Virdiramo Makes His Events Centre Pitch

City Councillor Joe Virdiramo is supporting the downtown location for the proposed events centre. Last night he voted to move to the next stage of the process.  Below is his entire speech to council.

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Giertuga's Speech On The Events Centre

One of the most solid supporters of the new events centre is councillor Trevor Giertuga. He says it's been on his radar for a long time. Below is Councillor Giertuga's entire speech to city council last night.

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Weather Warning

Travellers heading East will want to take note of a special weather statement issued by Environment Canada. Wawa is included in the statement that warns about snow bands hitting the area today. 2 to 5 centimetres of snow are expected this afternoon with another 5 to 10 centimetres in the forecast for tonight.

Events Centre Speech From Ken Boshcoff

Supporting the next stage of the events centre process is a no-brainer for City Councillor Ken Boshcoff.  Boshcoff says it's one of the components of making this a vibrant community to live in for our youth.  Below is Councillor Boschoff's entire speech to council.

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Dryden Man Charged With Luring A Minor

A 19 year old Dryden man is facing charges after he tried to lure a minor online. Dryden Police say that the investigation involves incidents from 2010 and 2011, which were recently reported. The man is charged with contacting a person under 14 years old with regards to luring, and one count of invitation to sexual touching.

Councillors To Consider Infrastucture Priorities

City councillors are going to get the lowdown on what the city's infrastructure needs will be in the future. Manager Tim Commisso is making a presentation to them tonight. While councillors will not be making any decisions they will be asked to consider what their priorities will be.

Councillor Foulds Events Centre Speech

One of the biggest supporters of the proposed events centre and its North downtown location is Councillor Andrew Foulds.  He says it's the right thing to do. Below is Councillor Foulds entire speech.

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Giant FM Helps In Radio Marathon

Giant FM is announcing it will play a part in an upcoming forty hour radio marathon happening next week. The focus will be for local businesses and individuals to help contribute to the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund over a 40 hour period starting next Friday morning and ending Saturday night with a wrap-up event at Marina Park. Chair Linda Gambee is hoping residents find it in their hearts to donate to those who are less fortunate in our community. The entire event will wrap-up with a video dance party at the skating rink at Marina Park.

Mayor's Speech On The Events Centre

Mayor Keith Hobbs is now a believer in the consultants report on the new events centre and spoke passionately at city hall last night about his feelings towards the events centre and the north downtown location. Below is his entire speech.

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Larry Hebert's Event Centre Speech

A majority of city councillors are on board with the proposed location of the new events centre in the downtown north core. However councillor Larry Hebert is not, and he expressed himself at last nights city council meeting. Below is his entire speech.

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Hebert Has Cost Concerns About Events Centre

A majority of Thunder Bay city councillors want to see the events centre process taken to the next stage. All but two of them have voted to move to phase 3. One of the dissenters is Councillor Larry Hebert who says by making this move they could be overlooking the elephant in the room...the potential 500 million dollar lawsuit involving flood victims .  Councillor Linda Rydholm also voted against moving to phase three.

Council Decision Pleases Wilson

With the city another step closer to seeing a new events centre the head of the business community is happy.   Councillors voted to go ahead with it after a three hour meeting tonight that included a handful of presenters including Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson who says he's glad to see the project moving forward.  Wilson says while there are questions about affordability, those can be answered during the next stage.

Event Centre One Step Closer To Reality

The city is moving on to the next stage of the events centre process. Councillors voted to accept the consultants recommendation and move on to phase 3 of the project. Mayor Keith Hobbs is all for it.   He says we can't afford not to go ahead with it if we are going to move the city forward.  Only Councillors Hebert and Rydholm voted not to go to the next phase.

Council Hears Event Centre Opinions

City resident Jon Powers speaks to city councillors about why he is opposed to the event centre concept . He is one of several presenters on this evening's agenda

Motorcyclist Clocked At 230 KPH

A 53 year old Thunder Bay man has a date with a judge in January to answer to a charge of stunt driving. This after police say they clocked a motorcycle going 230 kilometres an hour on the Thunder Bay Expressway near Balsam Street recently. Police say the man's bike was seized and impounded for a week.

Lcoal Retailers Tout Black Friday $uccess

City merchants are emerging from the Black Friday weekend with smiles on their faces. Dave Radford of the Power Centre says his company did extremely well and compares the sales numbers with Boxing Day, something that was unheard of five years ago when they started the local trend. Radford says it's unlikely that Black Friday will ever replace Boxing Day but it adds a new dimension to the holiday shopping season.

