Mayor pulling out the stops

Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's ready to work to get a chromite smelter for Thunder Bay. Hobbs says the city is pleased that Cliff's Natural Resources is willing to keep us on the radar for that Ring of Fire project. He says the city will do everything in it's power to get it located here. Hobbs admits there are challenges but other communities also have roadblocks.

Moose populations studied

The annual aerial moose survey is underway in Northwestern Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Brad Allison says they're trying to see if certain trends are continuing this year.   Moose populations are dwindling in certain areas and in others they're stable.  Allison says it's been an ideal winter for the survey because of the early snow cover.

Horwath in Thunder Bay Monday

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will be back in the City on Monday. She's going to outline her party's plans to provide the people of Thunder Bay with relief from the HST. Horwath has been calling for the removal of the HST on home heating bills.

Angus talks electricity

The City of Thunder Bay is joining forces with NOMA and Common Voice Northwest.  All three of them feel the Province's Long Term Energy Plan doesn't address the region's electricity needs.  Councillor Iain Angus says the system is flawed.  Council is going to be asked on Monday to support a paper on electricity transmission and distribution in the region.

Cheaper electricity needed for Ring of Fire

It all comes down to affordable electricity. That's according to the mining company looking to open a chromite smelter for the Ring of Fire development. Ferroalloys President Bill Boor says so far Sudbury is an early favourite because they have the necessary power to operate the smelter.  Boor also made mention that Ontario's electricity prices are not competitive and they are looking outside the province for potential sites.  The company says they've made no final decisions yet.

Gravelle on Chromite Plant: What me worry?

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says he's not overly worried about Cliff Resources comments saying the province's electricity isn't competitive. Gravelle is vowing to work with the company to ensure it will stay in Northern Ontario. When asked what the Government would do if the plant is moved outside the province; Gravelle said he's a best case scenario person and won't comment on speculation.

Facebook used to threaten Superior Collegiate

A young man has been arrested after threats directed at Superior Collegiate were posted to Facebook. Thunder Bay Police Detective Seargent Don Lewis says police were notified by a concerned parent.  Lewis says the threats were vague but it appears as though a person was planning on using some sort of weapon to damage the school.  Lewis says no students were threatened in the posts that appeared Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Northwestern Ontario Health Research

Northwestern Ontario is home to a variety of cutting edge research initiatives that will help improve our health. That was the goal behind holding a health research showcase in Thunder Bay recently.  St. Joseph's Care Group Director Dr. Michel Bedard says he was impressed with a HPV program for First Nation women.  Another program started in the region was a study on end of life care in remote First Nation communities.

Matawa teams up with Lake Nipigon

Two area First Nations are working together when it comes to the Ring of Fire. Matawa and Lake Nipigon Chiefs are forming a united front when it comes to mining and infrastructure issues. The First Nations feel the transmission line from Nipigon to Little Jackfish will be a key issue in the Ring of Fire process.

Walk for Memories Sunday

The InterCity Mall is going to bustle with activity on Sunday.  The Alzheimer Society is holding it's Walk for Memories today with over 200 people taking part.  A "memory lane" will be set up with over 450 names written in tribute to loved ones lost to the disease.  The walk gets underway at 10:30 this morning with closing ceremonies at 11:15.

LHIN funding for surgeries

Those waiting for surgery can breath a little easier thanks to the North West Local Health Integration Network. The LHIN is providing more than 275-thousand dollars in one-time funding for the regional joint replacement program. The money will provide 40-more hip and knee replacement surgeries in Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances. Wait times for these type of procedures are between 166 and 173 days, just below the Provincial target.

CWD study wraps up

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reflecting on its 2010 chronic wasting disease surveillance program. The MNR collected deer heads for testing of chronic wasting disease.  Wildlife Research Technician Tory Buchanan says the initiative was well received in Northwestern Ontario.  362 deer heads were tested in the Dryden, Kenora and Fort Frances Districts. All results came back negative.  Chronic wasting disease is a fatal disease affecting members of the deer family.