual abuse on computers and video devices. They say he's also accused trying to obtain sexual services from someone under 18

Community Foundation hands out bursaries

Thunder Bay's Community Foundation is doling out almost 7-thousand dollars in post secondary bursaries.  12 students will be sharing the cash.

Friday is graduation day at Con College

Over 14-hundred Confederation College students from across the Northwest will be graduating today.  Ceremonies get underway at 9 Friday and again at 2.  The afternoon will be filled with honorary diplomas and the announcement of the Governor General's award.

Shuniah Street residents don't want a bike lane

A petition with almost 200 signatures is going to be presented to Thunder Bay City Council on Monday.  Shuniah Street residents don't want a bike lane placed on their roadway because parking will be impacted.  Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper disagrees saying they've studied the street and noted the parking wasn't always utilized.  He adds the side streets also provide ample parking spaces.

E-bike rights to be discussed Monday

Electric bike owners could soon be cruising the city's bike lanes. Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper says they think it makes sense to share the lanes with e-bikes since they're too fast for sidewalks, but too slow for regular traffic. Council will make a decision on the e-bikes at Monday's meeting.

Youth Group speaking at council

Municipal lawmakers will soon hear about how they can help keep youth in the City.  The group will be speaking at Monday's meeting and Chair Colleen Peters says council needs to take action.  Peters says youth are leaving the city because there isn't much to do outside of work hours.  The Youth Group is looking for a councillor to sit on their board.

Hampton talks Ring of Fire

The appointment of Former Energy Minister George Smitherman is not sitting well with NDP Critic Howard Hampton. Smitherman will try to persuade a U-S company to locate a Ring of Fire ore processor in northwestern Ontario. The Municipality of Greenstone has hired Smitherman to convince Cliffs Natural Resources to build a chromite processor on the outskirts of Nakina and Aroland First Nation. However, New Democrat Howard Hampton says Smitherman's record as energy minister may be his biggest hurdle. Hampton says it was during Smitherman's tenure that electricity rates went through the roof.

Census staff going door to door

Employees with Census Canada have started going door-to-door in Thunder Bay as part of this year's Census.  Those who have not completed the questionnaire, in paper form or on-line, can do so at the door.  All interviewers have an identification card that features their photo and census logo.

Huge pot bust in Oliver Paipoonge

Almost half a million dollars worth of pot is off the streets.  The Combined Forces Organized Crime Unit made the bust yesterday on Spence Street in Oliver Paipoonge and found 47 pounds of marijuana and 170 plants.  A 38 year old man was arrested and is facing several charges.

Horizon says Fort William First Nation Members were given false info

The CEO of Horizon Wind is saying the people of the Fort William First Nation have been misinformed about the proposed Big Thunder Wind Park.  Anthony Zwig released a statement following Monday's public meeting on the reservation and says many of the concerns that citizens have who spoke at the meeting need to be corrected.  Zwig says he hopes for a chance to give members proper information in the future.  Meanwhile, at least one Band Councilor thinks Horizon may deserve a chance to give its side of the story. Georjann Morriseau says if its what the band members want Horizon should come back because they need all the information to make an informed decision. Morriseau says what the company thinks is consulting isn't the same as what band members think.

Ontario Legislature ends day early

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton says he's surprised, but not shocked that the Liberal government cut short the current sitting of the Ontario legislature.  Today was supposed to be the final day of debate at Queen's Park, but Hampton suggests Premier Dalton McGuinty wanted to cut his losses.  Hampton says with the legislature officially adjourned, the provincial election campaign will hit high gear.

People want a Multi-Plex

Most of the people who attended an open house on the proposed Multi-Plex seem to be in favour of building a new facility.  Over 50 people were in attendance at the beginning of the evening.  Debbie Schmanka says the City needs to keep parking in mind when selecting a location.  People seem to be divided on where the facility should be located.  Greg Dubois favours the Innova Business Park.  Another gentleman has his heart set on the Pool six site.   A second open house is being held Thursday at the Italian Cultural Centre.

RegenMed takes the next step

The city's Centre for Regenerative Medicine is in the big leagues now that it has a deal with the Regional Hospital to collect donated human tissue.   RegenMed CEO Bob Thayer says the process is now in place.   He says their recovery teams come into the hospital and recover what they can from a dead donor. Thayer says since the agreement has been signed there has already been one donor.

Port Stats for May

Thunder Bay's Port Authority is seeing a decline in cargo shipments.  The port saw 766-thousand tonnes pass through in May of 2011,with slightly more coming through the year before.  Coal continued to be an area of decline, with grain shipments being the one area that saw an increase.

LU grads get work

Lakehead University's employment rate for the graduating class of 2007 is higher than the provincial average.  The results are from the Ontario University Graduate Survey.  Two years after graduating, 96 percent of LU grads found jobs.  Six months after graduating, 94.8 percent of the grads found work.

