CUPE Asking For Mediator

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is asking for a Provincial mediator in its discussions with the town of Schreiber.  CUPE is representing 13 municipal workers who are looking to get a new agreement.   The union represents municipal employees from accounting, by-law enforcement to janitors.  Town Council is seeking concessions from the workers.

Minimum Wage Panel Meets In T.Bay

The Provincial Government's Minimum Wage Panel is in Thunder Bay today.  Several organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Regional Food Distribution Association and Poverty Free Thunder Bay are taking part.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says it's an important issue and one the Minister of Labour will have to decide once recommendations are released.  Members of the group Poverty Free Thunder Bay rallied in front of the Valhalla Inn before they spoke to the panel.  Poverty Free Thunder Bay wants the wage to be raised to 14 dollars an hour.

Inflation Rate Drops In Thunder Bay

No change in the annual inflation rate. Statistics Canada says the rate remained unchanged in September at 1.1 percent, the same as August.   In Thunder Bay the inflation rate for September stands at an even one per cent a drop of point 1 from August.

NOHFC Re-brands

The Northern Ontario Heritage Funding is changing.   The provincial government is now focusing on five specific areas of growth for the north in making its funding decisions, which Mayor Keith Hobbs believes is a positive move as does Thunder Bay City Councillor Ken Boshcoff who says the public likes it when governments hit the refresh button.  The fund's so called enhanced programs include one for infrastructure, another for innovation and a third for business opportunities.

Small Business Week Starts Monday

Starting on Monday its small business week. The week long business networking event will run from October 20th to the 26th.  John Guarasci is the manager of the local Business Development office in Thunder Bay and says it's a celebration of entrepreneurship.  For a list of events you can click here.

Tbaytel Talks Pick & Play

Tbaytel officials ears are burning after the Federal Government's Throne Speech mentioned unbundling tv cable packages and reducing cellphone roaming fees within Canada.  Spokesperson Katie Crowe says they're interested in the idea of pick and play channels but they need to find out the finer details.  Crowe adds that they already offer voice and data roaming within Canada and they only charge when users use a foreign cell phone tower.

Luncheon Of Hope On Today

Tbaytel's Luncheon of Hope in support of local breast cancer initiatives is back for its 21st year this afternoon.  Health Sciences Foundation Spokesperson Heather Vita says this year's special guest is Maureen Holloway who is a breast cancer survivor and a national broadcaster.  Since it's inception the luncheon of hope has raised over 260-thousand dollars for the Northern Cancer fund.

Bed Bugs Back At LU

Lakehead University is dealing with another four to five cases of bed bugs in their Pretie residence. Residence Services Spokesperson David Hare says they haven't stopped spraying dorms since bed bugs were reported earlier this fall.  Hare says they've had a total of 12 cases of bed bugs since the start of the school year.

NDP Critic Visits T.Bay

NDP Infrastructure Critic Percy Hatfield is listening to the concerns of Northwestern Ontario and bringing them back to Queen's Park. Hatfield spent the day in Thunder Bay Thursday and talked to City Reps about the region's infrastructure needs.  Hatfield says he was pleased when his leader Andrea Horwath asked him to tour the City and get a feel for its infrastructure shortfalls.

NAPS Investigates Death

Provincial Police and Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Police Are investigating a death in Fort Severn First Nation. A NAPS officer was called regarding a serious assault that happened at a home in the community on Wednesday.  A woman was taken to the nursing station and died from her injuries. She has been identified as 24-year-old Georgina Stoney. Police say 19-year-old Tommy Miles Junior has been charged with second-degree murder.

Driver Flees Scene Of Crash

City Police are investigating an early morning single vehicle accident on the North Side.  Police say a car struck three hydro poles in the area of 350 North Cumberland Street after two o'clock.  The driver of the vehicle then fled on foot and its unknown whether any injuries were sustained in the crash.  Power was knocked out in the area as well as some traffic lights on Cumberland and Water Streets.

Second-Degree Murder Charge

Provincial Police and Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Police are investigating a death in Fort Severn First Nation. A NAPS officer was called regarding a serious assault that happened at a home in the community on Wednesday. A woman was taken to the nursing station and died from her injuries. She has been identified as 24-year-old Georgina Stoney. Police say 19-year-old Tommy Miles Junior has been charged with second-degree murder.

