Hobbs Slams Government Over Smelter Decision

There is huge disappointment among city leaders to the decision by Cliffs Natural Resources to locate Its Ring of Fire chromite smelter near Sudbury.    No one is more upset that our Mayor Keith Hobbs who wasn't able to hide his outrage.  He says not only did Thunder Bay get nothing but so did area First Nations.  He says the government didn't bother to include our leaders in discussions with Cliffs on the smelter location.

Waboose Lashes Out At Minister

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne is going to remember this day for a long time.   She was confronted openly at a Thunder Bay news conference by Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose.  Waboose was upset the McGuinty government and Cliffs Natural Resources chose not to include First Nations in the talks leading up to the announcement of Cliffs chromite smelter.   The following is the entire discussion between Waboose and Wynne.

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Cliffs selects Sudbury

And the winner is...Sudbury.  That's the site Cliffs Natural Resources has selected for the Ring of Fire Chromite Smelter.  Sudbury was selected due to various economic and technical factors including transportation logistics, labor, long mining tradition, community support and access to electrical power. 

Cocaine Bust

Two Thunder Bay residents have been charged with possession of Cocaine. City Police conducted a raid on a home on Highway 61 where they seized $11,400 worth of drugs. A 33 year old man and 27 year old woman will appear back in court on June 6th.

Drug Bust In Sioux Lookout

O.P.P. have arrested two people in Sioux Lookout for drug possession. Police say they found Oxycontin and Codeine pills worth $8,000. Effie and Cornelius Matthews have each been charged with two counts of possession.

Some Work Still Needs To Be Done On Hotel

Construction on Thunder Bay's newest hotel is expected to start this summer.  Thompson Centres Development is meeting today with Marriott Town Place Suites to nail down some of the finer details of the new hotel that will be located on the property in front of Superstore.  Developer Lou Meandro says they'll be discussing an Ontario Municipal Board complaint from Loblaws over the size of the hotel.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels Talks Future

Atikokan Renewable Fuels is looking for some buyers before it can complete its wood pellet plant.  President Ed Fukushima says Ontario Power Generation and some European Businesses are interested in their product.  Fukushima says they should know more in 30 days.

Bear Wise Cut Backs Upset OPSEU

A union leader is warning Northern residents that they face greater danger from bears this year because of Provincial government cutbacks. Smokey Thomas of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the number of staff trained to deal with bears has been cut by more than 50 percent. The M.N.R. has said that relocating nuissance bears was simply not working.

More Sex Charges Laid Against Rowe

O.P.P. have laid further sex related charges against a man who once worked in four area First Nations communities. 72 year old Ralph Rowe, who now lives in Surrey, B.C. has been charged with 2 new counts of indecent assault and five counts of sexual assault. The charges stem from incidents which are alleged to have occurred between 1973 and 1986. Rowe is now scheduled to appear in a Kenora court on May 31st.

Arson Caused Picton Fire

Arson is the cause of a Picton Avenue fire which occurred on Sunday night. That's according to city police who are saying the blaze was deliberately set. No one was injured in the fire which is believed to have started on the second floor of a semi-detached home in the 100 block of Picton Avenue. Police are seeking the public's assistance for further information.

Gang Activity Not Part Of A.M. Stabbing

City police are saying a morning stabbing incident is not related to gang activity. A 21 year old man was stabbed just before 5 o'clock this morning in the area of May and Cumming St. . The man was stabbed in the leg but the injury isn't considered serious. He was found on the 600 block of McKenzie St. and taken to the hospital. Police continue to investigate.

Housing Starts are Up For April

It continues to be a good year for new housing construction in Thunder Bay. According to Warren Philp of Canada Mortgage and Housing, we are up 60 per cent from this time last year and says it's all because of demand. There were twenty new houses which started in the city last month which is up from seven in April of last year. Philp credits the increase to it being a "sellers" market in the city.

Transit Vision 2040 Approved

City transit is on board with a nationwide vision to improve service. Transit Manager Brad Loroff feels the long term plan, as outlined in Transit Vision 2040, is designed to put transit at the heart of the community. The plan coincides with current suggestions and ideas being implemented by transit. Council will hear back from transit officials on June 4th about their master plan recommendations.

