Council okays EMS Plan

The North of Superior EMS strategic plan is causing a lot of rift in the region.  Mayors and officials at a number of municipalities spoke to council last night to give their concerns about the potential of shifting EMS resources away from the district and into Thunder Bay.  Terrace Bay Mayor Mike King says his community just went through a tragic incident that shows how important EMS services are. In the end council voted in favour of the EMS Plan but agreed that no district changes would be made without public consultation.  The plan includes 2 new ambulances that will be funded over the next 3 years.

City Council approves the Master Fire Plan

The master fire plan is in the books.  Council voted in favour of the plan despite some questions about the future Brown Street Stations proximity to the train tracks.  Chief John Hay says they have a plan in place that will call a different truck if there is ever a delay.  Councillor Trevor Giertuga voted against the plan because he doesn't support the addition of new administration positions that come with a price tag of half a million dollars.

Open house attracts a crowd

There's definitely a lot of interest in Thunder Bay in the Ring of Fire chromite project. Hundreds of people attended the open house put on by Cliff's Natural Resources. For some like Donna and Myron Yurkew, it was curiosity about the project that brought them to the event.    For others like Chris Michaels it was a chance to see what business opportunities are available for local supply companies. The open house is part of the Environmental Assessment process.

Police officer pleads not guilty

The trial of a city police officer is underway.  43 year old Constable Toni Grann has pleaded not guilty in a Thunder Bay courtroom to 11 counts of Breach of Trust. The prosecution withdrew one of the original 12 counts before the trial began. Police say the charges involve falsified local records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry. The trial is expected to go on the rest of this week and possibly into next.

Kanate to be sentenced next month

A sentence will be handed down next month in connection with the 2009 stabbing death of 25 year old Keegan Williams.   20 year old Patrick Kanate of Thunder Bay  has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the case.  As part of the proceedings Keegan's mother Ida Williams gave a victim impact statement talking of the depression she has undergone since her son's death.   When given a chance to speak Kanate told the mother..."I'm sorry for everything I've done...sorry for making your life miserable."   Sentencing takes place December 5th.

Police are investigating a 3 vehicle collision

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a 3 vehicle collision on Balmoral Street.  Staff Sergeant Frank Early says a transport truck lost control after colliding with a car then hit a pickup truck.  He says the jaws of life were needed to remove a man from the pick up and was taken to hospital along with two elderly occupants in the car.  Early says its still too early to say who is to blame and if charges are pending.

Toni Grann trial underway

The trial of a City police officer is underway. 43 year old Toni Grann has pleaded not guilty in a Thunder Bay courtroom to 11 counts of breach of trust. The prosecution withdrew one of the original 12 charges before the trial began. Police say the charges against Grann involve falsified local records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry

Police investigate assault

Police are investigating a couple of incidents at the Hudson Apartment buildings Saturday.  A party broke up in the building and an hour later police found an unconscious man bleeding in the hallway.  Constable Julie Tilbury adds police located a second man in the stairwell that they believe was assaulted.  A 19 year old man is charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Giving Tree Campaign Launched

Dilico Family Care, the Children's Aid Society and Zellers have teamed up to brighten Christmas for kids in need.  The three have launched their Spirit of Giving Tree campaign.  Customers are encouraged to pick an ornament off the tree with the age and gender of a child in need and then purchase an age appropriate gift for that child.  Dilico's Carmela Magbanua says all three Zeller's stores are taking part in the campaign that runs until December 21st.

First case of flu

Influenza is in our community. The Health Unit has confirmed it's first case of flu in the district this season. Medical Officer Dr. David Williams says it's a good reminder to the public that they need to get a flu shot. Health Unit flu clinics take place weekly on Mondays and Tuesdays through to December 20th.

Coroner's Office concludes investigation

The investigation into the death of a 4 year old girl at Fort William Historical Park is over. Regional Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson says they're keeping the results private and are sharing it with the family and the park only. Willow Scott Hannam died while on a school field trip to Fort William Historical Park in the spring of 2010.

Fire Plan coming up at Council

Council will get a second look at the Master Fire Plan at tonight's meeting.  Chief John Hay says he hopes City Council will accept the 5 year plan and says it will provide them with a good baseline for strategic planning moving forward.  Administration is recommending Council approve the plan.

Cliffs Open House

Cliff's Natural Resources is holding an open house for Thunder Bay residents tonight. The company is offering up information on its Ring of Fire chromite project.  The open house is on from 4 until 8 tonight at the Valhalla Inn.

New Website highlights Great Lakes Shipping

Thunder Bay's Port is getting some more exposure thanks to a new website.  The Chamber of Marine Commerce spokesperson Julia Fields says they have launched the site to highlight the importance of each port including Thunder Bay's. Fields says the website will be available in both the US and Canada.