Regenerative Medicine Report back in November

City Council will have to wait to be updated on the Lake Superior Centre for Regenerative Medicine project.  The city provided five hundred thousand dollars towards the implementation of a business strategy for the centre.  Administration will bring a report back to council on November 28th.

Council holding off on Bending Lake Iron

Thunder Bay City Council is holding off on throwing its support behind Bending Lake Iron's Steep Rock Mine in Atikokan and processing plant in Ignace.  Speaking Monday night, Chief Executive Officer Henry Wetelainen says it's OK that council needs some time to digest the information he's provided them.  Bending Lake Iron is asking for support as part of its environmental assessment process.  Council will vote on a resolution of support at it's November 7th meeting.

T.Bay lands Can-Am Police-Fire Games

Thunder Bay has beaten out several large American cities to host the 2016 Can-Am Police Fire Games.  The games will be held in The Lakehead July 2nd to 10th, and will bring in more than a thousand competitors.  Police Chief JP Levesque says the games are expected to bring in over 5 million dollars in economic activity.

Pukaskwa Park: The Movie

Parks Canada is paying tribute to Pukaskwa Park in film.  Spokesperson Nancy Saunders says "A Park for all Seasons" is going to play at Thunder Bay's SilverCity on November 13th.  You can purchase your tickets online at cineplex.ca

Half a million dollars worth of drugs seized by police

Police have made a major drug bust at Boulevard Lake.  Officials says officers saw a 31 year old man known to be involved in the drug trade walking near the lake last Tuesday.  The man fled police but was quickly found.  Officers found a back pack on the man with half a million dollars worth of cocaine.

PETA weighs in on deer issue

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is urging our city councillors not to choose bow hunting as a method to control the deer population.  PETA's Kristen Simon says it's one of the cruelest forms of hunting since bow hunters routinely spend hours tracking the bloody trails of deer who are stuck by arrows,  before finding them.  She says the simple solution would be not to feed the animals.

Protesters "occupy" City Hall

From Waverly Park to Donald Street.  The Occupy Thunder Bay protesters brought their "make the rich pay" message to City Hall Sunday.  About 50 took part including MP Bruce Hyer and Councillor Paul Pugh.   The protest is part of the Canadian offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street phenomenon that has spread across the world.

Early morning fire at Travelodge

Guests at the Travelodge on Memorial Avenue experienced a frightening wake up call Saturday morning. A 2 alarm blaze broke out in the Sushi restaurant around 4 am. A portion of Memorial Ave. was closed briefly and guests of the hotel had to be evacuated with the help from the Canadian Red Cross. Smoke damage spread throughout the restaurant and one person was thought to have suffered smoke inhalation. The exact cause of the fire has not been determined at this time.

Raffery calls for ban on asbestos

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is adding his voice in the call to ban asbestos.  He presented a petition in the House of Commons this week calling on the ban of the toxic material. The petition also calls for an end to government subsidies of asbestos both in Canada and abroad.

Bending Lake Iron talks to Council

Bending Lake Iron Group is looking for City Council's blessing on it's Steep Rock Mine in Atikokan and processing plant in Ignace. Council's resolution is part of the province's Environmental Assessment process. The company already got the go ahead from Ignace and Atikokan.

Bif Naked lends her support to the Cancer Centre

The Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre is getting a huge endorsement.  Canadian Rock Icon and Cancer Survivor Bif Naked toured the facility today and says its a beautiful facility that is built with patient care and comfort in mind.  The Juno Award nominee was in town to speak at the annual Hope Luncheon. 

Matawa First Nations put Feds on notice

Enough is Enough.  That's the message from the Matawa First Nations to the Federal Government.  Marten Falls Chief Eli Moonias says they want to take part in the Ring of Fire, but they can't unless the Feds agree to a Joint Review Panel Environmental Assessment.  Moonias says if the Federal Government continues to ignore First Nations they will take legal action and force an injunction to stop the comprehensive study.

T.Bay Teen up for music award

A young Thunder Bay musician is nominated for a 2011 Canadian Folk Music Award.  17 year old fidller/violinist Olivia Korkola is up for a "Young Performer of the Year."  The awards will be announced on December 4th.

Delivery man robbed..not hurt

City police are looking for three men who they say robbed a delivery man at knife point yesterday afternoon.  They say the man was accosted by the three as he was getting back into his vehicle after making a delivery in the Limbrick Place area.  The three thugs were given money and they ran off.  The victim wasn't hurt

Inflation jumps in Thunder Bay

There's no stopping the cost of living from going up these days. Government figures Friday show that inflation in Thunder Bay took a big jump in September from August. It went up a full half a per cent to 3.6 per cent. Nationwide, Statistics Canada says high costs for gas and food increased the rate to 3.2 per cent.

Oh Deer! Heated discussion on population

Let's put the deer on the pill. That was one of the ideas brought up at a meeting about the City's deer population Thursday night.  Mapleward Road Resident Cheryl Bak mentioned that Quebec is managing their deer by putting out birth control laced salt licks.  Other residents were in favour of the bow hunting in rural areas idea, and noted the deer are bringing wolves into residential areas.  City Council will discuss what to do with the deer population at it's November 21st meeting.

