Tai Chi Park Grand Opening Friday

Thunder Bay is working on cementing it's reputation as the Tai Chi City in China.  The Tai Chi park and moon gate will be unveiled this Friday and Organizer Brian Nieminen says they'll welcome a wide range of delegates.  The park includes a 60' diameter pad for Tai Chi and a large Moongate that frames a view of the Sleeping Giant.

Advance Polls start Wednesday

You can now cast your ballot for the 2011 Provincial election.  Thunder Bay Superior North Returning Officer Peter Doig says advance poll locations open at 10 today.  If you live in the Superior North riding you can vote at the returning office or at the County Fair Mall.  In the Thunder Bay-Atikokan Riding you can vote at the Slovak Legion, and at the Redwood Returning Office.  Advance polls are running for 10 days.

Greenstone makes it's case for a smelter

The community of Greenstone feels it now has a leg up in attracting a Ring of Fire refinery. Consultant George Smitherman says his study shows that the town of Exton should be the top choice for Cliffs Natural Resources when it makes a decision on a smelter location. He says at the heart of the Exton's strength is its proximity to the mine site and its relations with First Nations. Cliffs hopes to make a decision by the end of the year.

Police lead the province in alcohol related arrests

Thunder Bay Police are leading the province in a very dubious category.  According to the 2010 annual report officers made more alcohol related arrests per capita than anywhere else in Ontario.  Chief JP Levesque says it's a social problem and is keeping officers from focusing on crime prevention and enforcement.   He says adding more detox beds would go a long way to relieve some of the pressure on police.

Feedback invited on urban forestry

The city is looking for your input on a new management plan for our urban forest.   A pubic session is taking place tonight at Thunder Bay's 55 Plus Centre.  The public meeting takes place between 7 and 9 pm.  That feedback will be used by a consulting group when it draws up a final report to council next month.

Bell Tower decision put off until another meeting

Bell Canada has yet to set a date for another public consultation session on a proposed cell phone tower on John Street Road. The company is also considering lowering it's proposed tower on John Street. Spokesperson Matt Milligan says it's not an ideal situation but they're listening to the neighbourhood's issue with their tower's height. Milligan notes it will mean less coverage for the residents in the area. City Council is holding off on sending a letter to Industry Canada until Bell holds a second neighbourhood meeting.

Walsh Street Sidewalk is a go

A sidewalk planned for Walsh Street will go forward.  Some councillors wanted to cancel the sidewalk contract because they were concerned about trees in the area.  The sidewalk project will go ahead because Council's vote was a tie.

Mechanic amendment takes 3 hours

It took three hours for City Council to approve a zoning change so a Kline Road Mechanic could operate a business out of his home.  Neighbours for and against the project squared off throughout Monday night's meeting, and Mayor Keith Hobbs had the final word before the vote saying he's not going to vote against a person's livelihood.  Leon Giardino will be allowed to operate a mechanic shop on his property as long as he doesn't store the vehicles outside of his shop.

Kline road mechanic shop squabble

Many neighbours aired their support for a home business mechanic on the Kline Road. Leon Giardino is asking City Council for an amendment so he can operate a small mechanic shop on his property.  Some residents are against the mechanic shop saying it would bring an increase in traffic and noise. One resident described allowing the operation as opening Pandora's box.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga took a shot at the deputants against the mechanic shop, saying one of them supported a similar operation last year.

Grow-op registry get nod from all parties

A Progressive Conservative call for a registry on houses used for grow-ops or meth labs is getting a nod of approval from the other parties.  Thunder Bay Superior North Candidate Anthony Leblanc says its a good way to protect home buyers.  Liberal incumbent Michael Gravelle says the plan would enhance current legislation aimed at eliminating grow-ops and meth labs and NDP Candidate Steve Mantis say it could be expanded to include all existing problems with the home.

Camp destroyed after fire

An East Loon Lake camp is completely destroyed after a fire over the weekend.  Shuniah Fire Chief Blair Arthur says the investigation continues. The owner escaped through a window after his dog woke him up.

Union Gas decreases rates

Finally some good news for cash-strapped homeowners in Northwestern Ontario.  Union Gas says the cost of natural gas will be decreasing slightly during the colder months.  Vanda Wall of the Ontario Energy Board says the rate change comes into effect October 1st.

Watkins gets jury wish

A Thunder Bay Lawyer is getting his wish from a Superior Court Judge. Justice John McCartney has accepted Chris Watkins request to look into the make up of the jury for his latest trial. Watkins says this decision will have major implications depending on how the jury trial pans out.   Watkins says he feels current juries fail to properly represent the area's First Nations demographics.

Community Living workers could strike

Workers from Community Living Thunder Bay are in support of strike action.  The workers represented by OPSEU voted 96 percent in favour of a strike.  Bargaining resumes this week.  The strike deadline is this Saturday at one minute after midnight.

Thunder Bay Police looking for Mac's Mart Robber

Thunder Bay Police are looking to the public in hopes of identifying a robber over the weekend.  Police officials say two Mac's Marts on the North side of town were robbed Saturday morning and the description of the suspect is similar.  Police say they aren't ruling out the possibility of a single suspect.

