First Aid Funding

The Red Cross is preparing a first aid program for several northwestern Ontario First Nations communities thanks to a donation from Union Gas.   Red Cross spokesperson Rob Zuback says the company has given them 25 hundred dollars towards helping the most vulnerable learn the basics of first aid.

Housing Starts Up 17 Per Cent

The number of new housing construction starts in Thunder Bay has surpassed last year . According to government statistics the number of single detached starts is over the 200 mark. Warren Philp of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says it's only the 3rd time that's happened in the last 15 years and is a 17 per cent increase over last year at the same time.

Missing Man Found

Thunder Bay Police say a 19 year old Cherry Ridge man is now back with his family.  Police say James McCormack returned last night after being on the missing person's list for almost a week.   No further details are available.

Crimestoppers Crime Of The Week

Education, Ring Of Fire & Economic Development

Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate candidates are addressing the elephant in the room.  Education came up as a topic of discussion at Sunday's debate at Lakehead University and Kathleen Wynne took the time to say the Provincial Government needs to repair their relationship with teachers.  Gerard Kennedy told the audience more needs to be done for Aboriginal students.  Meanwhile Glenn Murray says Northerners need to have a say on employment training decisions. Other topics of discussion included the Ring of Fire and Economic Development in Northern Ontario.

Liberal Leadership Debate Draws Protesters

Wind Farm Activists, Teachers Unions and First Nations are just some of the people who protested at the Ontario Liberal Leadership debate.  Local Secondary School Teachers Federation Vice President Richard Sealey says they wanted to drive home to the candidates that the Provincial Government should respect their right to bargain.  Public Sector Workers spoke to three of the seven candidates about putting an end to privatizing government jobs. Police were posted outside of Lakehead University on Sunday while people rallied outside of the debate at Lakehead University.

ETFO Lakehead to Strike on 12th

ETFO Lakehead teachers and occasional teachers will stage a one-day strike this upcoming Wednesday. Ellen Chambers, the ETFO Lakehead Teacher Local President says they want to send the government a message that Bill 115 is severely impeding local collective bargaining. Chambers says they are striking because there were no negotiations. Both locals will move into a legal strike position tomorrow.

Greenspace Protection Wanted

A petition is being presented to city council Monday night which asks the city for its help in protecting some greenspace next to the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital. The petitioners are concerned that without any zoning protection the area might fall prey to development.

Local Food Project Funding Recommended

City administration is recommending adding 100 thousand dollars to the city's budget to help with the distribution and promotion of locally grown food within city institutions.  The money will come from the province's so called Greenbelt fund to help promote such projects across the province.   City Councillors will deal with the issue Monday evening.

Council Considers Loan Forgiveness

City Council is considering forgiving a loan to the local Emergency Services Training Corporation. The money was used to build the group's training facility. However, city staff are suggesting they turn down a request for over 600-thousand dollars to build an indoor gun range. The report will come before council Monday night.

Tories Eye Kenora-Rainy River

Progressive Conservatives intend to focus a lot of attention on the Kenora-Rainy River riding in the next election. The riding has been an NDP stronghold for many years, but MPP Garfield Dunlop believes there's enough support out there for the Tories to grab. Dunlop was in the Fort Frances area to talk to area leaders about ways to get more young people interested in the trades.

Company To Ask For City Support

A new company is asking for city support.  Digestic Corp. plans to use food waste from local restaurants and grocery stores to generate renewable green energy. They want to take the waste directly from the businesses and throw it in their digester bypassing the landfill.  A letter of support from the city could be used to help the company with its application to the Provincial Government's renewable energy program.

High School Teachers Plan Monday Sanctions

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is starting new job sanctions today. High School teachers will arrive 15 minutes before the work day and leave immediately after class ends.Local OSSTF President Paul Caccamo says they'll also cut out any after school activities.Caccamo says they hope the job action sends a message to Education Minister Laurel Broten.

Local Teachers Strike Date Not Set

There is still no date set for a one day strike by local public elementary school teachers. The school board's Director of Education Cathi Siemieiuk says so far the teachers union hasn't given 72 hours noticed, but she says that could change anytime, even on the weekend.  Siemieiuk says when there is a strike,  all public elementary schools will be closed.

Wawa Gets Help

The Provincial Government is helping Wawa rebuild and recover from its recent flood damage. The province has committed nearly 7 million dollars to help the community. 3.5 million dollars will be available under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program for emergency costs and essential infrastructure repairs. Another 3 million is going towards replacing a bridge repairing Highway 17. Residents and small businesses that lost property in the flood are eligible to apply for assistance as well.

