OEB Holding Meetings

The Ontario Energy Board is releasing information about it's next steps in consultation with Ontarians regarding the proposed Energy East Pipeline.  The $12 billion project will transport crude oil from from Western Canada through Northern Ontario to Quebec and New Brunswick.  The board will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the proposed pipeline route. They will be Thunder Bay on March 26th.  Separate meetings will be held during the same period  with First Nation's and Metis communities to seek their views on the project.

Six Dogs Put Down

Animal Services is temporarily suspending any dog adoptions for the time being after a Parvo Virus outbreak at their centre.  Supervisor Jody Kondrat says six dogs had to be put down.  Five were puppies and one was an older dog who was too weak for the treatment.  Six dogs who are not vaccinated will stay at the New Hope Dog Rescue, while six healthy vaccinated dogs will stay at the animal services shelter.

Grace Remus Ending June 30th

The city is putting an end to the Grace Remus Evening Program pilot project as of June 30th.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says it will save the city money without leaving parents scrambling to find a program to watch over their children.  The city would of been on the hook for 100-thousand dollars a year in costs if the program was picked up permanently.

Budget Ratified

City council is officially ratifying the 2014 budget. There was some opposition to the budget felt at council last night that was already approved in principal in February. The tax levy is set at 1.69 percent.

Commisso Brings MPAC Report

The city is responding to a provincial report that would change the assessment of grain elevators in the city. City Manager Tim Commisso says any change would result in significant financial losses for the city. The city will submit their own report in response to the Special Purpose Business Property Assessment Review to the Minister of Finance.

Construction Set For Court St. Bridge

The city is approving funding for the reconstruction of the Court Street Bridge over McVicar Creek.  The city will put 238-thousand dollars towards the project while asking for an additional 2-million from the province.

Golf Links Work Cost Overruns

The contract for phase one of the Golf Links/Junot Road corridor is exceeding original estimates by nearly 1-million dollars. Under-estimates for material are being blamed for the overage. Councillor Andrew Foulds says the 980-thousand dollar difference is simply unacceptable. The city will use over 500-thousand dollars from its Renew fund to pay for two resurfacing projects that would have been postponed because of the overage.

Council Passes Design Policy

Council is passing a facility design standard policy that will make buildings more environmentally friendly. Manager of Construction Services Gerry Broere says the city can make some significant savings by making its building more efficient.  A 2012 report found that municipal buildings in Thunder Bay were responsible for nearly half of all green house gasses emitted from local government buildings.

T.Bay A Blue Community?

Council is considering having the city deemed a Blue Community which would carry with it three resolutions to show its commitment  to proper water treatment.  One of those commitments would be phasing out the sale of single use water bottles in their buildings, something Blue Planet Chair Ann McGoey says will save people money. McGoey adds that less than fifty percent of plastic water bottles are recycled after their first use.

First Nations Sign On For Land Agreement

Nearly twenty First Nations communities across the country, including three in Ontario are joining the First Nations Land Management Regime today. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Bernard Valcourt says the program opens doors for communities.  Valcourt says they now have over one hundred communities under the First Nations Land Management Regime. Long Lake 58 First Nation signed on to the agreement on Monday.  

Water Problems At New Courthouse

Officials are still trying to tally the damages at the new courthouse building on Miles Street following a wet weekend.   The Attorney General's Ministry says that on Friday evening a main floor water pipe burst in the southeast corner of the building.  They say there's damage to two offices and an elevator shaft.    The cause of the leak  hasn't been determined.  Plans are for the courthouse to be fully operational in mid-April

OPP Charge Drunk Drivers

OPP are charging two people with drinking and driving related offences. It stems from two incidents on Sunday. One incident involved a woman driving her vehicle into a snowbank near the Highway 11/17 and Hodder Avenue ramp. Another involved a tip from the public about a man driving a vehicle out of a business on the Fort William First Nation.

More Emergency Care Needed

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is releasing its Community Based Emergency Care report that recommends having local health care training programs in place in remote First Nations.  Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says having local health workers would improve the health and safety of those living in these communities. Nearly thirty First Nations in Northern Ontario are without access to 911 or paramedic services.

