Activists To Gather At Park

Climate change activists will be rallying in Thunder Bay Saturday. The group of environmentalists, called 350.org,  are not pleased with the Harper Government's recent cheerleading for the oil and gas industry while gutting environmental legislation. People will be gathering in Hillcrest Park to raise awareness on the issue.

Tbaytel Cell Service Still Swamped

Frustrated Tbaytel cell phone users can expect better service soon. That's according to Don Campbell, President and C.E.O. of the city-owned telephone company.  The end of of June is when he anticipates service to restore back to normal. Campbell says dropped calls, missed messages and difficulties sending and receiving texts are the result of two issues: the conversion to Rogers technology and the high volumes of data being used by customers.

Warm Winter Causes Tree Problems

City Hall is being inundated with calls from people who's coniferous trees are yellowing. City Forest Shelley Vescio says it's because of the erratic weather we've got over the winter and spring. Vescio says the problem is widespread and has been reported in the Dorion and Pickle Lake areas by the Ministry of Natural Resources as well.

Accused Gets High Powered Help

One of Canada's leading criminal lawyers is in Thunder Bay today.  Edward Greenspan is at a bail hearing representing John Tsekouras  who is charged in connection with a police drug sweep in the city last month.  Among other things, the 38 year old Tsekouras is charged with being a director of a criminal organization. Greenspan is arguing for his client's release.

Sturgeon Fishery Improving

There's some good new regarding the Sturgeon fishery in Lake of the Woods and Rainy River. Fisheries officials in Ontario and Minnesota says short-term goals established several years ago have been reached. Tom Mosindy of the Ministry of Natural Resources says there's still work to do.  He says the long term goal is to have the male fish living until they are 40 and females living to 70 years.  Mosindy says they now have males as old as 30 years and females at least 50.  There's also a goal to have up to 15 per cent of the sturgeon  population 80 inches or longer.

Flag Raised For Communty Living

A flag is flying outside City Hall which commemorates Community Living Month in Ontario.  It was raised during a ceremony on Friday which was attended by various Community Living Thunder Bay clients.

Battle Of The Atlantic Ceremony On Sunday

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy will pay tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War.  Commander of the HMCS Griffon Pete Flemming says Thunder Bay played a role in the critical fight.  A 40 minute service will be held at the Anchorage at Prince Arthur's Landing on Sunday.

16 Year Old Trashes Truck

A 16 year old boy is in trouble with the law this morning. The young man took his father's truck out for a spin in the area of the Balsam Pits. Police say he flipped the truck onto its roof and hit a guard rail. He's been charged with drunk driving, and driving without a licence. The truck is severely damaged and is considered a write off.

Tbaytel Shows Signs Of Growth

Tbaytel has paid the city more than what it was supposed to in its quarterly installment. In addition to it's usual $2.5 million payment, the city-owned company kicked in $780,000. President and CEO, Don Campbell says "The money is thanks to better than average growth." Tbaytel paid the city a total of $3.28 million for the quarter.

New Suggestion To Prevent Vandalism

Surveillance cameras are scheduled to be installed near the site of the recently damaged stone figures at Prince Arthur's Landing. However, one city councillor believes there's a more common sense solution. Andrew Foulds thinks prevention can take different forms. He says, as an example, the figures could be moved to a more visible location. Foulds believes such preventative thinking should be a part of all public projects.

Auxiliary Constables Set to Graduate

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Headquarters will be hosting a Graduation for 18 Auxiliary Constables at 3:00 p.m. at their headquarters on Friday. Sgt. Jackie George, Media Relations Officer says the 8 year old program helps recruit potential officers in the future. The Auxiliary Constables will perform 20 hours of volunteer work per month at 12 different First Nation Communities in the North.

EA Underway Into Old Fort Project

Officials at Thunder Bay's top tourist attraction hope it's the beginning of the end to their flooding problems. An Environmental Assessment process is now underway for a project to prevent future flooding at Fort William Historical Park. The old fort has been hit with severe flood damage from the Kam River in recent years. Project Manager Robin Gould predicts the EA will take about a year to complete before a potential solution is found. Gould says the process is starting with public input.

