Stay Off The Tracks

Thunder Bay Police are reminding everyone of the dangers of being around railway tracks. This comes after three youths were seen trying to jump onto a moving train in Oliver-Paipoonge. According to police, none of the youths were injured in the incident, but were issued a warning. Police say anyone found near the tracks can be charged under the Railway Safety Act.

Police Monitor May Long

The long weekend is upon us, and police, as always, will be out in full force. Police will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, seat belt infractions, distracted driving and aggressive driving. Police are reminding drivers to plan ahead and take plenty of time to get to your destination safely. OPP will also be paying close attention to ATV drivers. The number of deaths linked to off-road vehicles has hit a four year high and has doubled in just two years.

Water Street Closed As A Precaution

The city is closing a section of Water Street around the area of the pedestrian overpass.  It's being sectioned off because a glass panel on the overpass was found detached during a routine scheduled cleaning today. Crews are working on repairing it and should it not be complete by Monday, a back up plan for a detour is in place for the Firefighters 10 Mile Road Race.

Can You I.D. This Man?

Police are hoping that surveillance video of a possible suspect in this weeks Best Western Hotel robbery on West Arthur Street, will lead to an arrest.    They say that the staff were injured after they were sprayed with a "chemical agent" .   A man got away with some money, but police won't say how much.

911 Caller Asked To Call Police

City Police want to speak with the person who called 911 from a pay phone at Robin's Donuts Tuesday night.  It comes after officers attended the coffee shop on May Street to check on an unconscious person in the laneway.  The victim of an assault was escorted to the hospital and has since been released.  The person who called 911 is asked to call Crimestoppers or police.

CN Taking Part In Meeting

CN Rail Spokesperson Lindsay Fedchyshyn says they will attend a joint meeting between the City and Fort William First Nation next week.  Fedchyshyn says they are working on the arrangements to attend the swing bridge meeting.   CN engineers have said that the bridge isn't fit for pedestrians and vehicles.

Report Paints Sad Picture

A top First Nations official in Thunder Bay says a new RCMP report shows the need for a national inquiry into murdered and missing  Aboriginal women.   The Mounties report shows that more and more Aboriginal women in Canada are becoming murder victims at a rate that's out of proportion to the rest of the population.    Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, says it's a positive step but notes it only includes women murdered between 1980 and 2012, leaving the possibility of even more deaths.

Nurses Bullied

The Past President of the Registered Nurses Association is shedding some light on bullying in the workplace. Rhonda Seidman-Carlson gave a keynote speech at the hospital last night and says it's not the same as what goes on on the playground. Carlson's speech was a part of National Nursing Week.

Flooding In Dryden

A flood warning is in effect in the Dryden area.  The Ministry of Natural Resources says water levels continue to rise on Wabigoon Lake, Eagle Lake, Wabigoon River and Eagle River. The MNR says water levels will continue to rise.

MNR Reports Fires

Cool wet weather is keeping the forest fire situation quiet in northwestern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources says there have been just seven fire this year, all human caused. None in the Dryden District. Province-wide, there have been 14 fires, compared with 81 at this time last year.

New Program For Youth

Thunder Bay's Counselling Centre is going to help youth leaving the child protection system. They are offering a new youth in transition program that will help the 16 to 21 year olds access mental health services, housing, education training info and employment opportunities.

Candidate Forum Announced

The Chamber of Commerce and SHIFT Thunder Bay's Young Professionals Network is hosting a forum for the local candidates in the upcoming provincial election.  Candidates for both Thunder Bay ridings are invited to take part and it will be held June 5th at the Fort William Historical Park.  Questions will be business related.

United Way Event A Success

The United Way Great Billboard Rescue is a success. The event's sponsors Investors Group and Lowery's are announcing that it's participants raised a total of $141,362. Proceeds go to the United Way's 29 Funded Agencies in support of people around the community who are facing hardships.

Opening Your Camp? Use Caution: Hydro One

If you plan on opening your camp or cottage this weekend, use caution. Hydro One says our cold and snowy winter storms may have brought down trees or power lines around the camp. Hydro One is urging camp goers to check out the area to ensure there is no danger before opening the cottage.

