Missing Man In Hospital

Thunder Bay Police say the 55 year old man who was subject of a missing persons report is now recovering in hospital from exposure to the outdoor elements.  Police say the man disappeared yesterday and was found near a path in the East End.  Police say its not considered a criminal matter. 

Montreal Massacre Anniversary Thursday

Lakehead University's Gender Issue Centre is holding a 2 hour memorial for the 14 women who were killed in the 1989 Montreal Massacre.  Spokesperson Althea Annan says they'll welcome a woman who experienced the shooting as their guest speaker.  The memorial service is being held Thursday from 10 until noon in the Agora.

Freezing Rain In Region

If you plan on driving west take note that you may run into some freezing rain this evening. Weather forecasters says that some patchy mixed precipitation is likely to develop across northwestern ontario, however, it will likely be brief and spotty. The areas affected include Dryden, Kenora, Atikokan and Fort Frances.

Our Kids Count Benefit From Raffle

Our Kids Count is on the receiving end of this year's Motors and Muscles Raffle.  650 tickets will be sold this year.  Executive Director Gladys Berringer says they're happy to be the raffle's charity of choice.  Tickets can be purchased at Our Kids Count, Half-Way Motors and Thunder Bay Harley Davidson.

Job Cuts Through Attrition

Most of the job cuts at Canadian Pacific will be found through retirements and contractors. The company announced its plans this morning to eliminate 45-hundred jobs by 2016. A media spokesperson told our newsroom they don't know if Thunder Bay will be impacted by the HR changes.

Board Elections Bring No Change

Not a lot of change at the Public and Catholic School Board during recent elections.  Bob Hupka was re-elected as board chair for the Catholic Board.  Meanwhile, Deborah Massaro has been acclaimed for a sixth consecutive term as Chair of the Lakehead District School Board.

Watch For Flood Damaged Vehicles

A local used car dealer is urging you to watch for flood damaged vehicles from Superstorm Sandy. Ken Peterson, of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, says it's entirely possible such vehicles can make their way here and warns, a flood damaged vehicle is worthless in this province because by law, they can 't be driven. Peterson says the problem did creep up locally after Hurricane Katrina when some flood damaged vehicles were identified here.

Salvation Army Needs Volunteers

The Salvation Army is having a hard time finding people to staff their kettles this holiday season.  Major Merv Halvorsen says they didn't have anyone recently at the LCBO on Arthur Street.  Halvorsen says without volunteers they can't collect money at their kettles.  So far they've raised 53 thousand dollars.  You can call the Salvation Army if you would like to donate your time to the kettle campaign.

Two N.W.O. Doctors To Be Honoured

Two Northwestern Ontario doctors are being recognized for providing great care to their patients. Thunder Bay's Dr. Andrew Siren and Dryden's Dr. Adam Moir were nominated for the honour by their patients. Both M.D's will receive their Patients' Choice Awards at a special ceremony tonight being put on by the Ontario Medical Association and the local health authority.

Community Foundation Hands Out Grants

Thunder Bay's Community Foundation is playing Santa Claus handing out $67,000 in grants to 24 local groups. Spokesperson Bonnie Moore says among the groups receiving the cash include the Alzheimer Society, the Diabetes Association, and the Salvation Army. The grants were made possible through endowment funds set up by local citizens.

Grassy Narrows Man Dies In Hospital

Kenora Provincial Police are confirming the death of a 48 year old Grassy Narrows First Nation man. He died in a Winnipeg hospital on Sunday while being treated for injuries received during an altercation inside a Grassy Narrows residence on November 27th. The OPP Forensic Identification Unit was scheduled to assist in a post mortem exam in Winnipeg yesterday.

Two Women Face Drug Charges

Two Ottawa-area women are to appear in court today facing drug trafficking charges. The women, aged 39 and 31, were pulled over on Fort William Road on Monday night. Officers observed marijuana in the vehicle and arrested the two women who have each been charged with four counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Rooming House Owner Pays Fine

A Thunder Bay rooming house owner is paying 8-thousand dollars in fines after pleading guilty recently to fire code charges.  Fire Prevention Captain Eric Nordlund says the charges involve failing to keep records of tests, inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers and other equipment.  Nordlund says this isn't the first time the rooming house owner has been charged under the fire code.

Port Authority Sees Strong Finish To Shipping Season

It appears the end of the Wheat Board is not having any negative effect on the Port of Thunder Bay.  CEO Tim Heney says while November wasn't the best month this season, the strong start of this month is proving anything can happen now that the marketing monopoly is no more.

