Tai Chi Park Grand Opening Friday

Thunder Bay is working on cementing it's reputation as the Tai Chi City in China.  The Tai Chi park and moon gate will be unveiled this Friday and Organizer Brian Nieminen says they'll welcome a wide range of delegates.  The park includes a 60' diameter pad for Tai Chi and a large Moongate that frames a view of the Sleeping Giant.

Advance Polls start Wednesday

You can now cast your ballot for the 2011 Provincial election.  Thunder Bay Superior North Returning Officer Peter Doig says advance poll locations open at 10 today.  If you live in the Superior North riding you can vote at the returning office or at the County Fair Mall.  In the Thunder Bay-Atikokan Riding you can vote at the Slovak Legion, and at the Redwood Returning Office.  Advance polls are running for 10 days.

Greenstone makes it's case for a smelter

The community of Greenstone feels it now has a leg up in attracting a Ring of Fire refinery. Consultant George Smitherman says his study shows that the town of Exton should be the top choice for Cliffs Natural Resources when it makes a decision on a smelter location. He says at the heart of the Exton's strength is its proximity to the mine site and its relations with First Nations. Cliffs hopes to make a decision by the end of the year.

Police lead the province in alcohol related arrests

Thunder Bay Police are leading the province in a very dubious category.  According to the 2010 annual report officers made more alcohol related arrests per capita than anywhere else in Ontario.  Chief JP Levesque says it's a social problem and is keeping officers from focusing on crime prevention and enforcement.   He says adding more detox beds would go a long way to relieve some of the pressure on police.

Feedback invited on urban forestry

The city is looking for your input on a new management plan for our urban forest.   A pubic session is taking place tonight at Thunder Bay's 55 Plus Centre.  The public meeting takes place between 7 and 9 pm.  That feedback will be used by a consulting group when it draws up a final report to council next month.

Bell Tower decision put off until another meeting

Bell Canada has yet to set a date for another public consultation session on a proposed cell phone tower on John Street Road. The company is also considering lowering it's proposed tower on John Street. Spokesperson Matt Milligan says it's not an ideal situation but they're listening to the neighbourhood's issue with their tower's height. Milligan notes it will mean less coverage for the residents in the area. City Council is holding off on sending a letter to Industry Canada until Bell holds a second neighbourhood meeting.