Multi-Plex open house coming next week

The Public will have a chance to learn a lot more about the feasibility study being done on the proposed Multi-Plex.  The city will be hosting an open house next Wednesday and will have 3 initial designs to show case.  Lead Consultant Conrad Boychuk says residents will get an overview of where the project is at this point and also will learn more about what a facility like this will look like and what its business plan would be.  Boychuk says they will come back to the public in April with the best design configuration for each of the proposed sites complete with costing. 

Roberto taking in ROMA OGRA

City Councillor Aldo Roberto will be just one of Thunder Bay's representatives at this week's Ontario Municipalities conference.  Roberto says they are meeting with seven ministers to talk about a variety of issues.  The City has meetings set up with the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, and the Minister of Health and Long Term Care as well as others.

Canada Games Complex Display at Archives

It's been over 30 years since Thunder Bay held the 1981 Canada Games.  The City wants you to relive it again by paying the City Archives a visit.  Spokesperson Matt Szybalski says they've dug up photos and documents from the event.  The display can be seen at the archive building from now until well into the summer.

NAPS nabs drugs

The Nishnawbe Aski Police teamed up with the Webequie First Nation Peacekeepers to get drugs off their streets.  NAN searched the Webequie airport and seized nine thousand dollars of Oxycodone.  A 25 year old woman is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and breach of probation.

Treaty Three Police get medals

Canada's Governor General will be handing out two medals of bravery to members of the Treaty Three Police Service.  Constables George McNeil and Kris Miclash will be in Ottawa today  to receive their commendations.  The two officers were involved with an armed gunman on the Grassy Narrows First Nation in May of 2007.  They were credited with risking their lives to subdue the intoxicated man, who had been firing shots from a pump action rifle.

Sandy Lake School Fire

The Ontario Fire Marshall is investigating the Sandy Lake First Nation school fire as an arson.  The fire at Thomas Fiddler Memorial School caused extensive damage but no cost estimate is available yet.  The investigation is continuing.

Red Lake death investigation closed

Red Lake OPP have closed the book on a death investigation.  46-year-old Bertha Quill of Pikangikum was found outside near Howey Street last July unconscious and unresponsive.  She was transported to Hospital in Thunder Bay where she succumbed to her injuries.  Detective Inspector David Hillman says Quill died of natural causes and no further criminal investigation is needed.

Memorial to be held for former Mayor Dusty Miller

Its a chance for residents and politicians alike to pay tribute to former Mayor Dusty Miller.  A memorial will be held Friday afternoon at the Community Auditorium and Councillor Ken Boshcoff says when he was a rookie on council he was really impressed by Millers leadership.  Councillor Iain Angus says Miller is the reason why he got involved in politics and Mayor Keith Hobbs says she was a tough leader who fought hard for what she believed in.  The service will start at 2 o'clock.

Missing man found

It's a happy ending to a missing person's case.   Police Constable Julie Tilbury says 84 year old Norman Johnson was found on a road in the Dog Lake-Monday Lake area this afternoon by a passing motorist.  It turns out he became lost when he drove there in his truck and spent three nights in his vehicle before walking out today.  He'll be back with his family once he gets checked over by a doctor.

Outage affecting Current River

Thunder Bay Hydro crews are working hard to restore power to 500 customers in Current River.  Spokesperson Eileen Dias says an equipment problem is affecting the area of Current River and Norther Cumberland and at this time there is no timeline when power will be restored.

Chamber not happy with city's budget

The Chamber of Commerce wants the city to be a little more efficient.  President Harold Wilson says he isn't happy with the 2.67 percent tax increase in this year's budget.  Wilson says administration should be able to find enough savings through the Core Services Review to take some of the pressure off the tax payer.

French day care now open

The French speaking community in Thunder Bay now has its own day care centre. It's a 20 year dream come true says President Chantal Bohemier along with a big step for Fracophones,  as their pre-school children now have access to the French language all day.  The day care centre is located in Ecole catholique Franco-Superieur on Elgin Street.

