Winter Storm Headed This Way

Environment Canada is issuing a special weather statement for the city of Thunder Bay. A low pressure system developing over the American Rockies is forecast to track towards Lake Superior over the next couple of days. An area of snow ahead of the low is expected to spread into northwestern Ontario beginning early Saturday. Snow may be heavy at times with total amounts of 10 to 15 cm possible. 

Group Wants Answers

A group of concerned Northwood residents want answers from the City in regards to the May 28th flood disaster. Spokesperson Al Ukrainec says they want to know why the neighbourhood is plagued with storm water, sewage and drainage problems. They'll be at the ward meeting tonight at Grandview Lodge.

New Police HQ On FWFN

The Anishinabek Police Service has a new home on the Fort William First Nation. They recently christened their new building and Police Chief John Syrette says it's a vast improvement from their previous buildings. 6 officers will be housed in the new 500 thousand dollar building.

Flu Hits T.Bay

The flu has hit Thunder Bay. Health Unit Spokesperson Darlene Binette says the lab has confirmed the flu has made its way into the community. One child in the community has come down with the flu and an outbreak has been reported at the Bethammi Seniors Home. The Health Unit is urging the public to get a flu shot and has added a walk-in flu clinic to its schedule on Monday at their headquarters on Balmoral and William.

Murray Promises to Champion NWO Causes

A Champion for the North, that's the message Glen Murray wants to get across as he makes his bid to lead the provincial government.  Murray, who is running to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty, says he totally understands the needs and concerns of the north.  Murray adds he feels the South has given Northwestern Ontario a raw deal.

Wawa Promised Relief $

The Community of Wawa is receiving word from the province that it is eligible to receive funds from the Province's Disaster Relief Fund. Part of the Trans-Canada Highway were washed out two weeks ago thanks to a monstrous rainstorm that made its way through the area. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Bob Chiarelli toured the area yesterday and says a price tag for the damage is still far away. Chiarelli toured the flood damaged area with Mayor Linda Nowicki and promptly offered the province's help.

Drive To Save Power Plant In Full Gear

The decision to suspend the conversion of the Mission Island generating station to natural gas is causing great concern among city and area leaders.   Some believe it will put mining growth at risk.  With the possibility the plant could be mothballed altogether, there was a call to meet with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  That meeting has now been arranged.  MPP Bill Mauro says it will take place on Tuesday in Toronto and will be to stress the importance of moving forward with the with conversion plans

Hospital Board Meetings Streamed On-line

You can be a fly on the wall during the Health Sciences Centre's board meetings. The hospital is going to stream their meetings live starting with tonight's meeting at 5:00 p.m. A link to the meetings can be found here: www.tbrhsc.net

City Solicitor Back At Work

The City's Solicitor is back. Rosalie Evans spent a year away working with the local Weiler, Maloney, & Nelson law firm.  Evans says it's her first week back and she's playing catch up. Evans spent the year learning more about labour relations.

Second Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against City

For the second time this year the city is facing legal action in connection with the May 28th disaster. The latest class-action lawsuit has been filed by a Toronto legal firm representing three city plaintiffs and claims over half a billion dollars in damages. The city confirms it has received a statement of claim. None of the allegations have been proven in court and only one of the two class-action suits can be certified by the courts, if at all.

Hydro Installing Solar Panels

Thunder Bay Hydro is getting Maki Bay Solar to install solar power systems on the roof of the Victoriaville Parkade and on the paramedics headquarters on Junot Avenue. Both projects have begun and are expected to be finished this December.

Tbay Hydro Goes Solar

Thunder Bay Hydro is getting Maki Bay Solar to install solar power systems on the roof of the Victoriaville Parkade and on the paramedics headquarters. Both projects have begun and are expected to be finished this December.

TBAY Gets More Accessible

The City is trying to be more accessible.  A series of open houses on accessibility is being held this week and Spokesperson Stephen Holloway says they want to look at emergency situations.  An open house was held today and another will be held Thursday night at the 55 Plus Centre.

Rotary Christmas Parade

The Rotary Christmas Parade is gearing up for another season. Businesses and industries are encouraged to submit their own floats into the parade. Spokesperson Art Warwick says there is something extra in this year's event, donations to the Disaster Relief Fund will be accepted all day on Saturday November 17th.

