Victim Identified

Both the Thunder Bay Police Criminal Investigations and Domestic Violence units continue to look into the City's first homicide of the year.  38-year old Priscilla Thomas appeared in court Sunday on charges of second degree murder.  Just before 8 o'clock Saturday morning, Police responded to a call at an apartment building at the corner of Kingsway Avenue and Walsh Street where they found a 35-year old man in critical condition.  Jeffrey Munroe was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries.  Police haven't said how Munroe was killed, but the two were known to one another and it was a domestic violence situation.

Police Release Names In Murder Case

A thirty-eight year old woman is facing a second degree murder charge in connection with the city's first homicide of the year. Priscilla Thomas made her first court appearance by video on Sunday.    Just before 8 am Saturday city police say they responded to a call on Kingsway where they found a thirty-five year old Jeffery Munroe in critical condition. He was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Police say the incident was domestic in nature and that the two involved were known to one another.

New Medical Officer Of Health

The Northwestern Health Unit will have a new Medical Officer of Health as of March 3rd. Dr. Kit Ngan Young Hoon will be taking over the position from Dr. Jim Arthurs. Arthurs is leaving at the end of March after having held the position for the past five-years. Young Hoon comes from Hamilton where she currently serves with Toronto Public Health.

Winter Fun Days Cancelled Today

Today's scheduled Winter Fun Days activities at Prince Arthur's Landing have been cancelled because of the cold weather. The Sugar Shack, Club Canadien de Thunder Bay and skating with the Thunderwolves will be pushed back until next weekend weather permitting.

Human Library

The third annual Human Library is being held at the Brodie Resource Library today until 3. Visitors will have a chance to speak with a paralympic cyclist, a radio personality, a strongman competitor, a veteran of the Afghan war, an immigrant from Sierra Leone, an ex-offender, an Aboriginal from Dennis Franklin Cromarty School and a Muslim man.

Battle For Cash

Three Lakehead University students are competing in the annual Battle for Cash being held by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario today in Toronto. Alyssa Westerback, Holden Mascarin and Jason Flint will represent Lakehead against 36 other teams of three from universities across the province. First prize wins $3000 including an additional $1500 to go towards the schools business society.

Early Morning Fire On Jean Street

There are no injuries following an early morning fire that began around 2:30 am at 74 Jean Street. The home is vacant but sustained significant damage as the fire spread to the buildings walls and eventually through the roof. Firefighters had to take a conservative approach and brought in an aerial ladder.

Open House

The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame is holding an open house today from 1-3. There will be new exhibits on display for 2013 inductees including: Brian McLean, Tony Hrkac, Brian Mallon, Katie Weatherston, Andrea Cole, the members of the Cameron Lightning Sailing Crew and the 1991 Canadian Open Champions.

OPP Search

OPP are asking for the public's assistance in finding a 44-year old Greenstone man. Ronald Albert of Towegishig has several outstanding warrants for his arrest and is known to spend time in Greenstone areas as well as Thunder Bay. OPP are asking the public not to approach the man due to his history. He is described as a 5'9, 190 pound first nations man with some missing teeth, short black hair and brown eyes.

Sim Lab Launched

Confederation College is opening up its simulation lab for a variety of medical students.  It's part of an agreement that sees the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, EMS, and St. Joseph's Care Group work together.  St. Joe's Care Group CEO Tracy Buckler says they'll be using the college's lab to help their employees. The training initiative was unveiled at a news conference on Friday.

Tax Appeal Hearings Postponed

The Resolute Forest Products tax appeal hearings that were scheduled to take place in Thunder Bay starting Monday have been postponed.   The city was preparing to fight the provinces reduced tax assessment for the company.  However Mayor Keith Hobbs says the company asked for a postponement in order to wait for the results of a similar appeal in another community.   Hobbs says the postponement could be as long as four months and doesn't believe the delay will hurt the city's position.

Break In Video Released

City Police are releasing a video of a break and enter that took place last weekend at Westfort Foods. On January 18th at 4 am the store was entered by a man and cash was stolen from the Frederica Street business. Police believe the break in may be connected to two other commercial break and enters on the City's south side and a similar break and enter to a home on South Franklin.

Head On Collision

City Police, emergency officials and Fire are on the scene of a two vehicle head on collision in the area of Balmoral Street and Harold Crescent. Police say one person was trapped inside their vehicle. A woman has been taken to hospital with injuries not considered serious.

New Contract For Bombardier

The Provincial Government is putting in a 481 million dollar work order at the local Bombardier plant. The cash is going towards building 65 new bi-level GO Train cars and will support 250 jobs at the facility.  The order will increase GO Transit's fleet of train cars to 743. The cars will be delivered between June 2016 and July 2017.

