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.