NAPS Gets Gang Member

Nishnawbe-Aski Police have taken a Native Syndicate gang member off the streets. Sgt. Jackie George says on Monday, the NAPS Guns and Gangs Unit, along side the canine unit conducted two arrest warrants that were issued by the Dryden Police Service in September. Police say a 51-year-old Cat Lake resident who has been involved with the gang since 2003, was the focus of the search and currently has 16 outstanding breaches.

Walkway Off Limits To Pedestrians

The walkway over the Current River Dam in Boulevard Lake is closed this week.  The City is closing the walkway as they perform maintenance on the dam.  The walkway is closed until 4:30 Friday.

Three People Sent To Hospital In Crash

Thunder Bay Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the two vehicle collision at the intersection of Fort William Road and Central Avenue. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says they want to hear from you if you saw the crash between a green Mercury and a white Oldsmobile. The accident sent a woman to hospital with serious injuries and the passenger of the other car with very serious injuries. The fire department had to use the jaws of life on one of the vehicles.

14th Parade Of Lights Around The Corner

The annual Parade of Lights will be taking place again this year. It's happening Saturday evening, December the 1st. Spokesperson Julie Tilbury says once again there will be some charity fundraising taking place along the parade route on Memorial Avenue. The parade is organized by the Thunder Bay Police Association

Kitchen Fire On Valley Street

A kitchen fire at a Valley Street Apartment complex is now under investigation. Firefighters were called to the 100 block just before midnight last night. A fire caused heavy fire and smoke damage to one apartment but officials say the fire was quickly put out. None of the other apartments were affected and the fire department says no one was hurt.

Request Not Demand

Councillor Iain Angus

City Council is taking the phrase "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" to heart. They've requested a meeting with the CEO of the Ontario Power Authority over its decision to close the Mission Island Power Plant. Councillor Joe Virdiramo's original resolution demanded a meeting with the OPA, but that didn't sit well with Councillor Rebecca Johnson. In the end they decided to change the resolution's wording to request. City Council is vowing to work with the Provincial Government to ensure the local power plant is converted to natural gas instead of being mothballed.

Six First Nation Men Launch Sex Assault Lawsuit

A lawsuit is being launched by six men from the Lac La Croix First Nation for alleged sexual abuse while they were boys by a priest who lived and worked on the reserve in the 1960's. The men are seeking unspecified financial damages from the federal government, a Catholic diocese in Thunder Bay, a Winnipeg-based Roman Catholic order, as well as the priest who died almost 20 years ago. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

EMS Staffing Levels Discussed

City Council is spending just over 44 thousand dollars to return EMS service levels for North Shore Communities back to 2008 staffing levels.  Chief Norm Gale told council at it's meeting last night that the City's share could be halved if the provincial government kicks in some money.  The area communities are responsible for kicking in just over 11 thousand dollars.

Peace Poll Up For Discussion

The Fort William Rotary Club wants to place a peace pole in Marina Park's Spirit Garden.  If Council decides to go through with receiving the gift from the organization, staff will need to create a policy dealing with the City accepting tokens.  Rotary would like to see an annual peace gathering held around the pole.

Park Renamed After Suzan Labine

Gil Labine

City Council is renaming the new children's playground at Junot Park after the late Suzan Labine.  Her family spoke to council in September asking for the name change.  Council approved the memorial naming at it's meeting Monday night.  Suzan Labine was a member of the Lakehead School Board and St. Joseph's Care Group.

SIU Investigate Balmertown Standoff

Provincial Police in Balmertown say an weekend standoff is now over and the end result is tragic. Police were notified about a man who had barricaded himself inside a home at 8:00 o'clock yesterday morning. Despite numerous attempts to contact the man, police were unsuccessful and a tactical unit had to enter the premises just before 5:00 o'clock this morning, only to find a man already dead.  Constable Dave Lamme says police are still looking into the matter. O.P.P. say no foul play is suspected.  The province’s Special Investigations Unit has been notified and has invoked its mandate.

Winter Rinks Up For Discussion

The City is considering offering it's winter rinks longer.  Staff are asking members of council to increase supervision at all outdoor rinks from 5 to 7 days a week.  15 of 26 board free pond rinks could be eliminated as away to redeploy the staff to other rinks for increased supervision.  Sites that could be cut include Victoria Parkette, Thornloe Park, Humber, Lambton, Kingway Lillie, Holly, Fraserdale and Chaplain. The move will allow more use of the rink as well as the washroom and change facilities.