Officials hold "urgent" Oxy meeting

The end of the Oxycontin era is causing concern among city police. They held an urgent meeting of local health and drug agencies to discuss the ramifications when the drug is taken off the market at the end of the month. Deputy Chief Andy Hay says they wanted to come up with a strategy to deal with the potential problems that could arise among addicts when their supply gets cut off suddenly. Hay says it's possible different drugs may come into the city which will replace the Oxycontin.

8-local athletes going to Nationals

Thunder Bay has eight Special Olympic athletes competing in the 2012 Canada Winter Games next week. Thomas Boyes is competing in Snowshoeing and says he's excited to travel to St. Albert, Alberta.  The Police department and Children's Aid Society helped raise 20-thousand dollars towards the trip.  8-thousand will be used towards travel expenses and the rest will go towards local sports programs.

Senior still missing

City police remain on the lookout for a missing senior. Constable Julie Tilbury says 84 year old Norman Johnson hasn't been seen since Monday afternoon.   His family is concerned because it's not like him to leave his home for a long period of time and the fact he requires his walker to help him get around.  He was last seen driving a black Ford F150 truck.

OPP wrap up distracted driving campaign

OPP are still pulling people over for distracted driving.  Provincial Police recently cracked down on the illegal driving habit and Sergeant Shelley Garr says they charged 21 people in the Northwest.  The distracted driving campaign ran from February 13th until the 19th.

Torch relay coming

A cross-province campaign to increase the number of organ donors in Ontario will begin in Northwestern Ontario next week. The Step by Step Torch of Life relay kicks off in Kenora and will be in Dryden on March 5th and Thunder Bay on March 9th.  In total the relay will travel through 75 communities in four months.

Police seek missing senior

Thunder Bay police are asking for your help in finding a missing 84 year old man. They say that Norman Johnson was last seen on Monday when he drove away from his home. He was driving a black 2005 Ford F150 extended cab with Ontario plate number 500 5AC

Missing woman sighted

The police are looking for a missing 20 year old year woman. They say Danielle Lawson was reported missing by her family February 7th, but was seen in public on Friday in the company of a man at the OLG Casino

Robbery times two

Police now have a suspect in connection with Sunday night's Mac's Convenience Store robbery Syndicate Avenue and they didn't have to go far to find him. They say it's the same 20 year old they arrested on Tuesday in connection with Mac's robbery on Beverly Street.

Consultation process sbould be tweaked

The city's public consultation methods could use some updating.  That's the opinion of one city law maker.  Current River Councillor Andrew Foulds says the city is doing a good job of consulting with the public, but the fact that very few people attended recent budget meetings makes him think more can be done to reach residents through the use of the Internet and social media.

Syrian situation gets even bloodier

If it wasn't yet the situation in Syria is becoming an massive international human rights issue.  Lakehead University Political Science Professor Laure Paquette says the deaths of 2 international journalists will lead to more talk on the international stage but unfortunately for the Syrian people she doesn't expect any western military intervention anytime soon. 

City delegation heads to TO to lobby

A delegation from Thunder Bay is once again heading to the Ontario Good Roads Association Conference.  Mayor Keith Hobbs will lead the group that includes 5 councillors, City Manager Tim Commisso and the Economic Development Officer of Fort William First Nations Ed Collins to the conference that kicks off Sunday.  The delegates will be meeting with several provincial ministers including Energy Minister Chris Bentley and Deb Matthews the Minister of Health and Long Term Care.  The 3 day conference wraps up Wednesday. 

Gravelle supports colleague

Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle is standing up for his fellow colleague in cabinet in the wake of the Ornge financial scandal. Gravelle says calls by the opposition for Health Minister Deb Mathews to step down are uncalled for saying she is on top of the situation.   It's so serious, the government has called in the OPP to investigate what's been going on behind the scenes at the province's air ambulance provider.

"Iconic" event set for March 3rd

It's back for another year. The 35th annual Sleeping Giant Loppet takes place March 3rd at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Organizer Marianne Stewart says they're hoping for up to a thousand participants. Stewart calls the loppet an iconic winter event in Thunder Bay saying many cross country skiers train all year for it.

Today America, tomorrow the world

A Thunder Bay Lab that has the rights to a prostate testing service is able to expand it's market in the United States. Bob Poulter, the president of Mitomics says they've signed a distribution deal with Lab M-D of Atlanta, Georgia and he hopes for more to come with future world wide distribution contracts.  This latest distribution deal is the third such agreement for the company.

