Public comments on zoning by law

Just one person made a deputation in favour of the city's comprehensive zoning by-law, while many were against it. Peter Kuzak spoke against the proposed legislation that he calls a moving target. Kuzak notes people need time to read the document and see how it will impact their land. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she's not ready to vote in favour of the comprehensive zoning by law and is worried they haven't consulted enough with the public. Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern reassured council they have spoke many times with the public.

Zoning by-law has many sticking points

There seems to be one major sticking point in the proposed comprehensive zoning by-law.  Councillor Larry Hebert says many people are concerned about the new enivronmental protection and overlay zones where people are not permitted to build.  Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern says the new zones point out where the city allows construction; but the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority does not.  McEachern says the environmental protection zones identify boundaries of flood areas, wetlands and hazardous slopes.  Some councillors were also concerned about a lack of legislation which would allow four plexes to be built on corner lots in areas with character homes.  McEachern adds fourplexes will only be allowed in areas such as the east end.

Zoning By-Law under construction

The City of Thunder Bay's new zoning by-law continues to be under construction.  Administration provided an update to council on Monday night on the legislation in process.  The new comprehensive zoning by-law offers simpler maps and less zones.  The city has already held a number of public meetings on the proposed legislation.  The comprehensive zoning by law was approved in principal last night and will be sent back to council at a later meeting. The document will also be posted on the city's website for public consultation for four weeks.

Council allows day nursery on Glengary Dr.

City council tackled a number of zoning issues at Monday night's meeting. The owner of a home based day care centre wants to expand her business. The day care on Glengary Drive currently holds five kids, but the owner would like to expand that to 12. Councillor Mark Bentz was concerned about the possibility of noise from children playing in the yard. The business currently looks after toddlers or and pre-schoolers.  Plenty of people came out to argue in support and against the daycare.   Despite the divide between councillors, the day care will be allowed to hold 12 kids.

More parking on the way

The City of Thunder Bay is rezoning a piece of property in the downtown area to allow for more parking.  The property owners want to knock down a house on Marks Street South to expand the commercial parking lot that serves West Arthur Place.  15 percent of the lot must be used as a green space.  Some area residents expressed concern over the rezoning, stating West Arthur Place doesn't need any more parking spaces.

Ice Edge in discussions

Ice Edge Holdings is taking another step in their dream of bringing a professional hockey team to Thunder Bay. The groups top dogs were in the city to meet with City officials and the commissioner of the ECHL. CEO Keith McCullough says him and Anthony Leblanc both being from Thunder Bay, want to see a team come to the city and believe as long as a new arena is built, a team could be successful. Leblanc says a new arena needs to happen before a team could come to the city.

Whelan building is getting a new high tech tennant

The Medical industry in Thunder Bay is getting another heavy hitter. Tornado Medical Systems has chosen the city for its home and will set up shop in the historic Whelan building. TMS is a commercial medical imaging company and Michael Power says having a commercial company in the city will pay huge dividends for the city from research financing firms. Power says when a research company can show they have an active partner in the commercial field more research funding will flow to the Regional Research Institute. TMS could employ as many as 50 people with in the next 2-3 years.

RFDA holding 2nd annual Art of Giving fundraiser

The RFDA and Badanai Motors are once again joining forces to raise money for regional food banks. The car dealership will be hosting the 2nd annual Art of Giving auction. Chair Marilyn Chicoine says they hope to raise 30 thousand dollars. The fundraiser takes place September 23rd at Badanai Motors starting at 7 o'clock.

Police looking for armed robber

Thunder Bay police are looking for one man after a north side gas bar was robbed at Knife point yesterday. Police say the robbery happened at 6:30 yesterday. The thief is described as 5 foot 11 and was dressed all in black. No one was hurt.

Police looking for missing woman

Thunder Bay police are looking to the public for help in locating a missing woman. Police say 42 year old Cindy Rose Forbister has been missing since Saturday night. Forbister is described as 5 foot 6, slim with brown hair and a skull tattoo on her forearm.