Rickford Makes Mining Announcement

FedNor Minister Greg Rickford is announcing an investment for Northern Ontario firm Penguin Automated Systems.  The investment will help develop robotics technology to be used in underground mines. During development the firm expects to hire thirty engineers and technical workers.

Police Investigate Sexual Assault

City Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving the University of Ottawa's men's hockey program. University officials received information from a third party on February 24th regarding an incident involving some members of the  team.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says they're working closely with Ottawa police. Adams says the alleged incident occurred on the weekend of February 1st when the Ottawa team was in Thunder Bay to play the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.  Ottawa University is conducting an internal review in conjunction with the police investigation. The Ottawa University men's hockey program has been suspended. 

Companies Graduate From Program

Several Thunder Bay companies are graduating from the Provincial Government's mining supply and export program.  Activation Lab, Maki Bay Solar, KGS Consulting, Abitibi Geophysics, Kozar Engineering and Digital Engineering are just a few of the local companies that took part. The program was made possibly through funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Local Diver Does Good

A 15 year old diver from the local club is now part of the Youth Olympic Games she earned her qualification recently in Mexico.  Molly Carlson was among the four athletes were selected to represent Canada in Mexico at this qualifying event.  Carlson left Mexico on Monday but before she arrives back home, she has a weeklong stopover in Saskatoon to compete at the Winter Senior Nationals.

T.Bay Man Dead In Sunday Collision

OPP are confirming that a 24 year old man from Thunder Bay is dead after a fatal collision on highway 11 between Longlac and Hearst.  A total of three vehicles were involved in the collision.  It appears that an eastbound pickup truck crossed the centre line and sideswiped a westbound transport then collided head on with another westbound tractor trailer.  The woman passenger of the pickup truck was transported to Notre Dame Hospital in Hearst with non-life threatening injuries.

Students Want Tuition Fees Cut

Students from across Ontario are meeting with MPPs this week to present recommendations for the upcoming budget. The Canadian Federation of Students Chair Alastair Woods says they want something to be done to help improve post secondary education. The group is calling on the Province to cut tuition fees by 30 percent over three years and end illegal internships.

Ukraine Ripe For Invasion

With the crisis in Ukraine deeping by the day, world leaders, including Prime Minister Harper, are condemning Russia's actions there.  President Vladimir Putin says he has the right to protect Russian interests.    Lakehead University political science professor Laure Paquette believes Putin is in the for long haul.  Paquette also thinks that Ukraine is ripe for invasion, and short of that Russia will install a puppet regime in Kiev.

Chief Concerned About Future Of Bridge

Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau plans to continue to pressure CN to open the James Street Swing Bridge to vehicle traffic.  The community is fresh off a meeting with CN officials.  Morriseau says she's not optimistic about the company's plans for the bridge. The engineering report on the bridge is to be released at the end of March and CN officials are expected to release a statement to the public sometime this week.

FCM Meeting In T.Bay

Thunder Bay is playing host to municipal leaders from across Canada this week.  The Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference is on all week at the Valhalla Inn.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson the FCM meetings will also coincide with a Women In Politics Workshop on International Women's Day March 8th.  The FCM conference will bring 150 municipal representatives to the City.

Chill Get New Sponsor

The Thunder Bay Chill have a new sponsor to help expand their brand across the northwest.  Gillons Insurance is announcing a 3-year 45-thousand dollar commitment to the soccer club.  Dave Colistro is head coach of the girls reserve squad and says he expects to see the club benefit from the announcement. Soccer camps will be expanded to Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances.

NDP Call For Propane Cost Cut

The NDP are calling on the Federal Government to cut the cost of propane.  The request comes during one of the coldest winters in recent memory.  NDP MP Claude Gravelle raised the issue in the House of Commons recently. The NDP are calling for an oil and gas ombudsman to ensure fairness for consumers being squeezed by high prices.

Fraser Institute Releases Rankings

St. Ignatius High School is tops in the city when it comes to the Fraser Institute's most recent rankings of secondary schools across the province.  St. Ignatius scored 7.5 out of 10.  Director of Performance Studies Peter Cowley says even with the high score their is a concerning trend taking place with area high schools. The average provincial score is 6 out of 10.