Overnight Fire

A home on Winnipeg Avenue suffering extensive damage following an overnight fire.  Firefighters were called to the scene at around one o'clock this morning and found the single family dwelling well involved.  The occupants of the home were able to get out safely and a family pet was later rescued unharmed.  The cause of the blaze has been deemed as accidental at this time.

Charges Laid In Murder

City Police are charging a 23 year old man with second degree murder and breach of probation. Randel Wabasse is in custody at the district jail and will make a court appearance on Tuesday. The victim of the homocide on Cumberland Street has been identified as 46 year old Adam Beaver. The second person that was taken into custody at the scene was interviewed and released.

Constable Prevett's Funeral Speeches

Click below to listen to Chief JP Levesque's speech at Constable Joseph Prevett's funeral mass today at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Detective Robert Bonthron delivered the eulogy.

Police Remember Constable Prevett

Bag pipes sounded and hundreds of police officers marched in honour of fallem Thunder Bay Police Constable and K9 Unit Officer Joseph Prevett. A visibly shaken OPP Constable Dan Bailey was one of many K9 officers who is in the City today for Constable Prevett's funeral. Bailey started dog training with Prevett in 2005 and will be looking after Prevett's new dog Timber.  Bailey took pictures with Timber and members of the local tactical team that Prevett was apart of. City dignitaries, police, fire, and members of the emergency service were all on hand for the march to St. Patrick's Cathedral where the funeral mass will be held at 11.


Constable Joseph Prevett on PhotoPeach

"Chemical Agent" Used In Robbery

Thunder Bay Police investigating a disturbing early morning robbery at the Best Western Hotel on West Arthur Street. At approximately 4:30 this morning, a man entered the building and proceeded to spray the staff with a chemical agent. He then ran off with an undisclosed amount of money.  The suspect is described as six feet tall with a thin build.  He was wearing a blue hoodie and jacket, blue jeans and white runners.  Any one with information is asked to call Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.   The hotel staff received minor injuries

Morning Accident On Arthur Street

One man is in hospital following an early morning crash on the south side.  City Police says just after 6 o'clock this morning, a transport truck and a 2-door car collided at the corner of Arthur Street and Madison. The jaws of life were used to remove the victim from the car.  He remains in hospital recovering from his injuries. The accident scene caused that area of Arthur Street to be closed during the morning commute.  

Treaty Three Weighs In On Pipeline

The Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty 3 is weighing in on the Energy East Pipeline Project.  Warren White says he has met with the president and vice president of the project with Trans-Canada. White is making sure that the voice of treaty 3 is heard.  He notes that during the Grand Council national assembly this month they might sign a consultation agreement with Trans-Canada.

Fort Frances Museum Looks At Mill

A new exhibit focusing on the mill in Fort Frances is now open at the Fort Frances Museum.  While planned months ago, it's opening comes just a week after Resolute Forest Products announced closure of the pulp and paper plant.  Curator Sherry George says it's still important to showcase the role the mill had in the community over the past one hundred years. The exhibit will remain until August.

NDP Release More Platform Tidbits

The NDP are out with a campaign promise of reducing small business taxes and increasing minimum wage. Thunder Bay Atikokan candidate Mary Kozorys is backing her party's vision says it's a responsible approach that will help businesses sustain the increase to the minimum wage with a reduction in the small business corporate tax.  The plan will see the tax rate go from 4.5 to 3 percent by 2016. Meanwhile, Premier Kathleen Wynne spoke in Walkerton on the anniversary of the tainted water controversy and promised  $30 million over the next 10 years in the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.  The Progressive Conservatives released more details on their platform and it includes scrapping Liberal promised raises for teachers, and ending tuition breaks for students.

Wisk Air Goes North

Several First Nation communities at James Bay and Hudson Bay are getting helicopter services thanks to Thunder Bay's Wisk Air.  Company President Mark Wiskemann says his company has reached an agreement with Cree West to help residents fly around between the communities.   As part of the deal, Sioux Lookout's Northern Skies will provide fixed wing
service to the communities.

