Armstrong Display Up For Discussion

The local cancer centre is facing some criticism from a few of their patients over a Lance Armstrong display. Director Joanne Lacourciere says a handfull of people have complained about it after he admitted to cheating to win his seven Tour De France titles. Lacourciere says they're trying to make a decision on whether to celebrate his cancer survival or not. A meeting to discuss the issue is taking place tonight but Lacourciere says there is no timetable for a decision.

NWO's First Mobile Library

Tbaytel and the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre are partnering up to offer a mobile handset library.  Innovation Spokesperson Nick Kolobutin says this initiative should bring in the best and brightest in the technology field to the City. The library was launched this morning with 12 different mobile devices to be offered to companies who want to use them to create mobile software and apps.  Tbaytel is donating the unlocked phones and tablets for the library.

NOMA Upset With Government

The  Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says its very disappointed the government chose to leave the organization out of the loop in planning the new Endangered Species Act.  NOMA President David Canfield believes they should have been given a seat on the government panel chosen to review the act.Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says it's the government's intention to have NOMA involved in the next steps of the process.

Tournament Centre Now Open

The Thunder Bay Tournament Centre  is open.  It was forced to close yesterday after an ammonia leak was found in the building.   Centre Manager Kevin Quinte  says everything is now under control.   He says the leak has been isolated and is now being fixed adding, it's only affecting one third of the Highway 61 facility.  Quinte says the problem turned out to be a faulty gasket.

Public Board To Offer Kindergarten In All Schools

Trustees of the Lakehead District School Board are approving a plan that will provide full-time Junior and Senior Kindergarten in all of its elementary schools beginning in September. The approval of the plan last night accelerates the system wide provision of the program by one year.

Mac's Store Robbed Tuesday Night

City police are expected to release more information later today about another Mac's convenience store being robbed last night on High Street. Police say someone threatened a clerk with an unknown weapon and did make off with some property just after 8 o'clock last night.

17 Year Old Charged With Murder

Police are charging a 17 year old boy with second degree murder in connection with the death of a Grassy Narrows man. Treaty Three Police and the Ontario Provincial Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of a 48 year old man. Police say he died on December 2nd, 2012 in a Winnipeg hospital, while being treated for injuries received during a previous incident.

McCarville Picks Up Win

Krista McCarville has her first win at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener-Waterloo. She beat Marlo Dahl, also of Thunder Bay 7-5 in the late draw to improve to 1-2. Dahl's rink is now 0-3. Both teams will play twice today.

Geraldton Arena To Be Repaired

Greenstone is getting 125-thousand dollars from FedNor to help repair the Geraldton arena.  The community will replace existing ice pads at the arena and curling club with a single high efficiency system.  The money was announced by FedNor Minister Tony Clement on Tuesday.

Dragon's Den Does CG Labs Good

A Thunder Bay based DNA business is still beaming after their appearance on CBC's "Dragon's Den".  The company preserves the DNA of your loved ones and can be even stored in jewellery.  CG Labs Inc. President Neal Esau says it was a good experience.  Esau says they've had investors reach out to them after the show aired recently.

CAA Extra Busy With Severe Cold

C.A.A. is reporting another dramatic increase in the number of calls today for vehicles not starting because of the cold weather.  Field Coordinator Wayne Salatino says they've been inundated with calls for service.  For people who have car problems at home they can expect to wait 24 hours, anyone stranded on the side of the road should be seen in 30 minutes, and anyone near warm shelter within 3 hours.  Salatino is asking for patience during the cold snap we are experiencing.

Ammonia Leak Isolated

Thunder Bay's Fire department is still on the scene of an ammonia leak at the tournament center.  Platoon Chief John Mills says crews were called to the facility just before 9:00 o'clock this morning where they found a leak in a piece of equipment.  Crews from Winnipeg are on their way to the help repair the equipment.  There are no injuries and no one except for emergency responders are being allowed in the building.

Highway 11/17 Study This Summer

The Provincial Government is kicking off a study into upgrading Highway 11/17 through Thunder Bay.  Thunder Bay Atikokan M.P.P. Bill Mauro says they're looking at a 13 kilometer stretch of highway between Arthur Street and Balsam Street.  Potential improvements include widening the highway to four lanes and building new interchanges. The preliminary design study and environmental assessment are to start this Summer.

