City Council looking to tackle road deficits

Council accepted a recommendation from administration calling for an increase in property taxes to fix our roads.  The recommendation would increase taxes by an average 2.88 percent over the next 3 years.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says its time to take our roads seriously and council needs to be aggressive and show some courage and vision to make Thunder Bay a city that our kids can be proud of.  An amendment to cap the tax increase at 2.5 percent was defeated 6-5. 

DSSAB looking at a big budget increase

The District Social Services Administration Board is facing a 6 percent budget increase this year.  CAO Melissa Harrison says DSSAB will leverage the money from the property tax payers but that will be reimbursed through the province.  This years DSSAB budget is pegged at just under 20 million dollars. 

Clean Green and Beautiful awards handed out.

City Council celebrated some of the best and brightest buildings in the city last night. The New Mary J L Black Library earned a Diamond Award, with Gold Awards going to Isabella Retirement Living and the McIntyre Building at Confederation college. The committee chose the  buildings that best enrich the life of the community through art beautification, heritage and environmental greening.

City lays charges after alleged dog attack

Charges are being laid against the owner of a dog that allegedly killed a small puppy in Current River last week.  Manager of Licensing and Enforcement Ron Bourret says a restraining order has been laid against the owner of the dog and charges for letting the dog run at large.

Police lay charges in connection to weekend fire

Thunder Bay police are charging a 45 year old man with arson in connections to last night's fire on Robertson Street.  Officials say a 69 year old man is in the ICU in critical condition after being found in the home by fire crews. 

Schools have new ski equipment

High School students in Thunder Bay now have access to cross country skiing equipment. It's thanks to Chris Serratore  and the Big Thunder Nordic Ski Club who applied for a 22 thousand dollars government grant to pay for the skis, boots and poles. There's enough equipment purchased to outfit 40 students.

Another waterfront addition

The metal beacons that will decorate Prince Arthur's Landing on the waterfront are now being put in place.  The beacons are towers which have L-E-D lighting installed along with an audio system which, among other things, will provide a bit of Thunder Bay history to those who visit the piers where they're to be located.

Local Fashionista posts new video for BBM Challenge

A local student has posted her latest fashion video for Blackberry's BBM Challenge.  Alex Kruse says she's hoping for more support from the community so she can put Thunder Bay on the fashion map.  The winner will be picked by Whitney Port and Blackberry but every vote helps.  Click here, to see her video and vote for her in the BBM Challenge.

Missing teen now found

A missing teenager is now back with his guardian. 14 year old Cole Yapput had been reported missing over the weekend, but city police say he turned up safe and sound on Sunday.

Making our streets look better

The City is giving you the chance to have a say on the future design of our main drags. A consulting firm has made several proposals to improve the look of streets like Red River Road, Edward and May. Spokesperson Jessica Hawes says there are a variety of recommendations they have come up with including tree planting and landscaping. They are also looking at some streets with a view to how they can function better. The open house is taking place at the Community Auditorium starting at 4:30 Tuesday.

Calendar Parking in effect

Calendar Parking is back in effect in the City.  Hopsital, school zones, transit routes and downtown cores will be off limits for parking from 2 am until 7am.  Certain streets subject to calandar parking will be off limits from 9am until five pm as well.  The restrictions are necessary to allow for quick and effective winter road maintenance.

Red Cross helping Attawapiskat

Attawapiskat is getting some help from the Canadian Red Cross. The Red Cross says it's working closely with public authorities and the community to identify and address urgent, short-term needs. Red Cross spokesman John Saunders says some of the needs currently identified include generators, heaters, insulated sleeping mats, blankets and winter clothing.

Global Sticks President in City

The President of Global Sticks says they hope to reopen the Oliver Paipoonge plant in two weeks time.  Reggie Nukovic is in the City this week meeting with bank officials looking for over a million dollars in loans.  Nukovic says they're implementing a restructuring plan this week.

Macs Robbery Sunday

Thunder Bay Police are investigating yet another robbery at a local Mac's Mart. This time around it was the North Edward Street store that was held up for cash yesterday around seven pm. Police say one young man entered the store with a knife while another kept watch outside. The two youths will be in bail court this morning.