FWFN Residents Evacuated

There are about 170 residents of the Fort William First Nation who are spending the night away from home.   They have been evacuated and are being put up in a local hotel due to flooding.    Chief Georjann Morriseau says the situation will be reviewed in the morning after the overnight rain.  She also says there are numerious road closures in the community due to washouts.  

LRCA Issues Flood Warning

The city is now under a flood warning from the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority.   The warning also includes all the municipalities surrounding Thunder Bay.  The Authority says 50 to 60 millimetres  of rain  has already fallen and another 40 millimetres is forecast to fall this evening and overnight.  It says flooding is imminent or already occurring with the the Authority's area of responsibility.

FWFN Declares Emergency

The Fort William First Nation is in a state of emergency.   Chief Georjann Morriseau says flooding of homes in the community and washed out roads forced her to sign today's declaration.

Road Washouts The Result Of Heavy Rain

The Ontario Provincial Police are warning of potential road washouts in the area, saying that Highway 527 about eight and a half kilometers from Highway 11/17 is washing out, but still passable. Elsewhere, Mountain Road at Tuxedo Drive is washed out, and no traffic is able to pass through.

City Infrastructure Running Properly

Following steady rain over the last day, and more rain coming, city staff are monitoring city infrastructure. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations Darrell Matson, says that everything is running how it should be, and that the sewer systems are running properly. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a ‘Flood Watch’, which indicates the potential for flooding.

City Residents Prepare For Flooding

With the excessive amounts of rain, Thunder Bay residents are preparing for flooding. Mary Street resident Rod Skirving says water is already making its way into his basement. Skirving says they still have some of their stuff in storage from the flood last year.

Kiptoo Wins Ten Mile...Again

Gilbert Kiptoo

Gilbert Kiptoo, Of Kenya,  is the winner of this year's Firefighter Ten Mile Road Race, running the race in just over 51 minutes. Dominique Aulagnon was the first local runner to cross the finish line in just over 53 minutes, and says the race was a bit grueling because of the weather. Aulagnon says the race was exciting, and is happy with his results.

Ontario Parks Reminds Campers Not To Drink

Ontario Parks is offering some much needed advice to campers this weekend. Bruce Van Staalduinen says there is an important drinking ban in place at most provincial parks. Van Staalduinen also recommends inspecting all your camping gear to prevent any problems once you get to the campsite.

Ten Mile Road Race Underway

Despite the rain and poor weather, the Firefighters Ten Mile Road Race is underway. The race started with a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston bombing. Over one thousand runners are taking part in this year's event.

It Takes Two To Help At Risk Youth

The CEO of a youth leadership institute is currently riding his bike across Canada in support of at risk youth. Derrick Shirley will be in the city today to promote his organization's signature "It Takes Two Program", that has police officers and at risk youth riding on tandem bikes. Shirley is scheduled to be in thunder bay from today until Wednesday.

MNR Fire Safety Tips

Man made forest fires are a huge concern for the Ministry of Natural Resources this long weekend. Heather Pridham with the MNR says there is on number to call if you see a forest fire. Pridham says some very important tips to prevent a forest fire is to keep fires small and shelter them from the wind.

Campbell Calls For WSIB Reform

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River claims injured workers are being treated like criminals. Sarah Campbell makes that assertion in calling for reforms to the Workers Compensation Board. Campbell says it's disappointing that too many workers often have to fight for years to receive even the basic benefits.

Police Looking Into Assault

Thunder Bay Police are looking into the assault of a 31-year-old man. Police say the assault happened on Field Street on Saturday Afternoon. Officials say the victim was taken to hospital with serious facial and head injuries.

Long Weekend Shooting

One man is charged with Attempted Murder and Careless Use of a Firearm following a shooting at a long weekend get together. Ontario Provincial Police say two men got into a fight Saturday night at a party at Pace Lake, when a third man stepped in and fired a gun, hitting one man. A 28-year-old Thunder Bay man was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Dew Drop Inn's Millionth Meal

Monday marks a very important day for the Dew Drop Inn. This Victoria Day weekend, the Dew Drop Inn will have served one million meals since it was formed in 1981. 32 years later, the Dew Drop Inn still provides a hearty mid afternoon meal for the needy between 2:30 and 4pm.

Fire Dept. Cautions Cottage Owners

The fire department is reminding people to make sure their camps and cottages are properly prepared against fires. Spokesperson Anthony Stokaluk says that fire safety is just as important at camp as it is at home. Stokaluk also says that it's important to have a carbon monoxide alarm in working order.

OPP Reminds Drivers To Keep Their Eyes On The Road

Just like every long weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police are increasing their presence on area roads and waterways. Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest Region says it's important for drivers to take it easy and keep their eyes on the road. Garr says the public is the first line of defense against any tragedy.

LRCA On The Watch

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is on alert.   Chair Bill Bartley says with a lot of rain predicted over the weekend there is the possibility that some isolated flooding could occur. Bartley says the Authority will be monitoring the situation all weekend.

Very Rainy Long Weekend In Store

Get ready for a potential soaking this long weekend.  Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says it's not far fetched to say we could get up to 100 millimetres of rain when all is said and done on Monday.   He says however, that for now the heavier amounts of rain are more likely to our west in places like Dryden and Fort Frances.  Coulson says most of the rain is expected to fall Sunday night into Monday.

Yesno Calls Elijah Harper A Role Model

Elijah Harper

Nishnawbe Aski Nation  Grand Chief Harvey Yesno  calls Elijah Harper  a friend, a confidant who was an inspiration and his role model.  Harper died this morning at the age of 64.  He became a symbol of power for Canadian aboriginals when he scuttled the Meech Lake constitutional accord.