Police Seize Almost $14,000 Worth Of Ecstasy

A 29 year old Ignace man is facing drug charges after provincial police raided a residence on Saturday morning. The O.P.P were initially called because of a report of an assault. Police also seized almost $14,000 worth of Ecstasy. In addition, he was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. The man remains in custody and will appear in Dryden court at the end of the month.

Crime Of The Week

 

 Anyone with information about who may be responsible for this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. 

T.Bay Woman Gets Provincial Award

A Thunder Bay woman is being honoured in the provincial government's Ontario Newcomer Champion awards. Madeline Porter is being honoured for her work with Volunteer Thunder Bay, the Regional Multicultural Youth Council and Thunder Bay's Shelter House. Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan will present the awards Monday to outstanding community leaders who have made a difference in their communities.

Fatal Fire In New Osnaburgh

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is investigating a fatal house fire on New Osnaburgh First Nation. Human remains were found on the scene of the fire on Friday. A post-mortem examination will be conducted at the Kenora hospital. The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.

3 Vehicle Accident On Arthur & Brown Street

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a 3 vehicle accident Saturday night that occurred at 10:40 in the evening in the area of Arthur Street and Brown Street.  Two men were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  Police traffic unit continues to investigate and highway traffic act charges are pending.

Local Sports Round Up

The Lakehead Thunderwolves lost 7-4 to the Windsor Lancers at the Fort William Gardens last night. LU is now off until after Christmas when they take on the McGill Redmen at home. In other LU action, The men's basketball team were defeated 82-67 by the Ottawa Gee-Gees. The women's basketball team didn't fair any better and fell to the Gee Gees 84-72. LU's women's volleyball team came away with a 3-0 win yesterday over the Western Mustangs. Meanwhile, The Confederation College Thunderhawks beat the Nip-Rock Midget Girls 6-1 Saturday night at the Nipigon Arena.

Highways Open

Highways around Thunder Bay are all open this morning.  After the first real snowfall of the season yesterday some highways east of Thunder Bay were closed due to poor driving conditions.  The OPP are reporting that all major roadways are open.

Local Sports Round Up

In local hockey action last night, the Lakehead Thunderwolves beat the first-place Windsor Lancers 4-2. They'll play again tonight at the Fort William Gardens at at 7:30. In the SIJHL, Thunder Bay's Northstars defeated the Fort Frances Lakers 5 to 2. In University men's basketball, the LU team fell to the Carleton Ravens 94-53. The women's LU basketball team were defeated by the Carleton Ravens as well 70-46.

Board Official Says Its Not Over Yet

The tentative settlement in the public high school teachers dispute doesn't mean the end of labour troubles at the Lakehead District School Board. Director of Education Cathi Siemieiuk says there still has to be deals signed with other factions of the Secondary School Teachers Federation.  She says there continues to be job action being taken by educational assistants, early childhood educators and occasional teachers. Meantime Siemieiuk says they are pleased with the tentative deal reached with the teachers because it brings an end to their job action which forced  the board to hire a private security firm to patrol the high school halls.

Mattress Fire At Royal Edward Arms

No injuries to report following a small fire at the Royal Edward Arms on May Street this afternoon. The apartment building is run by Thunder Bay District Housing. Spokesperson Terry Flaherty says it appears the blaze wasn't an accident.  Officials tell him that a mattress that was in the lobby was lit on fire creating a lot of smoke which was put out quickly by fire crews. Flaherty says the building was evacuated and no one was injured.

Teachers Reach Tentative Deal With Board

Good news on the Thunder Bay labour front. Public high school teachers have reached a tentative contract agreement with the Lakehead District School Board. The agreement will be officially submitted to the Minister of Education for review. Their union, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, says that any job action taken by the teachers during this dispute has been suspended. The details of the agreement will not be released until the teachers vote on the deal.

Calendar Parking Starts Monday

While calendar parking regulations officially won't go into effect until Monday, city officials are asking you to adhere to them now.  They say it would help with snow clearing operations.   The by-law takes effect when enough snow falls to warrant plowing.  Depending on your area, you can't park on certain sides of the street on odd and even calendar days.  Specific instructions are on the street signs. 