OMA Wants Talks To Resume

The Ontario Medical Association is calling on the Provincial Government to head back to the bargaining table with the help of a third party concilliator.  President and Thunder Bay Doctor Stewart Kennedy says talks are stalled over the Province's proposed cuts to the fees doctors charge patients.  Kennedy says cutting fees will hurt Northwestern Ontario's chances of retaining doctors.

Mantis Mad With Appointment Too

Thunder Bay's Injured Workers Advocate Steve Mantis is the latest to disagree with the Premier's appointment of former Tory MPP Elizabeth Witmer to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Mantis says the Premier should never have appointed the former Minister of Labour that was responsible for opening up the board to include the interests of both workers and employers. He suggests Dalton McGuinty saw the opportunity for a by-election with the appointment and jumped at the chance of getting a majority.

Tourism Concerns In The Northwest

Tourism officials say they have some concerns about their industry as the summer season approaches. Gerry Cariou of the Sunset Country Travel Association says the closure of tourist information centers in Kenora, Fort Frances and Rainy River is a major sore spot for the industry. Cariou says while there are signs of recovery in the American economy, he's not sure that will translate into more visitors this summer just yet.

Reliance Home Comfort Strike

Thunder Bay's Reliance Home Comfort staff are on strike.  Union members put up picket lines yesterday after the company imposed working terms during collective bargaining.  Spokesperson Dave Moffat says they want to keep the communication lines open.

Rafferty Derides FEDNOR Cuts

More opposition in the House of Commons to the federal government decision to trim FEDNOR's budget.  MP John Rafferty wonders about making cuts to a program he says can help strengthen the economy of a struggling region.

Area Roads Left Off List

Northern Ontario has been shut out of the top 10 worst roads in the province.  CAA has just wrapped up its annual Worst Roads contest, and all of the top nominated roads were either in Toronto or southern Ontario.  Spokesperson for the contest, Kory Kennedy says regardless of where the roads are, they are hoping the upper levels of government are listening when it comes to road maintenance.  Thunder Bay's Onion Lake Road didn't make the cut.

Counselling Centre Goes Online

Thunder Bay's Counselling Centre is now offering help to people over the internet. 10 counsellors are now trained to provide online counselling services. The project was funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to the tune of almost 100-thousand dollars.

Golf Course Vandalized

Officials at Emerald Greens Golf Course are still adding up the damage following a weekend vandalism spree. Manager Nancy Brewer says some golf carts were taken for a joyride around the course. Brewer says damage is estimated at 15 thousand dollars.

O.P.G. To Hold Info Session Thursday

Ontario Power Generation wants to hear from members of the public. They are holding a public information session tomorrow at the Labour Centre from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. The local plant is in the process of switching from Coal to Natural Gas by the year 2014. Plant Manager Chris Fralick says he's genuinely excited about the move because it makes environmental sense but also helps keep the plant open here in Thunder Bay. Members from a project team will be at the session to answer any questions the public may have.

Port Reports Strong April

Officials with the Thunder Bay Port Authority are bragging that April was a strong month for the port. Cargo shipments are up over a third from last year at the same time mostly because more grain has moved through. Officials say that a wide variety of cargo passed through the port including a shipment of wind turbines that were on board a Dutch vessel.

Input Requested On City Plan

The City's infrastructure plans are up for discussion tonight at an open house. Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern says they want to hear public concerns and passions about future infrastructure planning. Following tonight's meeting at the Waverley Library, the City will hold an RSVP only Workshop that will allow the public to help create city policies.

Local Veterans Affairs Office To Close

A local veterans advocate is reacting with shock to news that the Veterans Affairs office in Thunder Bay is closing. Moe Nelson says if that happens it will be a huge loss because so many local vets rely on the services provided. MP John Rafferty says the office is slated for closure in the next couple of years. He hopes public pressure can change some minds in Ottawa.

Our Kids Count Kitchen Open

A local non-profit organization has opened up a community kitchen on the City's South side.  Our Kids Count Executive Director Gladys Berringer says after two years and a lot of fundraising they are able to renovate their new kitchen at 704 McKenzie Street.  The community kitchen will offer cooking and refrigeration facilities for area families.  Almost a half a million dollars in cash and in kind donations made the kitchen a reality.