Red Cross set to open up a Northern First Nation Office

A Northern First Nation will soon be home to a satellite Red Cross office.  The office is being funded in part by the Paterson Foundation and will help provide first aid, injury prevention and other services to First Nations Communities in the North.  Red Cross Manager of First Nations Projects Melanie Goodchild-Southwind says a specific community has not been chosen yet but the process will soon start.  The Paterson Foundation is providing 200 thousand dollars over the next two years to finance the project.

Diabetes Association informing patients about Weight Loss Surgery

The Thunder Bay Diabetes Association is hosting an information session about weight loss surgery for patients with Type 2 Diabetes.  Spokesperson Richard Boon says the session will explain which patients this procedure is designed for.  He says it's for morbidly obese patients who's weight is putting their life in danger.  Boon says the session will take place next Wednesday at the Slovak Legion.

Madder "ecstatic" at tentative deal

One of the happiest people in the city today is the President of Confederation College. Jim Madder says he's pleased to see an end to the strike by the Province's college support staff after a tentative agreement was reached. He's is looking forward to getting back into the routine.   Madder thinks it'll take till the end of the week and adds that the fitness centre and day care centre are the priorities.

More Mac's stores robbed

City police are still on the alert for who may have been responsible for two Mac's store robberies on the North side. Both took place early Saturday morning  and both were at knifepoint. 

Housing market staying strong

It's a hot housing market in Thunder Bay and according to the Real Estate Board, it isn't going to slow down anytime soon. President Diane Erickson says the average house price in Thunder Bay is up to just over 167 thousand dollars. The average house price in Canada is just under 350 thousand dollars.

Bell talks towers at council

Bell is coming to talk to City Council about its proposed cell phone towers. Council put off making a decision last month about a proposed tower in the area of John Street Road. Area residents are against the height of the tower.

Hot line targets bed shortages

The Ontario Council of Hospital Unions has launched a new hot line aimed at bed shortages in local hospitals. Judy Bain is a local union representative and says too often elderly patients are forced to wait in the hospital while they wait for a long term care bed to open up. Bain says the occupancy rate is more than 97 percent in the local hospital, and that puts stress on the entire health care system.

Long gun registry top priority

The Federal Long-Gun Registry is one of the Harper Government's top priorities for today's start of the new session of Parliament. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he hopes to have a bill to dismantle the Registry in place sooner rather then later. Rickford notes it all depends on what games the opposition play, noting its an issue that continues to divide the NDP.

Miles with the Giant gets going

The second annual Miles with the Giant Marathon is underway. Hundreds of participants are running either the half or full marathon this morning. One of the runners is motivational speaker Dick Beardsly who sees a great future for the local event. Beardsly says the secret is to make improvements every year.

National Panel meets in Rat Portage

Students living in remote First Nation communities need to be better prepared for High School. That was one of several concerns raised to the National Panel on Aboriginal Education in Rat Portage First Nation. The 3-member panel will visit 6 other locations in Canada and will submit a final list of recommendations to National Chief Shawn Alteo and Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Terry Fox run

The Terry Fox Run for Cancer research is Sunday in communities across Northwestern Ontario. Spokesperson Sarah Lancaster says the 31st Annual Run is in memory of Terry's mother Betty, who she says was a primary figure in the beginning of the foundation. Thunder Bay's walk will take place at Boulevard Lake from 2 to 4.

T.Bay humane society receives donation

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is five thousand dollars richer thanks to a donation from Pedigree. The cash is part of the the company's fourth annual Pedigree Adoption Drive campaign, and has teamed up with the local animal shelter to help shelter dogs find loving homes.

NWO represented in provincial election

There's a Northwestern flavour to the Provincial election outside of the region. Dorothy Marie Eisen, a member of Wabigoon First Nation, is carrying the NDP banner in Oxford. Former Fort Frances resident Donna Cridland is running for the Green Party in the southern Ontario riding of Welland.

Fatal collision on hwy 11

Ontario Provincial Police are confirming a fatal motor vehicle collision. OPP say the collision occurred Friday night on Highway 11, between Rocky Bay and Beardmore. Only one lane of traffic is open as clean up is still on going. Details are limited at this time as OPP are still investigating the collision.

Innova now has True Grit

Thunder Bay's True Grit Consulting is on the move...to Innova Park. The company says it will be the first tenant of the industrial park which has been vacant ever since the city set aside the land for such a purpose. The company provides the professional services of various scientists, engineers and technicians.

Beardsley back to promote marathon

The second annual Miles with the Giant Marathon is set to go Sunday. Hundreds of participants are running either the half or full marathon.  One of the runners is motivational speaker Dick Beardsley who sees a great future for the local event.   He says it takes a while to get things rolling but he only sees it getting bigger and better every year. Beardsley says the secret is to make improvements every year.