City Looking For New Designs

The City is looking for a new design for their pin. On top of that they would also like to have a promotional graphic they can put on a variety of items. Spokesperson Reana Mussato says they are looking for someone from Northwestern Ontario to design the two items. The new designs will not replace the City's official logo. The deadline to submit your design ideas is in January.

DSSAB Budget Up For Debate Thursday

Thunder Bay's District Social Services Board will table it's 78 million dollar budget Thursday. CAO Bill Bradica says it's a 2.7 percent decrease over last year's fiscal document and hopes the budget passes. Thunder Bay's share of the DSSAB budget is seventy four percent or just over 17.9 million dollars.

Murder Rate Goes Down

Thunder Bay's murder rate has gone down.  According to Statistics Canada data, the City saw just over 3 murders per 100-thousand people last year.  We are fourth in the Country for highest amount of murders per capita.

Lawyer Blasts Consultants Report

A Thunder Bay lawyer who is heading up a class action suit against the city over the May 28th flooding, is disputing the findings of the consultants report on the disaster.  Sandy Zaitzeff believes that contrary to what the consultant says,  the flooded Atlantic Avenue treatment plant's screening process should have been able to handle the overwhelming amount of rainwater that came through  that morning.   Zaitzeff says it certainly looks like an attempt at a white-wash.  The accusations have not been proven in court.  

More Cancer Care For Aboriginals

Aboriginals who are getting care through the regional cancer centre are going to get some added help.  Cancer Care Northwest Vice President Dr.  Mark Henderson says it will come in the form of two new positions at the facility.   He says the process will involve prevention and guiding those with cancer through the system.

Truth & Reconciliation Hearing

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is meeting face to face with Thunder Bay residents over the next two days.  Survivors and First Nation community members are sharing their stories and experiences with the residential school system. Commissioner Murray Sinclair says residential schools have created problems for both the First Nation and non aboriginal communities.  The hearing will wrap up tomorrow at 5 at the DaVinci Centre.

Giving Back

Thunder Bay Transit, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 966 and the Thunder Bay Food Bank are teaming up for the 18th annual Santa Bus food drive. Starting today and until December 14th, you are invited to drop off dry goods for the food bank on any city bus at any time. The Santa Bus will also be available for donations at the Fort William Road Wal-mart on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and again on Friday December 14th from 5 in the afternoon until 10 at night. Still on the charity beat the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Foundation has its Grand Christmas Tree up in the lobby of the Health Sciences Centre. Donations are being accepted to benefit the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Lakehead University To Host Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate

Candidates vying for the Leadership role for Ontario's Liberals will be in Thunder Bay this weekend. A time and place has now been set for the Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate. Lakehead University will be the host venue for the debate on Sunday, December 9th starting at 1:00 o'clock.

Highway 17 Re-opened This Morning

A large section of the Trans-Canada Highway is back open this morning after O.P.P. were forced to close it overnight due to poor weather and icy road conditions. Provincial Police say Highway 17 from the Manitoba Border to Vermillion Bay was shut down overnight because of dangerous driving conditions thanks to a weather system that is making its way across the region.

Westfort Fire Station To Be Located On West Frederica

The new Westfort Fire Station will be located on City-owned land on West Frederica Street.  City Council approved the location at it's meeting Monday night.  Fire Chief John Hay says the fire station will cost around a million and a half dollars and construction will start in 2013.  A new Neebing Fire Station will be built in the New Year as well at it's current location.

Mayor Relieved Plant Didn't Malfunction

Mayor Keith Hobbs is comforted by an independent consultant's report that shows equipment at the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Plant didn't malfunction during the May 28th flood.  Hobbs says he's always held the opinion that the plant was simply overwhelmed by the huge amount of rainfall that night.  The Mayor says he's relieved to hear the plant didn't malfunction and that they are dedicated to helping those impacted by the flood.  City staff will be back in January with an overall damage assessment of the plant and provide council with its options on how to proceed with the 1.4 million dollars in upgrades that are recommended.

What Went Wrong May 28th

Flooding at the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Plant started in the area of the facility that houses screens that catch large debris in waste water before it's treated.  Consultant Troy Briggs told City Council Monday night that the amount of water exceeded the equipment's capability and there wasn't any equipment failure.  Briggs is recommending as a short term emergency measure removing one screen to allow unrestricted flow through the preliminary treatment plant.  Longer term recommendations include increasing the screen cleaning speed and designing an emergency bypass around the preliminary treatment area.  Briggs noted there was no benefit of having someone work at the plant overnight since there was no special machinery that could have prevented what went wrong.  He also mentioned the design of the plant was typical for when it was built and the recommended changes only started to be included in new water pollution plant design plans.

