NWO Native Say Calgary In Panic

A Northwestern  Ontario native living in the heart of Calgary says he's one of roughly 75-thousand people being told to leave their home due to massive flooding. Most Calgary streets have turned into rivers and Shaun Capovilla says there's absolute panic in the City. Canadian Armed Forces troops and helicopters are covering all areas of southern Alberta and the Canadian Red Cross is already starting relief efforts.

Fiddler To Co-Chair Gov't Panel

A top Northwestern Ontario Aboriginal leader will co-chair a panel that will oversee tackling the crisis facing First Nations in Ontario's justice and jury system. Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief Alvin Fiddler will lead the committee. Fiddler hopes that with his first hand experience he will be able to contribute significantly to the discussion. Fiddler will head the committee along with Irwin Glasberg, an assistant deputy minister.

Search For Diver Continues

An OPP dive team continues its search of the McKenzie River for a missing cliff diver.   Police say the team made one dive this morning without finding anything.   They are still at the site and are being helped by a helicopter. Police say  26 year old Larry Larivee was with 4 other friends when he dove into the river and failed to resurface on Wednesday afternoon.  

Harbour X & Golf Links Open

Good news for city drivers.    Golf Links Road is now open between William Street and the Harbour Expressway.   It had been closed as part of the Golf Links Road work that has been taking place for the last month or so.  

Aboriginal Day At Hospital

Aboriginal Day is being celebrated today at the Regional Health Sciences Centre. Spokesperson Tracie Smith says in addition to prayers and drumming there is one other highlight.  Smith says the day is a chance for the hospital to advance Aboriginal culture and health.

Hwy 11 Partially Closed

Highway 11 is closed at Camp 93 road south of Beardmore.  OPP say two transports collided earlier this morning causing the closure.  Police are reporting that no one was badly hurt and the highway will be closed until both vehicles can be removed.  Meanwhile, Hwy 11- 17 at Black Bay Drive is back open to both lanes.  It was closed for several hours last night due to an accident as well.

Northwood Continues To Struggle With Flooding

The Northwood ward continues to deal with flooded basements.  A meeting on drainage issues was held last night.  Councillor Mark Bentz says they're already taking steps to improve drainage in the area. Bentz says they'll continue to work to find ways to improve drainage and prevent flooding in the neighbourhood.

TBRRI Wants To Hear From You

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute wants you to have your say when it comes to their new cyclotron facility.  Starting at the end of July they'll be offering a series of public meetings on the medical machinery.  Spokesperson Michael Campbell says people are going to have safety related questions.  Construction has already begun at the site that will house the medical machinery.

Hospital Board Fills Vacancy

Thunder Bay's Hospital is filling three, three year vacancies and two one year vacancies on their board.  Sharon Cole-Paterson, Nadine Doucette and Karen McDaid will be back for three year terms.  Doug Shanks and Sharon Pitawanakwat will serve for one year.

Science North Office Turns 3

Thunder Bay's Science North office is celebrating its three year anniversary today.  Spokesperson Emily Kerton says it means a lot for them to be able to reach out to Northwestern Ontario youth.  Science North's Thunder Bay office services most of the smaller communities in the Northwest.

Aboriginal Day Tomorrow

Marina Park at Prince Arthur's landing is the site for this years Aboriginal days activities.   It begins at 5:30 with a sunrise ceremony at the  Spirit Garden.  Grand opening ceremonies at 11 o'clock take place at the Main stage at Marina Park with the theme being youth and youth leadership.   A pow wow follows at 11:30.   at 5 o'clock there is a feast and the day closes with a ceremony 8 o'clock

Drugs, Gun and Ammo Seized In Bust

One hundred and eighty thousand dollars worth of drugs are off the street following a bust in the city.  A 24 year old man is facing charges after police Sgt. Murray Brown says he was arrested at a local coffee shop yesterday.  That lead to a raid on a home on the 400 block of St. Patrick's Square which resulted in the seizure of Oxycodone and Cocaine.   Also seized was an illegal handgun and ammunition.

