Auto-Pedestrian Collision Near City Hall

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a collision between a car and a pedestrian. It happened just after 10:30 a.m. this morning at the intersection of Archibald and Donald Street. 2 city buses were indirectly involved and are parked at the scene while police investigate further. No other information is being released at this time.

Police Begin Ground Search For Missing Woman

Twenty city police officers are on foot patrolling the area surrounding the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Police are conducting the ground search for 42 year old Pauline Kireto who was last seen on October 15th. Efforts by her family and police to locate her have been unsuccessful. Kireto is described as 5-foot-1 with a medium build and short dark hair. She does require medication and has been without them since the time of her disapearance. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Pauline Kireto is asked to call city police or crimestoppers.

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett In T.Bay

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett is holding a roundtable event at Lakehead University tonight.  The Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Critic will be speaking with Confederation College and LU students about aboriginal issues.  The event gets underway at 4:45 tonight.

NAN Talks Funding Cuts

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is taking action against the Federal Government's funding cuts to First Nation organizations.  A series of funding cuts have been made and will be fully implemented by 2014.  NAN Grand Chief Harvey Yesno says if they have less money to work with they won't be able to hold as many conferences.  Yesno brought up the federal funding issue at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Special Chiefs Assembly currently running at the DaVinci.

Noront Stays The Course

Noront Resources remains confident production of its Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario will begin on time.   President Wes Hanson says even though Cliffs Natural Resources has delayed the start up date for it's own mining project by a year, Noront still has its sights set on starting production at the Eagle's Nest site in 2016 or 2017.  Hanson says however  that still hinges on the search for cash.  While not mentioning a possible financial partner, Hanson says they're optimistic they can  assemble a package which will meet their start up target.

Hobbs Says Last Resort T.Bay Buys Plant

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is confident a local delegation has swayed the mind of Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  Hobbs, Councillor Joe Virdiramo and NOMA President Ron Nelson were in Toronto Tuesday to discuss the possible closure of the Mission Island power plant.  Hobbs says they aren't opposed to purchasing the plant themselves if the Province decides to mothball the facility.   Hobbs says he thinks they made a pretty strong case to keep the plant alive.

Bisson Weighs In On Power Plant

The Provincial New Democrats are weighing in on the Provincial Government's decision to possibly close the Mission Island Power Plant.  NDP Critic Gilles Bisson says the situation adds up to election seat saving. Bisson's comments are in reaction to a recent meeting with a Thunder Bay delegation and Energy Minister Chris Bentley.

ELA Concerns Not Over

The Coalition to save the ELA is concerned about the possible sale of the Experimental Lakes Area to an unknown buyer.  Diane Orihel is the director of the coalition and says the government is striking down motions to save the ELA behind closed doors.  Orihel adds that the government has seemingly ignored 25 thousand signatures on a petition to save the ELA from being sold.

Sarah In The Hall

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has a new bike.  It's the bone-bike used by the Kids in the Hall in their 2010 series "Death Comes to Town."  It was given to Campbell after the Kids wanted a place to store it.  The bike is now on display at Campbell's Queen's Park office.

T-Wolves Drop One In Rankings

In hockey news...the Lakehead University Thunderwolves are now ranked number 8 in the country.  That's a drop of one spot in the CIS rankings from last week.  The T-Wolves are tied for first place in the OUA's West Division with the Windsor Lancers.   They'll be on the road this weekend for games with the Brock Badgers and Laurier Golden Hawks.

City Drives Message Home To Energy Minister

The City's delegation feels they drove their message home to Energy Minister Chris Bentley this morning.  Mayor Keith Hobbs, Councillor Joe Virdiramo and NOMA President Ron Nelson met in Toronto this morning with the energy Minister to discuss the possible mothballing of the Mission Island power plant.  Virdiramo says the Minister never said the plant will close he just implied they will put the project on hold while they collect more information.  Virdiramo says they let the Minister know they want to see the plant continue to operate.  The City held a news conference this morning via teleconference.

City Delegation Meets With Minister

The meeting is over and now the waiting begins. A Thunder Bay delegation, led by MPP Bill Mauro, met in Toronto this morning with energy Minister Chris Bentley to discuss the possible mothballing of the Mission Island power plant. Mauro believes the minister heard city concerns loud and clear. Mauro now wants to scrutinize the numbers from the Ontario Power Authority which claims the closure of the plant could save the province 400 million dollars in energy costs.