RegenMed Gets A Loan

City Council is loaning a Thunder Bay bone and tissue bank a quarter of a million dollars and is putting RegenMed on a short leash because of it.    Under terms of the loan the Lake Superior Centre for Regenerative Medicine,  will get the money in installments and have to provide regular financial statements

Labour Council Opposes Trade Deal

The labour movement in Thunder Bay wants the city to oppose a proposed free trade deal between Canada and the European Union. Labour Council president Elaine Kerr says Canadian content could be in danger if the deal goes through, which could have a negative impact on the local Bombardier plant

Kitchen Fire In Current River

No one is hurt following a fire in Current River home last night. Officials says that no one was home when a pot of oil left unattended on a stove caused a kitchen fire.   The incident happened at around 8 o'clock.  They say damage is extensive.

Missing Woman Found

Police say that a 57 year old woman who was reported missing has now been found. They say that Margaret Scott-Beatty was found safe in Kakabeka Falls yesterday. Prior to that she hadn't been seen since last week.

Stabbing Sends Man To Hospital

City police are looking for four people in connection with a stabbing on the city's south side this morning. They say that a 21 year old man was stabbed in the leg in the vicinity of May and Cumming. They say the victim was located by a passerby just before 5 o'clock this morning on the 600 block of McKenzie bleeding heavily. He is now recovering in hospital.

Marathon Organizers Ask For Help

Organizers of the Thunder Bay Marathon are asking the city for some help. Barry Strieb asked councillors last night to allow city staff to help set up and remove wooden barricades before and after the event.  He says he witnessed it happening in Winnipeg, where municipal workers there had a hand in helping out with such chores. Councillors are expected to deal with the issue next week.

CEDC Pegs Mining

Mining, mining, mining. That's the focus of the city's Economic Development Corporation as it makes its way forward. CEO Steve Demmings' report to city councillors indicates that the organization is hoping to attract more mining related industries here through a three year strategy. Demmings cited examples of the mining labs that are now located in the city which the CEDC had a hand in bringing here

Health Unit Recognized Provincially

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has been recognized provincially. As part of its celebration of National Nursing Week, the Health Unit announced that it has achieved the Best Practice Spotlight Organization designation from the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. The award was given out during the RNAO’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto on Thursday. The Health Unit is 1 of 3 health units in Ontario to have received the recognition.

Wet Weather Continues Warmer Weather On The Way

Cool, wet weather for the Thunder Bay area will last at least another 24 hours according to Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw. A slow moving, low pressure system is making its way across the region. Laidlaw says residents can expect conditions to improve by the middle of the week and we may anticipate higher than average temperatures for the weekend ahead. Laidlaw says we could see temperatures in the mid teens for Friday and Saturday.

On-Line Crime Reporting Numbers A Success

Thunder Bay's newest on-line crime reporting tool is working well. According to Inspector Alan McKenzie they've received 50 reports from the public since the tool became operational two and a half weeks ago. McKenzie says people have been telling police that they are reporting more crimes such as vehicle break-ins that they would otherwise not have reported. Users can visit the on-line crime reporting page by going to www.ThunderBayPolice.ca

Marina Report Heads To Council In Fall

The future of Phase two of the Prince Arthur's Landing marina development project appears to be in City Council's hands. The City's Greg Alexander, says provincial and federal funding needs to still be identified and council will have to decide on how to proceed after finding sunken treasures following the completed Environmental Assessment. Council will receive the report and discuss the various options contained within it in the Fall.

Police Search For Missing Woman

City police are looking for a missing 57 year old woman.   They say that Margaret Scott-Beatty was last seen at her Lincoln Street apartment by health care workers last Tuesday.   Police say she lives alone and is known to frequent the casino. 

Dryden Socked With Big Debt

Financial trouble for the City of Dryden. The city is sitting with an accumulated debt of roughly 24-million dollars. Mayor Craig Nuttall says the 2010 audited financial statements are concerning and says the city is examining all of its options because the taxpayers can't afford to carry such a huge debt.

Weather Dampens Fire Danger

The threat of a busy forest fires season in northwestern Ontario appears to have eased. Over 100 fires are now in the books. Heather Pridham of the Ministry of Natural Resources says recent wet and cool temperatures is limiting the activity now.   There were only thirteen fires last month in the Thunder Bay district, six of which have been identified as human caused.