Assault fuels mayor's ire

The Mayor isn't happy with this week's mugging outside Fort William Gardens.  Hobbs says the incident where a woman was assaulted and robbed is just another reminder about the sad state of crime in this city.  He says one of the biggest problems is the courts which in his opinion are weak.  Hobbs says crime has been an issue here for a very long time and its time we start addressing the issues behind it.

RNAO boss visits city

The executive director of the province's Registered Nurses Association is calling for more funding for primary care in Thunder Bay.   Doris Grinspun's call comes after today's visit to the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner Clinic which she says is short four NP's because of a lack of funding.  Grinspun also visited the Health Science's Centre, the District Health Unit and Hogarth Riverview Manor.

Legal victory for former councillor

A former Thunder Bay city councillor is getting his day before the highest court in the province.  The Ontario Court of Appeal has granted Robert Tuchenhagen permission to appeal his conviction that he broke the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act in his purchase of some surplus city property in 2008.  The purchase took place while he was a city councillor.   His lawyer Chantelle Bryson,  says her client is thrilled that the appeal has been granted noting the case has some novel issues to explore.  

NAN not happy with Feds Report

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is less than pleased with the Federal Government and a report it plans to send to the United Nations.  NAN is upset the Government failed to consult First Nations in their report on combating discrimination.  That report is set to go to the UN this week.  NAN is also sending the United Nations their own report on the discrimination First Nations face and the denial of their fundamental rights.

Memorial planned for former mayor

The city is giving you the chance to pay your respects to Dusty Miller. The former mayor died last week at the age of 82. City Clerk John Hannam says there will be a public memorial service Friday afternoon at the Community Auditorium.  He calls it a unique opportunity to honour someone who has given quite a bit to the city.  The doors to the auditorium will open at 1:15 and the service starts at 2 o'clock

Noront Resources Open House Thursday

You can have your say tonight at an open house for Noront's Eagle's Nest mining project.  Chief Operating Officer Paul Semple says public feedback on their project so far has been positive.  The open house is being held at the Travelodge from 5 until 9 Thursday night.

Critic pays visit to T.Bay

The Liberal Aboriginal Affairs Critic says a regional approach is needed to move the Ring of Fire project forward.  Dr. Carolyn Bennett issued the comment following a briefing in Thunder Bay on Tuesday. Bennett says they need everyone on the same page.  Bennett met with advisers of area Chiefs and Council.

Dryden in trouble

Dryden has been red flagged by the provincial government.  The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing paid council a rare visit last night to update it on the city's current financial situation.  Spokesperson Susan Fraser says Dryden hasn't filed a Financial Information return in 3-years.  The province is already withholding 3.4-million dollars in funding for the city and the grant allocations for 2010 and 2011 haven't been calculated.

Fire Marshall investigates Sandy Lake Fire

The office of the Fire Marshall is expected to arrive in Sandy Lake First Nation today to survey the damage caused by a large fire at Thomas Fiddler Memorial School.  Nishnawbe-Aski Police received an anonymous report of a fire on Sunday afternoon.  The fire caused extensive fire, smoke and water damage.  No one was injured.  An initial investigation shows that the fire started in the storage and supply room area.

Mauro pays tribute to Miller

Former Thunder Bay mayor Dusty Miller is being remembered across the province.  Miller died last week after a lenghty illness she was 82.  In the Ontario Legislature,  provincial member of  parliament  Bill Mauro paid tribute to Miller.

Campbell on region's Oxy addiction

The Provincial Government is being asked to come up with a strategy to help people addicted to prescription drugs. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell rose in the Ontario Legislature this morning to ask the Health Minister to take action. Campbell says while it has been announced that Oxycontin will no longer be produced, there are still many people who will have to deal with the devastating impacts of their addiction to the drug.

Oversight leads to 7 million left out the budget

At first it looked like a major blunder but an apparent 7 million dollar oversight was just a timing issue.  Administration informed council Tuesday night that the capital investment for the Emergency Services Shared Facilities plan was left out of the document.  City Clerk John Hannam says the funds were approved after the document was put together and since the capital investments are paid for through reserve funds it won't affect the tax rate. Hannam says much of the funding will come from the EMS reserves which is meant for these types of expenditures.