Dilico & CAS Sign Deal

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is taking over child welfare services for Aboriginal children and families in Thunder Bay.  Dilico and the Children's Aid Society signed a formal agreement this morning on the Fort William First Nation.  Dilico Executive Director Michael Hardy says the agreement lays out jurisdictions for the two organizations.  CAS Executive Director Rob Richardson says they've always been supportive of Aboriginal children receiving child protection services from an Aboriginal agency.

Province Wide Bargaining Begins

With another round of bargaining underway, provincial government workers in Thunder Bay are holding an information picket today outside mini-Queens Park. Their union spokesperson Neil MacDonald says it's to mark the start of contract talks between the public service union and the province. MacDonald says 38 hundred government workers in the northwest are affected by the talks.

Fatal Crash Near Kenora

Two people are dead following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 17 east of Kenora. Police say their vehicle crossed the centre line and ran into a minivan around 7:00 o'clock last night. A 75 year old man and a 71 year old female companion died in the crash. The Highway was closed for over seven hours while the wreckage was cleared and the OPP conducted their investigation of the crash scene.

NAN Chiefs Meeting In Thunder Bay

Forty Nine Nishanwbe Aski Nation Chiefs and other leaders are converging on Thunder Bay starting Tuesday. They are here for a Special Chiefs Assembly that takes place at the Da Vinci Centre. Topics being discussed range from winter roads to prescription drug abuse to resource development.

Local Teachers Protest

Public high school teachers in Thunder Bay are joining teachers in the rest of the province in labour action in their protest against the McGuinty government.  Locally teachers are showing how angry they are at legislation that imposed a two year wage freeze on most of them by refusing to, among other things, attend after hours meeting. Caccamo says extra curricular activities like school sports will not be affected.

Toronto Bound

It's off to Toronto Tuesday morning for city officials who have a meeting scheduled with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  MPP Bill Mauro says he arranged the gathering so they can express their concerns to the minister first hand about the possible mothballing of the Mission Island power plant

Methadone "Killing Our People":Social Worker

A social worker from Toronto says the overuse of Methadone is doing serious harm to First Nations people across Northwestern Ontario. Bridget Perrier says the use of the drug, which helps addicts kick drugs like oxycontin, is only causing a more serious problems because it's simply transfering one addiction for another. Perrier says "it's killing our people".

First Nations Partnership Formed

The Grand Council of Treaty 3 and the Anishinabek Nation have formed a unity to work together on common issues. Chiefs from both communities have agreed to share knowledge on traditional law making processes that are within the traditional Anishnabe law. Treaty 3 spokesperson Dale Morrisseau says one of the main issues they will work together on is protection of treaty rights. Morrisseau says both communities have been working on the same processes so it makes sense to come together and share ideas.

Remembrance Day

Thunder Bay residents continue to remember those men and women who fought for Canada. Hundreds took part in a Remembrance Day ceremony at Waverley Park.  Archie Legros says he attends because his son is in the reserves.  Remembrance Day ceremonies were held at three locations across the City Sunday.  Ceremony goers shared why they attend.

Applebee's Pays Respect To Vets

Remembrance Day is being celebrated by Applebee's restaurant today.  Franchisee Ryan Syroid says they go out of their way to honour Canadian Military personnel.  Last year the Applebee's franchise served more than 31-hundred free entrees to Canadian Forces personnel across the country.

Transit Gives Free Rides To Vets

Thunder Bay Transit is offering free bus rides in the city to veterans today.  Transit's Jon Handel says vets simply have to show their uniform or medals to the bus driver.  All transit buses will stop at 11 am on Sunday to commemorate 2 minutes of silence.

Remembrance Day In Thunder Bay

It's Remembrance Day in Canada and in Thunder Bay there are three morning services. At the Waverly Park Cenotaph on the north side and at the Fort William Gardens on the south side. There's also a service on Mount McKay to remember the First Nations soldiers who gave their lives in the wars.

LU Sports Round Up

The Lakehead Thunderwolves beat the UQTR Patriotes 3-2 last night at the Fort William Gardens.  Meanwhile, LU's men's basketball team defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues team 94-73.  The women's basketball team moved to 1-1 on the season after a 63-53 loss to Toronto.  The LU Women's volleyball team lost 3-nothing to the Windsor Lancers.