NOMA Weighs In On Throne Speech

The President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is giving thumbs up to the Speech from the Throne.  Canfield was invited to take in the speech on Parliament Hill yesterday.  He says the real highlight for him was getting to meet with members of the federal cabinet afterwards. Canfield admits the Throne Speech was short in specifics, but says some of the issues raised, like skills training will help both the mining and forestry sectors in this region.

Dryden Police Axe Comm Centre Jobs

The Dryden Police Service is shutting down its Communications Centre in 2014.  The Centre will close on March 31st subject to Ontario Civilian Police Commission approval and will be run by the Owen Sound Police Service.  Chief Rob Davis outlines one of the reasons behind the move.  The decision will result in the loss of 9 full time and 4 part time positions.

Police Looking For Honda Prelude Driver

City Police are looking for the driver of a silver Honda Prelude after it rear ended a stopped school bus Thursday morning.  The man who was driving the vehicle fled the scene, Police found it parked in a laneway a short distance away from the collision site on Peter Street.  Police are having a hard time finding the driver of the vehicle as he doesn't live at the address he provided to the Ministry of Transportation.  None of the children were hurt by the collision.

Police Release Crash Victim Name

Thunder Bay OPP are releasing the name of the 64 year old man who died after his vehicle hit a rock cut.   Peter Wright of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta was airlifted to the hospital where he died from his injuries. Police are continuing to investigate the Wednesday afternoon collision on Highway 11/17 near Sistonen's Corner.

NOHFC Gives Out 100-Thousand Dollars

Chelsea Rivalin

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is giving out over 100-thousand dollars in cash to two local businesses. Chelsea Rivalin owns Bindleweed Farm and says she's using her cash to help prepare her Nolalu farm. The funds helped purchase greenhouses, an irrigation system, farming tools and fencing.  Meanwhile, The Blue Door Bistro will use their share of the cash to hire staff and expand their operating hours.

Rafferty Not Impressed

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is not pleased with the Throne Speech. Rafferty is concerned with the lack of attention Northern Ontario received. He added that the promise of action once there's a balanced budget is likely not to happen.

Strasser Back As NOSM Dean

Dr. Roger Strasser is going to be the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's Dean until 2019.  He was reappointed at a meeting recently with his new term ending June 30th, 2019.  Strasser was the first Dean of the school and started in 2002.

MP Hyer Responds to Throne Speech

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer describes the Throne Speech as fluffy, but is happy with the protection of consumers it offers. That includes similar legislation to that of his proposed private members bills. Hyer proposed a passenger's rights bill aimed at airline companies and a cell phone bill requiring companies to unlock phones by request, free of charge.

New Gold Takeover Complete

A friendly takeover of Rainy River Resources is now complete. New Gold says it now controls all of the company's shares, completing a deal announced in June. Executive chair Randall Oliphant says he's pleased the acquisition is now complete and they can focus attention on advancing Rainy River's gold project north of Barwick. New Gold is in the process of completing a detailed review and update of the feasibility study as well as advancing the permitting efforts for the project.

Mayor Hobbs at the Throne Speech

Mayor Keith Hobbs is reacting to the Throne Speech made yesterday. Hobbs had a chance to meet briefly with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The Mayor said that in their meeting Harper acknowledged that Northern Ontario was not specifically mentioned. He went on to add that it does not mean issues like The Ring of Fire and forestry will not be addressed.

Swedish Doctors Visiting NOSM

A group of medical professionals from Northern Sweden are visiting the Northern Ontario Medical School. The group is interested in learning what NOSM is doing to retain family doctors in the north.

Speech From The Throne

GG David Johnston

The Federal Government's Throne Speech makes a lot of promises. Governor General David Johnston read the "Seizing Canada's Moment" document Wednesday afternoon and says the Feds will work on improving the skilled trades sector by having workers credentials recognized between the Provinces and Territories. Johnston also mentioned the Federal Government's vow to improve First Nation's education on reserve and developing our resources in an environmentally friendly manner.

Driver Succumbs To Injuries

The 64 year old Alberta man involved in a single vehicle accident this afternoon has died in Thunder Bay hospital.  He lost control of his vehicle just before 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon hitting a rock cut on the opposite side of the road.  Highway 11/17 near Sistonen's Coroners was closed for over 2 hours on Wednesday.

Solar Panel Projects Complete

Thunder Bay Hydro's rooftop solar panel project is officially complete. The last of six City building's started collecting solar energy on Tuesday and officials held a ribbon cutting Wednesday.  Hydro President Rob Mace says the solar panels do provide some energy.  Panels have been installed on the roofs of the Port Arthur Arena, Tbaytel Work Centre, Mountdale Maintenance Garage, and Thunder Bay Transit Building.

