Traffic Mishap Sends 4 To Hospital

A two vehicle collision on the city's south side has sent 4 people to hospital. Police say the accident took place on James Street between Walsh and Mary before 3 o'clock this afternoon. It was between a min-van and a car. The condition of the accident victims is not known.

Pre-Budget Meetings Held

A series of pre-budget meetings are being held leading up to the unveiling of the 2013 fiscal document.  Today, Thunder Bay residents took part in a consultation session held in Sault Ste. Marie via video-conference.  You can submit your opinion to the Provincial Government by mail, email or fax.

Officer Charged In Off Duty Incident

An off duty Thunder Bay Police officer is facing a charge of assault in connection with what they say was an altercation with a 12 year old youth at the Neebing Arena last month.  Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says it was the Sudbury police that laid the charge against Constable Steven Oster after being requested to investigate by our police chief.  Oster is to appear in court March 19th. 

Fedeli Re-Introduces Forest Revitalization Act

Progressive Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli is hoping for all party support for his re-introduced forest industry act.  Fedeli says the proposed legislation would amend the Building Code to allow for wood frame buildings to be up to six stories high instead of the current four. The bill had passed two readings before it Parliament was put on hold by the Liberal Government.

Campbell Says North Is Alienated

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the provincial Throne Speech doesn't do anything to address northern alienation.  Campbell spoke recently in the Ontario Legislature, saying the speech really doesn't have anything specific to help this region.  Campbell is asking the government to form an all-party Northern Committee, rather than just a northern caucus made up of Liberal M.P.P.'s. 

Rafferty Calls Defection A Shock

The NDP is facing the embarrassment of an MP defecting to another party. Quebec MP Claude Patry is making the move to the Bloc Quebecois over the French language issue. Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says the NDP caucus gets along well so he believes Patry could have been lured by outside influences and it may be nothing more than the Bloc poaching an MP.  Rafferty says the move was a bit of a shock to him.

City Water Quality Excellent

Thunder Bay's water quality is getting good marks in the annual report card conducted by the City. The results were released earlier today and will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment.  Plant Superintendent for Bare Point Water Treatment Plant Don Kmill says our water quality is excellent.  The annual report details the test results from more than 2-thousand samples that are tested for potential contamination.

City Bus Courier A Possibility

The City is looking into using environmentally friendly courier service such as bikes, electric vehicles, and even public transit. Supply Management Manager Dan Munshaw says it's still in the early stages and it would be up to the businesses if they wanted to deliver packages via bus. Munshaw says they're asking for any businesses that are interested to contact them and pitch their ideas. The initiative is a way to help reduce the City's carbon footprint.

72 Year Old Man Passes Away After Collision

OPP say 72 year old James Gray is the man who died yesterday after his SUV collided with a west bound pick up truck on Highway 11/17.  The accident saw both vehicles sustain extensive damage and closed the highway near Mapleward Road for several hours.  The driver of the truck was also transported to the hospital with less serious injuries.

Lock It Or Lose It

Thunder Bay OPP are dealing with a rash of break, enter and thefts in Shuniah.  Sometime between February 24th and 25th someone broke into several unlocked vehicles near Fisherman's Point Road.  Items stolen from inside the vehicle’s included, cash, a bank card, sunglasses, cigarettes, and keys.  At one point, someone also tried to steal an idling vehicle; they reversed the vehicle and struck a rock at the end of the driveway.  Police say someone also broke into unoccupied cottages and stole a TV and booze.  OPP are reminding you to lock your vehicles.

Ivall Found Guilty Of Murder

The 2nd degree murder trial of Kenneth Ivall is over in Kenora...for now. Ivall was found guilty of 2nd degree murder in the death of Ed Wilson on March 21st 2009. Sentencing will not be handed down until June 14th. Defense Lawyer Chris Watkins says he has been advising Ivall to appeal a guilty verdict.

Energy Task Force Meets With OPA

The City's Energy Task Force is sitting down again today with the Ontario Power Authority and the Minister of Energy.  They continue to discuss the fate of the Mission Island Power Plant.  The meeting is taking place in Toronto.

Bluesfest Snags Big Names

Big musical acts are headed to the city for the upcoming Bluesfest.  Kim Mitchell, Great Big Sea, the Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos and Collective Soul are just some of names people will be able to enjoy at this year's annual event which organizer Trevor Hurtig admits has more rock acts.  The Blues Festival takes place July 5th, 6th and 7th at the Marina.