Soldiers Monument Proposed

A Military Tribute Committee wants the City to support their plan to erect a permanent monument for those Thunder Bay soldiers who died in military conflicts around the world. They're looking for a location for the monument. The group also has a variety of legion and military officials on board with creating the monument.

FWFN To Reveal "The Mission"

The Fort William First Nation is going to City Council Monday night to ask for some funding for a historical development project.  It's called "The Mission" and organizers believe it's of interest to the City because it will expand business activity, tourism, cultural heritage and historical awareness about the First Nation.

Pedestrian Market Vision For South Core

A Thunder Bay architect has a vision for the city's south  downtown area that he will be sharing with city councillors on Monday.  Ahsanul Habib says he wants to close off a portion of Victoria Avenue and turn it into a pedestrian market. Habib is looking to get city support for his proposal which he hopes will revitalize the area.

Conference Focuses On Culinary Tourism

Thunder Bay Tourism, Confederation College and a variety of other organizations are working together to improve the region's culinary tourism.  A tourism training session is being held all day today at the College. Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says it's going to help improve what Thunder Bay has to offer.  In 2011, visitors to the Northwest spent over 83 million dollars in local restaurants.

OPP Busy With Collisions

OPP are being kept busy today with several collisions being reported. On Highway 61 this morning a vehicle lost its wheel while driving. The accident happened just before Chippewa Road.  Meanwhile, Hwy 17 from Wawa to Batchawana is closed due to White out conditions.  Note to travellers heading west.  Traffic is moving again, albeit slowly, in the Dryden area this morning. The Trans-Canada was shut down in the Twin Towers area for over six hours last night due to what the OPP are calling a serious motor vehicle accident. The road was finally re-opened to one lane around 2:30 this morning, but police says only passenger vehicles are being allowed through at this time.

DSSAB Money Going To Two Projects

No change to the Chair of the Social Services Board. Bob Katajamaki was acclaimed as Chair and Aldo Roberto was acclaimed as Vice-Chair. Joe Virdiramo will act as the Secretary Treasurer.  Meanwhile, The Social Services Board is giving some money to two local homeless project. 35-thousand dollars will go towards the Shelter House's cold weather pilot program. CAO Bill Bradica says the money is coming from their provincial homelessness funding allocations. 105-thousand dollars will go towards the Lakehead Social Planning Council's Poverty Reduction Strategy.

To Borrow More Or To Borrow Less

City Council is going to decide whether they want to borrow 8.2 million dollars to pay for the next phase of the four-laning of the Golf Links-Junot Avenue corridor.  Staff are recommending the City pay for Phase 2 by borrowing just over 8 million dollars. Another option is to borrow 5.2 million dollars and use 3 million dollars from the Renew Thunder Bay reserve fund.  Whatever method councillors decide on Monday, the spending will be up for final approval during the budget process.

McLeod Honoured

A former city politician is now a member of an elite club. One time Thunder Bay MPP and former Ontario Liberal Leader Lyn McLeod was one of 25 people given the Order of Ontario, the province's highest civilian honour. The 71 year old McLeod was presented with the award by Lt.-Gov. David Onley at Queens Park this afternoon.

Education Fair Tomorrow

Lakehead University is hosting it's education fair tomorrow for students.  This time around it will feature teacher recruitment agencies from the UK, China and Korea.  The annual Education Fair pairs students with school boards and other organizations looking for eligible candidates.

Bombardier Announcement Tomorrow

It looks like there could be some economic news coming tomorrow.  Minister Michael Gravelle and MPP Bill Mauro are holding a joint news conference at the Bombardier plant tomorrow morning  for what officials are calling a big announcement.  There is no indication what it may be about, but according to the media invite,  it will support jobs in the city.

 

Park Proposal For McKellar Island

The Friends of the Islands group is making a push to have an urban park developed on McKellar Island. Group Spokesperson Jack Remus says the park would involve public participation and be a gradual development taking place over several years. Remus says he will be meeting with the City of Thunder Bay and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the near future.

Animal Cruelty Charges

Two people facing charges after Thunder Bay Police were called to investigate a complaint of animal cruelty.  Police went to a residence on May Street shortly after 9 o'clock last night and found a dog and cat in an apartment.  The pets were turned over to Animal Services and both a man and woman face charges of cruelty to animals and obstruction of police.  The Rottweiler mix breed male dog is currently in stable condition at a local veterinarian hospital. The dog is very thin, emaciated and had significant trauma related injuries when located by the officers last night.  A second man was also arrested during the incident and faces weapons charges after he was seen carrying what was believed to be a buck knife.

