Tbaytel Launches For Good Campaign

Tbaytel is reaching out to community groups in their new charity campaign called "for good".  Spokesperson Katie Crowe says they'll be giving up to 15-thousand dollars to local organizations who have ideas that will improve education in the City.   People can send in their ideas by visiting the "for good" website and winners will be selected by a voting process. Another three charity campaigns will be offered throughout the year focusing on different areas that need improvement.  To submit your idea click here.

Habitat Dedicates Two Homes On Mary Street

Mark Rodgers, Owner & Diane Mitchell

Two more Thunder Bay houses are now complete thanks to volunteers from Habitat for Humanity. Organizer Diane Mitchell says both are on  East Mary Street, one is a new home that was recently completed and the other is a being reoccupied by another needy family. Mitchell says they dedicated some rebuilt houses in Marathon today as well.

Virdiramo Wants Support For Heath Pool

Westfort Councillor Joe Virdiramo is hoping his fellow councillors will put 300-thousand dollars towards repairs for the Heath Park Pool.  A report is coming to council tonight that suggests the money is needed to fix a leak in the outdoor pool.  Virdiramo says they won't be making a decision on the matter tonight but hopes when it comes time to a vote they approve the spending in the 2014 budget.

Young Professionals To Vie For Recognition

Thunder Bay's young professionals network, also known as SHIFT,  is looking to create a top  20 list of community leaders under 40 years old in northwestern Ontario.  Spokesperson Keith Anderson says the purpose of the awards is to showcase young professionals in the region.   The deadline to nominate someone for the 2014 Visionary Awards is November 15th.

City Woman In Dryden Custody

Dryden Police have a 25-year-old Thunder Bay woman in custody after a vehicle chase early Sunday morning which started  in Dryden and ended in Ignace. Provincial Police helped by setting up a spike belt to stop the vehicle, and one cruiser almost went off the road during the chase. As a result, Anita Lawson has been charged with several offenses including impaired driving, dangerous driving, assaulting police with a weapon and running from police.

Shipwreck Found

A shipwreck from sixty-years ago has been found.  The Scotiadoc collided with another ship in 1954 and sank near the Sleeping Giant.  Jerry Eliason is one of the members that found the ship and describes some of the steps involved in making the discovery.  The Scotiadoc is the deepest shipwreck ever found in the great lakes.

Borg Named Dilico Executive Director

The new executive director at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is Darcia Borg.  Borg joins the Aboriginal child care agency with a background of over 20 years of experience in the field. She is a member of the Red Rock (Lake Helen) First Nation and holds a Master's Degree in Social Work.   Borg's been the acting director while the board conducted its search for a permanent executive boss.

Aboriginal/International Student Centres on LU Radar

The Chair of the Lakehead University Board of Governors says the upcoming year will be a challenge for fundraising.  Cameron Clark says plans for a new Aboriginal centre on campus will require a strong effort in order to leverage government funding for the project.  Also on the Board's radar this year will be a new building for international students.  Clark says the eventual goal is to have a place that students from other countries can gather at.   He says it may or may not include a student residence,  that hasn't been decided yet.  

Crime Of The Week

Crime Stoppers and the OPP are asking for your help in solving a break and enter that occurred in Longlac. On August 25th, a large piece of broken wood was used to smash through a rear office window at the CIBC branch on Forestry Road.  The suspects stole an office printer and some cash and then fled the building.  Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.  

Outdoor Pools Need Upgrades

City Council is examining the state of their three outdoor pools.  Staff are recommending money go towards the Heath Park and Widnall Pools in the 2014 budget.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says the Dease pool is in dire straights.  A group supporting Heath Park will be speaking to Council about the pool's future.

Tamarack Trees Up For Debate

City Council is tackling the issue of Mohawk Crescent's Tamarack Trees.  Staff are delivering a report that says it would cost almost 9-thousand dollars to remove 11 tamarack trees from the area and then replant white spruce.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff has Tamarack trees in his yard and has some concerns about paying to remove the trees.  The report is coming forward after several neighbours complained about the Tamarack needle drop and how it was impacting their roofs.