Citizen Wojak To Run For Mayor

Wojak: Centre

There's going to be another name on the election ballot for mayor.   Citizen activist Henry Wojak says he's running because he wants to see more transparency at City Hall especially when it comes to the budget.  He doesn't consider himself a fringe candidate, rather someone who can speak for the people at the council table. Wojak is currently banned from City Hall property and plans to make his announcement this afternoon  on the sidewalk in front of the building.

Pedestrian Struck On South Side

A woman is in hospital with serious injuries after an auto-pedestrian accident on the city's south side last night.  Police say that at around quarter to 10 a man driving a vehicle backed over the victim at the intersection McKellar and Miles.   A 34 year old man is charged with Impaired and Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm.

Fire Sends Infant To Hospital

A 10 month old infant is recovering from smoke inhalation following a fire last night in a basement apartment on the 300 block of South Archibald Street.   The blaze was reported at 10:20 pm.   While the fire was quickly put out,  the residents of the 3 story building had to be evacuated until it could be cleared of smoke.   Damage is minimal and the cause is not known.

Arson Charge Laid

Thunder Bay Police have a 24 year old man in custody charged with Arson and Mischief after a weekend fire in Westfort.  Police say that early Sunday morning there was an apartment fire on the 1900 block of West Frederica Street.   Minor damage is reported and no one was injured.   The man is to make a court appearance this morning.

City Council Preview

City Council is expected to ratify their 2014 budget tonight. The fiscal document was already approved in principal in February. The City's 2014 tax levy is set at 1.69 percent. Meanwhile, City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll present a review of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. The report includes recommendations on how MPAC can be changed to benefit area communities in fights with their industrial taxpayers. If council likes the report they'll send it to the Province.

March Is Easter Seals Month

The local Easter Seals organization is gearing up for their upcoming fundraising month.  March is Easter Seals month across the Province.  The organization will be participating in a direct mail campaign asking for funds as well as a Paper Egg campaign at participating businesses such as the Bargain Shop.

LU Research Week Continues

Lakehead University's Research and Innovation week will take to the Fort William Historical Park Tuesday evening.  Erica Sawula is Student Ambassador at the school and says researchers from across the province will be speaking.  Those unable to attend can watch a live stream at your ontario research.ca

Energy Plan Signed

Ontario and Manitoba are working together to find new clean, renewable power for both provinces.   Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Canadian Energy Innovation Summit.  The agreement will enable Ontario and Manitoba to collaborate on growing the energy sector in a number of key areas, including conservation, efficiency, security and reliability.

Crime Of The Week

This week on Crimestoppers, the OPP are asking for your help in solving two thefts of fuel that happened on Boreal Road in Marks Township sometime between January 25th and February 25th.  In each case police say the suspects used a pick up truck with a 300 litre tank to haul away 2 thousand dollars worth of fuel from a parked grader.   If you have information on this crime you can call crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Screen For Life Coach Expands Services

The Screen For Life Coach is expanding its Cervical Cancer screening services, to now include women aged 30 and older. Dr. Stephanie Block says the services were originally only offered to woman 50 years or older. The coach will be in the city until the end of March before touring the region in April.

City Should See GDP Increase

The Conference Board of Canada is anticipating an increase in Thunder Bay's GDP this year. The growth is being attributed to an increase in non-residential construction and manufacturing. If the reports predictions are true it would mark the second consecutive year the city has posted a 1.5 percent increase.

TB Man Arrested In Police Dog Death

The Alberta Prosecutor's Office is sentencing 27-year old Paul Vukmanich of Thunder Bay to 26-months in prison. Vukmanich killed an Edmonton Police Dog in early October, he is also prohibited from owning a pet for the next 25-years.

A Return For The Kakabeka Falls Summer Fair?

The Kakabeka Falls Legion wants to bring back the summer street fair. Legion Secretary Ken Milenko says they have given it a lot of consideration. Milenko adds that support from the community has been felt. The legion is considering holding the entire fair on their property. The event was cancelled last year after no one stepped to help run it.