Construction work update

Expect some close quarters when you use the Red River, Expressway intersection this weekend. The Ministry of Transportation says the number of lanes will be reduced as crews work to finish paving.

Matawa Chiefs withdraw support for ROF

Matawa Chiefs have had enough, and they're withdrawing their support for the Ring of Fire.  The Chiefs are calling on the Premier and Prime Minister to intervene in the Environmental Assessment Process.  The Chiefs still want a joint review panel rather than the current process.

Bag Ban Repealed

The plastic bag ban has been "bagged" in Sioux Lookout.  Council has voted 5-1 in favour of rescinding a bylaw that bans the distribution of plastic bags.  Mayor Dennis Leney says opposition to the bylaw was considerable.  Last September, the outgoing Council decided that Sioux Lookout would become the first Municipality in Ontario to ban the use of plastic bags.

Bartolucci back as Northern Development Minister

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci is insisting his party cares for First Nations.  He's rebuking claims from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation that they don't because of a lack of a stand alone Aboriginal Affairs Ministry. Bartolucci is vowing to foster a good relationship with NAN on mining issues.

Gravelle and Bartolucci talk

Rick Bartolucci and Michael Gravelle aren't wasting any time.  They've already got down to business; Gravelle says he's been talking to Bartolucci about the Cliff's Chromite Processing Plant.  Gravelle says he will now be able to lobby more for his riding.  Gravelle is now the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, while Bartolucci is back as Northern Development and Mines Minister.

OFAH likes Gravelle

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is applauding the appointment of Michael Gravelle to the Natural Resources portfolio.  Spokesperson Lezlie Goodwin says they look forward to bringing up their concerns to him.  Gravelle will also remain as the Minister of Forestry.

NAN wants stand alone Ministry

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with the new provincial cabinet.  Stan Beardy says there needs to be a stand alone agency for First Nations.  Kathleen Wynne is now the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Housing, and Aboriginal Affairs.

New scholarship at LU

Lakehead University is launching a new 12-thousand dollar scholarship.  Recruiter Robert Perrier says the citizenship scholarship will help retain Northwestern Ontario students.  The eligible student must take part in their community and have an 85 percent average.

Trans Gender Health Training for NWO

Northwestern Ontario physicians will be receiving training from Toronto on trans gender health issues. NorWest Community Health Centre Executive Director Wendy Talbot says they're teaming up with Rainbow Health Ontario.  The training will take place at the end of October and again in the middle of November.

New Diabetes Centre Open

Diabetes patients in the City will have better access to care now that a new facility is open.  The Diabetes Health office will act as an insulin pump training centre.  The new location has a telemedicine room to provide regional consultations.

2nd Mac's Mart robbery suspect has been arrested

Thunder Bay police have made a second arrest in relation to recent Mac's Mart robberies.  Officials say a 24 year old man was arrested today after police arrested 25 year old Darcy Belmore yesterday.  The name of the latest suspect won't be released until his court appearance tomorrow.

Gadahfi death an enormous victory: LU prof

There is celebration in the streets of Tripoli after Libya's Prime Minister announced the death of former leader Moammar Gadhafi. Reports say he was shot in Sirte. Lakehead University political science expert Laure Paquette calls it another big victory for the rebels and means the focus can be on hunting down Gadhafi's sons. Paquette also calls it a victory for Prime Minister Harper and other NATO leaders.

Thunder Bay 45th most entrepreneurial friendly city in Canada

The Mayor is happy with a 45th place ranking in terms of Thunder Bay's attractiveness in bringing in Entrepreneurs.  Keith Hobbs says the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses latest list of the top Entrepreneurial cities in Canada shows we are on the right track.  Hobbs says when you look at the list most of the top cities are in Alberta or Saskatchewan and as far as Ontario is concerned we finished 4th.  Hobbs says we are in a perfect position to climb the list with the help of a boom in the mining industry here.

Tidy Trays taking off

A Thunder Bay entrepreneur is seeing his dream come true.  Dan Cheal is the inventor of Tidy Trays, a reusable high chair tray cover.  Cheal says the major American retailer, Walgreens, will be stocking his product in all it's 81 hundred stores in the States.

Gravelle looks at a change

Thunder Bay's Michael Gravelle is  going to stay in cabinet but in a different role.   Premier Dalton McGuinty will officially name his cabinet today and it will  include 22 ministers down from 28. Gravelle gives up his Northern Development position to Rick Bartolucci while taking on Natural Resources and keeping the Forestry post.

Hyer doesn't want more seats in the House of Commons

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer doesn't think we need more seats in the House of Commons.  A recent report suggests the Harper Government could add 13 more seats for Ontario but Hyer says that won't fix Parliament.  Hyer says adding more seats would be like adding more deck chairs to the titanic.  Hyer says proportional representation is the only solution that will give all voters a true voice. 