Radar Signs Help

City Council is going to hear about the radar speed signs they installed a year ago on Dawson Road.  Staff feel the signs have reduced the operating speeds of vehicles by 5 kms an hour.  That's something Councillor Ken Boshcoff agrees with.  Staff will be coming back to Council in another two years to tell them if the signs are still having an impact on how fast people are driving.

Tournament Centre Needs New Doors

Thunder Bay's Tournament Centre could soon be getting some upgrades.  Council is considering spending up to 25-thousand dollars to repair their front entrance.  The money is approved would come from the Tournament Centre's Reserve Fund.

Blue Sky Open For Business

Downtown Fort William has a new addition. The Blue Sky Community Healing Centre opened it's doors for the first time and hopes to help strengthen the community. Cindy Crowe is a Blue Sky consultant and says they want to make people feel like they belong in the community.  Blue Sky Community Healing is located at 512 Victoria Avenue east.

FedNor Milestone

FedNor is celebrating a milestone this year.  The federal economic development agency is turning 25. Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is the minister responsible for  FedNor and had a chance to speak to the agency's employees about their mandate.  Rickford adds that FedNor will have a significant presence at the Royal Agricultural Fair in Toronto this fall, with a focus on products from northwestern Ontario.

NWHU Looks To Follow In T.Bay's Footsteps

The Northwestern Health Unit wants to follow in the footsteps of their counterparts in Thunder Bay.  The Dryden based health unit is asking Council to consider implementing a smoke free outdoor spaces bylaw that will cover public spaces where kids frequent.  Dryden Council has asked for staff to come back with a report on the issue.

City Council Preview

City staff want to prepare a report looking into possible parking options for the residents of 720 McLaughlin Street.  A change to the location of a fire hydrant in the area has left the homeowners with no legal place to park.  Staff are asking Council to allow them to prepare a report looking into possible parking solutions.  Meanwhile,  A petition calling for more storm sewers to be installed on the City's south side is being presented to Council Monday night.  The 36 person petition is calling for storm sewers to be installed from Murray Avenue and Kingsway Avenue to Franklin Street.  The residents are concerned with possible spring flooding.

Fire on Balsam Street

A two storey building on Balsam Street had its kitchen and main floor severely damaged after a fire yesterday afternoon. Two children were treated for smoke inhalation, and then later released from hospital. Thunder Bay fire continues to investigate the cause.

Macaroni Salad Recalled

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning of a voluntary recall of Reser's Fine Foods Cheesy Macaroni Salad.  It's being recalled because of possible Listeria contamination.   The 454 gram and 1.25 kilogram containers are dated Oct. 20, 2013 with UPC codes 0 71117 18241 5 and 0 71117 61227 1, are being recalled.  The salad is sold at Wal-Mart stores in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as Canada wide in Loblaw stores.

Run for the Cure

Thunder Bay's Royal Legion Track will play host to the CIBC Run for the Cure this morning. The event takes place at the Delaney Arena starting with registration at 8:45 and the run at 10. Money raised goes towards breast cancer research.

Drainage Program Could Be Extended

City Council is considering opening up the Residential Drainage assistance program to all property owners City wide.   Staff are also recommending they operate the program longer into 2014.  The program was put in place after the 2012 spring flood and helps homeowners buy flood prevention devices. Council will vote on the matter Monday night which includes 76-thousand dollars in administration costs and another 674-thousand for drainage subsidies.

Fire Destroys Gazebo

An early morning fire on Paquette Road destroyed a gazebo.   There were no injuries involved and the fire does not seem to be suspicious.  It took three firetrucks to contain the fire.

Food Fundraiser Tonight

Investors Group is holding a fundraising campaign tonight for the Shelter House and the Kidney Foundation. In past years the comedy night event has raised 1 to 2 tonnes of food.  Over a thousand people are attending this year, and Investors Group is donating 500 dollars in cash to each charity.

KDSB Considers Managed Alcohol Program

A draft 10-year homelessness and housing plan has been unveiled by the Kenora District Services Board.  Manager of Integrated Social Services Dianne Apland says one recommendation is the creation of a Managed Alcohol program.  Kenora would act as the pilot for the proposal.