Occupy Thunder Bay March

Occupy Thunder Bay is rallying today to protest the Harper Government's omnibus bill. Spokesperson Evan Dagg says the group is beginning the march at Waverly Park, it will then be taken to the Faith City Church. Occupy Thunder Bay feels that the massive omnibus bills are passing through legislation with not enough debate.

Geraldton Priest Faces Charges

A Geraldton man is facing three sexual related charges from the OPP's North West Region Crime Unit for incidents claimed to of taken place between 1987 and 1989. 56-year old Roger Pronovost, a catholic priest, was assigned to St. John the Baptist Church in Longlac during the two year span. There is one male victim involved who was a teenager at the time.

MNR Lays Fines

A Thunder Bay man is pleading guilty to firing a weapon while on a road.  Eugenio Berardi is banned from hunting in Ontario for a year and was fined fifteen hundred dollars under the fish and wildlife conservation act.  Berardi was contacted by The Ministry of Natural Resources early November for shooting a deer on Silver Falls Road near Kaministiqua.

NWO Man Dead In Snowmobile Accident

A 43 year old Ear Falls man is dead following a fatal snowmachine accident 3 kilometres north of that community last night.  OPP say that Robert Boucha was in a group of three snowmobilers travelling along a hydro line trail when he came into contact with a guide wire.

Police Seize Drugs

Thunder Bay Police are laying several drug related charges on a man and woman following a search of a home on Chippewa Road on Wednesday. That afternoon police found over 300 grams on marijuana, 100 ecstasy tabs, 4-ounces of crack cocaine and 2-ounces of powder cocaine for a combined street value of over 60-thousand dollars. 26-year old Richard Martin and 29-year Clara Girard will appear in court March 2014.

Hospital Receives Substantial Rebate

The hospital is receiving $597 554 from Thunder Bay Hydro, as part of its Retrofit Program. The program offers incentives for businesses that install new equipment to reduce energy consumption. Anne-Marie Heron is Executive Director of Operations at the hospital and says the money will go towards covering costs associated with the hospitals newly installed equipment. Heron adds that the hospital will see a twenty-two percent reduction in energy consumption on a yearly basis. Those savings will then be passed on to patient care. The hospital is expected to save 5 288 093 kilowatts annually. Enough to power 550 homes.

T.Bay Company Joins International Corporation

YULEYS Protective Footwear of Thunder Bay is being bought up by a bigger international company. They'll now be part of HexArmor of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Business Manager Nicole Reid says she's excited to bring her product to an established corporation. The deal means the US company can extend their line of safety equipment beyond gloves to include footwear.

200 Customers Still Without Heat

200 homes are still without heat in the community of Longlac. Union Gas Spokesperson Dave Sword says they're relighting pilot lights throughout the afternoon.  Yesterday some 800 customers were without heat causing the municipality to declare a state of emergency. 

Hunters Nabbed In Licence Scam

Don't try to fool the MNR.   A Thunder Bay man and his hunting partner from Slovakia have been fined close to 3 thousand dollars for a licencing violation.   The Ministry of Natural Resources says that the man from Thunder Bay  pretended to be the Solvakian in order to obtain a hunting licence for his friend.   The incident happened sometime last year. 

Crews Investigate Morning House Fire

Thunder Bay Fire crews are currently investigating the cause of an early morning house fire at 707 John Street. Platoon Chief Larry Warner says one woman was inside the home at the time, she is being treated in hospital. The blaze is believed to of started in the basement. The two adjoining homes are not believed to of sustained any damage from the fire.

Westgate High School Open

School is back on today at Westgate High School following a water main break that closed the building on Thursday.  However, Westgate will be under a temporary boil water advisory.  All drinking fountains will be out of service, but bottled water will be available for students and staff.  Due to the boil water advisory, the school's cafeteria will be closed today.  All buses will run as usual.

Bob Barker Praises Mayor

The former host of The Price Is Right is hoping Thunder Bay City council will reverse it's decision on allowing the province to conduct a spring bear hunt in the region.  Bob Barker is speaking out against the hunt this week calling it a slaughter.  He agrees that any councillor who voted for it should be voted out in the next election.  When told by our newsroom that Mayor Keith Hobbs is against the hunt as well, Barker replied that the mayor has a friend in Hollywood.