The Dream Remains The Same

The Friends of Big Thunder are now pursuing government funding as part of their objective to get the former ski jumping facility reopened. Organizer Paul DeGiacomo says it's part of a five year plan the group has to prove that their goal is not just a pipe dream.  DeGiacomo hopes to put together a solid business plan for the facility.

Weather Swings Predicted

Thunder Bay residents can get excited for warmer than normal weather and very little rain. That's according to our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw who says we can expect temperamental weather that swings from extremes. He says Lake Superior will play a big roll as it keeps temperatures lower in Thunder Bay than they are in places like Kakabeka Falls and Rosslyn Village.  Laidlaw adds the rain will taper off by next week.

New Twist To Charity Fundraiser

There's a new element to this year's annual McHappy Day fundraiser at McDonald's Restaurants. Typically funds have helped Ronald McDonald House in Toronto, which provides a home-away-from-home for sick kids receiving medical attention. Community Relations Officer Kathy Bukovy says 50-percent of the funds raised today will benefit the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Tourney A Confidence Booster

Thunder Bay Police are hoping to get 80 to 90 First Nation teens to take part in an upcoming hockey tournament.  The Community Cup will be held this weekend at the Fort William First Nation Arena. Aboriginal Liaison Officer Constable Larry Baxter says the tourney helps boost confidence of the competitors. Baxter adds playing hockey side by side with the police will also help build positive relationship.

Vandals Strike At Waterfront

Vandals have struck at Prince Arthur's Landing. On at least three separate occasions in the last few months, vandals have targeted the “Balloon Animals”on the new Children’s Garden at Prince Arthur’s Landing. The acts of vandalism have broken large pieces off of three of the 10 stone sculptures. The cost to repair the art work is more than $5,000. The artwork is said to be worth more than $95,000.

LUSU Puts Court Action On Hold

The Lakehead University Student Union is holding off on taking the University's Board of Governors to court over a conflict of interest by-law. LUSU says as long as the by-law is under review there will be no court action, much to the delight of Board Chair Colin Bruce who calls the move the only reasonable action that could have been taken.  LUSU is threatening  court action so it can be allowed a vote at the board table on tuition fees.   

Smelter Announcement Days Away

The location of Cliff's Natural Resources Ring of Fire chromite smelter is still a mystery, however in Thunder Bay company president Joseph Carrabba indicated the announcement is just a few days away,  He wouldn't be more specific.  Carrabba said he knows the location won't please everyone especially some First Nation Communities but says in the end the company will respect all concerns and will not force its way on anyone.  Carrabba says in order for the process to be economical for everyone, there has to be give and take.

Lakehead Manor Workers Upset By Cuts

Workers held an information picket this morning at Lakehead Manor, formerly known as Versa Care on South Vickers Street. Members of the C.A.W. Local 229 are upset that the private corporation will be cutting 180 personal care and nursing hours for residents. Union President Kari Jefford says "both workers and staff will suffer." Management claims the cutbacks are due to lower occupancy rates and a decrease in funding by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

Dilico Launches New Campaign

The Dilico Children’s Foundation launched its new Aim High campaign today. The campaign, which was created to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s Rising Eagle Bursary Fund, was marked with a $5,000 donation made by TD Bank to be awarded to a deserving student pursuing post-secondary education this fall. The Rising Eagle Bursary Fund is an option for the 6,000 plus children and youth who access the child welfare and mental health services offered by Dilico Anishinabek Family Care each year.

Series of Walks Set For Weekend

Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council wants you to get out and explore your neighbourhoods. Coordinator Sheelagh Hendrick says it's part of a series of walks taking place this weekend.  Walks are planned for the areas of Bay and Algoma, Waverley Park, Westfort, and Evergreen.  The Waverley Prospect Walk includes a miniature flour mill that was built by Rod Muir that's a replica of the mill in Scotland where his great-great-great-great grandfather worked.

Deer By-Law Enforcement Starts Today

The grace period for feeding deer in City limits is over.  By-Law Enforcement Officer Ron Bourret says most citizens obey the new rule and understand it's no longer ok to feed local wildlife.  Bourret adds for those people who choose not to obey they could end up taking them to court.  The by-law is being enforced starting today.

Hyer Wants Back In?