Leek Likes New Liberal Website

Area residents are being encouraged to get involved in sharing ideas with Ontario Liberals.  A new website has been set up to gather input.  President of the Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association Anthony Leek says the Premier is sincere when turning to the public.  Leek says the website is a good way for people who can't get to meetings to have a say.

Autism Ontario Walk Today

Autism Ontario's Thunder Bay office is holding its second awareness walk. The walk starts at 11am at Boulavard Lake.  A variety of local organizations are taking part including staff and students from the Catholic School Board who are walking to support their peers living with autism.

T.Bay Man Will Serve Time

A Thunder Bay man will serve some jail time for distributing child pornography.  In a Thunder Bay courtroom recently, Justin Chabot was sentenced to spend 90 days behind bars and will also have to spend the next two years on probation.  Two other child pornography related charges were withdrawn.

NAN Comments After Fatal Collision

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Executive Council is showing support to Grand Chief Harvey Yesno after his son, Sheldon Yesno was charged in a fatal motor vehicle collision with a cyclist.  The Council is also expressing its condolences to the family of the deceased.  NAN calls the incident tragic and a personal matter.  They won't be commenting any further.

Rickford Wants Twinning Started By 2015

Twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora is weighing on the minds of Kenora Chamber of Commerce members.    Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford addressed the chamber Friday and says he's disappointed the project hasn't started yet.  Rickford is optimistic that the project will get underway before the start of 2015.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness month. Tarja Heiskanen is the manager of Screening and Assessment Services and says the hospital will be actively involved in raising awareness all month. In Northwestern Ontario, only half of eligible women take part in breast screening mammography.

Driver Charged After Car Lands On Roof

A 51 year old woman is being charged with careless driving after she lost control of her car causing it to crash into the west side ditch of Mapleward Road this morning.  The vehicle landed on it's roof and the driver crawled out.   Police say the accident occurred when the driver was searching for an item in her car.

Sisters In Spirit Vigil Held Today

A vigil was held earlier today to honour murdered and missing aboriginal women. Maryanne Matthews is the Communications Officer at the Ontario Native Womens Association, she feels the number of those missing may be misleading.  The goal of the Sisters in Spirit Vigil is to have October fourth recognized as a national day of remembrance for aboriginal women.

WSIB Hearings Today

Thunder Bay's Injured Workers group is hosting a series of public hearings today on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.  The meeting will focus on how far the WSIB has come since it was formed over a 100 years ago today.  The hearing is being held at the Lakehead Labour Centre from 2 until 5 and 7 until 9 tonight.

St. Anne Gets Money

Future Shop is giving almost 20-thousand dollars to St. Ann School today.  Teacher Peter Rzeszut applied for the funding from the tech company and says the money will be used to create a tech lab that includes smart boards, e-readers and digital cameras. Rzeszut says it's a great opportunity for the school and the community.

Highway 11 To Be Repaired

The Provincial Government is fixing up a stretch of Highway 11 west of Atikokan.  Pioneer Construction is getting the 6.7 million dollar contract that will create 67 jobs.  More than 20 kilometres of Highway 11 is being repaved.

KBM Resources Wins At NOBA

Thunder Bay's KBM Resources Group  is celebrating its victory at the Northern Ontario Business Awards.  The company walked away with the Export Award.    It was recognized for the way it successfully diversified after the downturn in the forest industry and branched out into the mining and energy sectors.  The awards were handed out in North Bay last night.

KBM Resources Wins At NOBA

Thunder Bay's KBM Resources Group  is celebrating its victory at the Northern Ontario Business Awards.  The company walked away with the Export Award.    It was recognized for the way it successfully diversified after the downturn in the forest industry and branched out into the mining and energy sectors.  The awards were handed out in North Bay tonight.

Cyclist Dies...Murder Charge Laid

A thirty-two year old Thunder Bay man is facing a second degree murder charge in connection with this week's hit and run on South Algoma. Sheldon Yesno was charged following the death of thirty-eight year old cyclist Richard Vrastak of Thunder Bay from injuries he sustained after he was struck by a mini-van.  Yesno made his first court appearance on the charge Thursday and will be back in court Monday.

