Grow Me Instead Guide Launched

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is teaming up with the Invasive Plant Council to make sure you plant only native plants in your flower beds and gardens. Spokesperson Hailey Powell says they've launched the "Grow Me Instead" guide that tells people what's native to the area and what's an invasive species. The guides can be found at most local Greenhouses.

"Dynamic Hiring Climate" Predicted

There's good news for job seekers in Thunder Bay.   Manpower's quarterly survey shows that 40 per cent of employers surveyed planned to hire for the upcoming three months and none of them expect to lay off anyone.  The employment services company says another 60 per cent plan to at the least maintain their staff

Province Creates New Energy Incentive Program

The Provincial Government is offering a new industrial electricity program. Minister of Natural Resources Michael Gravelle hopes the incentives will help spur industrial growth in the Northwest.

The cheaper electricity rates will be provided to existing companies who are expanding or new ones that are willing to relocate to Ontario.

CAS Boss Happy With Adoption Subsidy

The head of the local Children's Aid Society is applauding a provincial move to pay eligible parents 950 dollars a month if they adopt children 10 years of age or older. Rob Richardson says it's a shot in the arm for the Society and for those kids whose families don't tend to adopt. The McGuinty government is hoping the cash incentive will boost the adoption rate for these older children.

Vacancy Rate Dips

Renting an apartment in the city is becoming more and more difficult. Canada Mortgage and Housing says there are less than 2 apartments for rent for every 100 people in Thunder Bay. That's down slightly compared to the same time last year. Thunder Bay boasts the 4th lowest available vacancy rate among major centres in Ontario.

Water Restrictions Lifted

Feel free to wash your dishes, flush the toilet, and do some laundry.  The City has lifted the volunteer water restrictions.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says even though the restrictions are lifted they still want you to use common sense.  The City made the announcement this morning.

Emergency Operations News Conference June 12, 2012 10 AM

Video streaming by Ustream

Young Man Faces 7 Charges

City police have a young man in custody following a pair of motor vehicle collisions near Wendy's restaurant on Red River Road. Police say the accused allegedly took-off from the parking lot after the initial collision and then hit a vehicle head-on at the corner of Junot and Walkover. The female driver of the head-on collision and a female passenger inside the young man's vehicle were both taken to hospital with minor injuries. The youth will appear in court facing 7 charges including impaired driving causing bodily harm, impaired driving, failing to stop at the scene and dangerous driving causing bodily harm. 

Forest Fire Update

Widespread thunder storms and heavy down pours have put a damper on the forest fire hazard across northwestern Ontario. The Fire hazard is now considered "Low" across the Northwest region. A number of fires were called "Out" in the last two days. There are now 15 active fires in the region. No problems are anticipated with any of these fires. All fires have had rainfall in the last 24 hours and are only creeping and smouldering on the forest floor.

Cats Back On Track

The Thunder Bay Border Cats got back on track last night at Subway field. They crushed St. Cloud 10-5. The Cats are now 5 and 1 on home field and 5-and-8 in the first half. The 2 game series concludes tonight.