"Ceremony And Resurgence"

The Idle No More movement in Thunder Bay  is trying to give itself a kick start.  Organizers are holding what they call  "a day of ceremony and resurgence" Wednesday.  Beginning with a sunrise ceremony, a day of First Nation  teachings is planned at the Anishnawbe Mushkiki Centre on Royston Court.

LRCA To Start Its Flood Watch

The spring flood watch is about to begin as the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority keeps its eye on area rivers and streams during the snow melt.   Chair Bill Bartley says he just finished his annual spring meeting with the operational staff of the area municipalities to make sure they are prepared for any eventuality.  Bartley says monitoring so far shows there is no cause for concern.

Rock Drummer Lends His Star Power

Jeremy Taggart

A Thunder Bay based suicide prevention movement is getting some help from a Canadian rock star.   Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart says he joined the Collateral Damage Project after  founder Scott Chisholm reached out to him through Twitter.   Taggart is convinced it's a worthwhile endeavour and hopes to use his celebrity status to bring the message across the country.

Virdiramo Says Allegation Tainted Police Service

Police Services Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says a recent allegation from a 19 year old man hurt the force's reputation.  The OPP investigation into the claim that a young man was driven out of the City and left behind was proved to be false.  Virdiramo says national media stories on the investigation didn't help local police.  Virdiramo has asked the Police Chief to also look into what costs might be associated with the investigation.

Police Youth Corps. Celebrate 20 Years

The Thunder Bay Police Youth Corps. 20th anniversary is off to a good start, as the group has received 2-thousand dollars for supplies and uniforms.  Deputy Commanding Officer Kerri Hnatiw says the money will help inspire youth to pursue a policing career.  The Youth Corps. has been a major help to aspiring police officers, and has left such a lasting impression that several of the graduates have returned to volunteer.

Robinson New Chamber President

The new Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce president is Charla Robinson.   She takes over from Harold Wilson who left to enter the world of politics.  Robinson hopes to put her own on stamp on the local business organization.  Robinson begins her new role at the end of April.  

Gravelle Says Mining Benefiting Ontario

The provincial government is highlighting the benefits mining is having on Ontario's economy.   Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says the province is seeing record spending by the industry. Gravelle spoke in Queens Park yesterday, and says that Ontario is the leading jurisdiction in Canada when it comes to exploration.

Crimestoppers Launches Hate Crime Prevention Program

Crimestoppers is offering a new program that will help put an end to hate crimes.  The new initiative will be launched in May and could cost up to 15-thousand dollars.  Constable Julie Tilbury says they embarked on the initiative after an alleged abduction and sexual assault of a First Nations woman.  The Police Services Board pledged 2-thousand dollars towards the project.

Hobbs Happy With Proposed Legislation

Mayor Keith Hobbs is excited to hear the Provincial Government is introducing legislation that will make it easier for Cities to charge out of province drivers who run red lights and fail to stop for school buses.  Hobbs says the proposed legislation will help them collect quite a bit of money in fines.  Hobbs says it was one of their main requests when they met with Provincial Ministers last month in Toronto.

Not As Many P.E. Teachers In N. Ontario

Northern Ontario has the greatest shortage of physical education teachers in the province.  The report from People for Education found that only 22 percent of schools across the north have phys-ed staff compared to 75 percent in the Toronto area.  Majority of schools in the area don't have teachers that specialize in phys-ed, instead it is up to the normal classroom teacher.  The report also says that the shortage is preventing most students from meeting the 20-minutes of mandatory daily physical activity required by the province.

Investigation Clears Local Police

An allegation against the local police force has turned out to be a lie.  An OPP investigation into a 19 year old's claim that Police dropped him off outside the city limits on December 2nd was untrue.  When questioned by investigators, he admitted that he fabricated the story about being given a ride out of town.  The young man has provided the Thunder Bay Police Service with a written apology.

Dryden Loses CAO

Dryden is losing its City Manager.  Joe Van Koeverden has said that he's leaving the community.  Van Koeverden has been named CAO of a township in central Ontario.  Van Koeverden was named City Manager in June 2011.

Respect Campaign Turns One Year Old Thursday

Thursday marks the one year anniversary of the City's Respect campaign.  Ann Magiskan is the Chair of the Anti-Racism Committee and says the initiative has sparked conversation in the community.  City officials raised the Respect flag Monday to demonstrate their commitment to bringing an end to racial discrimination.

Demolition At Superior House

Confederation College Students and Eco Superior are gutting a 1940's bungalow.  Spokesperson Raphael Shay says they plan to use Ontario Trillium Foundation money to renovate the home located next to Eco Superior's office.  Renovation work is expected to go on well into the summer.

Bus Fares Going Up April 1

The city is reminding bus riders that fares are going up a the beginning of next month.   Among the highlights, the exact cash fare goes up five cents, a 20 ride pass increases by five dollars and a row of 10 tickets will cost 4 dollars more. As well all the prices will be available to Handicapped Transit customers.

Local Biathletes Compete Nationally

Joseph Pascuzzo

A Thunder Bay biathlete has finished in the top ten at a national event in Whistler B.C.   Joseph Pascuzzo finished sixth out of thirty one.   Pascuzzo is competing with another local biathlete, Toby Quinn who was 24th.

More Snow On The Way

Thunder Bay is in for another snowstorm.  This one is expected to hit starting this afternoon according to Environment Canada weather expert Peter Kimbell. He expects the snow to begin in the Thunder Bay area around 2 o'clock in the afternoon with 2 to 4 centimetres expected initially then another 5 to 10 centimetres tonight and overnight. Kimbell says some areas could get up to 15 cm when all is said and done.

Assault Victim Leaves Hospital

A 31 year old man is now out of the hospital after police say he suffered serious head injuries in an assault.  They say the incident happened on May Street near Dease last night.  An 18 year old man is in police custody charged with aggravated assault and Assault with a Weapon.

Council Not Meeting Tonight

City Council is taking a night off.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says tonight's meeting was cancelled because there wasn't any city reports.  Johnson says there's always something council can talk about but most discussions revolve around issues coming from reports.

North Shore RAP Open House

An open house is being held tonight to talk about cleaning up Thunder Bay Harbour.  The North Shore Remedial Action Plan is hosting the event and Coordinator Jim Bailey says they'll be talking about what needs to be done in the future.  The open house is taking place from four until 8 at the Baggage Building on the waterfront.