Commission Makes Historic Visit

A historic moment in Thunder Bay this week as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada makes a stop for two days of hearings at the Da Vinci Centre starting tomorrow. Chair Justice Murray Sinclair says it will give First Nation survivors of residential schools a chance to tell their side of the story.  The Commission is in the middle of 5 year journey to gather information and then present a report to the government.

Eat Local Pizza Robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a weekend robbery of Eat Local Pizza on May Street.  The incident occurred just before 9:30 on December 1st when employees called 911 after a man with a knife demanded money from them.  The suspect wearing a toque with two eye holes made off with the cash register tray and headed westbound on Dease Street.  The police are looking for a fair skinned man with long brown hair wearing a dark blue North Face jacket and pants.

TSB Ready To Begin Death Probe

The Tecumseh is expected to be in Windsor sometime on Tuesday. The bulk carrier was the scene of an industrial death while it was berthed at the Viterra grain elevator in the Thunder Bay harbour. John Cottreau of the Transportation Safety Board say they are ready to begin the investigation once they board the ship in Windsor. The circumstances surrounding the death have not been made public.

ONA Wants You To Value Nurses

The Ontario Nurses Association is starting an ad campaign in the city to help improve the image of nurses. Called "Value The Invaluable" asks you to look differently at nurses and value them much like the way we do our pro athletes. The ads can be seen on several bus shelters in the city.

Treatment Plant Overwhelmed By Storm: Consultant

A consultant's report into the May 28th flood concludes that the Atlantic Avenue water treatment facility was overwhelmed with the amount of rainwater that came through the facility.   It says the pumping system wasn't designed to deal with the flooding event and resulted in a systematic failure in the plant. The result was the flooding of hundreds of basements in the city most of which were in the East End where the treatment plant is located.  The report recommends almost one and a half million dollars in upgrades in order to prevent such an occurrence in the future.

City Has Its 5th Murder

Thunder Bay Police are currently investigating a homicide which occurred at just after 3:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon on the 200 block of McIntyre Street. Police responded to a 911 call about an injured man who had been attacked. The victim ,48 year old Martin Achneepineskum, died because of his injuries at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital a short time later. 32 year old Jeffrey Kakegamic has been arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder.

Crime Of The Week

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

Death on Grain Ship in Port

The Federal Ministry of Labour is investigating an industrial accident that happened early yesterday morning on one of the grain ships in port. Thunder Bay Police and Fire responded to a call just before 2 a.m. yesterday after a 40 year old resident of the GTA died from an injury while working on the ship. Police cannot release further information about the incident or the man until the investigation is complete.

NWHU Surveys Living Costs

Feeding a family of four per month costs over 941 dollars in Northwestern Ontario. That's according to a recent survey done by the Northwestern Health Unit at regional grocery stores. Julie Slack is a nutritionist with the NWHU and says minimum wage and social assistance rates make it impossible for people to have a healthy diet. The health unit adds that the cost of healthy food in this years survey has gone gone up 23 dollars from last years average price of 918 dollars.

CP Holiday Train Comes to Town

Giving back to the community this holiday season. That's the main focus of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, which is stopping in Thunder Bay on Tuesday night. Spokesperson Salem Woodrow says all money and food donated stays within the community and goes to the food bank. The show starts at 9:45 at the CP train depot at 440 Syndicate Ave. This year's performers include Doc Walker, Miss Emily, and the Brothers Dube.

Walk of Light

A group of students are holding an event tonight called "Walk Of Light." Social Service Worker students at the Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology are gathering to shine light on domestic violence and violence against women. The "Walk of Light" is set to take place starting at 6:00 o'clock on Lyon Boulevard. Organizers are asking to bring donations of non-perishable food items and money that will be donated to the Faye Peterson Transition House.

Country Market Collects for Shelter House

Thunder Bay's Country Market is kicking off a holiday food drive today for Shelter House. Spokesperson Michael Quibell says visitors to the Saturday market can pop by the second floor to make a donation of cash or non-perishable food items. When you make a donation you'll receive a ballot to win a gift pack full of goodies from the Farmers Market.

Fire Rescue Award Ceremony

Thunder Bay's first Fire Rescue Award Ceremony will be held today at the Protective Services Training Centre. Deputy Chief Greg Hankio says awards will be presented to six individuals who have gone above and beyond their duties. The event will be held at the Protective Services Training Centre on Hammond Avenue.

Parade of Lights

The annual Parade of Lights is taking place again this year, starting at 7pm tonight. Thunder Bay Police Association Spokesperson Julie Tilbury says there will be some charity fundraising taking place along the parade route on Memorial Avenue. Money raised will go towards Autism Ontario, George Jeffrey Children's Centre, Special Olympics and the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association.