Expressway Accident Tuesday AM

O.P.P. are warning motorists about potential debris following a two-vehicle accident this morning between Red River Road and John Street Road. Police say there are no known injuries at this time and neither of the two trucks involved are blocking traffic. Motorists are being to advised to watch out for potential debris. 

OSSTF Not Impressed

The leader of the local Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation calls the Province's intention to repeal Bill 115, "Smoke and Mirrors".  Paul Caccamo says it's silly to scrap the legislation now since the Government used it to force contracts on teachers.  The Provincial Government is moving to remove the bill Wednesday.

15-Thousand Dollar Donation To Flood Relief

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee is on the receiving end of a 15-thousand dollar donation. The money was provided by the Thunder Bay Plummers, Steamfitters and Welders Union.  Funds brought in will go towards victims of the May 28th flood.

Natural Gas Smell On Arthur

Union gas is looking into a number of reports of natural gas being smelled in the area of the Valhalla Inn and the Arthur Street area this morning.   District Manager Dave Sword says crews are on the ground trying to determine if there was indeed a leak.  Sword says sometimes valves may release in an effort to regulate the pressure and that may have been the cause of the odour but he can't confirm that actually happened.

New Sand Point F.N. Chief

Sand Point First Nation is getting a new Chief.  Laura Airns was recently elected to the top position with 83 votes.  Airns was a band councilor for the last 8 years and at 31 she is one of the youngest women to take on the position of Chief in Canada.

Murder Charge Upgrade

A Thunder Bay woman is now facing a murder charge.  She was originally charged with aggravated assault in relation to an incident in the Brant Street area last month.  Dead is 28 year old Moses Kakekagumick.  Kimberly Fox remains in custody and will make a court appearance February 19th.

Council Has Pin Questions

City Council needs more information about a proposed plan to create a new city pin.  Council wants more input on creating the pin and has asked staff to come back with the issue at a March council meeting.  The new designs for the pin will not replace the City's official logo.

Budget Schedule Compromise?

City Council is going to try to find a compromise.  Staff brought Councillors a new 5 day budget meeting schedule, but Councillor Trevor Giertuga would have to miss most of the meetings up until ratification because of his holidays.  Staff will now go back to the drawing board and try to find a new schedule that will allow all 13 members of council to attend most of the meetings.

City Staff To Meet Over Vacant Lot

A client of Re/Max First Choice Realty is interested in buying a piece of vacant land from the City.  Broker Vince Mirabelli told City Council Monday night that someone wants to build a single family home on the lot located at 931 10th Avenue.  The land isn't currently for sale but City Staff plan to meet with the interested party.  The area is not developed and doesn't have city services.

Fundraising Goal May Be Too High

It appears that the city's Disaster Relief Committee's 5 million dollar fundraising goal may be too high.   Chair Wayne Fletcher says the target was originally set in June and was only a guess.  However,  Fletcher says it doesn't mean they will raise enough money to cover 100 per cent of everyone's claim.  He won't release the new fundraising objective just yet,  saying that will come shortly.  

Mac's Most Wanted

Mac's Convenience Stores is out with a most wanted robbery video on YouTube.  Spokesperson Sean Sportun says they've compiled a video with security camera footage of four unsolved robberies of their stores in Thunder Bay in 2012.

Training Facility Proposed Near Upsala

The Department of National Defence wants to build a new range and training area near Upsala.  The weapons marksmanship facility would be used by members of the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy Reserve.  The proposed project includes 15 firing lanes, administration buildings and a rappel tower.  A Federal Environmental Organization is looking into whether an assessment of the project is required and anyone with concerns can comment up until February 7th.

Terranorth Fined 115 K.

A Sudbury construction company is pleading guilty to a charge laid in connection with a fatal industrial accident outside of Thunder Bay in 2011.  A spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour says Terranorth Construction has been fined 115 thousand dollars following the accident at the McKenzie River Bridge when a platform lift tipped over killing a 24 year old employee.  There is also a 25 per cent victim surcharge.

