Snowfall Warning In Effect

A snowfall warning is in effect for the city of Thunder Bay.  Environment Canada says we are in the path of a Colorado Low.  Snow is expected to start falling tonight and that could result in 5 to 10 centimetres.  The forecast says an additional 10 centimetres could fall tomorrow during the day and another 10 at night.

Reform Act Introduced

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is fully supporting Conservative MP Michael Chong's proposed Reform Act. The Private Member's bill aims to restore the power for candidate nomination to a party’s electoral district association, rather than leaving it up to the party leader. Speaking in Question Period,   Hyer said he wants a free vote on the proposed legislation.

Pot Seized Near Kenora

A B.C. man has been charged after he was caught transporting more than his scheduled load on Highway 17 west of Kenora. Provincial Police stopped an eastbound tractor trailer for a traffic violation Monday afternoon. Officers found 180-pounds of marihuana in the vehicle, worth an estimated 450-thousand dollars. Police seized the transport truck and 1-thousand dollars cash as part of the investigation. The 43-year-old Mission residents faces three charges and he remains in custody.

Murray Defends Highway Safety Record

In spite of a recent string of  traffic fatalities and highway closures in the north, the province's transportation minister is saying our roads are safe. In the legislature, Glen Murray touted Ontario's highway safety record.   He says we have fewer fatalities and accidents along with the safest roads in all of North America, better than in dryer and warmer places like Kansas and California.  Murray says his ministry will be monitoring how the new MTO crews are deployed and how well they're performing.

Calendar Parking Back On

Calendar Parking rules are coming into effect as of Wednesday.   The city says with the latest snowfall, it means that parking will be restricted to certain sides of the street depending on the calendar date.   Signs are posted on the streets which fall under the by-law.   Unless the city lifts it earlier,  Calendar Parking will remain in effect until the end of March.

Women In Politics Launched

Women politicians from across Northwestern Ontario are rallying to support future female leaders.  The new organization "Women In Politics" is holding a special forum on January 22nd to promote women getting involved in all levels of government.  Shuniah Councillor Wendy Landry says some women might find the process of running foreign. The forum will welcome former Ontario Liberal Party Leader Lyn McLeod as the guest speaker.

"Road Rage" In NWO

Residents in the Vermillion Bay area west of Dryden say they aren't going to take it anymore. A rally is scheduled for Saturday to protest the condition of area roads. Ear Falls resident Steve Smith is leading the charge and hopes to get as many people from the region to the rally.   Smith has also set up a Facebook page to help increase support for the cause.

Sudden Death In Machin

The death of a Machin man is being investigated by Provincial Police. OPP were contacted Monday afternoon around 4:50 after a body was found off Heilman Road. Police say the body was found in a remote location. The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Randal Lichty of Machin. A post mortem examination is being held in Kenora and anyone with information on this case is asked to contact OPP.

UN Flag Raised At City Hall

The United Nations flag is flying at City Hall today. It's to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Persons with disabilities.  City Hall raised the UN flag at a ceremony this morning.  It also recognizes work being done by the municipal accessibility advisory committee .  There are several information displays posted through the day focusing on the multi year accessibility plans as well as the city's emergency preparedness plan.

Two Dead In Highway 11 Crash

The cause of a fatal two vehicle collision  in northwestern Ontario is under investigation. An elderly couple died when their westbound Chrysler struck an eastbound transport about 15 kilometres east of Fort Frances yesterday afternoon on Highway 11. The driver of the tractor-trailer unit wasn't injured. The driver of the car has been identified as 82-year-old David Chambers and the passenger has been identified as 75-year-old Louise Chambers, both of Fort Frances.

Hospital Foundation Needs $

The never ending job of raising money for hospital equipment is continuing this holiday season.   Glenn Craig, the chair of the Regional Health Science's Centre Foundation ,  says that they have set an ambitious objective this year for the Exceptional Care Campaign of 100 thousand dollars   Craig says the money will be used to buy chemotherapy equipment.

Hupka Back As Board Chair

Bob Hupka

Trustees with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board don't appear to like change. Bob Hupka has been re-elected as the board chair.  Hupka is no stranger to the position, he as been at the helm for the last 7 years.   The board has also returned Tony Romeo as vice-chair.

All Schools Open

Despite the overnight snowfall, all area schools are open and all school buses are running this morning as scheduled.  Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay says there could be some bus delays due to road conditions.  

City Council Round Up

The City is spending almost a million dollars to purchase defibrillators.  The expenditure is to replace the existing medical machines for both the Superior North EMS and Fire and Rescue Service.  The existing defibrillators have reached the end of their use.  Meanwhile, The social services board is providing 70-thousand dollars to two child care facilities in the City.  50-thousand dollars will go towards the Algoma Child Care Centre to provide a review of their facility.  Grace Remus will use 20-thousand dollars towards upgrading a special needs room.  An update on the projects were provided to City Council last night.

Riverview Drive Stays The Same

City Council is going to keep the status quo when it comes to Riverview Drive.  Some residents had concerns about the speed of cars driving down the neighbourhood road.  Staff recommended to Council they don't implement any traffic calming measures since residents who took a poll suggested they didn't want change.

Council Puts Off Water Vote

City Council isn't making a decision anytime soon on delivering well water to rural homes.  They asked staff to look into other municipalities best practices and the liability of offering the service.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga is against discontinuing the service saying it's not fair to the rural homeowners. Council Chambers were packed Monday night with residents speaking out against the decision.

Church Donations Stolen

City Police are investigating a theft from St. Paul's Anglican Church.  Someone broke into the church early Monday morning and stole a safe full of money set aside for Christmas Cheer. Archdeacon Deborah Kraft says it breaks her heart to think someone would steal from the needy. Kraft says they've notified police and are hopeful they will be able to apprehend the person or people responsible.

Break Ins Reported At Max Lake

Constable Diana Cole

The OPP are looking into a series of break-ins at camps on Max Lake north of Thunder Bay.  Constable Diana Cole says that the incidents took place sometime between November 24th and the 30th to about 17 cottages, with more reports coming.  Cole says some of the items stolen included generators, chainsaws, outboard motors and fishing equipment.

Roadside Sleeper Charged

Thunder Bay OPP are charging a 66 year old man with a drinking and driving related offence after police spotted a vehicle parked at the end of a merge lane on Highway 11/17 on Friday. An officer attempted to get the driver's attention who appeared to be sleeping.  Once the man woke up officers smelled alcohol on his breath and found him to be over the legal driving limit. He'll appear in court on January 7th.

First Nation Company Likes Ontario Energy Plan

A First Nation power company is putting its support behind the Provincial Government's long term energy plan.  The Ontario power plan commits to connected remote First Nation communities currently serviced by diesel generation.  The First Nations-led company looks forward to working with the provincial government to connect the communities to a transmission power line.