Save A Heart Car Raffle

Raffle Winners

The Fourth Annual Thunder Bay Save A Heart Car Raffle is contributing over 41-thousand dollars to the Northern Cardiac Fund. Spokesperson Kelly Rooney says that this years raffle raised more money then last years. In its four years of existence the Save A Heart Car Raffle has raised just under 170-thousand dollars.

CLE Meeting Heated

Danny Mosa is the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition's new President. Around 70 members attended Wednesday night's annual general meeting with some voicing their anger over a variety of issues including the group's bar.  Mosa says that's why they invited the media to attend their meeting to show they have nothing to hide. Ex-board member Linda Gambee was reinstated as a member but can not run for a board election until 2015.  Meanwhile, The CLE finished 2013 in the black. The audited financial records from the previous year were approved at the AGM meeting. They show that the organization finished off the year with just over 4.4 million dollars.

Watkins Law Class Action

Watkins Law is launching a class action lawsuit against the Ontario Government.  The local firm is joining others claiming the Province has failed to take all necessary steps to protect the legal rights of children in their care.  The class action includes all children who were Crown wards at any time from January 1st 1966 to the time that the Province voluntarily accepted legal responsibility of Crown wards.  None of the accusations have been proven in court.

Brief Weather Reprieve On The Way

Expect a brief reprieve from the deep freeze.   While Thursday will still see below normal temperatures,  Environment Canada's Marie-Eve Giguere says we will get much warmer weather Friday with a high of minus 7,  and you should enjoy it while it lasts.  She says starting this weekend we will be back to much colder temperatures that will last into next week.   Giguere says to expect more frigid mornings with extreme wind chill values.

Pre-Apprentice Program Announced

Hydro One is giving Confederation College 750-thousand dollars to create a pre-apprentice program. Utility President Carmine Marcello says it's an investment in possible future employees.  College President Jim Madder says the inaugural class should be in the spring.  The money is for a four year program that will focus on skilled trades.

No Date For RoF Meeting

There is still no formal meeting announced between Greg Rickford and Michael Gravelle on the Ring of Fire.   Both are their federal and provincial government reps  for the giant mining development.   Rickford says the two are still only exchanging information periodically and that Gravelle recently said he will be providing more materials on a number of policy options that the feds will consider in conjunction with all stakeholders including the provincial government.  Rickford says he and Gravelle continue to have conversations about the opportunities available for the project.

Paramedics Look To Do More

The head of the regional ambulance service is pumped about the government's moves to help streamline paramedic services in Ontario.  EMS Chief  Norm Gale says the province is making 6 million dollars available for that purpose.   It means each regional emergency service can apply for funding to design programs and do research into how paramedics can become better health care providers.   Gale envisions local paramedics becoming more of a support service for seniors and those who have barriers accessing health care.

Westbound Travellers Beware

Less than ideal travel conditions today if you're heading to Winnipeg.  The RCMP has issued a blowing snow advisory for the Steinbach and Riche areas.  Police say visibility is near zero at times. Environment Canada has also issued a windchill warning for much of
southern Manitoba including Winnipeg today.

Accidents Rule The Day

Police are reminding you to drive safely today because of the road conditions.   Around 11:30 this morning there was a single vehicle mishap on the Thunder Bay Expressway between Arthur Street and the Harbour Expressway.  They say that a woman lost control of her car and ended up on the side of the highway after hitting a light pole.  One official says the woman was shaken up and taken to hospital as a precaution.  City police also report at least a half dozen accidents by the lunch hour today.

Mulcair Visits City

NDP leader Thomas Mulcair is travelling the country promoting a party petition that speaks against unfair fees and consumer ripoffs. In Thunder Bay he stopped at the home of a local anti-poverty activist and said that getting out of the cycle of poverty isn't easy and requires action by the federal government especially when it comes to getting back into the funding of social housing. Mulcair says action has to be taken on rules that make it tough for many to get ahead in life.

Warning To Snowmobilers

OPP are reminding snowmobile enthusiasts to take precautions when out on area trails and frozen lakes.  It comes after four missing snowmobilers were reported to them recently.  The area lakes and rivers are covered in a thick layer of snow and slush that have caused drivers and their sleds to become stranded in remote areas. In all cases the snowmobilers were located safe and sound.

Women In Politics

Even though females are continuing to make inroads in politics, there is still room to grow.   That's why a Thunder Bay group called Women in Politics is hosting a forum on the topic.   The highlight is the return of Lyn McLeod who was the first woman elected as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party 22 years ago. The conference took place in Thunder Bay today.

