Camp Fire Near Vermillion Bay

Fire crews continue to investigate the cause of a major fire at Willard Lake Resort, west of Vermilion Bay.Officials were called around 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon.  The flames spread from cabin to cabin as firefighters had to deal with limited water in battling the blaze.  Damage to the gas station and restaurant is unknown at this time. No one was injured.

Cell Sorter Goal 3K

Northern Hearts and several other charity groups are teaming up to help raise 300-thousand dollars to purchase a cell sorter for the  Regional Research Institute.  Northern Hearts Chair Jack Playford says the cell sorter will help improve heart health research. Anyone who wants to donate can do so by dropping off a cheque at the Northern Hearts office, or at the Curans Heart Centre.

New & Old Faces In Municipal Race

There's some added names to the 2014 Municipal election race. David Polhill is running in Northwood. Meanwhile, Councillor Joe Virdiramo is seeking re-election in Westfort,  Brian McKinnon in Red River and Aldo Roberto at large. Andrew Brigham is also joining the at large race.

Highway Closure

The blustery conditions has forced the closure of Highway 17 east of Thunder Bay.  OPP report Highway 17 is closed between Highway 556 and Wawa due to reduced visibility.  Provincial Police closed that section around 3 o'clock this morning.

Wood Stove Warning

Wood stoves and heaters are working overtime as northwestern Ontario continues to sit through a deep freeze. Richard Wetelainen is a fire official in the region and he is urging local residents to ensure their heating instruments are properly inspected.  He says sometimes people may put off inspections for various reasons.He points out that dirty chimneys are a major cause of fires in our area during this time of year.

Hospital Gets More Props

The regional hospital is tooting its horn again about another recognition.  Spokesperson Nella Lawrence says the facility recently made sixth place on a list of the world’s 30 most architecturally impressive hospitals.  She thinks it's an award the community can share, since many people participated in making the hospital a reality.  Lawrence calls a recognition an reward in itself

TBSO Fundraiser Hired

Thunder Bay's Stephanie Bateman is the new Development Manager with the Symphony Orchestra.  Her job is to fundraise about 2 million dollars a year for the TBSO something she admits will be a challenge. Bateman admits with money being tight it may be harder to raise funds from the community and governments.

Body Shop Open After Fire

Frankie and Johnny's Auto Body shop on Vickers Street is back in operation after the devastating October 31st fire.   Owner John Wiekowski estimates the blaze caused about half a million dollars in damages.  He says he has lost 50 thousand dollars a month in income and at least 50 thousand dollars worth of his own vehicles that were not insured.  Wiekowski adds 3 of his customers lost up to 70 thousand dollars worth of insured vehicles.  So far officials have not given out the cause of the fire only to say that it was suspicious.    

H1N1 Cases May Be Close To Peaking

The H1N1 virus may be reaching its peak in Thunder Bay.  Dr. David Williams of the District Health Unit says they're crossing their fingers that the worst may be coming to an end.  He says while there have been 78 confirmed cases of the flu so far, with more expected, he's hoping to know by the end of this week if we have reached the crest.    Dr. Williams says there says the H1N1 death toll in the district remains at two.

Students Kept Inside During Deep Freeze

With the dangerous cold upon us both school board's in the city are keeping students inside.   The catholic school board's Pino Tassone  says that's the way it will stay until the the deep freeze is over.   Tessone says it will apply to recess, lunch, nutrition breaks and the period just before school starts.  Tassone says closing schools is not an option that's considered unless there's a major heating malfunction in any school building.

Bad Weather In T-O Delays Flights

If you plan to leave by plane to Toronto today or you are expecting someone from the big city, there may be delays.  Thunder Bay  Airport arrival and departure information shows many flights to and from T-dot are delayed due to the weather there.   You can view the arrival and departure information at this LINK

First Nations Chief Dies

A long-serving northwestern Ontario First Nations chief has died. Family members report Couchiching First Nation Chief Chuck McPherson died yesterday in his home. McPherson was first elected chief between 1986 and 1988, returning to office in 1998.  No word yet on funeral arrangements.

