No slots revenue talk between Mayor and OLG boss

The new president of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation would be open to listening to the City if it requested an increase in revenue from slot machines. Rod Phillips says it doesn't appear to be a priority though,  since it wasn't brought up by Mayor Hobbs or any other city official when he met with them on Thursday.  Phillips also doesn't see the casino expanding or providing regular entertainment in the foreseeable future.

NAN says no thanks to ed review

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is joining a growing movement by announcing it will not participate in a national education review process by the Harper government. Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says the national panel was established without input from First Nations in Canada.

Abitibi Bowater looks for cost reductions

AbitibiBowater is pledging more cost reductions at its Mills.  The company enjoyed a net profit of 61-million dollars in the last quarter.  However, CEO Richard Garneau says reducing costs remains a priority.  Garneau adds the company is still looking at 120-million dollars on capital improvements.

Council set to talk garbage trucks

City Council is considering purchasing four new garbage trucks. They'll vote Monday on an almost 900-thousand dollar bid by C.C. Poulin Equipment.

Holly Crescent residents to speak at council

Some residents of Holly Crescent are less than thrilled with construction work planned for their street.  The City is going to repave the road.  The residents would like their curbs and watermains repaired as well.  They'll bring their concerns up on Monday.

2 new fires reported in NW

The battle continues to bring wildfires under control across northwestern Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters are being helped by intermittent rain and slightly below-average temperatures this week. However, Information Officer Gabby Rivard says fires could begin to increase again when dry conditions return. There were 2-fires reported yesterday and 96-active fires currently burning in the Region.

Energy Provincial Election Issue

The McGuinty Government's renewable energy program is shaping up to be an election issue this fall.  Progressive Conservative Energy Critic John Yakabuski says if they're elected they'll scrap wind farm projects that don't have contracts in place.  The NDP feel the province took the wrong track by bringing in private companies.  Wind Concerns Ontario is hoping the next Premier will put an end to wind contracts.

1.8 million dollars for First Nation Business

FedNor minister Tony Clement says it's all about jobs and economic development for First Nation communities.  Clement made the statement in Thunder Bay after announcing almost 2 million dollars for small businesses in Northwestern Ontario. The money will be distributed through the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund.

Cyclist-car collision sends woman to hospital

A 23 year old woman is not seriously injured after she collided with a car while riding her bike at the corner of Cumberland and Park at 8:30 this morning. Police say she was conscious at the time paramedics took her away.

Bombardier reaches tentative deal

The strike at Bombardier could soon come to an end.  Union Spokesperson Dominique Pasqualino says a tentative deal has been reached between the company and the Canadian Auto Workers Union.  The deal still needs to be ratified by the 700 workers in Thunder Bay for the strike to end and Pasqualino hopes to have a vote by Saturday. 

Drunk driving may have led to serious car crash

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in a car crash that left one woman with serious injuries.  Police say a car blew through the intersection of Vickers and Donald Streets just after midnight and struck a van carrying 4 people.  A woman ended up being ejected from the van and was taken to hospital.