Horwath visit skewered by Gravelle

Andrea Horwath's visit to the Bombardier plant in Thunder Bay is being slammed by Liberal Michael Gravelle who says she has nerve visiting the plant since she voted against legislation benefiting the facility. The NDP leader calls it a diversion from the real issues and once again challenged Premier McGuinty to take part in next week's leaders debate on northern issues.   While in Thunder Bay Horwath announced a new buy Ontario policy that would benefit Bombardier

Animkii Festival planned for October

The City of Thunder Bay is expanding it's Animkii Fall Feast from one day to four. Aboriginal Liason Officer Anna Gibbons says the festival will bring economic opportunities to the City. The pow wow, feast and other activities will take place at the CLE grounds October 13th to the 16th.

College and OPSEU go back to the table

OPSEU has modified its demands in an attempt to resume negotiations with Ontario's 24 community colleges.  Confederation College Picket Leader Enrico Pucci welcomes the bargaining process after being out on strike for 16 days.  A mediator has been appointed and talks could resume as early as Saturday.  Once talks resume OPSEU is asking for a media blackout.  


  

                    

Thunder Bay's Housing market continues to rise

Thunder Bay's housing market continues to hum along at a nice pace.  That's the opinion of the President of Thunder Bay's Real Estate Board.  Diane Erickson says our average house price is well behind the national number of 350 thousand dollars but rose to sit at just over 167 thousand dollars from January to August which is a 14 thousand dollar increase over the same period last year.  Erickson says our market is stable and steady and she expects it to continue to grow. 

3 car collision injures 2.

A three vehicle smash up this morning injured two people.  The collision happened just after 10 o'clock on Cumberland Street near Clavet.  The injuries are not known at this time but they are not believed to be serious. 

Counterfeit bills are being used in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay Police are telling the public to be on the lookout for fake american money.  Around a dozen fake 20's have surfaced in the city after they were used mainly at fastfood restaurants.  All the bills shared the same serial number.

Con College casting call

You thespians and want-to-be-actors out there have a chance to strut your stuff this weekend. The Confederation College film program is holding a casting call at the Intercity Mall. The auditions take place Saturday from 3 until 5 and Sunday noon until 3

Green's have a new candidate

The Green Party has found a new candidate for the upcoming provincial election.  Jon Milnes will run for the greens in Thunder Bay - Atikokan

NAN scoffs at Premier's offer

It's thumbs down by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to an offer from the Ontario government.   Premier Dalton McGuinty is offering meetings instead of a Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of seven NAN students in Thunder Bay.   Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says they expect nothing less from the Premier than to announce the inquiry.

Northern Debate a go!

The Northern Ontario Leaders Debate is a go!  NOMA Executive Director Charla Robinson says they'll be asking a variety of questions to the NDP and Progressive Conservatives.  The debate will take place next Friday at 11 at the Valhalla Inn.  It's only open to members of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, Economic Development Commissions, and Chambers of Commerce.

Pickle Lake wants you to picnic

How about 100-thousand dollars in cold hard cash to fix up a popular tourist destination?  Pickle Lake is hoping to grab that cash as it's one of 5-communities in the running for the Schneiders 'Picnic Anywhere' competition.  John White is leading the local bid and says the community now needs your vote.  You can vote by going to Facebook and search the 'Picnic Anywhere Project from Schneiers'.

Fundraiser for hospice

St. Joseph's Care group is embarking on a new fundraiser.  This one is trying to raise half a million dollars for its hospice.   The project is a personal effort for local real estate agent and fundraising co-chair Karin Sitko.  She has experience with the care provided at the hospice and wanted to give something back.

No injuries in mishap

There are no injuries to report after a two vehicle accident on Edward Street near the entrance to Confederation College.  Police say that despite the proximity to the College entrance the current support staff strike had nothing to do with the incident.

Frost warning overnight

It's a sign that fall can't be all that far away. Environment Canada has issued a frost warning for overnight. Our meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says it's almost a sure thing.  Laidlaw says there could be another frost tomorrow night but it shouldn't be as intense as tonight.

Steed steps down

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are without a manager.  Mike Steed has resigned from his position as manager. The 41 year old native of Burlington, Ontario is giving family reasons for his decision.

T.Bay man charged with impaired driving

Sioux Lookout OPP have charged a Thunder Bay man with impaired driving.  Police received a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 642 and officers caught up to the man.  Police arrested the 28-year-old for impaired operation of a motor vehicle.  He was transported to the Sioux Lookout Detachment where the accused refused to provide a breath sample.  He will appear in Court on November 15th

T.Bay woman invested in Order of Canada

A Thunder Bay woman is being invested into the Order of Canada. Ruth Kajander is being honoured for her work with people with psychiatric illnesses. Kajander is one of 45 Canadians being acknowledged by the Canadian Order.

McGuinty doesn't rule out deaths inquiry

Premier Dalton McGuinty is not ruling out a Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of seven First Nations students in Thunder Bay. McGuinty says the call by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is now in the hands of the government's Child Advocate.   He's hoping to bring various levels of government to the table to come to grips with the problem. As well, McGuinty has again ruled out joining next week's leaders debate on Northern issues.