Grassy Narrows blockade

For the second year in a row, Grassy Narrows residents have defied a cease and desist order from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Work is currently being done to repair the Segisse Bridge out of the community, but the MNR threatened to shut down the work because the band did not have a proper work order. Instead the women of Grassy, who have been involved in a blockade in the community for the past eight years, blocked the passage of MNR enforcement officers. Grassy says the road is used as an alternate route out of the community during forest fires and floods. The MNR had threatened a 10 thousand dollar fine if the work was not stopped, but community spokesperson Judy De Silva says repairs continued behind the blockade.

Full Day Kindergarten 2013

Full day kindergarten is coming to 6 more local public schools by the 2013-14 school year. Spokesperson Bruce Nugent says the schools are: Crestview, Ecole Gron Morgan, Edgewater, Kakabeka Falls, Nor'Wester View and Valley Central Schools. For the Thunder Bay and District Catholic Board the schools that were in the latest government announcement are: Our Lady of Charity,  St. Anne, St. Bernard, St. Jude, St. Paul, Holy Cross and St. Margaret

Con College recruiting students

Confederation College is looking to entice more students from northwestern Ontario to consider enrolling in its Trades and Aviation programs.  Recruitment intern Pam Lamba says jobs in those fields are now high in demand.The College is visiting regional high schools over the next two weeks.

Mantis wants to run in Provincial election

An advocate for injured workers is throwing his hat into the provincial election ring.  Steve Mantis has decided to run for the NDP in Thunder Bay Superior North.  Mantis feels employment will be a big provincial election issue.  A date for a nomination meeting has yet to be scheduled.

MNR waterbombers fight bark pile fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue crews continue to work on the Bark Pile blaze at AbitibiBowater.  Officials say the fire which started yesterday evening is now under control.  Two pumper trucks are on scene and are spreading out the remaining bark and spraying with water to prevent flare ups.   The Fire department was called to the blaze around 6 o'clock Tuesday night. The wind blew the thick smoke over much of Westfort. Waterbombers from the Ministry of Natural Resources were used to help douse the blaze

Community steps up for the kids

Thunder Bay's giant heart is coming through with help following the weekend break in at the Boy's and Girl's club. Executive Director Albert Aiello says even some businesses have come through to replace some of the items stolen.   That included TBayTel and the Power Centre who donated a 52 inch flat screen TV.  As well,  Aiello says on Wednesday morning, someone dropped off two brand new 32 inch flat screen TVs

New Shopper's Drug Mart on the way

The building at the corner of Junot Avenue and Red River Road is being demolished to make way for a 19 thousand square foot Shoppers Drug Mart. Also included will be a medical clinic and other retail space.  Expect the store to open in early January.

True North's Chipman makes Thunder Bay inquiries

Don't rule out Thunder Bay as being a possible future home of an AHL Franchise.   City Manager Tim Commisso says he spoke to  Manitoba Moose owner and True North's Mark Chipman about three weeks ago and  Chipman appeared very interested in Thunder Bay.  He says that Chipman's group sees "synergies" with Thunder Bay, especially it's proximity to Winnipeg.  However, Commisso couldn't guarantee Chipman when, or even if, a new Multi-Plex arena would be built here.

Influential Women honoured

Thunder Bay's Marija Harp is one of three local women who are award winners for being influential women in the north.  Other award winners were Levina Collins of Nipigon and Lakehead University's Nancy Luckai.

MNR sends more people to Alberta

The Ministry of Natural Resources is sending more personnel to the forest fire fight in Alberta. Another 102-fire staff are expected to leave Wednesday; replacing some of those who have been in the western province for the past two weeks. 85 of the 190 Ontario personnel now in Alberta are expected to return later this week.

One year of smoke free play areas

It's been one year of smoke free parks and beaches in Thunder Bay.  Northwest Tobacco Control Spokesperson Dan DePeuter says so far no charges have been laid.  The by-law prohibits smoking within 10 metres of any playground equipment or beach areas.

Thunder Pride flag flies over City Hall

The rainbow flag is flying high over Thunder Bay's City Hall.  The flag raising ceremony kicked off a week of gay and alternative lifestyle events in the city.  Spokesperson Tom Boland says the week long event will help raise awareness with the region's youth. Boland says it's a celebration of diversity.

Gadhafi's running out of time

Moammar Gadhafi's rope continues to fray, that's the opinion of Lakehead University Political Science expert Laure Paquette.  She says Gadhafi has asked for a truce to stop NATO Bombing but rebels have already rejected it because it would take away their biggest advantage.  Paquette says it's taking longer than anyone expected but it does appear that the end is near for Gadhafi.

Black liquor to go green

Black liquor could soon become green thanks to a 180 thousand dollar grant from the provincial government. The money is coming through Thunder Bay's Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio Economy.  CRIBE is giving the money to Thesis Chemistry of Cambridge.  It's so the company can produce environmentally friendly versions of the gooey solution which is the by-product of the paper producing process.

Council signs onto economic development project

The City will be using 200-thousand dollars in provincial funds to carry out a regional economic development project.  The pilot project was part of the Province's 2010 budget and two brain storming sessions will be held in Thunder Bay on June 13th and 14th.  Council signed onto the project at Monday night's meeting.