Bravery Award Given Out At Council

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs presented Jeffrey Neekan Sr. with the Medal of Bravery from the Governor General of Canada.  Neekan received the award for his actions in rescuing a 13 year old boy from a burning house, in Mishkeegogamang, Ontario.

Crime Prevention Awards

The second annual Crime Prevention Awards were held Monday night.  Several local residents were honored for their involvement in community programs that help curb crime.  Crime Prevention Coordinator Amy Siciliano says it's nice to promote some of the good things that are happening in the community.  Sharon Johnson won the Community Hero Award for her work with the Full Moon Memory Walk.   The Northern Woman’s Bookstore won the business award.

Two Vehicle Accident At Central & Fort William

Thunder Bay Police are on the scene of an accident involving two cars at the intersection of Fort William Road and Central Avenue.  Police say the call came in just after 5:40 Monday evening.  A man was trapped inside one of the vehicles and had to be removed by the Fire Department.  The investigation is continuing.

Chamber Wants Conversion To Continue

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce agrees that the Mission Island generating station not be allowed to shut down. Harold Wilson says the decision to put the plant's conversion to natural gas on hold is a huge letdown.  He says they were looking forward to the conversion taking place, not just for current energy needs in the region, but the future needs as well. Wilson hopes there's a chance for the Chamber to give its side on the issue.

DSSAB Ideas In Report

The District Social Services Board is excited some of their ideas are being used in a provincial review of the social assistance system.  The local board suggested Ontario works be replaced by an integrated program that provides individual services and that the Province give First Nations and Municipalities responsibility of the social assistance program.

Gravelle On Power Plant

The Minister of Natural Resources is pledging his efforts to help change the mind of the Ontario Power Authority. Michael Gravelle says he was shocked to hear the news about the possible mothballing of the Mission Island Power Plant. The plant was set to be converted to natural gas but that move has been suspended.

More Course Sharing

Confederation College is continuing to partner with other colleges in the province to share courses. Three more colleges were added to the list Monday in Timmins, Sudbury and Peterborough. President Jim Madder says it will give more students a chance to take programs and not leave their home communties. Madder says Confederation College is bringing its mining program to the table for this agreement.

Woman Missing

Thunder Bay Police are requesting assistance from the public to locate a missing person.42 year old Pauline Jean Kireto was last seen at 9:00 a.m. on October 15th.  Pauline is described as 5-foot-1 and has a medium build.   She was last seen in the vicinity of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center wearing a blue jacket. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Pauline Kireto is asked to call Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Minister Won't Commit To A Deadline

Chris Bentley says he would like to see an answer on the conversion of the Mission Island generating station to natural gas sooner rather that later. When pressed our newsroom the Energy Minister would not say if the Ontario Power Authority has been given a deadline to give him the answers he wants.     The Authority says it can save the province 400 million dollars by mothballing the coal fired plant and getting our region's energy from other sources.

Man Arrested In Cat Killing

Police responded to a south May Street address just before 5:00 a.m. on Saturday to investigate a report of a cat being killed.  When officers arrived they observed a male covered in blood and a small black cat that had it's throat cut.  Witnesses to the killing had immediately called police and cooperated with the investigation.  Police say alcohol was a factor in this incident. A 35 year old man was arrested and charged with Killing an Animal.

University Hockey Results

In University Hockey action, The Lakehead Thunderwolves defeated the Carleton Ravens 5-4 Saturday afternoon.

City Searching For Answers

City officials say they're going to do what they can get get to the bottom of it. They want to know why Ontario Power Generation is suspending the conversion of the Mission Island power plant to natural gas. Councillor Joe Virdiramo says they are hoping to talk face to face with Energy Minister Chris Bentley. An emergency meeting was held at City Hall today to discuss the issue.

Motel Death In The Fort Suspicious

The death of a man in Fort Frances is being treated as suspicious.  Provincial Police responded to a 911 call this morning from the Mid-Town Motel, where a man was found dead in one of the rooms. OPP are working under the direction of Detective Peter Loree of the Criminal Investigation Branch. The name of the dead man is not being released until family members are notified.