Highway 614 Closed

Yesterday's freezing rain is resulting in some highway closures this morning.  OPP say Hwy 614 is closed at the intersection of Hwy 17 because of the icy road conditions.  Meanwhile, Highway 102 west of Mud lake is now open after a transport accident last night.

Freezing Rain Warning

There is a freezing rain warning in effect for Thunder Bay.  Environment Canada Meteorologist Glenn Robinson says we can expect just less than a centimeter of freezing rain.  The forecast calls for snow, freezing rain and then just plain rain. Robinson says warmer weather will hit Thunder Bay in the afternoon clearing things up.

Thunderwolves Round Up

The Lakehead Thunderwolves fell 3-2 to the UQTR Patriotes in an overtime shoot out last night at the Fort William Gardens.  They willl take eachother on again tonight.  Meanwhile, The LU men's basketball team could not redeem themselves against the Ryerson Rams on last night, losing 69-64.

Hockey Game Cancelled

Well it was fun while it lasted.   The charity hockey game  involving locked out NHL players,  that was supposed to take place Monday evening at the Fort William Gardens, has been cancelled.  Organizers John Chabot says it's for various player issues.   He says they felt they could not "ice a roster that could be attractive and of full value" to Thunder Bay hockey fans.  He says there were a series of setbacks including injuries, family situations and locked out players involved in current collective bargaining.

Police Look For Witnesses

Police are hoping to find anyone who witnessed a vehicle hit a pedestrian around quarter to 7 last night on 11th Avenue near Field Street   They say a 56 year old man sustained a broken leg in the accident .   While they have the drivers side of the story, they are hoping to get someone else to come forward who may have seen what happened.

More LHIN Bashing

The local health authority is under fire once again by a group of activists who believe they're being denied information on the recent closure of a seniors home on James Street. Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition feels the Local Health Integration Network is holding back important facts on why the closure took place. The groups are also insisting on a meeting with the local MPPs to discuss the issue.

Cliffs Delay "Acceptable"

The city's mining czar says there should be no concern over the decision by Cliffs Natural Resources to delay production of its Ring of Fire chromite mine until 2017. John Mason says Cliffs has a good track record and is unlikely to walk away from the Northwestern Ontario project. Mason says the company has hinted that it may be ready to take on a partner in the venture and that could be a reason for the delay, which he calls acceptable.

Colorado Low Headed This Way

Get ready fo the first real taste of Winter. A Colorado Low is headed our way and with it, large amounts of snow are expected to fall across the region. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson brings you up to date on what to expect here in the city of Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay and all of Northwestern Ontario is part of a special weather warning as the system is expected to hit overnight tonight and into tomorrow.

S.I.U. Charges O.P.P. Officer In Kenora

The Province's Special Investigations Unit is charging a Kenora O.P.P. officer with dangerous driving causing death. The charge comes after 42 year old Gloria Assin was being transferred as a prisoner and died as a result of her injuries following a crash. O.P.P. Constable Troy Bender is facing one charge of Dangerous Driving Causing Death. He will appear in court on December 20th.

Mac's Store Robbed Overnight

City police are looking for the public's help in identifying a woman who reportedly robbed a Mac's convenience store overnight. Police say the woman entered the store just after midnight on the 600 block of Arthur Street near Mountdale brandishing a knife. The woman demanded money and cigarettes and was last seen wearing a dark hoodie with dark leggings and had her face covered. If you have any information about the identity of the woman, you're asked to call city police or crimestoppers.

House Struck By Truck

A 22 year old man is in trouble with the law. City police say the man sped off from a R.I.D.E. checkpoint and promptly hit a house with his black truck on Newton Street and Darwin Crescent shortly after 2:00 o'clock this morning. The man then allegedly struck two parked vehicles causing extensive damage. The driver has been charged with a number of offences, some of which are alcohol related.

Thunderwolves Take On Patriotes

The Lakehead University men's hockey team are back at home tonight against some stiff competition. The #7  ranked Thunderwolves play host to the #4 ranked U.Q.T.R. Patriotes. Puck drop at the Fort Wiliam Gardens in the first of a two game series is set for tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Business District Promotes Random Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness Day will be going on today put on by Fort William Business District.The community is encouraged to spread the cause around the office and at home.Spokesperson J.P Fraser says it's main message is to show that we care. Fraser says they hope to set a good tone in the community.