Habitat Program Reaches 25 Year Milestone

Major Rob Kerr

The Salvation Army is happy they've been able to help offer housing to 34 people living with disabilities.  A 25th anniversary celebration was held on Wednesday at the Habitat Program's Pearl Street Apartment Building.  Major Rob Kerr says he's in awe of the longevity of the program.  Kerr adds if the program didn't exist the building's 34 residents might be homeless. The Social Services Board provides the funding for the program and Thunder Bay Housing owns the building.

Camp Quality Fundraiser Wednesday Night

There's a charity event for Camp Quality taking place at the CLE Coliseum Wednesday night.  Organizer Clara Butikofer says local participants will be peddling away on stationary bikes as part of the event.  13 teams are registered and over 100 people will be attending Wednesday's event. Ceremonies begin at 5:45....the fundraising goal is 18 thousand dollars.

Longlac Man Keno Winner

Longlac resident Andre Boulanger is 125-thousand dollars richer after playing in Ontario's Daily Keno draw. The retiree plans to save some of his winnings, but also spoil his daughter and grandson.

20 Ounces Of Cocaine Seized

City police are reporting the seizure of over 50-thousand dollars worth of Cocaine.  Over the Thanksgiving long weekend, police searched a West Arthur Street hotel and charged two men with possessing and trafficking cocaine. Staff Sergeant Murray Brown says they seized over 20 ounces of cocaine and just over six thousand dollars in cash.  35 year old Berkley Blake from Thunder Bay and a 38 year old Brampton man are facing the charges.

Education Minister Unveils Youth Job Strategy

The Provincial Government is touting its new Youth Jobs Strategy. Education Minister Liz Sandals toured Sir Winston Churchill High School today and unveiled the strategy. Sandals says they're spending over 200 million dollars will go towards creating four new funds that will help young people find work, build job skills and start their own business. Sandals is also holding a discussion today in the City with school board officials, students and other education representatives about the needs of students in Ontario.

Shelter House Kicks Off Raffle

Shelter House is kicking off it's largest fundraising raffle in the history of the organization. Executive Director Patty Hajdu says they've seen a jump in demand for their services and don't have enough money to offset the increased need.  First prize is 30-thousand dollars in cash, followed by 10-thousand, and 5-thousand dollars for third place. The draw will be made on Christmas Eve with early bird draws taking place in November. City Councillors Larry Hebert, Iain Angus and Paul Pugh bought the first three tickets for the raffle at an event this morning.

Conservatory Reopens

After being shut down over the long weekend, the Centennial Botanical Conservatory is set to reopen today.  Last Friday, City officials closed the 47-year old building after a couple of roof vents had broken over a walkway.  The Conservatory was closed last winter after glass panels came crashing down, which led the City to install protective safety netting from the ceiling.  The facility opens its doors this afternoon at one o'clock.    

OPP Nab Naughty Drivers

OPP say they laid a number of charges over the Thanksgiving long weekend.  244 tickets were handed out for speeding, another 34 for seat belt infractions, there were four distracted drivers charged and only 1 impaired driver arrested.

Group Talks Minimum Wage Today

Poverty Free Thunder Bay wants to hear your stories about living on Ontario's minimum wage.  Chair Terri Carter says they want to hear about the hardships people making minimum wage face.  To share your story stop by the Village Green in the Victoriaville Mall from 11 until 1.  Stories shared with Poverty Free Thunder Bay will then be passed on to members of the Provincial Government.

Airport Holding Training Exercise

Thunder Bay's Airport is undergoing an emergency training exercise today.  President Scott McFadden says it will involve Wasaya Airways, Fire, Police, EMS, and Nav Canada.  McFadden says the training exercise will take part in the Southwest corner of the airport.

Hunter Found Dead Near Rainy River

OPP say the death of a hunter in the Rainy River area isn't suspicious.  Police say the American man was found on Monday, 30 km north of the junction of Highway 11 and Highway 611.  A post mortem is being conducted at the Kenora Hospital.

Status Cards Are Welcome

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is re-launching a program that they hope will make Aboriginal customers feel more welcome at area businesses.  President Charla Robinson says they're handing out decals to businesses that tell their customers that "Status Cards are Welcome".A recent study by Thunder Bay Ventures says the Aboriginal workforce contributes over 300 million dollars to the local economy.