Just a week ago, Thunder Bay M-P Bruce Hyer quit the New Democratic Party to sit in the House of Commons as an independent. According to sources Hyer wants back into the N-D-P caucus. Hyer went out with a blaze of publicity, telling reporters his failure to be named to Mulcair's shadow cabinet showed he was being punished and muzzled for voting with the Conservatives to kill the federal long gun registry.

MS Society Needs Cash

Thunder Bay's MS Society could face a funding shortfall if they can't raise more money for their programs.  Chair Pat Lang says there is a high demand for their services and they could face a 25 thousand dollar shortfall.  May is MS month and the local organization will be launching it's 36th annual Mother's Day Carnation campaign.

Regent Apartment Gets Smokey

Carelessness created heavy smoke in a Regent Street apartment early this morning.  A resident left a pot on the stove which started to smoke causing the apartment complex to be evacuated.  Thunder Bay Fire Crews ventilated the complex and brought residents back into their homes.

71 Year Old Man Dies on Highway 11

OPP are reporting a 71 year old man is dead after he drove his vehicle off a section of highway near Beardmore last night.  The senior was driving an escort vehicle leading a larger than normal transport, when he started experiencing medical problems.  Highway 11 was closed for several hours last night and has since reopened.

Municipal Golf Course To Be Closed

The axe has fallen on Municipal Golf Course. City councillors have voted in favour of dispensing with the city's second oldest golf course. In the Councillors voted 8-3 in favour of closing Municipal golf course at the end of the season.  Councillors Joe Virdaramo, Andrew Foulds and Ian Angus were the only three councillors who voted to keep the 9 hole golf course on the city's books. Municipal has been losing an average of $100,000 annually. Council will decided what to do with the parcel of land located outside city limits in the Fall once they've heard a final report issued by Director of Golf Operations, Tom Forsythe.

NOACC Makes Stand

Members of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce are pumped after their Annual General Meeting on the weekend.   The Sioux Lookout gathering produced a number of resolutions they hope will end up being dealt with at Queen's Park.  They include a demand for a protection of the industrial wood fibre supply in the region, the continued twinning of the Trans Canada Highway and support for the research in Northwestern Ontario for a nuclear waste disposal site. 

Health Unit Begins Courtesy Campaign

Dave Pinner

The District Health Unit is asking drivers in the city to pay special attention to cyclists they encounter on the street. Spokesperson Marita Campbell says a new campaign wants drivers to remember that cyclists are people too. Campbell hopes it helps to improve the relationship between motorists and cyclists in our city.

Hydro Rates Up

Electricity rates for Thunder Bay Hydro Customers are going up as of tomorrow.  However spokesperson Eileen Dias says distribution rates will be going down which may mean virtually no rate hike for the typical consumer.  Meantime, May first also brings with the new summer use schedule meaning that the highest prices for electricity are in the mid afternoon.

Old Fort Scoping Out The Sky

Fort William Historical Park is expanding its view of the universe. The popular tourist attraction is building an observatory with a telescope which spokesperson Marty Mascarin says will be ready by the summer.The project is being done in partnership with the local Astronomical Society.

Memorial Walk Out Of The Darkness

The Out of the Darkness Memorial Walk is back for another year.  Spokesperson Margaret Hajdinjak says the event is meant to reduce the stigma attached to depression and suicide.  The 3.5 km walk around the Confederation College campus is taking place this Sunday.

Accident Claims One Life

A thirty one year old Northwestern Ontario man is dead following a motorcycle accident over the weekend. Police say he was the only person on the motorbike when it left the road on Highway 622, fourteen kilometres north of Atikokan, on Saturday night. The victim is identified as Brian McDonald of Atikokan.

Small Condo Fire Sunday

No one was injured during a weekend condo fire.  Crews were called to North Algoma Street around noon yesterday and quickly put out the small blaze.  Officials say it appears to have started in the laundry room.

Folklore Festival Preview

A group of Ukrainian style dancers performed for a crowd at the Intercity Mall yesterday. The group was giving people a taste of the upcoming Folklore Festival on May 5th and 6th at the Fort William Gardens. The festival will feature ethnic entertainment as well as food from around the world.

Semi Truck Accident on TransCanada Highway

Traffic is moving again on a section of the TransCanada Highway off the Harbour Expressway. A Semi truck ended up in a ditch earlier this morning, spilling its contents over the road. OPP say police were on scene to help with cleanup and traffic. There were no injuries.