Multi-Plex process rolls along

City Councillors are weighing their options for funding a proposed Multi-Plex.  Council was given its funding options at Monday night's meeting which include public funding, private and public funding and strictly private funding.  Administration is recommending the City apply for Federal Government funding under the P3 Canada federal grant program.  The public will have their say at a series of public meetings later this week.

Public encouraged to comment on strat plan

The public has until June 10th to comment on the city's strategic plan. A final draft of the plan was presented to council Monday night. The public can receive copies of the strategic plan at City Hall, Thunder Bay public libraries or on the City's website.

Waterfront and Condos discussed

The group developing the condominiums on the waterfront will be ready to start selling them in October.  The developers made a presentation to City Council Monday night.  Joe Bova says they've had over 80 people show an interest in buying one of the units in the two condos.  Construction could begin in January.  Although the name of the hotel chain has yet to be announced, the developers are looking for a height extension of about four feet.  The hotel would be 26.3 metres high.  Bova says they should be able to announce the name of the hotelier by September.

Council talks waterfront parking

The Prince Arthur Landing is going to require over 900 parking spaces once the waterfront work is complete.  Councillor Andrew Foulds wanted to know if 900 spaces would be able to accommodate any future growth on the waterfront.  Consultant Alun Lloyd says he's confident there will be enough spaces for any future development, noting the Pearl Street parking lot could be expanded.  Council received a first report on parking along the waterfront at Monday night's meeting.

Beardy slams OPP commendations

The head of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation says a decision to reward some OPP officers last week sends a wrong message to First Nations.  One award was for exemplary performance in the Pikangikum First Nation dispute last year and the other, a bravery award for the officer who shot a First Nations woman in Kenora.  Grand Chief Stan Beardy calls the commendations glorified and unnecessary.

Cash or credit card only please

The Red Cross is encouraging financial donations only in response to the flooding in Quebec and Manitoba along with the wildfires in Alberta.   The organization says response teams are working with authorities to provide emergency help including food and shelter,  and it's only through financial donations that the work is possible.

Wind farm debate hits FWFN

The proposed Horizon Wind Farm project comes up for discussion on the Fort William First Nation Monday evening. Community member Wyatt Bannon says the open house on the project is not enough for him and for others.   He says two hours of listening to concerns can hardly be considered consulting with the public. Bannon says he'd like to see the June 6th deadline for voicing concerns extended

Thunder Bay police investigating sexual assault

An alleged sexual assault has city police looking for more potential victims. Staff Sergeant Don Lewis says a 46 year old man who runs a modelling business is charged with assaulting a 23 year old woman.  Lewis says they hope any other potential victims who may have modeled with him come forward. Charged is Luc Paul Despres of Thunder Bay.

Boys and Girls club hurt by crime

Police are looking through surveillance video to find the culprits who broke into the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls club on the weekend. Executive Director Albert Aiello hopes it wasn't done by teens who use the facility.  He says the club feels hurt and  saddened by the crime which saw two flat screen TVs and two gaming systems stolen.  Aiello doesn't know how they can replace the stolen and damaged items

CMHC forecast looks good for Thunder Bay

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is forecasting a strong year for Thunder Bay.  Analyst Warren Philp says we should see a 22 percent increase in total starts this year due mainly to an increase in multi family dwellings.  Philp says there has been a demand for condos in Thunder Bay for the past couple decades that hasn't been met yet.  Philp says the resale market should stay strong as well. 

Local video stores not on the selling block

The Blockbuster video stores in Thunder Bay are not being sold.    They are not on the list of 146 Blockbuster locations  in Canada that are being closed.   It was released by the receiver Grant Thornton.  The targeted stores will be sold to make the video rental chain more attractive on the market.

Good deed saves citizen

City police would like to thank the citizen that performed a good deed. A 65 year old man suffered a heart attack while traveling eastbound on Francis street then collided with two parked cars. A citizen who witnessed the accident performed CPR on the man before paramedics arrived on the scene. The man is now in Thunder Bay hospital and is currently in ICU. There were no other injuries.

Break in at boys and girls club

Police are reviewing video footage from a break in that occurred this morning around 5 AM at the Boys and Girls Club on 270 Windsor st. Two males in their teens broke into an insecure door on the west side of the building and stole 2 big screen televisions, an Xbox 360 and Ninento Wii game consoles. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Animal bite prevention week

The Thunder Bay Health Unit wants to make sure you are safe around animals. Spokesperson Darlene Binette says many people are bitten each year, and some are not reported. Animal Bite prevention week runs from May 28th to June 3rd, and aims to give people ways to be safe with animals.

North Shore Communities get cash

North Shore communities are benefiting from 686-thousand dollars in provincial funding.  The money is going to Nipigon, Red Rock, Schreiber, and Rossport's aging water treatment systems.   Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle made the announcement on Friday.

Kashechewan illegal booze

A shipment of illegal booze didn't make it to someone in the remote community of Kashechewan First Nation.  Nishnawabe-Aski Police assisted Band Council to seize nearly 13-thousand dollars worth of alcohol at the Kashechewan Airport.  Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Crimestoppers or Nishnawbe-Aski Police.  Kashechewan is a dry community.