PSAC Holds Veterans Townhall

Military veterans are standing up against the planned closure of some Veterans Affairs Offices in Canada. The office in Thunder Bay is among them. Second world war vet Roy Lamore says refocusing some the government current spending could help keep the office open.  As an example he says that just ordering one less new fighter jet would help keep the offices open.  The Public Service Alliance of Canada says closure of the Thunder Bay office will force veterans from northwestern Ontario having to access services in Kirkland Lake which has experienced its own staff cuts. The veterans held a townhall meeting today at the Slovak Legion.

Sisters in Spirit Vigil

The Ontario Women's Association is hosting a vigil tomorrow in unity with the Native Women's Association of Canada. The vigil is to honour murdered and missing Aboriginal women and will be held at noon, at 380 Ray Boulevard. The "Sisters in Spirit Vigil" has made it their goal to have October 4th as a day of remembrance for Aboriginal women not only in Canada, but worldwide.

Treaty Three Recognized

First Nations leaders with Treaty 3 aren't calling it a celebration. Its been 140 years since chiefs with Treaty 3 signed the treaty with the Canadian government. Grand Chief Warren White says there's been a lot of frustration with the Treaty since. He says his people have lived up to the Treaty, but says the Crown hasn't This afternoon, Treaty 3 is honouring the chiefs and Grand Chiefs for their roles in the Treaty.

Moose Died Of Liver Failure

The Chippewa moose probe is over and a local vet says that the animal's recent death was the result of liver failure.    The official from the Slate River Veterinary Clinic added that  the seven-year-old moose was adequately cared for throughout its life at the city's Chippewa Wildlife Exhibit.  He notes however,  that moose are notoriously hard to care for in captivity.

Police Say Incident Not Criminal

 Thunder Bay police are closing the book on Wednesday's early morning incident at the Kamview Overlook Park at the end of Donald Street.  That's where police say a man was injured and sent to hospital in critical condition.  Police say that the incident is not considered a criminal matter.

Bottled Water Warning

Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health is warning consumers and businesses not to consume or serve bottled water manufactured by Blue Glass Water Co. Ltd., also known as Caledon Clear Water Corporation, based in Caledon. Officials say that samples of water taken from the company's products have been found to be heavily contaminated with bacteria and say there is a potential health threat posed by these products.

Gun Amnesty Offered

There will be a firearms amnesty for aboriginal communities in northwestern Ontario next month. Treaty Three Police says it will be collecting illegal, damaged or unlicenced firearms during the amnesty. Anyone who surrenders a handgun or rifle will not be charged. There is also an incentive involved.
Anyone who turns in a firearm during the amnesty will receive a gift card from an area business.

Chamber's Mining Proposal Passed

The president of the local Chamber of Commerce is back from the annual meeting of the Canadian Chamber.  Charla Robinson says Thunder Bay was successful in having a resolution adopted that calls on the federal government to invest in roads and energy to support mining development. She  says it's important for governments to partner with the mining companies to get their projects off the ground.   Robinson notes there was also discussion about the lack of skilled workers in the country.

84 Year Old Charged In Collision

OPP are charging an 84 year old Shuniah man after a two vehicle collision at the intersection of McKenzie Station Road and Highway 11/17 on Wednesday.  It involved a truck and an SUV.  A passenger in the SUV was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

Contract Talks Stalled

Talks have broken off between the Amalgamated Transit Union and the City.  Bus drivers have been without a contract for sometime and voted recently to take strike action if a deal can't be reached.   ATU President Sheila Kivisto says it's unfortunate they couldn't reach an agreement on Wednesday.  Kivisto says they are taking a wait and see approach since the mediator may pull them into another meeting in the near future. Kivisto adds they're fed up with being the second lowest paid bus drivers in Ontario.

Hit & Run Suspect Found

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 37 year old man after a hit and run Tuesday night in the area of Algoma and John Street. The man is charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm and fail to remain.  The cyclist remains in hospital in critical condition. 

T.Bay Author Up For GG Award

A Thunder Bay author is up for a Governor General's Award.  Jean E. Pendziwol is one of five author's on the children's literature shortlist.  Her book Once Upon a Northern Night is one of five finalists.  The Governor General Award winners will be announced November 28th in Ottawa.