Inflation Up Nationally And Locally

Thunder Bay went from deflation to inflation as the monthly Statistics Canada report was released this morning. The city's inflation rate now stands at 0.4 percent which is a half of a percentage point increase from last month.  The national inflation rate remained unchanged for a third straight month at 1.2 per cent.   The rate was slightly higher than experts had predicted, especially since gasoline prices went down during the month.

Resolute To Build Pellet Plant

Resolute Forest Products is sinking 10 million dollars into its Thunder Bay operations.   The company says it is going to build a new  plant which will be used to convert the material at the mill site that is not used,  into wood pellets.  In turn Ontario Power Generation will be supplied with with 45 thousand metric tons of those pellets every year.   Construction will begin shortly and be finished by 2014 and will be located next to the company's sawmill.  It will create 24 new jobs when fully operation.

Let The Clean Up Begin

The first big snowstorm of the year is in the books and now the clean up begins.   City Roads Manager Brad Adams says crews have been out since 2 this morning plowing the main streets and as of 9 a.m. they moved to plow the side streets.  Adams says they will even work into the weekend

Weekend Accident Claims Life

Thunder Bay OPP are still looking into a single motor vehicle roll-over collision that occurred last weekend on Highway 588 and Blakie Road in O’Connor Township. The 28 year old man died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.  OPP are confirming Clinton Peacock, of Neebing Township, died in hospital.

School Buses Cancelled

Transportation of all school buses in Thunder Bay are cancelled this morning. For Lakehead Public schools, the rural schools are closed but urban schools are open. Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed this morning. For the Thunder Bay Catholic Board and the french catholic board, schools are open. School buses are cancelled for Nipigon, Red Rock and Dorion. For Terrace Bay for Schreiber, school buses are cancelled this morning.

Thunderwolves Weekend

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's hockey team plays host to the O.U.A.'s best team tonight at home. The Windsor Lancers are riding a 7-game winning streak into tonight's game against the Thunderwolves. L.U. has a record of 8-4--2 heading into tonight's game against the 10-2 Lancers. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Gardens. Meanwhile the men's and women's basketball teams are on the road this weekend in Ottawa as they take on Carleton and Ottawa. The men's team will be in tough as they tip-off against the defending national champions and the #1 ranked team in the country tonight. The women's volleyball team is also on the road this weekend. They'll be in London to take on the Western Mustangs tomorrow and Sunday.

New Look For Business District

It's a big day for the merchants in the Bay and Algoma Street Business Association. They get to officially open the newly renovated Algoma Street. Association President Brian Hamilton says the business owners had a rough go of it during construction , but thinks the new look will bring back the customers.  Activities are scheduled to get underway at 11:30.

3.7 Million In Health Care Spending

The local health agency is delivering 3.7 million dollars to a variety of programs aimed at helping seniors, addicts and people living with chronic conditions. St. Joseph's Care Group will be using 500 thousand dollars to provide a drug outreach program for pregnant and parenting moms in Thunder Bay, Kenora and Sioux Lookout. Spokesperson Nancy Black says it's a unique program for Northern women age 16 to 24. The Region's Brain Injury Service will be using money to bring two people living with physical disabilities out of the hospital and into the community.

Underground Gym Fundraises

The Underground Gym is asking you for your help and is launching a new fundraising effort. The Gym has offered a variety of services throughout the years for disadvantaged youth in the community. Founder Peter Panetta hopes for it to stay that way. He says it seems that this has been a bad year for the gym adding they have only taken in half of the money they did last year. The sixth month goal is to raise 20 thousand dollars.

OPP On Ride Program & Snow Plow Safety

The OPP's Festive R.I.D.E. program starts on Saturday. Sgt. Ann McCoy says it's during the holiday period that drinking and driving seems to spike with police statistics showing it's worse this time of year. The RIDE program wraps up on January 2nd.  The OPP is launching a snow plow safety campaign.  Police want to remind the public to slow down when they see a snow plow's flashing blue light and let the plow lead the way. Sgt. Ann McCoy says if you pass the plow and end up in an accident you could end up being charged.  McCoy says driving too fast and passing snow plows are major causes of winter collisions.

Gitchhiker Coming To T.Bay

The Gitch-hiker is coming to Thunder Bay Sunday.  Mark McIntyre is a below the waist cancer survivor and is hitch hiking across Canada in only his Stanfielfd underwear.  McIntyre will receive 20-thousand dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society if he makes it to Stanfield's Head Quarters in Nova Scotia in under 21 days.