OPP Search For Missing Cliff Diver

OPP divers from Gravenhurst are expected to arrived in Thunder Bay this evening.  They will be heading to the  McKenzie River in Shuniah Township to search for a missing cliff diver.  OPP say that a 26 year old Thunder Bay man did not resurface after making a dive  around 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.  Police say he was with  three other friends at the time.   They say the location is off of McKenzie Heights Road just east of the McKenzie River Bridge.

Claman In T.Bay For Shoes & Champagne

A Canadian reality TV star is in Thunder Bay today helping Habitat for Humanity raise money.  Jody Claman of the Real Housewives of Vancouver says she loves to give back to charities like Habitat for Humanity.  Claman will be speaking at the Shoes & Champagne event tonight at Bight Restaurant.  That's where designer shoes signed by celebrities are auctioned off.

LU Bar Offering Pregnancy Tests

Lakehead University's Outpost bar is the first in Canada to offer pregnancy tests in their bathroom dispensers.  Healthy Brains for Children Thunder Bay is behind the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder initiative.  Spokesperson Marilyn Leiterman says the pregnancy tests are already on their way to the City.  Leiterman hopes to have more local bars get on board and offer pregnancy tests.

Commercial Drivers Targeted

Following a campaign targeting bad commercial truck drivers OPP are satisfied the message is out there.   Sgt. Shelley Garr says out of 300 commercial drivers charged in the province, 26 were in the northwest region.  She says 13 were for speeding, 4 for seat belt violations, 3 were out of service and only 1 was for drinking and driving.   Across the province 35 per cent of all the charges were equipment related compared to 12 per cent in the northwest.

Search On For Missing Cliff Diver

OPP divers from Gravenhurst are expected to arrived in Thunder Bay tomorrow morning.  They will be heading to the  McKenzie River in Shuniah Township to search for a missing cliff diver.  OPP say that a 26 year old Thunder Bay man did not resurface after making a dive this afternoon.  Police say he was was with  three other friends at the time.   They say the location is off of McKenzie Heights Road just east of the McKenzie River Bridge.

Scott Potts Leaving Hospital

A senior executive at the Regional Health Sciences Centre is leaving under a veil of mystery.  The official word from hospital officials is that Scott Potts has resigned and his last day is June 28th.  However, there is no way to interview Potts, who's the vice president of Corporate and Diagnostic Services, because he is on vacation.   A hospital spokesperson says they can't confirm a replacement for Potts at this point. 

Garbage Dumped At Area Lake

The Ministry of Natural Resources is trying to find who is responsible for dumping garbage at Sandstone Lake.    Officials say they've received complaints several times from the public about the situation.  The area is located about 80 kilometres southwest of the city off Highway 588. 

Rae To Focus Full Time On ROF

The Matawa First Nations now have a full time Ring of  Fire negotiator.   Liberal MP and former Ontario NDP Premier Bob Rae is resigning as a Member of Parliament.   He says it's in order to focus on his new role as chief negotiator for Matawa First Nations in talks with the province about development of the Ring of Fire mining development in northern Ontario.

Police Clarify Info On Charges

Thunder Bay's Jeff Paxton isn't facing his first brush with the law.    Deputy police chief Andy Hay says the 10 sex related charges against young boys announced yesterday are actually included with four charges from when he was first arrested  last year.   The police say the charges against Paxton are related to incidents between 1983 and 2004.

Golfers Raise $

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is almost 22 thousand dollar richer following this weeks golf tournament.   The 7th Annual RE/MAX Queen of Hearts Ladies Golf Classic attracted a field of 152 women golfers.   The money will go towards the Northern Cardiac Fund. 

Forest Plan For Pikangikum

Pikangikum and the Province are working together to boost the forestry sector in the Far North.  The first nation has received a Sustainable Forest Licence for the Whitefeather Forest, 90km North of Red Lake.

MNR Forest Fire Update

Five new forest fires have sparked in Northwestern Ontario.  The Sioux Lookout and Nipigon Districts each saw two, while one was reported in the Kenora area.  The MNR adds while some rain is forecast, the hazard remains moderate to high in the region.

Kenora Council Broadcasting Live

It might not be a ratings hit, but Kenora City Council is looking to broadcast its open meetings.  Council says its willing to work with Shaw to air committee-of-the-whole and monthly council meetings.  It will set the city back about 12 thousand dollars to purchase and install the technology.  Councillor Rod McKay says he has his reservations about spending that kind of money and wants to know how many people might actually watch their meetings, before supporting the expenditure.