Grassy Narrows In Court

Arguments are continuing this morning at the Supreme Court of Canada in the case of a pair of Grassy Narrows trappers versus the Province of Ontario. Lawyer for Grassy, Robert Janes says only the federal government has jurisdiction of the lands covered under Treaty Three. The Wabauskang first nation, Treaty Three and the Metis Nation of Ontario also have intervenor status in the case.

Victim Pronounced Dead

A 46 year old man is dead after police attended an alleged stabbing at 122 Cumberland Street South.  The victim, whose face was bloody and beaten,  was taken out of the building on a stretcher around 8:30 this morning and was pronounced dead a short time later at the hospital.  Darlene Coultis lives in the building and says it was a mess.  Two individuals were taken into custody at the residence. Charges are pending. The name of the victim will be released once next of kin have been notified.

Group Touts All Gender Washrooms

A new lobby group in the city is trying to increase the number of so called "all gender washrooms" in Thunder Bay.   They say that they want to reduce the risks of bullying and violence faced by members of the LGBTQ community. They say in most cases the switch can be made easily with a simple changing of the signage that existing washrooms already have.

NDP Call For Minister For Savings

The NDP candidate for Thunder Bay Superior North is backing his leader's call to appoint a minister responsible for savings and accountability. Andrew Foulds says after years of Liberal spending scandals, focusing on stopping the waste and making government accountable to taxpayers makes sense. Foulds is taking on Liberal incumbent Michael Gravelle and PC candidate Derek Parks in the June Provincial election.

Hagi Workers On Strike

75 unionized HAGI Community Services employees are striking.  The workers haven't had a wage increase since 2009. Union Spokesperson Colby Flank says they'll stay on the picket line as long as it takes to reach a better deal. Meanwhile, HAGI's management says the strike will impact operations at six apartment buildings which are staffed by the personal support workers. The company says they are taking steps to mitigate any disruption to those who require help. 

Safe School App Available

The Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board is out with a new safe school app for smartphones.   Spokesperson Ryan McWhirter says it's available in both Apple and Android versions.   He says the app has information on what to do if a student is in a bullying situation and there is also a link to Crime Stoppers.   McWirter says you can download the app through the Internet.

LU Researchers Get Cash

Two Lakehead University researchers are getting some money from a technology group for seniors.  50-thousand dollars will go to the duo each year for two years as they continue their work.  The cash is from the Technology Evaluation in the Elderly Network.

MNR Flood Watch For Dryden

The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a flood watch in the Dryden area.  The MNR says the Wabigoon Chain of Lakes and Eagle Lake are experiencing increased water levels.  Officials say anyone living close to or downstream from the lakes may be hit with flooding.  Residents should take steps to protect their property.  The forecast is calling for more precipitation.

TVO To Air Picton Park Doc

The clean up and makeover of Picton Park of the City's North Side is being showcased on TVO tonight. A television crew from the show "Giver" documented the design and construction of a new playground at Picton Park last summer. The show documenting their work will air tonight at 6:30 and again Saturday at 2. 

New Student Trustee

The public school board has a new student trustee.  Hanna Smith is replacing Logan Turner who graduates this year. Smith starts her new gig on August 1st.

Police Week

OPP are hoping to inspire kids through this week's police celebration. On Wednesday, provincial police Constable Diana Cole welcomed elementary school students into their Thunder Bay detachment.  Cole says they hope the students will feel more comfortable around police and consider a career in the law enforcement field.

Hernandez Verdict Postponed Again

The verdict in the Christian Hernandez case is still another month away.    The 28 year old is charged in connection with the 2010 city traffic death of 45 year old pedestrian Richard Carmichael.   Hernandez faces two impaired driving related charges along with failing to remain at the scene of an accident following a death.  The judge in the case was supposed to deliver the verdict today, but that has now been moved to June 19th.

