Travel Smart Plan approved

Thunder Bay City Council is throwing it's support behind a new transportation plan.  The plan requires 150-thousand dollars and when implemented would come out of the 2012 capital budget.  Councillor Andrew Foulds didn't see the point for another plan when they already have a transit plan and an active transportation plan. Consultant Jim Gough defended the plan at Monday night's City Council meeting.  The Travel Smart Plan encourages people to use healthier less costly forms of travel like buses, and car pooling.

First ever Crime Prevention Award

Nine local organizations were honored for their work in making the community a safer place.  It was part of the first ever Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards.  Members of the Public School Board, a local high school student, and Police Sgt. Glen Porter were among the residents celebrated at Monday night's awards.

Search for law school dean underway

Brian Stevenson

The search is on for the Founding Dean of the new law school at Lakehead University. LU's Rodney Hanley has put together a search committee and the hopes the process can be completed by the summer.  He says a short list of candidates should be ready by the end of the year with interviews taking place in January or February.  He says he's tried to include a good cross section of the community on the committee.  Hanley calls it an exciting opportunity for the successful applicant.

No word on Federal funding for Multi-Plex

The City is still waiting to find out if we'll receive Federal Funding for the proposed Multi Plex.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they were hoping to hear about the P-3 funding a couple of weeks ago. Commisso says the recent Provincial election could have slowed down the process a little. 

George Jeffery joins Parade of Lights

The annual Parade of Lights is set for December 3rd. Organizer Greg Stephenson says this year the George Jeffery Children's Centre is on board as one of the fundraising recipients along with Autism Ontario, the Therapeutic Riding Association and Special Olympics.The goal this year is to raise 20 thousand dollars.

Missing Kayakers are safe

The pair of missing Kayakers on Lake Superior have been found safe and sound.  Officials at the Trenton Search and Rescue Centre says the pair stayed on Thompson Island because of strong winds and plan on staying until the winds subside.  They were originally supposed to be home yesterday.

Chase reached high speeds

An arrest warrant is out for the owner of a pick up truck that OPP say was involved in a high speed chase on city streets over the weekend. Sgt. Dan Peters says the officer had to call off the chase when speeds reached 145 kilometres an hour. The incident took place around 2 a.m Saturday.

Crime Prevention Week is on

The police are doing their part for Crime Prevention week, which is on right now.  Constable Julie Tillbury says the City Police and the OPP are joining forces Wednesday to staff an information booth at the Intercity Mall. 

Petition started to help Humane Society

The Thunder Bay Humane Society is getting some online support.  A petition is looking for 10 thousand online signatures on the website www.thepetitionsite.com.  So far there are over 400 signatures and its making its way across social media sites.  

Dufresne million dollar challenge

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre has received a nice bonus.  The hospital is the recipient of the million dollar Dufresne Charity Challenge.  Mark Dufrense is the president of Dufresne Furniture and says the challenge was a one-time only donation to the communities they serve.  Dufresne says the successful agencies have been asked to match the donation from the Charity Challenge.

Ontario Wood Works picks 3 area winners

Three local groups have been honoured by Ontario Wood Works.  Wood Works recognizes people and organizations that creatively utilize the use of wood in construction.  The Sioux Lookout Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre in Sioux Lookout has won the Northern Ontario Excellence Award.  The Architect Wood Advocate Award has been handed to Kenora's Nelson Architecture.

Hydro crews working on Arthur

A section of Arthur Street between James and Edward street is going to be crowded Tuesday. Thunder Bay Hydro crews are working in the eastbound lanes of that road. Hydro is suggesting motorists avoid the area and plan different routes.

T.Bay wants more immigrants

Thunder Bay wants to be more welcoming to immigrants, and that's why they're holding an all day conference on the issue.  Spokesperson Michelle Lander says they'll talk about how they can do better. The forum takes place Tuesday at the Victoria Inn.

Matawa takes fight to Ottawa

Matawa First Nation is going to court over the environmental assessment process for the Ring of Fire. The group of First Nation Chiefs are in Ottawa today and will launch a judicial review against the Federal Government.  Matawa wants an independent review panel not the Federal Government's preffered comprehensive study.

T.Bay Humane Society receives support

With the risk of the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society closing its doors by December 31st, the public support has been overwhelming says Executive Director Maryann Kleynendorst. She adds that she did not expect this type of reaction, but she knows they still have a long way to go. Public figures in community such as Mayor Keith Hobbs, Michael Gravelle and Ken Boshcoff have spoken to the humane society regarding their support. Kleynendorst says if 15 hundred people donated $10 dollars a month it should be enough to cover the $180 thousand dollar deficit. You can help by visiting tbayhumane.ca, or call 475-8803.

Thunder Bay Humane Society on hard times

The Thunder Bay & District Humane Society could close by the end of this year if the $180 thousand dollar deficit is not met. The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded to the announcement that the TBDHS could be shutting its doors, saying they will offer support where they can. Currently the Ontario SPCA is assisting the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society by providing funding for the wages of their investigation and enforcement officer.

Rydholm wants to support snowmobile trail

Councillor Lynda Rydholm is hoping to add councils support to a proposed snowmobile trail from Thunder Bay to Kakabeka.  Rydholm says she wants council to give their support to the Ontario Federation Snowmobile Clubs.  Rydholm says a groomed trail would be much safer for riders and motorists alike and would also give snowmobilers better access to businesses in the area.

Council to learn about TravelSMART Plan

Council will learn more about the Transit TravelSMART Plan tonight.  Engineering Manager Paul Mauro says administration will present the plan to council tonight and hopes to get a good reception.  Mauro says the plan is inline with the active transportation plan and other city initiative.

New CT Scanner in Sioux Lookout

The new CT Scanner at Sioux Lookout's Meno-Ya-Win Health Centre is now being tested. Almost 1.8-million dollars was raised in just over 4-years and the Wasaya Group accounted for over half-a-million dollars according to it's President Tom Kamenawatamin.  The unit should be ready for operation early in the new year.

Murder suspect back in court

It's back to court in 11 days for the man charged with the city's latest murder.   22 year old Kyle Rae of Thunder Bay made a brief appearance in a city courtroom Friday with his lawyer Chris Watkins. Rae is charged with second degree murder in last weekend' s death of his friend, 21 year old Jimmy Monias.  Rae has  been order to appear in court again November the 15th. Until then,  he remains in custody at the District Jail.