Decision on temporary bus terminal put off for a week

It will be next week before city councillors decide on a temporary site for a south side bus terminal while a new courthouse is being constructed.   Councillors voted Monday to send back the issue to administration for more information.  There was concern about the preferred site on Donald Street from Archibald to Syndicate Avenues, which was selected by Transit.   It followed a presentation by area residents who were concerned what such a terminal would have on their quality of living.    Instead some councillors appeared to favour a temporary site at City Hall and wanted to hear back from administration on the pros and cons of that location. 

Councillors say yes to giving pools heritage designation

Two city pools have now come under the umbrella of the citys' Heritage Advisory Committee. The Dease and Heath pools have been given heritage designation. Committee chair Andrew Cotter and member Gloria Cyr stressed that the designation doesn't mean that the pools are protected from being closed down. Instead Cotter says it will simply allow for the sites to be recognized as significant. If the pools are considered for closure the appropriate steps can be taken to give the sites their historical due.

Emergency plan gets thumbs up from local EMO head

The federal government now has a national emergency response plan aimed at making sure key decisions are made quickly when disaster strikes. The move is getting praise from the city's top emergency planner. John Coupland  says it will have a trickle down effect.  He says it will be now easier for the provinces to get disaster assistance, and in turn it will get to the municipalities faster. The new plan outlines the responsibilities departments and agencies have in national or provincial emergencies

No charges following bus accident

No comment from Thunder Bay Transit following a collision between two of its's buses. About two or three city bus riders were taken to hospital on Monday afternoon. It took place around 2 pm on Algoma in front of the Italian Hall. A police spokesperson called the accident minor and that no charges will be laid.

Ross gives props to Canada for UN vote

A local handicapped spokesperson says it's about time. Ron Ross of the lobby group PUSH is happy Canada has now voted in favour of a United Nations agreement on the rights of the disabled. Ross calls the move great.  He says signing the contract shows that Canada respects the legislation necessary to help those that are handicapped.  Ross says the agreement is a historic moment for disability rights.

Plasma centre hours being tweaked

Canadian Blood Services is changing the hours of operation for its' Thunder Bay plasma centre. Spokesperson Michael Hyduk says it was the result of public demand. The clinic hours will be as follows: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Noon until 7:30 pm. Thursday and Friday from 7:30 am until 2 pm. On six select Saturdays 8 am until 11:30 am. Hyduk says the new hours take effect March 29th.

Stimulus cash for the outdoors

One provincial park and a camp in northwestern Ontario are getting a facelift thanks to your tax dollars. Neys Provincial Park near Terrace Bay and a Ranger camp near Sioux Lookout are getting 700 thousand dollars in federal and provincial cash. It will be used to make upgrades to both areas.

Police educate on elder abuse reporting

All this week city police are talking elder abuse. A series of forums are taking place to tell seniors and families that the type of home they choose will affect how elder abuse cases are handled and reported. Constable Diane MacLauren is organizing the forums. She says the difference between choosing a government regulated seniors home and and unregulated retirement home is important to know

So You Think You've Got Talent underway at Intercity

If you're looking for something to do for the March break and are good at something head down to the Intercity mall. Auditions are underway for So You Think You've Got Talent. Childrens of all ages and even Adults can show their stuff today until Wednesday. The winners of each age group will win a $300 Intercity gift card and $200 Bounce Productions Scholarship. Deadline to enter is tomorrow at 5pm.

International Days hits Lakehead University

International Students are taking centre stage at Lakehead university this week. Bagpipers, African Dancing and Aborginal singing were on display as part of the opening ceremonies for international days. Organizer Tanka Awosika says its important to recognized the around 100 international students at the school.  Awosike says different events will be happening throughout the week as part of International Days.

CAs lend their services to immigrants/less fortunate

For the 42nd  year, chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free.   Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes.    The free tax clincs will take place from 6 to 9 pm  both evenings at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association building on North Court Street.   The service is offered by appointment only.  The number to call is 345-0551

Thunder Bay police looking for missing man

Thunder Bay police are asking the public for help in finding a missing man. 49 year old Donald Potan has been missing since Thursday and requires daily heart medication. Potan is 6 foot one, and was last seen wearing a brown baseball cap, blue jeans, brown and black fleece and white runners.

Would be thief caught in the act

Thunder Bay Police caught a would be thief in the act this morning. At around 12:30 officers responded to an alarm at a bar on Cumberland and found the back door open. Inside the bar they found the culprits bag with his photo ID. The Canine Unit was called in and quickly located a 28 year old and arrested him.

Thunderwolves fall to McGill in Queens Cup

It was a disappointing end to the OUA season for the Thunderwolves who fell to McGill 3-1 in the Queens Cup Saturday. Kris Hogg scored the loan goal for the Wolves who fell behind early and couldn't find space to score the equalizer. Andrew Wright scored two goals for the Redmen to pace them to the win. The Wolves will get a chance for redemption in two weeks time at the Cavendish Cup.

Lakehead Men's basketball team advances to the nationals

For the first time in 33 years the Thunderwolves Men's Basketball team is off to the CIS nationals. They beat the Ottawa Gee Gees 78-73 to advance to the tournament being held in Ottawa this weekend. The Carleton Ravens beat Windsor over the weekend to win the OUA championship and will host the nationals.