NHLer's To Play At Gardens

Locked out NHL players are coming to Thunder Bay for a game at the Fort William Gardens. Organizer John Chabot says a group of them will be here to play for charity on Monday evening.  Tickets for the game are 30 dollars apiece and go on sale Friday morning at the Gardens box office at 9:30.

New Responsbilities For City Official

A veteran city official is now the Operations Coordinator for Marina Park. Kathy Ball is moving to the position from her job in tourism and is in charge of overseeing most of what the city is responsible for at Prince Arthur's Landing. As well she will be marketing all the events that each city department is responsible for at Prince Arthur's Landing. Ball says she's looking forward to the challenge.

PARO Enterprising Business Awards

Calling all women business owners.  The Enterprising Women Business Awards is being held on November 15th at the Victoria Inn.  PARO is behind the event and Spokesperson Stacia Kean says they want to inspire others to start their own company.  PARO is an organization that helps women become their own bosses.

Cameras Stolen From High Street Business

Thunder Bay Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for any high end camera equipment being sold on the street or online.  A break-in at the Thunder Bay Centre of Change on High Street resulted in the loss of cameras and accessories.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says keep that in mind if you find a good deal on Kijiji.  Two stores in the Centre of Change were broken into last night.  Office equipment was damaged during the break-in as well.

Injured Owl In Safe Hands

An injured snowy owl is in the care of the Ministry of Natural Resources after being captured at the corner of John Street and Johnson Avenue this morning. A couple of workers in the area managed to net the bird and hold it for the MNR. The owl is being given to a local handler who helps to rehabilitate injured wild birds.

600 Claim Forms & Over 1.1 Million Raised

The Disaster Relief Committee is reviewing 600 flood damage claims.  Chair Wayne Fletcher says they have a long way to go until the January 31st fundraising deadline.  To date 1.1 million dollars has been raised locally for those people who didn't have adequate insurance during the May 28th flood. 

Hudson Bus Route To Change

Thunder Bay Transit is making minor changes to some of its bus schedules beginning Sunday, November 18th. The #7 Hudson will now service Superior C.V.I. High School. That means buses will run every 45 minutes on the Hudson route instead of every 30. Officials with Transit say the Hudson bus will no longer connect with the #2 Crosstown at the Waterfront Terminal. A full schedule can be seen by clicking on the following link: www.thunderbay.ca/transit

Motel Murder Victim Identified

A Seine River First Nation Man is the victim of a murder in Fort Frances last week.   Police say the body of 45 year old Leo Whitecrow was discovered in a room at the Mid-Town Motel.  The cause of his death is being kept under wraps by police.  

LU Talks Palliative Care

Lakehead University is opening up a discussion on end-of-life care. The University's Centre for Research on Aging and Health is holding a conference this week on the topic. Guest Speaker Sharon Baxter says if more people cared for their loved ones at home it would free up hospital beds. The conference wraps up at the Victoria Inn Friday.

Basketball Teams Hit Road To Open Season

The 6th ranked Lakehead University men's basketball team opens their regular season in Toronto Friday night at the old Maple Leaf Gardens against Ryerson. Thunderwolves' Head Coach Scott Morrison says with three of his five starters in their last year of eligibility, a national championship is their only goal for the end of the season. The men's team tips off against the Rams tonight and then against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues tomorrow night. The women's team is also on the road joining them this weekend.

Save The Retro Buses

Councillor Paul Pugh wants to see the City save Thunder Bay Can Car's retro buses made between 1946 and 1959. The buses would be left outside if Council decides to merge HAGI Transit with their Transit Service Department. Pugh hopes that when the issue is voted on in December there will be other options for the brill buses. Pugh adds even if the buses are covered when they are placed outside the weather elements will wreak havoc with the old vehicles.

LU Proud Of Community Partnerships

Lakehead University is celebrating its community partnerships through its report to the community...effectively a state of the university report. Chair of the Board of Governors' Cam Clark says they've accomplished many goals this year and hope more will come in the future. Clark says he's also looking forward to seeing what a new leader of the Liberal party will mean to LU and its provincial funding.

CMHC Housing Report Rosy

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is out with its latest housing starts report for Thunder Bay. Analyst Warren Philp says overall the City has seen 183 single detached starts this year. Last month, the City saw 88 multiple housing starts. Tomorrow the CMHC is releasing its fall housing forecast for Thunder Bay.

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.