Beardy Applauds Young

Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy is applauding Neil Young's "Honour the Treaties" tour. Beardy says the singer brought to the forefront important issues of environment and industry, but also recognizing that First Nations people are the rights holders of the lands. Young's tour ended on Sunday and surpassed its fundraising goal of 75-thousand dollars for the legal fund of the Athabasca First Nation.

2 Vehicle Accident On High Street North

City police are on the scene of a two vehicle collision in the area of High Street and Red River Road. Two vehicles are involved there's no word on any injuries.

OLG Pays City 586K

The latest dividend to the city from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation works out to 586 thousand dollars.   The money is the City's share of the slot machine revenues from the local casino.

Events Centre Proposal Reaches Next Level



Gary Green

A huge step is being taken to make the new events centre a reality.    The city is partnering with a new consortium called Thunder Bay LIVE which will help develop the new arena.   The consortium includes True North Sports out of Winnipeg which promises to work with the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club to operate its American Hockey League Franchise out of Thunder Bay.   Also part of Thunder Bay LIVE are: Stadium Consultants International, Global Specturm which promises to bring top entertainment to the city and the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.   The group is head by known Canadian Hockey mogul and former NHL coach Gary Green.      

Cold Weather Program Ends In April

Shelter House wants to continue their cold weather program in the future.  The pilot project comes to an end in April and Executive Director Patty Hajdu says they need to find some money to continue to offer it. Hajdu says they've been extremely busy during the cold weather picking up homeless people and bringing them to the appropriate treatment centres.

12 Hour Shifts Going Good

City Police are getting accustomed to working new 12 hour shifts.  They've been on the new work schedule for two weeks now.  Chief JP Levesque says it's been going well.  Levesque says it also helps clear up of backlogged cases between the day and night shift officers.  Police used to work 10 hour shifts.

Rickford Announces TBRRI Cash

The Harper government is putting money into the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.   Minister of State Greg Rickford has announced 1.4 million dollars towards an new MRI creating 16 direct and 40 indirect jobs.  He says the new jobs will be high tech and attract students from across Canada and around the world.   Rickford says the equipment will help the regional hospital to expand the scope of its research.

Mayor Clarifies

It's getting heated around the City Council table. Councillor Ken Boshcoff is taking issue with Keith Hobbs stating that he is the hardest-working Mayor in the History of the City and feels its insulting to those who have served in the role before. Hobbs is clarifying his statement saying he didn't mean to offend anyone he was speaking about how hard he feels he works.  Hobbs says the former Mayor Boshcoff misunderstood his statement.

ATU Deal Ratified

It's now official, city council ratified a five-year agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union during last nights council meeting.  Mayor Keith Hobbs took the time to thank those involved in the negotiations.  The deal provides a 1.75 percent general annual wage increase to all members.

Apartment Building Approved

Council is approving the development of a 4-unit apartment dwelling on Hutton Park Drive.  One of the main concerns raised by residents living near the proposed site includes an increase in traffic. Don Manahan is a consultant involved with the project and says it won't be an issue. Manahan adds the project will be even smaller than the maximum size allowed on the lot.

Public Art Debate

Funding for public art at the Transit Building Renovation is being brought into question by some city councillors.  Councillor Paul Pugh says changing funding for the transit building would make the City look bad. Currently the City is spending 80-thousand dollars for public art at the transit administration building.

Time Is Ticking

Fort William First Nation's frustration is growing over CN Rail's inaction over repairing the James Street Swing Bridge.  Chief Georjann Morriseau says they have safety concerns about the increased traffic on Highway 61 and the junction to their community. She would like to see a slower speed and other traffic controlling measures. Morriseau expects a meeting to be held between the City, CN and themselves in the near future.

Building Bridges

The City and Fort William First Nation want to eliminate racism.  They held a special round table discussion yesterday to discuss where the two communities go after the James Street Swing Bridge Fire last year sparked racist comments on social media websites. Fort William Chief Georjann Morriseau says the only way to eradicate racism is to talk about it.  The event is meant to shed some light on the issue and foster open communication between the two communities.

Pre-Budget Hearing Today

The Provincial Government will hear from Thunder Bay organizations about what they would like to see in the upcoming budget.  The local Alzheimer Society is going to present today and President Alison Denton says they'll ask for more financial support for their clients.  Poverty Free Thunder Bay, the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and the Thunder Bay Health Coalition will also present their requests at the Valhalla Inn today.  Meanwhile, The Ontario Nurses' Association will call on the government to end cuts to registered nursing positions and to hire more RNs.