Late Painting For Bike Lanes

The city is being criticized by some for painting new bike lanes in October, which is considered late in the season.   Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper says the company doing the job was delayed in getting started.  He says they had a backlog of jobs to complete before they could get working on the bike lanes.   Krupper says it would not have been practical to wait until the spring to get the painting done, nor would it save any money.

Holiday Train Here Dec. 1st

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be stopping in Thunder Bay once again.   The food bank fundraiser will stop in the city Sunday December the first at 8:45 in the evening at the Syndicate Avenue train station.  This years entertainment includes  Melanie Doane and Crystal Shawanda

Go Purple Day Wednesday

Expect to see a lot of purple Wednesday for the first "Go Purple for Prevention Day".  The Thunder Bay Childrens Aid Society is using the day to raise awareness surrounding child abuse.  People are encouraged to take photos of themselves dressed in purple and post it to the Step Up Campaign's Facebook page.

Police Board Interested In Changing Beat Program

Some members of the Police Services Board would like to see the beat officers walking area neighbourhoods patrol later into the evenings. Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says the program has been successful from 9 to 5 but they would like to see if the hours of the shifts could be altered.  Virdiramo says they'll continue to look for efficiencies that will allow them to offer the program later into the evening.  The cost to expand the program to another six officers would cost around a million dollars something Virdiramo says they can't afford at the moment.

12 Hour Shifts Start In January

Some members of the City Police Service are going to a 12 hour shift schedule starting in January.  Chief JP Levesque says uniform, communications and records employees will be adding an extra two hours to their work day.  Levesque says the move should save them some money through fewer overtime shifts.  Two staff sergeants and four sergeants will be moved into a variety of positions including the gang unit, criminal investigations branch and the school resource section.

Hyer Pondering Pipeline Support

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer says he may be changing his support for the proposed East-West pipeline.   The independent member says it's because he thinks the project may be drifting away what he believed was the intended purpose of the pipeline. He was hoping the pipeline would mean we would use more Canadian oil in our homes and gas tanks, but says it looks like the majority of the oil may be shipped offshore. Hyer says he will only support the pipeline if it helps the country toward energy self sufficiency.

Trail Permits For Sale

A sign winter is just around the corner.  Ontario snowmobilers can get a huge break if they purchase a trail permit now.  The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club is offering permits at 180-dollars if purchased before November 1st and on-line through the Federation's website.  The regular price is 260-dollars.

MP's Hope For NWO Help In Throne Speech

The Harper government unveils its parliamentary agenda on Wednesday with the Speech From the Throne.  Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer  is hoping that the special needs of northwestern Ontario are addressed like   job creation,  the economy and providing stimulus for our major industries.  However Hyer says he doesn't expect to be impressed by the speech.   Meantime, MP John Rafferty hopes the speech will include a promise to restore the 23 million dollars taken from FedNor so more industry can be developed here.

Officer Singlehandedly Nabs Reckless Driver

A Thunder Bay Police officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the 300 block of Hartvicksen Street early this morning. The vehicle drove away before it crashed onto a lawn where it became stuck, and the lone officer was able to arrest the driver who was attempting to drive away. The officer suffered injuries to his arm and was taken to hospital where he was treated and released.

Robbery Suspect In Custody

A 20 year old man is in custody after a robbery at the  North Cumberland Street Shell gas bar.   Police say that a man walked into the station at around 5 o'clock on Sunday afternoon armed with a knife and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. They say that a suspect was arrested a short time later.  No one was injured.

Bus Talks Still In Limbo

No new talks are planned to try to end the labour dispute between bus drivers and Thunder Bay Transit.   Transit union spokesperson Sheila Kivisto says neither side is making the first move by calling up the conciliator and requesting a meeting.  Conciliated talks broke off October 2nd.   The bus drivers haven't had a new contract for 15 months.

Ear Falls Sawmill Re-Opening

Senior VP of Forestry for EACOM Timber says it's the right time to reopen the Ear Falls Sawmill. Brian Nicks says the U.S housing recovery and positive financial forecasts make the decision a little easier. The opening is expected to come next spring.

Rock Climbing in Thunder Bay

The Thunder Bay region will be featured in an upcoming edition of Gripped, a rock climbing magazine. Editor Brandon Pullan is the editor and says the region is great for climbers because of uncommon rock types, ease of access and low risk winter climbing. The feature will focus on locations around the region including some spots right here in the city. It will run in February and April.