Gravelle Says Its A Tight Race

Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle thinks its going to be a tight race between his choice for Liberal Leader Sandra Pupatello and former Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.  The final vote for the leader of the Provincial Liberals comes down the weekend of January 25th.  Gravelle is pleased the majority of Thunder Bay Superior North delegates selected Sandra Pupatello in the first round of voting last weekend.

Bell Changes Tower Plans

A planned cell phone tower for 1360 John Street Road is now being proposed for 1376 Louis Street instead.  City planner Thora Cartlidge says Bell Mobility has changed its plans and city council will get a full update Monday.  She says that instead of holding a second meeting with John Street residents Bell opted to locate the tower in another nearby location. That too is expected to involve a public meeting.

Bus Shelters To See Improvements

Bus shelters in Thunder Bay are about to get some fixing up.   The federal government is granting the city 250 thousand dollars to make those improvements.   The shelters which will be targeted  are those that are the most frequently used and those that have been identified for infrastructure improvements. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says it's part of Transit's Master Plan.

Charges Laid In Villa Street Incident

Police are charging a 21 year old man with aggravated assault in the Villa Street incident last month.  An incident at the Villa Street home lead to the death of one man and sent a second to the hospital with life threatening injuries.  The young man was arrested at the Provincial Courthouse after being released on Breach of Probation charges from a previous incident.   The 23 year old victim of the assault remains in critical condition in a Toronto area hospital.

Meeting Held, No Immediate Solution

Hobbs, Bentley, Angus

The City's Energy Task Force is vowing to continue to work with the Provincial Government and the Ontario Power Authority when it comes to the conversion of the Mission Island Power plant. No decision has been made on the possible closure of the local facility.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's hopeful after today's meeting with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  Both the Energy Minister and the Mayor have said they'll continue to talk about the future of the facility and what role it will play in the region's energy needs.

Bus Shelters In Line For Improvements

Bus shelters in Thunder Bay are about to get some fixing up.   The federal government is granting the city 250 thousand dollars to make those improvements.   The shelters which will be targeted  are those that are the most frequently used and those that have been identified for infrastructure improvements.

Flu VS. Common Cold

Influenza "A" is running rampant in the the city and is being blamed for 7 deaths already in seniors homes.   Darlene Binette with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit says there are differences between a common cold and actually having having the flu. The most common differences between the common cold and the flu are the sudden on-set of symptoms which include high fever, muscle and joint pain along with a cough. Binette says if you have the flu, you should wait until you're healthier to get a flu shot. Otherwise she's encouraging everyone to get immunized through your local doctor, pharmacy or flu clinic.

Many Engines Dead

The cold weather today is wreaking havoc on engines. C.A.A. Field Coordinator Wayne Salatino says they are seeing an increase in the number of emergency calls to their office today.   Salatino says they could get up to 150 calls for emergency service today alone which is 3 times the number of calls received on an average day.  CAA has a couple of tips for motorists who want to avoid getting a boost. Make sure your vehicle is tuned-up, plugged in overnight and that the battery is relatively new.

Severe Cold Deadly To Animals

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is reminding pet owners they need to take care of their animals during these severe cold temperatures.  Executive Director Maryanne Klynendorst says outdoor dogs should either be brought inside or proper draft free shelter should be provided to them.  It's also a good idea to beep your vehicle's horn before starting it since cats often curl up under vehicle hoods to stay warm.  Klynendorst says if you are worried about an animal please call the City's animal services and if the animal is in the outlying rural areas call the Humane Society and they will take care of them.

OPG Conversion Meeting Today

The future of the Mission Island power plant is up for discussion in Thunder Bay today as Energy Minister Chris Bentley meets with municipal officials in the region.   The conversion of the plant from coal to natural gas is on hold as the government studies claims that shutting the plant down could save 400 million dollars.

Health Unit Board Elections

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is updating its board.  Board elections were held yesterday during their annual meeting.  Shunia Mayor Mariah Harding was re-elected as Chair, and Thunder Bay's Beatrice Metzler was elected as Vice Chair.