OSSTF Upset Over Westgate Tiger Tip-Off

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is speaking out after the Public School Board cancelled the Westgate Tiger Tip-off basketball tournament.  The board said the tournament was cancelled because they didn't feel there was enough supervision from support staff.  Union Rep Paul Caccamo says his members put over 200 hours to prepare the tournament and were willing to give more over the weekend.  Caccamo says he didn't hear from the school about their concerns about supervision.

Council Tackles Several Issues Monday

There could be a new school safety zone after Monday night's City Council meeting. Council will consider implementing a 40 km/hr speed zone on Georgina Avenue from Mary Street to Frederica Avenue. School safety zones would also be set up at Rockwood Avenue from 65 metres south of Whitney Street to 35 metres south of Windsor Street and Wishart Crescent from Windemere Avenue to Clarkson Street. Meanwhile, Council is looking at improving drainage in the areas of Oliver and Highgate Roads. City staff is recommending spending 125-thousand dollars towards drainage improvements including new ditching on the south side of Oliver Road and new culverts along half of Highgate Road. Finally, Council is considering making a bid for the next Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities conference. Council will decide tonight whether or not to officially throw the City's hat into the conference hosting ring.

B-Ball Tournament Cancelled

The Tiger Tip-off basketball tournament is cancelled and teachers' job action is being blamed.  Ian MacRae, Superintendant of Education and former Principal at Westgate says he was forced to pull the plug on the tournament last night after the first round of games were played.  MacRae says there were indeed enough coaches, but not enough support staff to ensure the students participating would be supervised appropriately on school grounds.

Christmas Cheer Fund Set At 160-thousand

The Christmas Cheer campaign is underway with a goal of 160 thousand dollars.  Chair Linda Gambee says this year the need in the community is bigger than ever.  The organization faced a funding shortfall last year and in order to balance their books this year they had to eliminate stew from the Christmas grocery hampers.

Eye See Eye Learn

The Eye See Eye Learn program is reaching out to Thunder Bay's surrounding communities.  The Ontario Association of Optometrists pilot program just started.  It will see a local optometrist travel to the surrounding communities and provide free eye exams and glasses to school children.  The program already exists in the City and now it will include Red Rock, Nipigon, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Geraldton and Manitouwadge.

CAA Reminds You To Drive Safe

While the official start to winter is a few weeks away, it's good to always be prepared.  The Canadian Auto Association has some safety tips to help everyone stay safe on the roads.  Spokesperson Korey Kennedy says it's important to keep an emergency kit.  Kennedy also stresses the importance of making sure snow and ice is completely scraped off the vehicle.

Rickford On Residential School Ceremony

Shining light on an unfortunate past.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday to commemorate the legacy of Indian Residental Schools, which featured a stained glass window being installed in Center Block on Parliment Hill.  Rickford says that it's a move forward for Aboriginal people who were affected by the residential schools.   Rickford adds that it had some personal significance to him, considering he was part of negotiations and the signing of the Residential Schools Agreement.

Levesque Proud Of Jubilee Medal

Thunder Bay's Police Chief JP Levesque says he's proud to receive a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal.  Levesque says he's elated to receive the award and was shocked when MP Bruce Hyer's office called to tell him he was receiving the medal.  Levesque says he's probably receiving the award for his years with the police force.

Hyer Hands Out 30 Jubilee Medals Today

30 of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals are being handed out today at a special ceremony this afternoon at the Prince Arthur Hotel. Independent MP Bruce Hyer will be handing them out to well deserving city and area residents who were chosen by a non-partisan group after nominations were submitted. Hyer says the award recipients are from all walks of life who have made outstanding contributions to our community.

ETFO Ready For Strike

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario is threatening strike action starting in December.  Teachers have until the end of December to reach a contract agreement or the Minister of Education will force a contract on the union.  Local President Ellen Chambers says they're left with no other options unless the Provincial Government calls them back to the bargaining table.  The ETFO has promised to give parents 72 hours notice before any strike, which will affect operations in each public elementary school throughout Ontario.

Basketball Teams At Home This Weekend

The Lakehead University men's and women's basketball teams are back at the friendly confines of the L.U. Thunderdome tonight and tomorrow. The Thunderwolves welcome the Laurentian Voyageurs at 6:00 and 8:00 o'clock tonight. At 1-4, the men's team has struggled defensively and Head Coach Scott Morrison says he's looking for a good showing tonight and tomorrow to end the first half. The Thunderwolves will host the York Lions in a double-header tomorrow night with games at 6:00 and 8:00 o'clock as well.