Medical Student Reception

Around 100 medical students and health professionals are expected at a special reception next Friday at the Superior North EMS Station.  Organizer Cheryl Armstrong says they like to change the location of the reception every year to highlight new health care facilities.  The reception will run from 12 until 2 at the Superior North EMS Headquarters.

Stuff A Cruiser This Weekend

The OPP, City Police, Nishnawbe Aski and Anishinabek Police forces are partnering this weekend to offer the City's first ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ event.  Police vehicles will be parked at the Real Canadian Superstore, Safeway on Arthur Street, and all Metro Stores.  Officers will be collecting canned food for the Regional Food Distribution Association.  The event will run from ten until 4 Saturday. 

Two Local Charities Get Money

On the charity front in the city.  The local United Steel Workers Union gave 2-thousand dollars to Shelter House on Thursday to help fight child poverty.  Meanwhile, City employees donated over 252-thousand dollars to the United Way's annual fundraising campaign.

HAGI President Fears Council Decision

HAGI Transit President Cal Rankin is worried council is going to decide to takeover their handi transit service.  At Monday night's meeting staff are recommending the City not renew it's contract with HAGI Transit when it expires next December and bring the service in house.  Rankin says if council goes forward with the recommendation it could mean less service for his clients.  Rankin feels the city's proposal will make it harder for people to gain access to ride handi transit buses.

Longer Operating Hours At Marina Park?

A report on keeping Marina Park open past the 11 o'clock curfew is coming before Council in the New Year.  Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says it makes sense to allow people into the waterfront area past 11 because of the new restaurant Bight which is open well past the park's closing.  Councillors will consider the recommendation at its January 14th meeting. 

HAGI Transit Contract Is Up For Discussion

Council is going to decide Monday night whether or not to bring handi-transit services under the umbrella of City Transit. Staff are recommending the City not renew it's contract with HAGI Transit when it expires next December. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says if council approves the move they would take over in 2014. The Amalgamated Transit Union President and the HAGI Transit President are expected to speak about the issue as well at Monday night's meeting.

Dog Attack Case Back In Court

Frank Vantroba

The man who is charged in connection with a dog attack in Tarbutt Park last month is looking for a lawyer. 57 year old Frank Vantroba appeared in court this morning and will be back again on December 20th.  Vantroba is charged with criminal negligence in the incident in addition to charges laid by the city's Licencing and Enforcement division.   The attack seriously hurt an 11 year old boy. 

Firefighters Save Deer From Kam River

A text from a student riding the bus across the James Street Swing Bridge this morning helped to save the life of a deer.  That text to his parents alerted the Fire Department of a deer that fell through the ice on the Kam River.  Platoon Chief Joe Grzelewski says they put a rope around the deer and pulled it to safety. He adds the deer was pretty tired from treading water and holding onto the edge of the ice.  Grzelewski adds the deer was alive when they released it and stands a better chance of survival now that its out of the water.

T.Bay Mining Company Talks Graphite

A local mining company is showcasing it's graphite deposit to Thunder Bay investors tonight. The Albany deposit is located near Hearst and is pretty rare according to Spokesperson Sandra Lombardo. Graphite is used in the production of smart cars, cell phones, and a number of other items. The mining company is in the early stages of exploring their Albany property.

City Vacancy Rate Very Low

Thunder Bay has the dubious distinction of having the second lowest apartment vacancy rate in the country.Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation pegs the vacancy rate in the city in October at 1.1 per cent.  It's a statistic that concerns Saku Pinta of the Lakehead Social Planning Council. He says it means low income people in the city will be feeling the pressure since they are already struggling to find affordable housing and low rates will help to push rents much higher. 

They're back

It's back to the classroom today for 500 public school elementary teachers in Thunder Bay after their one day strike yesterday.  They were trying to bring attention to their concerns over government legislation they feel is taking away their collective bargaining rights.  There's no word on whether there will be another strike before the Christmas break or not.

Man Hurt In Hilldale Accident

A 51 year old man is in critical but stable condition in hospital this morning after being involved in a single vehicle accident on Hilldale Road yesterday afternoon.  Police say just before 5 o'clock the man's vehicle went off the road and crashed into the ditch.  They say that the man's medical condition may have played a role in the mishap.