Rooming House Owner Pays Fine

A Thunder Bay rooming house owner is paying 8-thousand dollars in fines after pleading guilty recently to fire code charges.  Fire Prevention Captain Eric Nordlund says the charges involve failing to keep records of tests, inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers and other equipment.  Nordlund says this isn't the first time the rooming house owner has been charged under the fire code.

Port Authority Sees Strong Finish To Shipping Season

It appears the end of the Wheat Board is not having any negative effect on the Port of Thunder Bay.  CEO Tim Heney says while November wasn't the best month this season, the strong start of this month is proving anything can happen now that the marketing monopoly is no more.

City Looking For New Designs

The City is looking for a new design for their pin. On top of that they would also like to have a promotional graphic they can put on a variety of items. Spokesperson Reana Mussato says they are looking for someone from Northwestern Ontario to design the two items. The new designs will not replace the City's official logo. The deadline to submit your design ideas is in January.

DSSAB Budget Up For Debate Thursday

Thunder Bay's District Social Services Board will table it's 78 million dollar budget Thursday. CAO Bill Bradica says it's a 2.7 percent decrease over last year's fiscal document and hopes the budget passes. Thunder Bay's share of the DSSAB budget is seventy four percent or just over 17.9 million dollars.

Murder Rate Goes Down

Thunder Bay's murder rate has gone down.  According to Statistics Canada data, the City saw just over 3 murders per 100-thousand people last year.  We are fourth in the Country for highest amount of murders per capita.

Lawyer Blasts Consultants Report

A Thunder Bay lawyer who is heading up a class action suit against the city over the May 28th flooding, is disputing the findings of the consultants report on the disaster.  Sandy Zaitzeff believes that contrary to what the consultant says,  the flooded Atlantic Avenue treatment plant's screening process should have been able to handle the overwhelming amount of rainwater that came through  that morning.   Zaitzeff says it certainly looks like an attempt at a white-wash.  The accusations have not been proven in court.  

More Cancer Care For Aboriginals

Aboriginals who are getting care through the regional cancer centre are going to get some added help.  Cancer Care Northwest Vice President Dr.  Mark Henderson says it will come in the form of two new positions at the facility.   He says the process will involve prevention and guiding those with cancer through the system.

Truth & Reconciliation Hearing

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is meeting face to face with Thunder Bay residents over the next two days.  Survivors and First Nation community members are sharing their stories and experiences with the residential school system. Commissioner Murray Sinclair says residential schools have created problems for both the First Nation and non aboriginal communities.  The hearing will wrap up tomorrow at 5 at the DaVinci Centre.

Giving Back

Thunder Bay Transit, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 966 and the Thunder Bay Food Bank are teaming up for the 18th annual Santa Bus food drive. Starting today and until December 14th, you are invited to drop off dry goods for the food bank on any city bus at any time. The Santa Bus will also be available for donations at the Fort William Road Wal-mart on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and again on Friday December 14th from 5 in the afternoon until 10 at night. Still on the charity beat the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Foundation has its Grand Christmas Tree up in the lobby of the Health Sciences Centre. Donations are being accepted to benefit the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Lakehead University To Host Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate

Candidates vying for the Leadership role for Ontario's Liberals will be in Thunder Bay this weekend. A time and place has now been set for the Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate. Lakehead University will be the host venue for the debate on Sunday, December 9th starting at 1:00 o'clock.

Highway 17 Re-opened This Morning

A large section of the Trans-Canada Highway is back open this morning after O.P.P. were forced to close it overnight due to poor weather and icy road conditions. Provincial Police say Highway 17 from the Manitoba Border to Vermillion Bay was shut down overnight because of dangerous driving conditions thanks to a weather system that is making its way across the region.