Almada Fire Cause Still Unknown

Still no official word on the cause of a fire that ravaged Almada Upholstery on May Street back in October. Owner  April Roukema says fire inspectors have been reluctant to use the "A" word.  She says they have already determined the blaze didn't start in the building itself, which she says is making it look more and more like it may be arson.  Roukema says they won't be able to move back in until the summer, until then,  they are operating on Squire Street.

Another R.I.D.E. Program Ends

Another successful Festive R.I.D.E campaign has come to an end. Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest OPP says 43 impaired driving charges were issued, including 21 warn range suspensions. Garr says the numbers are almost identical to last years.   The numbers in the region were on the same provincial average which saw a downward trend.

City Bids Closing Soon

A couple of City bid opportunities are coming to a close in January. The City is looking for a consultant to design and develop a Northwestern Ontario food purchasing model. The deadline for that project is January 16th.  Meanwhile, the expression of interest to purchase Municipal Golf Course is up on January 15th.

Sunday Night Robbery

Thunder Bay Police investigating another robbery in the City.  Around 10:30 last night, a male, armed with a syringe, robbed the Mac's Mart on Simpson Street.  The robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash and goods.  The accused is described as a Caucasian male in his 30's, who was last seen wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt, black toque and backpack.  No one was injured.

Highway 11 Reduced To One Lane

Highway 11 roughly one-hundred kilometers west of Hearst is down to one lane while crews retrieve tractor trailers that have slid off the road into a ditch. OPP are warning motorists of long delays, the closure is expected to last roughly twelve hours.

Sleeping Giant Visitors Centre Now Open

The Sleeping Giant Visitors Centre is now open for the winter season which lasts until March. With the recent snow fall cross country trails have yet to be groomed. The centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am until 4 pm.

Date Set For Potential Transit Job Action

Thunder Bay Transit operators now have a date to bargain with when it comes to a potential strike. Union President Sheila Kivisto says workers are in a position to walk off the job on January 20th but does maintain that a strike is being seen as a last resort.

Election Registrations Up To 3

Candidates continue to trickle in for the upcoming municipal election. Three people have filed to run for spots on City Council including Logan Ollivier in the McIntyre ward, Shelby Ch'ng in Northwood and David George Noonan in Red River. The first day to register for the 2014 election was Thursday.

Eacom Timber To Reopen Mill

EACOM Timber is planning on re-opening the Ear Falls Sawmill sooner rather than later.  Company Spokesperson Gwen Webster says the company's goal is to take advantage with what they believe will be a strong market for lumber in 2014.  Currently the company is testing existing equipment that has sat idle at the mill for nearly five years.

Money For Hwy 599 Improvements

The Provincial Government is putting 2.1 million dollars towards improving Highway 599 south of Pickle Lake. The Medcalf Lake Narrows Bridge will be repaired. The announcement will create 21 new jobs.

Accident At Fort William Road & John Street

City police are laying a careless driving charge in relation to a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Water Street and John Street. Three people were sent to hospital as a precaution. Road conditions are being blamed for the accident.

Pair Of Stabbings

Thunder Bay Police currently investigating a pair of stabbings.  Shortly after 8:30 last night a female was stabbed in front of a building in the 100 Block of South May Street. The female was taken to the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with a non-life threatening wound to her back. It is believed the attacker is known to the victim, but no arrest has been made.  Meanwhile, just after 9 o'clock, a male was stabbed in the stomach in the Picton Street area.  The victim was taken to hospital and required surgery.  A man was arrested a few hours later and also taken to hospital with injuries sustained in the incident.  

First Day For Municipal Election Registration

2014 is a municipal election year.  Today marks the first day when candidates can register to run in the October election.  City Clerk John Hannam says after they register candidates can start to campaign. Hannam doesn't expect too many people to register today but notes they usually see one or two eager beavers.

