Cash Handling Policy Up For Debate

City Council is expected to approve a common sense "cash handling policy" Monday night.  The policy requires Police Records Checks of employees handling cash, and sets out timelines of when City Cash should be deposited into the bank.

Clean, Green & Beautiful Awards

City Council is set to honour its 2012 Clean, Green and Beautiful award winners.  This year's recipients include Confederation College's Reach Building, the new District Social Services Board building, Prince Arthur's Landing and Superior North EMS Headquarters.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says its good to celebrate new buildings in the community.  The ceremony takes place Monday night. 

Cultural Spending At Council

City Council is expected to approve 2.1 million dollars in Community and Cultural funding Monday night.  City Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they provide funds to 17 organizations including, the Auditorium, Museum, Shelter House, Magnus Theatre and the Art Gallery.  Council will also make a decision on whether the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame should be moved to the list of groups that get the annual cultural funding.

Travel Policy Comes Before Council

A new travel policy before City Council tonight includes a 40 percent increase in travel expenses.  Councillors will vote on a travel policy that includes a 20 dollar increase in the per diem councilors and city employees are afforded while conducting out of town business on behalf of the municipality. Councillor Ken Boshcoff says it's not too much money.  The new policy if approved will also allow councilors to use their own budgets to decide what conferences and meetings they will attend out of town.

Police Detective Calls Down Video

Police Detective William Quarrell calls it "misinformation."  Quarrell was named in an "Anonymous" on-line video as the lone investigator in a high profile sexual assault and abduction case involving a First Nation woman. Quarrell says it's a mistake to think that only one person is looking into any high profile crime at any time.   Quarrell is the acting Staff Sargeant in his department and currently has 30 people working under him. 

Online Anonymous Video Disturbing

An online anonymous video targeting the local police force has people talking.  Lakehead University's Political Science Professor is the latest person to weigh in on the YouTube video by "Anonymous News Canada."  Laure Paquette says the video was manufactured with a clear cause to be disturbing.  "Anonymous News Canada" issued a deadline on the local police force to come forward with more information about the alleged sexual assault case from December.

NWO Credit Unions To Merge

Northwestern Ontario could have one major credit union by the Spring.  The Kenora area's Copperfin and Thunder Bay's Superior Credit Unions plan to merge on May 1st. Once the regulatory approvals are received, and both organizations' members vote in favour of the merger, the amalgamated credit union will serve over 22-thousand members at 10 branch locations.

MPAC To Speak Monday Night

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation will be speaking to City Council Monday night.  MPAC will be suggesting a change in the assessment of local property taxes.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says MPAC needs to take into account our City going from an industrial based economy to a commercial and residential community. Boshcoff says they want to ensure that everyone is paying their fare share of taxes.

Cold Weather Means More Travel

The cold weather this week has many thinking about travel plans to warmer destinations. Katie Zuber with Thomas Cook-Thunder Bay Travel says they've seen an increase in the number of inquiries to tropical destinations this week. Zuber says with three direct flights per week to Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico being offered, more people are taking advantage of warm Winter holidays.

Mac's Robbery Suspects Described

City police are releasing the image of a suspect involved in a Mac's store robbery on Tuesday night. Police are looking to identify two men. One is a 20 year old native Canadian and is described as 5'9" to 6'2" with a thin build. He has a short yellow Mohawk with the sides of his head shaved. The accomplice is described as being approximately 5'9" and was wearing jeans, runners, gloves and a black hoodie under a snowboard jacket that has a red, blue and green rectangular pattern. If you know anything about the Oliver Road Mac's robbery, you're asked to contact city police.

McCarville Posts Two Wins

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville posted a couple of wins at the Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kitchener, improving her record to 3-2. That puts her in a 3-way tie for third place behind a couple of teams who are 5-0. Marlo Dahl's Thunder Bay rink continues to struggle. They are now 0-5 after dropping a pair yesterday. Both teams are back on the ice for two games today.

Drug Sweep At High School

Students at St. Ignatius School were held in their classrooms for about 15 minutes this afternoon.  The Catholic School board says it was at the request of the police who used a dog to sniff out possible drugs.   Nothing was found.

Police Release Statement On Video

Thunder Bay Police are aware of a social activist video on YouTube that makes verbal accusations at the local force.
Police say they know about the statements posted on social media sites regarding the ongoing investigation into an abduction and sexual assault which was reported in late December in the city's north end.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says anyone who has information about the case should come forward to law officials.
Adams says police are limited in what they can comment on regarding the progress or nature of this investigation.

 

ONWA Condemns Video Threat

A video threat against the Thunder Bay Police Service by the social activist group Anonymous News Canada is being condemned by the Ontario Native Women's Association.  Spokesperson Maryanne Matthews says in spite of the seriousness of the situation,  it's not something the association condones.
The haunting video challenges the police to show they are taking action to find the people responsible for the abduction and sexual assault of a First Nations woman December 27th.  It can be viewed on our news web page.

Clydesdales Out

The Duluth Clydesdales are now gone from the Superior International Junior Hockey League schedule.   President and Commissioner Ron Whitehead says the team will not finish the season because of a lack of players suiting up for the 3 year old franchise. Earlier this season the Sioux Lookout Flyers suspended operations leaving the struggling junior-"A" league with five teams. 

FedNor Money For Terrace Bay

Another day, another FedNor announcement.  This time aroumd, Terrace Bay is on the receiving end of almost 28-thousand dollars.  The money will be used to install an air conditioning system in Michael King Hall, a multi-use facility for community events.

MTO Wants New Vehicle Inspection Stop

The Ministry of Transportation wants to build a new commercial vehicle inspection facility along Highway 11/17 in Shuniah.  Spokesperson Anne Marie Piscopo says the MTO is currently looking for public input on the project and then it will be full speed ahead.  The 30 day review period ends on February 24th.

Good Year For Operation Red Nose

Diana Sustawenko & Darren Roberts

Thunder Bay's Operation Red Nose says its increased the number of rides it provided over the 2012 holiday season.  Spokesperson Diana Sustawenko says it was a great success with more volunteers and more rides.  During the 14 night campaign, 238 volunteers provided 758 safe rides home.  Operation Red Nose raised 14-thousand dollars for St. John Ambulance.

Police Aware Of A.N.C. Video

A social activist group calling themselves "Anonymous News Canada" are challenging Thunder Bay Police to come out with more information regarding the abduction and sexual assault of a First Nation woman recently. The group has posted a video on YouTube and is specifically calling out the city's police department for inaction surrounding this particular case.  When asked about the video, police were just reviewing it and they are expected to make a public statement later this afternoon. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay's Mayor is not putting any stock into the video. Hobbs says the only comment he has is " Anonymous says it all! I give no credence to individuals or groups that remain anonymous."  The group's video calls on the local force to release more information on the case by January 28th or they will release what they are calling dirt on the police service.

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.