Bear Program Changing

Local police will be saddled with more responsibility for nuisance bears . The provincial government's Bear Wise program is changing. Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says from now on the ministry will no longer trap and relocate bears.   He says that will be left up to police.   Gravelle denies that it's a hands off approach to the problem saying the relocation program has been proven not to work.

No Bail For Tsekouras

A Thunder Bay man remains in jail this morning after being denied bail late Friday in a Thunder Bay courtroom.  John Tsekouras  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.  Meantime at the Superior Court of Justice, 22 year old Bradley Tomeck is due back in court to be sentenced May 28th after being found guilty in connection with a credit union robbery in January of last year

Fire Hits Picton Home

No one is injured following a house fire on the one hundred block of Picton Avenue last night.  Platoon Chief John Mill says when crews got there around 9:30,  flames were coming from a second floor window of the semi detached home.  He says fire damage to the bedroom is extensive while there is smoke damage through the rest of the house.   The cause isn't known.

Chamber Business Awards

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce handed out awards yesterday at the 18th Annual Business Awards ceremony at the Valhalla Inn. The complete list of winners is below:





CHARLES J. CARTER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

John W. Erickson, Q.C.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AWARDS
Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc.
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre

THE POST SECONDARY ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT AWARD
Sponsored by: Intercity Industrial Supply & GRK Fasteners
Willow Lem

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD - SMALL
Sponsored by: Thunder Bay Insurance
ABC Embroidery & Promotions

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD – MEDIUM
Sponsored by: Business Development Bank of Canada
Take A Hike

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD - LARGE
Sponsored by: BDO Canada LLP
Thunder Bay International Airports Authority

NEW BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by: RBC Royal Bank
Perfect Fit Lingerie

NEW BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD: NON MEMBER
Sponsored by: Janzen’s Pharmacy
Heather Anderson
NOT FOR PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD
Sponsored by: OLG
Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
Sponsored by: Fort William Historical Park
Salt & Pepper

LOOKING GOOD AWARD
Sponsored by: Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
Thunder Bay Centre of Change

QUALITY OF LIFE AWARD
Sponsored by: tbaytel
Ontario Power Generation

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD
Sponsored by: Union Gas Ltd.
OLG Casino Thunder Bay

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Sponsored by: Bombardier
Quality Market & Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Youth in Court For Car Robbery

A local youth is attending court later this morning after police arrested him for robbery yesterday. After an initial failed attempt, the youth managed to steal a car last night. Police pursued and identified him before he left city limits. He returned and after another chase was arrested at his home and charged with robbery, possession of stolen property, flight from police, and dangerous driving.

New Commanding Officer For Gliding Program

Thunder Bay's Air Cadet Gliding Program is going to have a new commanding officer. Spokesperson Rick Mortensen says they'll have a changing of command at one o'clock today at the Kakabeka Falls Gliding Centre. The commanding officer provides flight experience to the region's eight air cadet squadrons. Captain Jennifer Mortensen will hand over the command to Captain Matthew Craig.

Community Cup Hockey

Thunder Bay Police are hosting a First Nation hockey tournament today at the Fort William First Nation Arena. Aboriginal Liaison Officer Constable Larry Baxter hopes the tourney will boost young people's confidence. The Community Cup Hockey tournament is meant to foster a good relationship between youth and police.

Robbery On Cameron Street

Police are investigating a robbery that happened last night in the 200 block of Cameron Street. Two men attacked and severely beat a sixty-seven year old man who was walking alone around midnight. They stole his wallet and fled the scene. The man is now in the hospital with a broken arm. Anyone with information on the attackers is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Hyer Denounces Office Closure

MP Bruce Hyer is adding his voice to the list of people condemning the closure of the Veterans Affairs office in Thunder Bay.  The closure is part of the Harper government's budget cutting measures.   Hyer says the office serves a wide area from the Manitoba border to Blind River and calls it a slap in the face to veterans.

Caution: Construction Ahead

Construction and repairs highlights Monday night's City Council meeting. Councillors will be making a decision on more than 4-and-a-half million dollars in spending. Bay City Contractors is in line for more than 1-million dollars for repairing sidewalks, installing traffic and street lights. Makkinga contracting stands to receive more than 1-and-a-half million dollars to replace existing sewer and watermains, while Taranis Contracting is poised to get more than 2-million dollars to reconstruct the street outside the new courthouse.

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.