Official Plan dominates discussions at council

Council got an update on the Official Plan process at Monday night's meeting.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says he's been through this process a few times but this time is different because the city is growing and that provides different challenges.  Chamber President Harold Wilson spoke to council and says he believes council needs to look at bringing in more multi family housing complexes.  City Planning Manager Leslie McEachern says more public planning will be done soon.

Collision sends 2 kids to hospital

Two kids have suffered life threatening injuries after a 2 vehicle collision on Lakeshore Drive.  OPP says 2 others were taken to hospital in the collision that happened near Cedar Bay.  A car carrying 4 was hit by an SUV that had just the driver in it.  No word yet on charges.

Commission hearings hit City

Social issues are getting an airing by a travelling Commission on the public service in Ontario. Here in Thunder Bay there were several speakers at a hearing Monday, including Larry Brigham who spoke on poverty issues. Steve Mantis was also there to advocate for injured workers. Most of the local presenters were social activists in the community and are speaking at a time when the province is going to be considering cuts to public services.

Poor weather conditions close highways

The OPP say that Highway 11 between Longlac and Hearst is closed because of poor weather and road conditions.  Officers say Highway 17 between Terrace Bay and White River has reopened going west and predict the eastbound lane to open soon. 

Home invasion in Manitouwadge

OPP are dealing with a home invasion in Manitouwadge.  Two 20 something men are charged with various offences such as breaking and entering, robbery, assault with a weapon and use of a disguise.  The charges stem from a report that two men broke into a home where they accosted the owner with weapons.

Police release deceased name

17 year old Matthew Gibbons of Thunder Bay is now identified as the deceased in yesterday's accident near Kakabeka Falls.  OPP Constable Diana Cole says they're still looking into the cause of the crash. Gibbons van collided with a transport near Pineview Road just before five in the morning Sunday.

Parallax has plaza plans

Expect to see County Fair Plaza getting a facelift after a deal to sell the mall is finalized later this week. Stafford Lawson of Parallax Investments says his firm has a reputation for restoring the retail properties they purchase. He says they've fixed up a number of buildings in their history and that's what they intend to do with this one.  No purchase price has been mentioned for the 87 thousand square foot facility.

Smoke detector fine

A Melbourne Road homeowner is in trouble with the local fire department. The owners didn't have a working smoke alarm; they've been issued a ticket. The set fine is 235 dollars.

Sand Point First Nation

The federal government and a Northwestern Ontario First Nation will soon begin the process of opting out of some land-related sections of the Indian Act.  Treasury Board President Tony Clement says the move will give the First Nations greater control over their reserve land and resources.  Sand Point First Nation Chief Paul Gladu says his First Nation is pleased to be a new signatory to the agreement.  Gladu says it will assist the First Nation in establishing and  nurturing partnerships with industry, governments and municipalities.

St. Joe's meets fundraising goal

St. Joseph's Care group is going to revamp their hospice rooms thanks to donations from the community.  After nine months of fundraising 725-thousand dollars was raised.  The rooms will be modernized and make it easier for family to be close to their loved ones.

EcoSuperior gets cash

EcoSuperior is one of 11 groups that are sharing in 98-thousand dollars from Sobey's.  The local company will use it's share to create EcoKits.  Sobey's is donating 98-thousand dollars towards environmental programs.