Fire At Bight Restaurant

Thunder Bay's Fire Department is looking into a small fire in a garbage room at Bight Restaurant last night.  Crews were able to bring the fire under control shortly after being called to the blaze at 11:30.  There's only minimal damage to the room and light smoke damage throughout the rest of the restaurant.  It's unclear if restaurant operations will be affected.

Serious Sex Charges Face City Man

A former bible camp counsellor and babysitter in the city is facing some serious sex charges that involve minors. Police say the charges against Jeff Paxton  date back to between 1983 and 2004.   They say they involve boys between the ages of 7 and 14.   Paxton faces four counts each of gross indecency and sexual assault and two counts of invitation to sexual touching.  He is currently in custody and will be in court for a bail hearing on Friday.

Four "Worst Roads" In Thunder Bay

Four roads in Thunder Bay are on the latest worst roads list from the Canadian Automobile Association.   Adelaide Street, Hutton Park Drive, South Water Street  and Onion Lake Road made the top fifty worst roads in the province.    None of them made the top twenty however Adelaide Street was ranked at number 33 in the online vote by the association.  

Summer In The Parks Is Back

It's another season for Summer In The Parks.   The city sponsored program takes place Wednesday nights at Marina Park starting June 26th with the Mark Potvin Blues Band.   It will run until August 14th.

Commissioner Defends OPP Salaries

The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police is defending the cost of his police service. Speaking in Kenora, Chris Lewis admitted that municipalities are concerned about a pending 8.5-percent increase in officer salaries next year. He adds that despite that, the OPP remains a competitive alternative for a number of municipalities.  Lewis says the OPP ranks 32nd in Canada right now in terms of the cost of providing police service.

Taxi Admin Concerns At Police Board

The Police Services Board is asking the city to examine the possibility of taking over the responsibility of governing area taxi companies. The directive comes as the result of a report on improving taxi service. Police Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says the City and the Police Services Board need to work together. Virdiramo wants a decision to be made on the matter by September.

Apologies Over Bike Lane Debate

Some City Councillors are saying sorry to the people who attended last night's meeting to hear about the active transportation corridor.   Council voted to put off discussing the new bike lanes and that didn't sit well with Councillor Rebecca Johnson. Councillor Aldo Roberto also apologized and the bike lane debate will now take place next week.

HAGI E.D. Steps Down

Hagi Transit has a new Executive Director.  David Shannon is stepping into the role after Cal Rankin resigned from the position.

Citizens Pack Council Chamber

A developer's proposal for new apartment or townhouse units on Melon Street  is causing a big stir.   Area residents packed the city council chamber so they could have their say.  One supporter commended the developer's extensive consultation, while others were critical of how close the apartments will be to their properties. The developer says the proposal is designed to be low key with only 12 units and will help to ease the rental housing shortage in the city.  In the end councillors voted to approve the apartments at a reduced height.  

Neighbours Object To Cabinet Shop

A Thunder Bay resident's plans for a home based cabinet making shop isn't going over well with some neighbours on Community Hall Road.   At City Hall last night  Paul Tremblay said he and his wife Anneli are vehemently opposed to the proposal because of noise, odour and property concerns   They are miffed as to why it was recommended by city staff.  In the end councillors voted in favour of the plan.

NOHF Announces Grants

Eleven Thunder Bay businesses and organizations are the recipients of over a quarter million dollars in provincial grant money.   The top grant getter, receiving over 90 thousand dollars,  is Robin Bureyko of Made Fresh cafe and bakery.  He says he and his partner couldn't have done it without the taxpayer support. The money is coming from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Local Runner Gets Hit By Truck, Finishes Race

A Thunder Bay runner who finished second in the Manitoba Half Marathon on the weekend isn't taking it for granted.  Trevor Zimak  was hit by a truck while running, shook it off and still placed near the top. Zimak says he wasn't hurt, so he made the decision to finish the race which was held in Winnipeg.