Big Brothers Launches New Program

Big Brothers Thunder Bay is launching a new program for young boys.  Game On will be available at 4 schools in the area starting in February according to Program Coordinator Reco Southerland.  The program is for young guys aged 11 to 14.  Southerland says they are currently looking for volunteers to help mentor the young men.

Hebert To Ask For Vote To Be Postponed

City Council will hear from their staff about ways they can help reduce the property tax on a Victoria Avenue building.  Habib Enterprises wants to create an affordable housing unit at that property, but requires from the City reduced property taxes or a grant.  Councillor Larry Hebert says he hopes council votes in favour of the project Monday night. The project has Social Services Board approval and can only receive funding from the Provincial Government's Affordable Housing Program if the City helps.  Meanwhile, City Councillor Larry Hebert is asking to put off a vote on the Event Centre Monday night.  Hebert says he wants to hear about budget priorities and how much the water treatment plant will cost the city before they vote on whether to proceed with the Multiplex.  Hebert says there may not be a need to take a breather on the Event Centre; he just wants to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to the water treatment plant and budget.

Rafferty Points Blame at Feds

Fingers are being pointed at the Federal government for some of the reasons behind Resolute Forest Products' decision to shut down their number-5 paper machine.  In Ottawa, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the government's commitment to the forest industry has been less than adequate. Infrastructure and Communities Minister Denis Lebel says any difficulties within the industry remain  market related.

Getting Ready For United

Thunder Bay's Airport is preparing for United Airlines to offer it's daily service to Chicago.  President Scott McFadden says the service will start February 14th and they're making room for them in the terminal.  The new Chicago flight leaves Thunder Bay at six in the morning and comes back into the city at 8:40 at night.

Campbell On Resolute

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is among those who is still hopeful that operations in Fort Frances will get back to normal at a later date.  Campbell says she met with Resolute representatives as early as yesterday, but indicated they weren't asking for any provincial assistance at this time.  Campbell says the company isn't marking a date as to when operations may resume, but says she did come away with a sense that it will happen.

Kenora Train Pedestrian Accident

A 36 year old Kenora woman is recovering from injuries sustained after she was hit by a train.  Kenora Police were called to a train crossing Tuesday night.  Two people were walking along the tracks when the 36 year old woman was struck by the westbound CP Rail train.  She was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Work To Rule In Rainy River

Elementary teachers across the Rainy River district are expected to begin a series of work-to-rule job actions to back demands for a new contract.  The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says it's received the no board report from a Ministry of Labour conciliator regarding its stalled negotiations with the Rainy River District School Board.

Layoffs Still Loom

The prospect of more downtime still looms at the local Bombardier plant. Union Spokesperson Dominic Pasqualino says it's because workers voted to continue their strike at the company's  Quebec plant. The facility makes walls and roofs for the rocket subway line Thunder Bay's plant works on. Pasqualino says they'll start running out of parts by Christmas. He adds layoffs could be avoided if the Quebec plant resolves their labour issues or the company finds another supplier.

Ski Hills Could Open December 1st

With no snow on the ground yet, you might think local ski hills would be suffering.  Ward Bond, Owner of Loch Lomond Ski Area says memberships for him are actually up in numbers from a year ago.  Bond says they'll start making snow with 20 machines starting tomorrow and hope to open as early as December 1st.

Snow On The Way

Travellers taking to the road tomorrow will need to know about an incoming weather system that is expected to bring varying amounts of snow to the region overnight.  Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says 15 to 20 centimetres could hit along the North shore of Lake Superior but other areas around the region, including Thunder Bay will see less accumulation.  Coulson says the tail end of the system will bring much cooler temperatures over the coming week with highs of minus 5 and 6.

Liberal Leadership Debate Coming To T.Bay

The Ontario Liberal Leadership debates will be making a stop in Thunder Bay.  Northwestern Ontario will get it's chance to ask questions to the candidates on Sunday, December 9th at 1 in the afternoon.  A location for the debate has yet to be selected.

Golf Courses Still Open

Golf in November? With the temperatures as mild as they have been, golfers are still swinging their clubs at Northern Lights Golf Course. Clubhouse Manager Billy Shewchuck says the driving range and the full course are still open for business. Shewchuck says it's been really busy this week with above normal temperatures and they'll be open again today. Dragon Hills Golf Course is open today as well.