Respiratory illness outbreak

Officials at the Health Unit and Dawson Court have declared an outbreak of respiratory illness in three resident care areas. Admissions, transfers and discharges have been cancelled in those areas until further notice. Relatives and friends are encouraged to call the facility for more information.

Injuries in traffic accident

The Trans Canada Highway west of Nipigon is now open.  It follows a traffic accident that involved two cars Friday morning.    OPP say it was a head on collision.   The drivers of both vehicles were taken to the Regional Health Sciences Centre.  Their injuries are not considered serious.

City acquires south core properties

The city has plans for some recent property it's acquired.  It says the plan is part of the revitalization of the downtown south core.   The property that's now under city ownership includes, the former West Hotel on Simpson street and a hall beside it.   Along with that the city has ownership of the former Inntowner Hotel on Brodie street and two properties on Donald Street.

Underground Gym needs cash

The Underground Gym is looking for operating funds from the City of Thunder Bay.  The group provides a place for needy kids and teens to work out, play and learn to box free of charge.  Representatives from the gym will be making a deputation and funding request at Monday night's council meeting.

Hyer reveals H2O spending

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer says bottled water is being used too much by federal government departments.   Hyer studied the issue for the NDP and found that almost 2 and a half million dollars has been spent on bottled water in the last fiscal year.   Hyer says it could be even more, because last year seven government departments and agencies stopped tracking how much they spent on bottled water.

Pat Lang announces retirement

The President of Confederation College has announced she plans to retire this summer.  Pat Lang will officially step down in July, 2011.  A national search for a replacement will get underway as soon as possible.  Lang was appointed president in 2000.

62 million dollar contract awarded

A 62 million dollar contract for the expansion of highway 11/17 is going to Bot Construction.  The project will be providing 400 construction jobs. A 14 kilometre section from west of MacKenzie Station Road to Birch Beach Road will be expanded to four lanes. The project is expected to get underway immediately and could take several years to complete.

Mac's Mart teams up with Amber Alert

All 18 Macs Convenience Stores in Thunder Bay are teaming up with the OPP and Amber Alert. Amber alerts will now be able to be viewed on screens in Macs stores. Sgt. Steve Monpetit says descriptions of vehicles, last locations seen, and pictures of the missing child will be able to be seen from the LCD screens mounted in Mac's stores across Ontario. The project is ready to go and will be used the next time an amber alert is sent out in Thunder Bay area.

Confederation College wooing students

Confederation College is wooing students this week on its regional recruitment campaign.  Spokesperson Shari MacKenzie says they'll be telling students about their programs.  Confederation College will be hosting 12 other post secondary schools on Friday for an information session for Thunder Bay high school students.

Upgrades made to Confederation College

Students at Confederation College are benefiting from the latest technologies and equipment thanks to funding from the Provincial government.  Almost 255 thousand dollars is being put towards equipment upgrades.  The money will be used to buy a plane, dental lab equipment and training equipment for the fire fighter program.

Local business owners praised

The Stezenko brothers of Thunder Bay are in the spotlight. They officially opened their new Quality Market grocery store. John Scott, the president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, says both businessmen have proven that independents can survive against the big chains.  The new store is located on Golf Links Road.

Transit talks are taking a break

The Amalgamated Transit union and the City are taking an almost a two week break in negotiations.  Talks will resume October 5th and will again include a conciliator.  Transit services will continue as usual for the time being.