Train & Transport Collide

OPP are investigating a collision between a train and a transport.  The incident happened this morning on the Crib Road north east of Longlac.  Witnesses describe that there was heavy fog at the time of the collision.  The train had some damage to one car and currently all train traffic has been stopped in this area.  No injuries are reported and charges are pending for the transport driver.

Current River Lookout Unveiled

The City's Centennial Park has a new lookout.  Hydro One and the City unveiled the Current River lookout at a special ceremony this morning.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says it's a welcome addition to the park.  The lookout's plaque also honour's the City's title of Forest Capital of Canada 2000.

FWFN Open For Business

The Fort William First Nation is open for business.  The community is holding an open house at the Valhalla Inn tonight.  New Chief Georjann Morriseau and Fort William's Economic Development team will be discussing business opportunities.

Property Issues Up For Debate

City Council will be dealing with some property issues at tonight's meeting.  The owners of an apartment building on Melon Street want the City to allow more apartments or townhouses on the land.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are people who are against the proposition.  Also up for discussion is a request from a Community Hall Road home owner who wants to build and sell cabinets out of his garage. Council will make a decision on those matters this evening.

Rickford Calling On Province To Help Treaty Three

Addressing the issue of funding for First Nations policing.  Kenora MP Rickford says the federal government has been doing their part, and they will be discussing it with the province.  Treaty Three Police Service will likley see massive cutbacks in wages, benefits and hours.

Policing Oliver Paipoonge

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in favour of renewing a policing contract with Oliver Paipoonge.  The contract sees the City Police force patrol the rural areas outside of Thunder Bay.  Mayor Keith Hobbs notes the policing model is beneficial even though it takes away officers patrolling in the City limits.

Less People On Welfare

The annual report from the District Social Services Board shows a drop in welfare clients in the region.   Board chair Bob Katajamaki says it could mean that more people are getting back on their feet again.  Meantime, Katajamaki says the goal is to provide more social housing by partnering with people in the private sector.

More Bike Lanes Proposed

More bike lanes are proposed for local streets.  Council will decide tonight on whether to approve lanes on High, Beverly, Leslie and Arundel Streets.  Active Transportation Manager Adam Krupper doesn't expect much of a public uproar over the routes.  Bike lanes on High Street will connect Current River lanes to Red River.

Anti-Domestic Violence Day

Domestic violence groups are gathering today to mark Thunder Bay's first "No One Gets Hurt Here Today" day.  The six local agencies hope having a day will raise awareness about the issue.  A t-shirt designed by a victim of domestic violence will be unveiled later today.

Fatal Crash Near Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout OPP are reporting 5 people are dead after an single vehicle collision near Slate Falls.  The SUV left the roadway Saturday and entered Brokenmouth River. Police say the vehicle was recovered the next morning and 5-bodies were located inside.  Dead are 23 year old Kimberly Whiskeyjack, 55 year old Gordon Carpenter, 23 year old John Bighead, 26 year old Samantha Loon and 20 year old Claudia Loon.  Post mortems are scheduled to take place in Kenora.

Crime Of The Week

Crime Stoppers is looking for help solving four separate theft of copper wire near Atikokan and Thunder Bay.  The stolen copper is worth around 10-thousand dollars.  If anyone has information about the incident call Crime Stoppers.

T.Bay Loves Boats

The online classified ad website Kijiji says Thunder Bay loves its boats.   The company's Toronto Public Relations firm says that as of Friday there were over 600 boats, or types of boating equipment from the city that were posted for sale on the site.  They say that the average price for selling a boat here is $5900, and it takes an average of 27 days to sell a boat locally from the time the ad is posted.

Torch Run Today

Police in Thunder Bay will be holding their major fundraising event today at Boulevard Lake. It's the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. It helps raise money for local Special Olympics athletes. The event starts at 11 o'clock.

Thunder Bay's First Pride Parade

The City's first Pride Parade is a hit. Over 200 people took part in the parade yesterday, followed by Pride in the Park at the waterfront. Pride week wraps up today with a church service and luncheon.
Pre-Pride Parade  on PhotoPeach

Ride For Dad Successful Again

The Bell Motorcycle Ride For Dad is a success again. The 13th annual fundraiser took place yesterday, bringing in nearly $76,000. All of the money raised in the event will go to prostate cancer research.