Study Likes Hwy Approach

A recent study finds that of six proposed transmission routes that would be used to supply energy from Ignace and Dryden to Pickle Lake only one would pose minimum risk to caribou. The Canadian Wild Lands League's Crossing Caribou Country study found that having a route following Highway 599 would be the best option because it is an existing, permanent road. Spokesperson Anna Baggio says the other proposals would interfere with lands that have been described as some of the best for caribou populations.

New Years Baby Unveiled

Thunder Bay Hospital's New Year's Baby is Nevaeh Ellieanna Victoria Mamakwa.  Baby Nevaeh was born at 11:56 a.m. on January 1st at the Health Sciences Centre.  Nevaeh will be made an honourary member of the First Marks Club which means her name and birth date will be inscribed in a baby-sized footprint and permanently added to the hospital's Celebration of Life Wall.

Rickford Wants Compromise

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is hoping for a compromise in the new year regarding the First Nations Education Act.  Several aboriginal groups are upset with the direction the government is going and have pledged to develop their own strategy.  Rickford says they want to work with everyone in order to come up with a strong plan. Rickford believes First Nations education begins with having the proper infrastructure in place.

Shipping Season Still Going

As the shipping season winds down in the Port of Thunder Bay, Harbour Master Guy Jarvis says they couldn't have made it through a cold December without the help of the tug operators in the city. Jarvis says the season should wrap up by January the 8th with arrival of another 7 or 8 ships.

Crimestoppers Hockey Game Tonight

The 25th annual Crimestoppers charity hockey game is taking place at the Fort William Gardens tonight. Crimestopper Coordinator Jason Disher says it is a free event but donations are welcomed and go towards supporting the program. Opening ceremonies begin at 6:30, puck drop at 7:15.

Atikokan Death

The Thunder Bay Forensic Identification Unit and Rainy River OPP are investigating the death of an Atikokan man that was reported yesterday morning. Police say they found the man shortly before 9:00am on River Road. The coroner has not yet set a date for their forensic investigation.

Busy New Year's Eve For City Police

It was a busy New Years Eve for Thunder Bay's police services. Over ninety-calls were responded to by officers, mainly having to do with noisy party's, minor disputes and public intoxication. Officials say even with the high number of calls Thunder Bay as a whole enjoyed a relatively safe evening.

Increase In Airport Fees

New Years Day means prices at the Thunder Bay airport are going up for aircraft using the terminal. The increases include aircraft landing and parking fees. Airport Manager Scott McFadden says the increase will be three per cent across the board and is mainly to keep up with inflation.

Cover All Exposed Skin

The Health Unit is warning people to take precautions before going outside during the recent deep freeze that has struck the region. Recent wind chills have seen temperatures plummet to minus forty and below, the Unit is reminding the public that in such temperatures exposed skin can freeze within a matter of minutes. They are also warning of frostbite and hypothermia for not only people but their animals as well and to prevent pets from staying outside for extended periods of time.

CTF Spreads Tax Change Info

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is spreading the word about changes to the employment insurance and Canadian Pension Plan taxes in Ontario. Spokesperson Candice Malcolm says it means taxpayers will keep less of their pay cheques after New Years Day. Malcolm adds the maximum employee share of EI taxes will go up 23 dollars in 2014, while the employer's share will go up to 31 dollars.

Health Unit Urges Immunization

The Health Unit is urging people to get a flu shot if they haven't already.    It comes in the wake of reports that a second person in the district has now died due to the H1N1 virus.   The Health Unit reported the first death a week and a half ago and says it was a person under the age of 65, the same as this latest reported death.

Record Breaking Cold Hits City

The cold weather is breaking records.   In Thunder Bay this morning a record low of minus 33 from 1946 and 1967 was shattered  when the low hit minus 39.   It's the second morning in a row the city  broke a record low temperature.  Yesterday the city broke a record from 1982 when the temperature hit minus 36.7

Siemieniuk Looks In Crystal Ball

The Lakehead Public School Board is looking forward to taking on new initiatives in the New Year.  Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says they'll be reviewing some of their programs.  That includes a parent engagement initiative that will see two way digital communication with all stakeholders.  Siemieniuk says they also will tackle creating a new Strategic Action Plan.