Green Praises Letter Of Intent

A top player in the local event centre project says the process is unfolding as it should.   Gary Green of the entertainment consortium Thunder Bay Live, says the signing of a letter of intent with the city is a key development, but only a small part of a bigger picture.  He says it's now up to his group to come back with a plan that will help to leverage funding from the provincial and federal governments. An update on the project will be presented at an open house May 27th at the Italian Cultural Centre.

Gambee Case Back June 10th

A court date has yet to be set for the former chair of the Christmas Cheer fund. Linda Gambee's trial date is expected to be decided on June 10th. She is charged with defrauding the Christmas Cheer fund of about 22-thousand dollars.

Superintendent's Daughter Charged

A Red Lake OPP officer is in some hot water. The Ontario Provincial Police say they were conducting a RIDE Check stop on the weekend.  They pulled over a vehicle and discovered the driver had been drinking.
Constable Caitlyn Van Straalen, a 6-year member of the police force and the daughter of OPP superintendent Ron Van Straalen, is charged.  The OPP say she will be restricted to non-operational duties until her first court appearance on June 5th.

Fort Frances To Run Tourism Centre

Ontario's former tourist centre in Fort Frances will be reopening, for at least year anyway.  The town will operate the centre on a one-year lease with the province.  Mayor Roy Avis says they're also receiving some money through Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association to help operate the facility.   The provincial government had stopped running the centre due to budget cuts.

Youth Centre Requests Funding

The Thunder Bay Youth Centre is looking for more funding. The Centre has been operating as a pilot project in the Victoriaville Mall for the past year. The centre wants to keep their current location, but need more money to operate it.

Water Delivery Phased Out

City council is eliminating water delivery in the city come July 31st. With the resolution, residents who use well water will have to pay private haulers to deliver their water. Councillor Trevor Giertuga is against the decision, suggesting that the city should continue delivery to residents who need water. Council has asked for a report in a year’s time to see the impact that privatization of delivery has on residents.

College Looks To Cheaper Housing

Confederation College President Jim Madder wants more affordable on-campus housing for its students. At city council on Monday night, Madder says improved housing would improve student life on campus. Madder adds that the four building project would cost around 35 million dollars.

Karate Expo This Weekend

Martial Arts enthusiasts in the city are pumped about the first ever Isshinryu Karate Expo to be held here.   It's being held at the West Thunder Community Centre starting on Friday and running until Sunday.  There will be participants from  Canada, Germany and the United States.    The weekend will include seminars, instruction and testing .

Improvement For Chapples Park

Three local sports organizations are calling on city council for a revitalization of Chapples Park: Soccer Northwest says potential developments could see a new indoor soccer facility created, along with several new all-weather fields created in the park. The Thunder Bay Chill say that conditions are not adequate for their PDL team. President Tony Colistro says there are many issues with their current home field, including drainage and lighting problems. The Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre are also looking to build indoor facilities to accommodate their growing membership. The city will look at the feasibility of these projects in 2015.

Ideas Brought To Council

City council listened to several presentations on Monday night: The revitalization of Chapples Park was discussed, including the construction of an indoor tennis facility, a new indoor soccer field, along with several all-weather fields. Confederation College President Jim Madder proposed his idea to build four building for student housing on campus, which would cost around 35 million dollars. The city is also discontinuing delivery of water to residents with water tanks; nearly 200 people will now have to rely on private haulers to get water to their homes.

Indoor Tennis Courts Considered

The Thunder Bay Community Tennis Centre is looking to build indoor tennis facilities. Tennis Centre pro Jamie Grieve told city council on Monday night that the centre needs indoor courts. Grieve adds that Confederation College holds two tennis courts, but won’t use them any longer once the facility’s use becomes exhausted.

Another Step for Event Centre

The City of Thunder Bay is another step closer to seeing a new event centre built.   A letter of intent between the city and Thunder Bay Live is now in place.  If all the conditions are met, including financial help from the provincial and federal governments, the new arena complex could be built by the fall of 2017.  Blurry eyed councillors voted to accept the agreement just after one o'clock this morning.