Conversion Suspended

Ontario Power Generation is suspending the conversion of its coal powered generation station on Mission Island to natural gas. OPG spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says its because they aren't sure if the Ontario Power Authority wants to continue in the original direction. Gruetzner can't say how long the conversion process will be on hold.

No Secrets Here

A long time Thunder Bay city councillor and former mayor, says his colleagues don't spend anymore time meeting in secret than they have to. Many city councils in the province have come under criticism for holding too many closed door meetings but Ken Boshcoff says that's not the case here. Boshcoff says past councils may not have been able to get away with some of their closed door meetings had they been following today's rules.

Almost 600 Claims To Process

Now the real work begins for the city's disaster relief team. Program manager Kari Chiapetta says they've received about 600 claims from those affected by the May 28th storm, and now she'll be going over them with a fine toothed comb  Chiapetta doesn't foresee the process taking longer than three months.

Great Pumpkin Compost Collection

The Great Pumpkin Compost Collection is announcing it's return from November 1st to 12th. EcoSuperior invites you to bring your old pumpkins to one of the three composting sites. Spokesperson Jason Sherband says the pumpkins go through an eco-friendly process once they are disposed.

Firm Contributes Big To Youth Centre

A Thunder Bay based company is taking the leading role in helping to open a new youth centre in Victoriaville Mall. Centre organizer Pierre Mapeso says without the Wasaya Group there likely might not be a pilot project because the company has covered the centre's 18 month lease contributed to purchasing furniture items. The youth centre is expected to open next month. City taxdollars are also contributing to the centre to the tune of 120 thousand dollars.

New Mining Act Now The Law

Ontario's phase two Mining Act changes officially go into effect today. Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Rick Bartolucci tells our newsroom,  the biggest changes will be to the communication level between First Nation communities, mining companies and the government. Bartolucci says the government has brought a 100 year old piece of legislation into the 21st century.  The Nishnawbe Aski Nation declined our request for an interview on the Mining Act.

Wawa Still Recovering

Wawa will likely continue its State of Emergency until at least tomorrow.  Mayor Linda Nowicky says 68 members of a nearby First Nation community have started to head home and all of them should leave Wawa by the end of today.  Nowicky also says travellers can expect delays as they approach on the Trans-Canada. Nowicky says the Trans-Canada should be full re-paved by tomorrow.

Mayor Shaves It Off For Movember

November is here as so is the move to create awareness of prostate cancer in men. This morning the mayor and several others publicly had their faces shaved at City Hall for Movember. Local organizer Phil Junnila says it's all in the name of awareness.  Junnila says every year Movember becomes more popular in Thunder Bay.

Shed Destroyed By Overnight Fire

Thunder Bay Firefighters are treating a shed fire as suspicious. Crews responded to the 3-hundred block of Talbot Street just after 2:00 o'clock this morning to find a shed fully engulfed by fire. It was completely destroyed. No injuries are reported. Meanwhile crews continue to monitor a pellet fire in a bin at Canada Malting that started on Tuesday. Crews there continue to put out remnants of the fire while trying to empty the bin.

Pair Of Locals Cleared In Italian Mafia Case

A couple of Thunder Bay men are relieved now that a magistrate in Italy has essentially cleared them of being a part of the Mafia. Lawyer Chris Watkins, who represents Vito and Rocco Minella, says there is only one word that can describe it...vindication. Watkins says the courts found there was no evidence against them to proceed.

NAPS Makes Two Liquor Raids At Airport

Three people are charged with keeping liquor for sale without a licence or permit after Nishnawbe-Aski Police made a couple raids at the Kashchewan airport this week. NAPS intercepted two large shipments on October 26th and 29th, seizing a total of 124 liquor bottles worth nearly $25,000 on the street. All three people arrested are to appear in court in January.