Gravelle Rings In New Year

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle wants to see some movement on the Ring of Fire in the New Year. Gravelle says they've made a good start with the establishment of the development corporation but notes more needs to be done. 2013 saw Cliffs' Natural Resources pull out of their mining project in the Ring of Fire.

FWHP Family Frolic Back

Fort William Historical Park is back for another New Years Eve with it's Family Frolic tonight. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they expect a great turnout despite the cold weather. Mascarin says they'll have plenty of warm up areas set up around the park.

Chief Wants Pot Laws Repealed

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is reiterating his stance on decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.  J-P Levesque says handing out tickets rather than charges would help clear up the back log of cases in the local court system. Levesque says the backlog of court cases is a national police issue and hopes the Federal Government will consider allowing police to ticket people for small offences rather than charge them.

SUV Driver Collides Into Bus

City Police are charging the driver of an SUV that collided into a City bus this morning. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says the incident happened in the area of Squier Street around 10:30. The driver of the SUV slided into the bus. A man on the bus was transported to the hospital to be treated for a seizure that was triggered by the collision. Porter says the cold weather has created slippery driving conditions and notes they've dealt with several fender benders as a result.

Wesley Sentenced

A Cat Lake First Nation man is being sentenced to eight years plus time served in relation to the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead.  Joseph Wesley's lawyer Christopher Watkins is pleased with the judge's sentencing. Wesley will also be prohibited for lifefrom owning any weapons.

Chamber Looks Forward To Election Season

2014 brings with it an upcoming municipal election. Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson says they'll actively seek out candidates and talk to them about where they stand on business issues. Robinson feels infrastructure will be the top municipal election concern.

Police Warn Snowmobilers

Police say this pic of the Kam
River was taken Saturday

Police say despite the frigid temperatures there are still patches of open water on the Kam River.   They say that special care should be taken by snowmobilers who are travelling on or near the river noting that fast moving currents are preventing the formation of ice on all parts of the Kam.

Shelter House Cold Program Running

Shelter House's cold weather program is now in operation. Executive Director Patty Hajdu says they've been touring the streets at night looking for individuals that may need their help. Hajdu says they always welcome help from the community whether it be donations of hats, mittens and scarves or cash to help run the program.

Local Woman Vies For Miss Universe Canada

2014 promises to be an exciting year for Thunder Bay's Nerissa McRury.    She's the Thunder Bay national finalist for Miss Universe Canada.   McRury says, as part of the contest, she is trying to raise 20 thousand dollars  through a calendar she has produced  for Operation Smile a charity that helps children with facial deformities.  McRury will be competing in May in Toronto and the winner there will go to Russia to for the Miss Universe contest. She says she's excited to be taking part.

Rae To Continue ROF Work In 2014

The Ring of Fire mining development won't be anywhere close to up and running in the New Year but several key initiatives could be wrapped up in 2014.  That's according to Bob Rae the Matawa First Nations Chief Negotiator with the province.  Rae says they're are several areas he'll be focusing on getting a framework in place on construction, broadband services and infrastructure for First Nation communities. Rae also wants to see the environmental practices in place in respect to any mining activity in the Ring.

Back In The Deep Freeze

Extreme cold temperatures are going to ring in the new year in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.   Environment Canada's Desjanelle Matthews says we are currently in the grip of a deep freeze which will see wind chill values in the minus 40 range much of the week. She say we may get a break by Friday.  Matthews says the extreme cold is spread over a wide area of the province from the Manitoba border up to James Bay and into the lower Great Lakes.

Sudden Death In Vermillion Bay

A Christmas day death in Vermillion Bay is being investigated by the police.   They say it was a sudden death and that it was not due to foul play, however further information isn't being released, such as the sex of the victim or the the results of Friday's post mortem.