Spring Seatbelt Campaign Begins

The Thunder Bay OPP are running their annual spring seatbelt campaign which starts Saturday. Provincial Constable Diana Cole says they want to help save lives. The campaign is to raise awareness on seatbelt use and runs until April 22nd.

Conservatory Remains Closed

Thunder Bay's Botanical Conservatory is not going to reopen as expected today. City Spokesperson Michael Smith says they're putting off reopening the facility until City Council receives a report on the status of the building. Smith says the report will come before council in May and will look at the cost of repairing the facility.

New lottery winners emerge

Another Thunder Bay couple are lucky lottery winners. Tony and Karen Biscardi won over 1 million dollars in Wednesday's Lotto 6-49. Tony Biscardi says he's still pinching himself.  The couple plan to pay some bills and sock the rest away for retirement.

Accident results in minor injuries

3 people are injured following an accident this morning at Arthur and 20th Side Road. Police say at least two vehicles were involved in the accident. The injuries are said to be minor.

Conservatory reopening delayed

Thunder Bay's Botanical Conservatory is not going to reopen as expected tomorrow. City Spokesperson Michael Smith says they're putting off reopening the facility until City Council receives a report on the status of the building. Smith says the report will come before council in May and will look at the cost of repairing the facility.

RBC fundraising for Dilico Youth Foundation

RBC branches around the city today are raising money in support of the new Dilico Children's youth group home. RBC spokesperson Shannon Gothard-Ramirez encourages people to donate. The group home will be located on Fort William First Nation.

No flight cancellations here yet

Air Canada is issuing a travel alert warning labour disruptions could affect flights all day and even into the weekend.   The airline says it's all because of apparent problems with some of it's pilots right across the country.  So far there have been no disruptions at the Thunder Bay Airport, according to manager Scott McFadden,  who says the other airlines can handle any local cancellations if they happen.

Premier Gold Mines gets green-light

Premier Gold Mines is getting the green-light from the Provincial Government.They received approval from Ontario to conduct advance exploration activities at their Trans-Canada project in the Geraldton ward. Greenstone Mayor Renald Beaulieu says it's good news for his community.

Cyclist hit by van

A cyclist was taken to hospital last night after he was hit by a van as he was crossing Memorial Avenue at Central. The 40 year old man has since been released from the hospital with minor injuries. Police are still investigating

MNR prepares for busy fire season

The Minister of Natural Resources says he has a better understanding of the pride and commitment of local firefighters. Michael Gravelle toured the Northwest Region Forest Fire Management Centre in Dryden on Tuesday and he says the Government will continue to back MNR fire crews. Gravelle admits its looking like a busy fire season and the Government is facing tough financial times. However, he stresses public safety is priority number one.

OPP seatbelt blitz

"Buckle up or face a fine."  That's the theme of the Ontario Provincial Police Spring Seatbelt campaign.  The initiative starts Saturday and ends on April 22nd.  OPP across Northwestern Ontario will be targeting drivers and passengers who are not buckled up and will be focusing on child restraints.  Police say a properly used booster seat can reduce a child's risk of injury in a crash by as much as 75-percent.

Shed fire

Careless handling of a flammable liquid is the cause of a shed fire on Wolf Crescent in Fort William First Nation today. Thunder Bay's Fire Service brought the blaze under control but not before the contents of the shed were destroyed. The owner's home and a neighbours' sustained heat damage to the exterior siding.

United Way looking to raise money with a run

The Women's United Run, Stroll or Roll and Walk a Mile in her shoes fundraising events are back on May 12th. Spokesperson Beverly Lannon says it will be a busy day. The events are to protest violence against women and to get women physically active.

The wait is over.....almost

The city's transfer of waterfront land to a private developer is now signed, sealed and delivered. It paves the way for a condominium and hotel project. Developer Giselle MacDonald says they have more work to do before the hotelier can be announced and says that should be announced in June. Meantime the city's Waterfront Development Committee chair Councillor Mark Bentz says that it's an important day for all the people in the city the project has touched because it shows their work has meant something.

Landfill use on the rise

As the weather warms up, expect longer lines at the city's landfill. Roads Division Manager Brad Adams says going to the landfill in the morning could reduce traffic. Being prepared and organizing your loads at home could also help to avoid lineups.

Police make arrests in Project Dolphin

The alleged ring leader behind a major drug trafficking operation in Thunder Bay is behind bars.  As part of what police are calling Project Dolphin officials announced the arrest of 38 year old John Tsekouras and are charging him with several drug related offences.  Officers also took 4 others into custody yesterday.  Project Dolphin was started in 2010 and has so far netted over 2.1 million dollars worth of drugs and 500 thousand dollars worth of cash and property. Officers also say this organization had ties to organized crime in Western Canada and Montreal including the Hells Angels.

No serious injuries in school bus mishap

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a school bus accident at the intersection of Court and McDougall. The bus and a pick up truck collided at around 8 o'clock this morning. The students in the bus were from three different schools in the area. Police say that the 56 year old woman bus driver and a 13 year old girl received minor injuries. A 17 year old boy, who police say was driving the pick up, has been charged with disobeying a stop sign.

Demolition begins on Sister Margaret Smith Building

The first bricks of the St. Joseph hospital construction project are being removed today. President Tracey Buckler says residents will see some demolition action. The demolition of the Sister Margaret Smith building will take several months.

Former Olympian keeps Fox dream alive

A Niagara Falls man wants to complete Terry Fox's dream.   Former Olympic Boxer Mike Strange is running from Thunder Bay to the west coast to complete Fox's Marathon of Hope.  Strange began his knock-out cancer tour after being welcomed to the city by Mayor Keith Hobbs this morning. 

Ambassador visiting Churchill High

Canadian Ambassador for Jordan and Iraq, Mark Gwozdecky will be speaking to students at Sir Winston Churchill high school today. Gwozdecky was born and raised in Thunder Bay and will be talking about Canada's free trade agreement with Jordan.