New OLG Deal

The City is celebrating a new contract with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.  The OLG had planned to enforce a new deal that would result in a loss of 78 thousand dollars but a new agreement will slightly increase the City's share of slot machine revenue.  The new deal comes into effect April 1st, 2013.

City Buys New Fire Truck

The city is buying a new fire truck.  Council decided to spend just over 583-thousand dollars for a new pumper rescue truck from Carrier Fire and Safety.  The expenditure was approved at Monday night's council meeting.

Council Needs More Info

Councillor Joe Virdiramo isn't comfortable with a homeowner's request to build another house on their property.  The owners of a home on West Riverdale Road want to have another house for their family member that needs extra care.  Staff are in favour of allowing the move.  Council has asked for more information before they can make a decision.

Oliver Road School Rehab Site

City Council is giving the green light to the Crossroads Rehab facility to move into the old Oliver Road School.  The drug and alcohol program is currently offered out of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital and Spokesperson Kathy Sanderson says they haven't had any major trouble in the past.  Sanderson reiterated to Council they do not allow any form of drugs or alcohol on their property and wouldn't be bringing drugs into the neighbourhood.

Gravelle Goes Public With Cancer Diagnosis

Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says he is confident he can beat it.  Gravelle made a personal announcement today saying he has been diagnosed with cancer.  He says he has a treatable form of Lymphoma and the prognosis for a full recovery is good.    The Minister of Natural Resources says despite his cancer and future chemotherapy, he is staying on as a Member of Provincial Parliament and as a Minister.  Gravelle's full statement is below

 
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Bombardier Layoffs

Temporary layoffs have hit the local Bombardier Plant.  A parts shortage is resulting in one week of down time for around 70 employees this week.  Union Spokesperson Dominic Pasqualino says another 40 to 50 people will be laid off starting next week.  Pasqualino says workers should be back on the job before Christmas.

NAN Upset With Health Canada

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with Health Canada's decision to allow manufacturers to create generic, less expensive OxyContin. NAN feels the move is a blow to northern First Nations who are currently fighting a drug epidemic.  Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is urging the Health Minster to delay the decision until more research is done.

Police Get Their Man

The OPP say they have now captured the man they were looking for last week in Lappe. They say the suspect was taken into custody yesterday after a cab driver reported that a fare he had taken to an address in Shuniah township refused to pay. Police responded to the complaint and a 23 year old man was arrested peacefully.

By-Law Enforcer Eyes Dog Mauling Case

The dog at the centre of a child mauling incident remains in the care of its owner. The city's Ron Bourret says while the police are charging the man with a criminal offence, the possibility remains he may still have to face charges by the city.  Bourret says it's possible the dog may be euthanized, but it's too early to make such a determination yet.

No Outdoor Skating Yet

Thunder Bay's warm weather is putting a kink in the city's plan to open the skating rink at Prince Arthur's Landing. The rink opening is being postponed until later this week. The ice is still not ready for use as the edges are not fully frozen. Staff will re-evaluate the situation Friday morning when temperatures are forecasted to be cooler.

Hobbs Backs Murray For Liberal Leader

Mayor Keith Hobbs is endorsing Glen Murray for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. Hobbs calls Murray a visionary for the ideas he has laid out for northern Ontario. Hobbs is especially impressed with Murray's idea of a regional government for the north. He says the south doesn't understand the north and sites the example of the Mission Island generating station and the "mess with" the Ontario Power Authority that proves we need people from the north governing the north. Hobbs is one of four northwestern Ontario mayors backing Murray, the others are: Dave Canfield of Kenora, Rick Dumas of Marathon and Dennis Brown of Atikokan.

Police Make arrest In Dog Attack Investigation

City police say they have made an arrest in connection with a weekend dog attack on an 11 year old boy. Police say a man who appeared to be the owner of the dog did not remain at the scene. More details are expected to be released later today. The attack occurred just before 4:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Tarbutt Park when the boy entered the hockey rink not realising there was a large dog and five smaller dogs behind the boards. A man reportedly left the scene without offering any assistance to the boy, who will require reconstructive surgery.

O.P.P. Re-open Highway 588

Highway 588 in Kakabeka Falls is back open to motorists today after Ontario Provincial Police had to close it early yesterday morning. A two vehicle collision occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. near MacLean's Road. Police can't confirm a report that two people were sent to hospital with serious injuries. Police have not said if charges are pending.

Women's Volleyball Defeats Ryerson

Sarah Reid, Vanessa Chorkawy and Jorie Daymond led the offence for Lakehead University's women's volleyball team as they beat Ryerson 3 sets to 1 yesterday at home. The trio of attackers has 12 and 11 kills respectively as L.U. improved to 2-4 in the regular season despite having some of the province's best team and indivudual statistics. The team is off to London next weekend to take on the Western Mustangs.

Possible Re-Hab Facility Draws Opposition

There's potential controversy brewing as city administrators say the old Oliver Road School is being considered as a possible site for a drug rehab facility. City Administration is telling councillors that the request is appropriate, but that there is strong opposition from residents in the area who are concerned about public safety. Also at City Hall tonight councillors will be asked to approve the purchase of a new fire truck at a cost of almost 600 thousand dollars.