NDP Upset Over FedNor Cuts

Federal New Democrats are bashing the federal government over its lack of acknowledgement of northern Ontario in the recent budget.  MP Charlie Angus says the only reference of the region came in a passing reference related to economic development in southern Ontario.  The NDP are also critical of the 10 per cent cut to FedNor's budget.

Robbi Weldon Brings In More Awards

The Provincial Government is celebrating Ontario's top amateur athletes and coaches in both national and international arenas.  Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is taking home the Female Athlete with a Disability of the Year award for her Para-Cycling competitions.

CPAWS Calls For More ROF Consultation

Environmental approvals for the development of the Ring of Fire are running into difficulty.  The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is teaming up with First Nations asking for a mediation on how Cliffs Resources plans to develop the project.  Director of Conservation Planning Anna Baggio says there needs to be more public hearings. Baggio says they are hoping that someone can take a look at the entire region and figure out what needs to be done in the long-term.

Cost of Dryden Mobility Revealed

It's the number many people have been waiting to hear.  The City of Dryden will get around 4-million dollars from the sale of Dryden Mobility to Tbaytel.  Financial Advisor Paul Heayn says this still results in a large chunk of debt.  Heayn says Dryden received about 4.3 million for the sale of landline and internet services, which doesn't dip into the red as much.

EDC Gets New Face

There is a new face on the board of the city's Economic Development Corporation.   City councillors voted to appoint Barbara Courte to the position.  Courte is the owner of Cobra Drilling. 

City Management Gets Raise

Management at City Hall is getting a raise.   Councillors voted to give the them a one and three quarter per cent increase retroactive to January the first of this year.   It is considered to be within the salary increases given to unionized staff in the corporation.

Extra Waterfront Spending Approved

The city is dipping into the  reserves for an extra 600 thousand dollars to complete phase one of the waterfront project.  It wasn't without some fuss being made by some councillors, like Rebecca Johnson who says she was promised there wouldn't be any need to spend more money.
Johnson says she's upset that there is really no choice but for council to spend the extra money.

Katherine Dugmore Dies

Former city Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore is dead.   Her passing was announced before Monday evening's city council meeting by Councillor Mark Bentz who acknowledged her work on Prince Arthur's Landing.     Dugmore had been battling cancer for some time and took a leave of absence in 2011 to have it treated.   She returned to work for a short while about a year ago before taking time off again.

Extra Waterfront Spending Approved

The city is dipping into the  reserves for an extra 600 thousand dollars to complete phase one of the waterfront project.  It wasn't without some fuss being made by some councillors, like Rebecca Johnson who says she was promised there wouldn't be any need to spend more money.
Johnson says she's upset that there is really no choice but for council to spend the extra money.

Katherine Dugmore dies

Former city Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore is dead.   Her passing was announced before this evening's city council meeting by Councillor Mark Bentz who acknowledged her work on Prince Arthur's Landing.     Dugmore had been battling cancer for some time and took a leave of absence in 2011 to have it treated.   She returned to work for a short while about a year ago before taking time off again.

Anonymous?

Thunder Bay police say they have nothing to do with a new video which at first glance appears to be another offering by the Internet group Anonymous.  While the video references a sexual assault case in Edmonton, it attempts to draw attention to what is thought to be a pro police rally April first in the city and what is termed a "fake Anonymous" gathering April 5th and 6th. The video can be viewed here LINK

LU Gets A New Research Chair

Lakehead University is getting another Canada Research Chair position. Pauline Sameshima is the new Research Chair for arts. She says its a great opportunity for herself and the University. Sameshima says she will be working with her counterparts nationally and the local arts community.

Disaster Relief Update Postponed

City Council is going to hear an update from the Disaster Relief Committee in two weeks.  It was originally supposed to be presented this evening.  Chair Wayne Fletcher says it appears they'll be able to pay out all of the flood claims.  Fletcher says they still have to process another 60 claim forms but expects money to flow in a couple of weeks.

Collaboration Against Violence

Today, eight child welfare and violence against women agencies are coming together to sign an agreement to combine their efforts to end violence against women and children. The groups, including Dilico Anishinabek Family Care signed a similar agreement back in 2003, but it has been amended and changed significantly since then.

Grow Green Expo

Greenstone is in the city this week to talk up its role in the emerging mining industry.  The community is hosting "Grow Greenstone" expo at the Victoria Inn this week as away to attract skilled labourers to their community.  The expo will provide businesses from across Canada a chance to network with community and mining industry officials.

Feathers Of Hope Youth Forum

Thunder Bay is playing host to youth delegates from 91 First Nation communities.  The young people are taking part in the Feathers of Hope forum that talks about suicide prevention, First Nation culture, and education.

Gravelle Pleased With Northern Session

Northwestern Ontario will have pre-budget consultations after all.  Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says Thunder Bay will host a session on April 3rd.  The Liberals say they are considering holding video or tele-conferences so that area communities can also take part.

Police Looking For Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a weekend robbery of a Mac's Convenience Store in the City's north end.  A man entered the store carrying a knife and demanded money.  Police say the suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of money.  Officers are looking for a man six feet tall with a heavy build.

NOSM Wants Men To Be Active

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is challenging local men to stay fit and active. Medical Student Hilary Bowler says they'll be offering events throughout the week including a healthy living lecture on Tuesday. Bowler says they'll be offering more programs into the Spring and Summer.

Second Times A Charm?

A group of parents in the city is trying again to set up an alternative school in the city.  After one failed attempt  going at it alone,  organizer Arlene Thorn says they hope to do it under the umbrella of the Lakehead Public School Board.  Thorn says the group is responding to a Board request for proposals on alternative schooling.