2 Million Already Raised For DFC Residence

Fundraising efforts for a new student residence at Dennis Franklin Cromarty school aren't even a week old and already 2.1 million dollars has been collected. Tom Kamenawatamin of the Wasaya Group says mining companies are going to be one source in reaching their 15 million dollar objective. One has already come through with KWG Resources contributing 2 million dollars.  Fundraising will kick into full gear in the new year once a business plan is addressed.

Frazee Released

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's hockey team have released their leading scorer Thomas Frazee. There is no clear cut reason for Frazee's immediate release other than Lakehead’s Athletic Director Tom Warden said “We feel that this decision is in the best interest of our hockey team.” Frazee had 7 goals and 15 assists and was 7th in O.U.A. scoring after 16 conference games in the first half.

No Other Flood Victim Complaints

The plight of one East End flood victim appears to be an isolated complaint. She says her Christmas is in tatters because her relief money will come too late. The chair of the city's Disaster Relief Committee, Wayne Fletcher, says the fundraising rules prevent an early payout, something they realized early on in the process and that's why they offered the early initial payments of 1 thousand dollars.  Fletcher says no other flood victims have had a similar beef.

Bombardier Workers Have Their Roofs & Walls

It's good news for the Thunder Bay Bombardier Plant.  Bombardier workers in Quebec have voted to accept a new collective agreement that ends a nearly five-week strike.  Local CAW President Dominic Pasqualino says it's just in time since they supply roofs and side walls to the local plant.  Pasqualino adds they're not sure whether or not Thunder Bay workers who were laid off last month will be able to return to work before Christmas as was expected.

Bight Open Today

The waterfront's new restaurant Bight Restaurant & Bar is now open. The eatery located in the Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur's Landing will be open 7 days a week. The concession service will open this weekend.

Fort Frances High Locked Down Today

A 16-year-old boy is in police custody following an incident that forced the Fort Frances High School into a lock downed position around the noon hour today.  Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says OPP were called after the boy was observed carrying what turned out to be a replica firearm.  Class resumed within about an hour after the lockdown was put in place.  No one was injured.

Drainage Program Comes In New Year

The City is offering homeowners who were impacted by the May 28th flooding a flood prevention rebate program. Spokesperson Kerri Marshall says they'll be helping pay the cost of three drainage initiatives. Council has approved 750-thousand dollars for the rebate program which could help up to 200 homeowners.

Salvation Army Christmas Meal Sunday

The Salvation Army is expecting up to 300 people for Christmas Dinner Sunday.  The dinner is being cooked and served by the staff of the Valhalla Inn.   Major Merv Halvorsen says they're providing a shuttle service from City Hall and Water Street Bus terminals at 11:45.  The Christmas meal will be served at noon Sunday at the Salvation Army Booth Centre on Cumberland Street North.

Easter Seals Snowarama A Go

Easter Seals is hoping to raise over 30 thousand dollars with it's upcoming Snowarama fundraiser. Spokesperson Rhonda Harrison says money raised will stay local. The snowmachine event is taking place on February 2nd at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.

Missing Person

The family of a 19 year old Cherry Ridge Road resident, James McCormack is concerned about his welfare. McCormack was last seen by his father on the night of December 4th. James stated he was going out to the bars, but did not return home. This behaviour is considered out of character for James. Attempts by his family to contact him using social media have failed. McCormack is described as a Caucasian male who is 6'4", 180 pounds with a thin build. He has medium length, brown wavy hair and wears glasses when driving.

Gravelle Endorses Pupatello

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is throwing his support behind Sandra Pupatello.  Gravelle believes she will be a dynamic leader of the Liberals if elected.  Gravelle says he worked on a number of northern issues with Pupatello when he was Minister of Northern Development and Mines.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro also endorsed Pupatello.

Darren Smith Could Get Prize In January

A Thunder Bay man is one step closer to claiming his lottery win of 250-thousand dollars. Darren Smith won the cash in the Lottario draw on September 29th. Smith works at an OLG retail location and is considered an insider win. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission says he can claim his price after a 30 day waiting period and if there are no additional claims on the prize it will be paid to Smith on January 4th.

Thunder Bay Teachers In Classrooms Monday

Elementary teachers here in Thunder Bay will be in school classrooms on Monday. President of the local chapter of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Ellen Chambers says they're not in a legal strike position quite yet. Chambers says two school boards in the Toronto area will be staging a one day protest on Monday after teachers voted via the Internet on whether to walk off the job. Chambers says parents and the school boards are still set to receive a 72 hour notice should any labour actions be planned here in Thunder Bay.

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.