NAN & City Police Head For Mediation

The City's Police Service and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be going before a mediator March 4th.  The two sides will try to find a resolution to NAN's complaint that a spoof Thunder Bay Police e-mail entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured" was made public.  If the two can't reach an agreement the complaint will go before the Ontario Human Right's Tribunal for a hearing.

Renco Foods To Open In Centennial Square

Renco Foods is going to open a grocery store in the former Quality Market location in Centennial Square.  A spokesperson for the grocery chain says that they are opening in the near future but don't have an exact date yet.  Quality Market closed its doors in the fall.

Waterfront Work To Start Next Month

The next step in the waterfront condominium project takes place this week. One of the developers,  Gisele MacDonald says they will be going to city hall to begin the construction process tomorrow as they apply for a foundation building permit to start work on the parking garage.   MacDonald says work will get underway in early February with the entire condo development expected to be complete by June of next year.

Salvation Army Cleans Up After Accident

The Salvation Army is asking its customers to be patient after a car crashed into their building.  Earlier in the month, a car lost control and smashed into their store front window damaging the glass and foundation.  The Salvation Army says the cold weather is making shopping and everyday operations cumbersome.  The organization is hoping the incident won't have a negative impact on donations or store sales.

Shelter Gets Big $$$

A huge cash injection for Thunder Bay's Shelter House, in fact it's one of the largest single cash donations in the history of the homeless facility.   The shelter received 200 thousand dollars from Northwood Park Church.   Shelter boss Patty Hajdu says the money is being set aside  for future building projects.  The church was able to raise the money  through the sale of their building.

Storm Generates Accidents, No Fatalities

Thunder Bay O.P.P. say there were no fatalities from a Winter storm over the weekend. Police say they responded to 43 motor vehicle collisions between January 18th and January 20th. Officials say on Saturday there were 16 tractor trailer units that had either been involved in a collision on Highway 17, or driven off the road into the ditch.  Most of them near Upsala.

Crime Of The Week

City police and CrimeStoppes are looking for assistance in helping to solve the following crime. Sometime between November 2nd and November 5th  someone went onto a property on Flet Road and stole a green Yamaha Grizzly 600  A.T.V. They used 2x4's from the camp to help load the all-terrain vehicle. Anyone with information about who may may be responsible for this theft is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.  

Police Investigate Pedestrian Accident

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a pedestrian accident that happened on the corner of Arthur and Norah Street at approximately 6:40 last night. A man was walking with his dog when a woman struck him with her car. He was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries while the dog was seriously injured. The woman has been arrested and charged with failure to remain at the scene and driving while disqualified.

Greenstone to Host Expo in Spring

Greenstone is looking to expand its mining workforce. The community will be hosting a "Grow Greenstone" Expo in Thunder Bay this spring. Spokesperson Vicki Blanchard says the expo will provide businesses from across Canada a chance to network with community and mining industry officials. Another aspect of the expo is to attract skilled labourers.

Chamber Offers Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is offering two 500 dollar Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards to students entering Lakehead University or Confederation College. Students who want to apply for the bursaries can pick up an application form at the Chamber's office. The deadline to apply is January 31st.

McCarville's Rink Off to Tournament of Hearts

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville leaves for Kitchener today for the Ontario Scotties Tournament Of Hearts. The three-time champion heads into the competition with high hopes of representing the province once again at the national level. McCarville says her team was formed three years ago and she would love nothing more than to get back to a big stage. McCarville along with Marlo Dahl's team will represent Thunder Bay at the provincials starting tomorrow. 

Highway 17 East of Upsula Closed

Highway 17 east of Upsula is closed in both directions due to a multi vehicle collision. O.P.P. advise drivers to take Highway 11 as a detour if necessary. The estimated time of the closure is not yet known.

Vegan Iron Chef Competition at Confederation College

4 people are vying for the chance to be crowned the Vegan Iron Chef of Thunder Bay. The first meat and animal product free cooking competition in the City is taking place at Confederation College this afternoon. Organizer Frances Talarico says competitors will be coming up with some unusual recipes. The winner will be crowned at the awards party later tonight.