Meeting about Deer on Thursday

Council will find Thursday night how the public feels about  the deer population within city limits.  Enforcement Officer Ron Bourret says they want to know what area residents think they should do to manage the population.  Bourret says most people are fed up with the deer.  The meeting starts at 6 at the Waverley Resource Library.

Williams back as MOH

After a six year absence, Dr. David Williams is taking over the helm of the Thunder Bay Health Unit.  As Medical Officer of Health, Williams says his first task is to reintroduce himself to the staff and find out what their goals are.  Williams was working with the Provincial Government in Southern Ontario during his absence from Thunder Bay.

Pap test blitz

Regional Cancer Care Northwest wants to see more women get a pap test to check for cervical cancer.  Dr. Heather McLean says they're holding a cervical cancer screening blitz next week.  To make an appointment call 684-7787.

Greenstone opens new administration building

Greenstone is unveiling its new Administration building.  The new energy efficient building was designed to accommodate the amalgamated Council and administration.  A Grand opening ceremony will take place at 5 o'clock.

Mac's officials to discuss security

Officials of Mac's Convenience Stores are coming to Thunder Bay next week to discuss security concerns at the stores following a string of robberies. Spokesperson Sean Sportun  says they'll be working with local store owners to help improve security along with meeting with police and the Crime Prevention Council.

Orders issued to Abitibi Bowater

The Ministry of Labour has issued a number of orders to Abitibi Bowater. Spokesperson Matt Blajer says they're investigating the incident that occurred on Tuesday. Two people were injured after a maintenance crane dropped a machine hood on them. The injured workers are now out of the hospital.

Fire on Burriss destroys garage

An investigation is underway to find the cause of a garage fire at 83 Burriss Street.  The Thunder Bay Fire Service says it happened just after midnight. One vehicle was lost.  While it took a short time to get it under control, it took firefighters some time to completely put it out. No one was hurt.

Mac's store robbed again

City police are looking for the person responsible for yet another overnight Mac's store robbery. This one took place at the May and Northern location at around 3 o'clock this morning. Police say that a man wearing a bandana to hide his face and brandishing a knife stole cash and cigarettes. No one was hurt.

Water levels are low

Thunder Bay's water levels are lower than normal and that's causing the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to ask residents to cut back on their water use.  Chair Bill Bartley says everyone needs to save water.  The water shortage is being attributed to a lack of rainfall.

Good year for enrollment @ College

Confederation College continues to ride a 1st year enrolment wave.  Vice President of Student and Corporate Services Bob Backstrom says this year's levels have remained even with last year but they've been leading the province since the downturn in the Northern economy.  Backstrom says Confederation college is also better than the provincial average for both graduates getting hired and employers being satisfied with former students.

FedNor funding for T.Bay Metal Fabricators Association

The Federal Government is giving 195 thousand dollars to Thunder Bay's Metal Fabricators Association. The money will be used to hire experts in oil and gas, mining and nuclear sectors and safety consultants. It's believed the two year program will help increase export and job opportunities.

Infrastructure Open House

City administration wants to know how you would address Thunder Bay's 15 million dollar infrastructure defecit.  Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be holding an open house on the hot topic next Tuesday.  Council will deal with the infrastructure defecit at it's November 28th meeting.

Industrial Accident at Abitibi Bowater Sawmill

Thunder Bay Police say two people were involved in an industrial accident at the Abitibi Bowater Saw mill today. The Ministry of Labour has taken over the investigation and at this time police won't say what happened or the extent of the victims injuries.

Jury Rolls is back in the spotlight

Jury Rolls are once again causing trial delays in Thunder Bay.  Local Lawyer Chris Watkins says two of his trials are on hold because they will first need a trial on the make up of the Jury.  Watkins says having a jury properly represent the community is a cornerstone of the our society.

Low Flu Shot Numbers

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is reporting low flu shot numbers at 2010's influenza clinics.  Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams doesn't want a repeat of that this year and notes they've made it easier to get immunized.  Williams says they've started their clinics earlier in the year.  You can get your flu shot up until December 20th.

Thunder Bay Police are in the red

It looks like Thunder Bay Police are heading towards a budget deficit.  Chief JP Levesque says so far they are just over 1.2 million dollars over budget mainly due to overtime pay and an increase in legal fees.  Levesque says they didn't budget for overtime and because City Council asked them to cut back last year's projected budget.  He says when they make cuts overtime is the first thing they look at and it turns into a pay me now or pay me later situation once they run deficits.  Levesque says they are still waiting for some provincial and federal grant money that will bring the deficit down to around 3 percent.

Teen girl escapes attempted abduction

City police are reporting a scary incident on the 200 block of Cumming Street Monday afternoon.   They say that a man came out of a vehicle and grabbed a 14 year old girl by the arm.  Police say she managed to break free and ran home.   She wasn't hurt.  Police are looking for a man in his mid 40's who may be driving a gold coloured SUV.

Morning accident on River

There are no injuries to report, just a bit of a traffic headache for some motorists after a traffic accident around 8 this morning at River Street and Algoma.