"Salties" Making A Comeback

The Port of Thunder Bay may be seeing the early benefits now that the Wheat Board grain monopoly has ended. Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says more ocean going ships, or salties, is coming to our port to load up with grain. He's hoping it's a trend. Heney says so far this year, more ocean going vessels have visited the city then all of last year.

Mauro Attacks OPA Thinking

MPP Bill Mauro says he shares in the anger of community leaders over the decision to suspend the conversion of the Mission Island coal powered generating station. Mauro disagrees with the Ontario Power Authority's claim that the region has a surplus of power and for suggesting the conversion to natural gas may not happen. Mauro says he will do his best to make sure the conversion takes place as scheduled.

NOMA Fuming Over OPG Decision

Municipal leaders in Thunder Bay are outraged over the decision to suspend the natural gas conversion of the Ontario Power Generation coal plant on Mission Island. Ron Nelson, the president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association,  says he is so livid he can hardly contain himself.  The association says the decision will put mining growth at risk in Northwestern Ontario.

Quebec Strike Could Affect Local Plant

Workers at a Quebec company that supplies the local Bombardier plant with parts for it's Toronto subway cars, is on strike. Dominic Pasqualino is the union spokesperson for the workers at Bombardier and says if the strike drags on too long, it would have an affect at the local plant after they run out of metal sidewalls and roofs.   Pasqualino says the local workers have enough supplies to last at least two weeks then there's the risk of a layoff.

Anti War Activist Leaves City

Francis Thatcher

An American anti war activist is on his way home to Minneapolis after being fined 5 thousand dollars in Thunder Bay yesterday. Joe Callahan plead guilty to trying to sneak a Salvadoran couple into Canada at the Pigeon River Border Crossing. His lawyer Francis Thatcher says Callahan left this morning after being processed by border officials. Callahan avoided jail time after the judge noted he had already spent time behind bars.

Pedestrian Hit By School Bus

A young woman is now out of hospital after being struck by a school bus while walking this morning. Police were called to the intersection of Arthur Street and Parkdale Boulevard just after 7:30 a.m. The woman was apparently trying to cross while a school bus was turning left off of Arthur Street. A 64 year man, driving the bus has been charged with failing to yield for a pedestrian. The driver and the kids on the bus were not hurt but the woman had to be taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

Unemployment Rate Jobs In October

Thunder Bay's unemployment rate is seeing another positive step in the right direction. The unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent last month, dropping frm 6.3 percent in September. Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.4 percent with the creation of only 1,800 jobs across the country.

Firefighter Calendar Supports Juvenile Arthritis

The brand new firefighters calendar comes out Saturday. A launch party will be held starting at 4:00 o'clock at Reid's Countrywide Furniture where you can purchase the calendar for $15 with proceeds helping to fight juvenile arthritis. Arthritis Society spokesperson Shelley Graham says the disease can affect children as young as 18 months old and proceeds will help those in Northwestern Ontario.  Graham says the calendars sell for $15 or two for $25. A gift certificate is also available if you make a purchase at Reid's Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters Headed Back To Canada Malting Fire

City firefighters are heading back to Canada Malting on Maureen Street this morning. Additional fire crews have been sent to that location to help with a pellet fire that has been smouldering since Tuesday morning. The fire has never been declared out and firefighters are reporting a flare up in a bin that contains about twenty feet of pellet products. Crews have been monitoring the fire since Tuesday while workers tried to empty the bin but so far have been unsuccessful.

Lakehead U Ranks 2nd In MacLean's Survey

Lakehead University is ranked 2nd out of five universities in Ontario according to MacLean's magazine, which is out with its annual report card. Lakehead is 1st in Library Holdings Per Student, 2nd in in the province in the following categories: Student/Faculty Ratio, in Student and Faculty Awards, in Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, in Total Research Dollars, in Library Expenses and Acquisitions and in Operating Budget. L.U. did drop by one to 12th overall in Canada among 19 universities surveyed.

Thunderwolves Prepare For Busy Weekend

The Lakehead University men's hockey team is on the road this weekend and will play a pair of games against the Carleton Ravens tonight and tomorrow. The women's volleyball team is here at home against the McMaster Maurauders. Both teams are looking for their first win of the season. The first serve is set for 7:00 o'clock tonight and tomorrow at the Thunderdome. The women's basketball team is on the road for a pair of exhibition games against Bemidji State University. The women are 4-and-4 so far in pre-season play.