NOMA VP Nominated to President

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield could pick up some new duties later this year. Kenora council is nominating Canfield for the position as president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. Canfield is currently vice-president of NOMA.

16th Annual Influential Women Nominations

Nominations are being accepted for the 16th Annual Influential Women Of Northern Ontario Awards. Operations Manager with Northern Ontario Business Kimberly Wahamaa says six women will be honored at two separate events in June. She adds more information can be found online at www.influentialwomen.ca. Nominations are due by February 22.

Structural Fire In Shuniah

An Alder Road home in Shuniah is completely destroyed after the chimney caught fire Friday morning. 2 people were in the house at the time and managed to escape.  The fire was thought to be put out but it later spread to the floor, roof and garage.  3 fire departments including Thunder Bay were called to the blaze.

Storey Sentenced To 2 Years

OPP Sgt. Darryl Storey is sentenced to 2 years in prison and can't drive for 5 years.  He was convicted of dangerous driving causing death in connection with a 2008 traffic accident that killed 18 year old Jasmine Veneruzzo.  The judge brought down his sentencing this afternoon.

Dilico Hires 9 New Mental Health Workers

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is using its share of provincial government funds to hire 9 new mental health and addiction workers.  The trained professionals will help First Nation kids get better access to culturally appropriate care such as counseling, group therapy and crisis intervention.  Executive Director Micheal Hardy says it's great news for area communities. One of the workers will be placed at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, two will deal with a backlog of cases within Dilico's service area, and the others will be placed in First Nation communities.

OLG Slots Pay City

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is issuing its third quarter cheque to the city for hosting it's casino. The payment is for more than 6-hundred-and-three thousand dollars.  That's five percent of the casino's slot revenue and is up dramatically from the 5-hundred-and-eighty-four thousand dollars collected in casino slots during the same time last year.

T.Bay Hydro Solar Projects Online

Two Thunder Bay Hydro solar panel projects are now online producing energy.  The 280 kilowatt system on the Victoriaville Parkade and the 60 kilowatt system on the Superior North EMS Headquarters produce enough electricity to power 36 homes.  Spokesperson Jim Kibiuk says they plan to install more solar panels on another four buildings in the City.  Kibiuk says Thunder Bay Hydro is dedicated to building a portfolio of renewable energy assets.

Dog Attack Case Back In Court

The man charged in connection with a dog attack in Tarbutt Park in November of last year will be back in court next month.  57 year old Frank Vantroba appeared in court this morning and will be back on February the 25th to set a trial date.  Vantroba is charged with criminal negligence in addition to charges laid by the city's Licencing and Enforcement division.  The attack seriously hurt an 11 year old boy.

Confederation College Gas Leak

A gas pump leaked 140 gallons of fuel into Confederation College's storm sewage system earlier today.  President Jim Madder says they've taken the necessary actions including calling the Ministry of Environment and having the gas pumped out of the catch basin.  Madder says they don't know why the gasoline pump broke but they are looking for the answer.

Witnesses Sought In Hit & Run

City police are looking for help from residents in the area of University Drive and Inglewood Crescent who may have heard a crash just after midnight on Thursday morning. They are hoping someone has information about a vehicle that fled the scene. A driver of white mini-van lost control and slammed into a parked car on the 100 block of University Drive. Extensive damage was done to the rear of the parked car, and it is expected that the front of the white mini-van will also have damage. Any witnesses are asked to call city police or CrimeStoppers.

O.P.P. Sargeant To Be Sentenced Today

O.P.P. Sargeant Darryl Storey is scheduled to appear in court today to be sentenced on a charge of dangerous driving causing death. Storey plead guilty to the charge in connection with a 2008 incident which claimed the life of 18 year old Jasmine Veneruzzo. Storey is appear in Superior court today.

Thunderwolves Weekend Preview

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team is back at home tonight for the first of two against Ontario Tech. The Thunderwolves lead the Ridgebacks by 9 points in the West division standings. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. The L.U. basketball teams are on the road in London this weekend for a pair of games against the Mustangs. Western is two points up on the Thunderwolves in the women's standings while the Western men's team has just one win on the season.