Council approves the 2012 budget

The city's budget is another step closer to being in the books.  Council voted 11-2 in favour of accepting the document at Tuesday night's meeting.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto voted against the budget saying we keep going to the tax payer when maybe its time to look at city staffing.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says its a very lean budget that does go after the deplorable state of our roads, and because of that its a great document. The document comes with a tax increase of 2.67 percent and will be ratified March 5th.

Councillors take aim and staff hirings

The hiring of city staff is taking heat from our elected officials.  At Tuesday night's budget meeting came to an end a couple of councillors made the case that with 80 percent of the budget coming from wages, maybe it's time to stop the hiring of new staff.  Councillor Aldo Ruberto says we keep hiring staff and putting it on the shoulders of the taxpayers, maybe it's time for a wage freeze.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff also spoke up about staff numbers.

Council puts off budget increase

A potential 84 thousand dollar budget increase won't be decided until March 5th. Council voted to defer the increase so they can find out more information about where the money will be going. Councillor Larry Hebert asked for the increase to be given to a number of not for profit organizations. Mayor Hobbs didn't want to make a decision until he learned which organizations were asking for the funds.

Off duty cop helps capture suspect

Police now have a suspect in custody in connection with Monday night's Mac's Convenience Store robbery on Beverly Street     They say that at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon an off duty OPP officer helped nab a shoplifting suspect who ran out from a city electronics store.  Police say it turns out he was the person they were looking for in connection with the Mac's robbery.  He is now charged.

Do you recognize this man?

Thunder Bay Police are hoping you can help lead them to the arrest of the person responsible for Sunday nights Mac's Convenience Store robbery on Syndicate Avenue.  They have released this surveillance camera photo. 

OPSEU sounds warning bells

You can add the Ontario Public Service Employees Union to the growing list of organizations panning Don Drummond's report.  OPSEU Spokesperson Brenda Clapp says they're worried the Government might take the report's suggestion to privatize parts of Service Ontario.  Clapp says if that happens confidentiality will go out the window as well as good jobs in communities across the Province.

DSSAB funding program

The District Social Services Board wants to provide money to local organizations working on improving child poverty.  CAO Melissa Harrison says the money is available from their Community Social Reinvestment Fund.  It will go towards food security programs, school readiness initiatives and homelessness prevention.  The deadline to apply is March 2nd.

Mac's Mart robbed with filet knife

Police are looking for a 20 year old man who they say robbed a Mac's Mart Monday night.  The lone man entered the Beverly Street Mac's armed with a knife and demanded cash from the clerk.  A police dog tracked the suspect to a nearby home but he had fled before they arrived.

Shocking robbery in front of Gardens

Thunder Bay Police call a robbery in front of the Fort William Gardens last night "shocking".  A mother dropping her kids off at the Hedley Concert was approached by two teens who asked for a cigarette.  Staff Sgt. Ryan Gibson says they then started to punch her and stole her purse. The suspects were last seen heading west towards Bethune Street.

Police release store name

Police say it was the Mac's Mart on Syndicate and Arthur Street that was robbed on Sunday.  In that situation, a man entered the store with a knife and made off with an undisclosed amount of money.

Unknown store robbed

Police are not releasing the name of a store that was robbed last night. However, officials say that a man entered the store with a knife and made off with an undisclosed amount of money.

Trial brings out city's unflattering side

Is Thunder Bay a racist community? A recent court case seems to suggest it may be. During the Andre Wareham murder trial, Wareham is heard on a 911 call saying that you don't know what it's like to be a black person in Thunder Bay. During the course of the trial we learned that Wareham faced some challenges as a visible minority in the city. In one incident in particular, he testified that once while he was walking down a city street some people passing by in a vehicle yelled out the "N" word and threw bottles at him. Wareham says he came to accept the treatment and tried to be the better person for it, Wareham was eventually found not guilty in the stabbing death of William Atkins

Camper set ablaze

No one is hurt after a fire in a camper. Firefighters responded to a fire on Mission Road last night and found a man inside a camper that was set ablaze. Officials say that the man was living in the camper and an electrical heater is said to be the cause of the fire.