Rae Confirmed As ROF Negotiator

It's now official.   Former Ontario Premier Bob Rae  is  the chief negotiator for the Matawa First Nations in Ring of Fire negotiations with the province.  Rae is expected to tour all nine  of the regional First Nations communities in the next few months.

Inquest One Step Closer

A coroners inquest into the tragic deaths of 7 First Nations teens in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality.  The regional coroner has now set the date for a hearing on who will have the legal right to take part in the inquest proceedings.   That hearing takes place at the Red River Road government building starting June 11th.

Minor Injuries In Morning Mishap

Morning accident victim

Three people are recovering from injuries sustained following a 3 vehicle mishap on the city's north side.   Two people were taken to hospital following the collision at Cumberland and River just before 8:30 this morning.  Police say the injuries are minor.  One person was treated at the scene. The 40 year old driver of one of the vehicles is charged with careless driving.

Serious Injury In Hilldale Rd. Crash

City police say  two motorcycles crashed on Hilldale Road last night at around 10:15 and sent two men in their 20's  to hospital. The driver of one of the motorcycles suffered a serious injury and remains in hospital. The other man was treated for minor injuries.  

Mayor's "Cesspool" Comment Disputed

The head of city's Heritage Advisory Committee doesn't agree with the mayor's comments that the Royal Edward Arms is a cesspool.   Andrew Cotter believes the May Street building is worth keeping after its social housing lease expires. He admits he hasn't seen the inside of the May Street building but doesn't believe "cesspool" is an accurate description.  The mayor says it would take 10 million dollars to make renovations to the building

Evacuees Head Home

Kashechewan First Nation evacuees are returning home today.  They've been in Thunder Bay for over a week and flights will be scheduled throughout the day to transfer the remaining 150 evacuees.  The City notes they still are on alert as a host community for other evacuations should the need arise.

Johnson To Bring Up REA At Council

Word the Royal Edward Arms will no longer be a social service board run housing unit is making the rounds of City Council. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she's going to ask City staff on Monday about the DSSAB's decision to not renew their lease for the rental unit. Johnson notes its a balancing act saying they need affordable housing in the City but it should be in better condition than the Royal Edward Arms.

Campbell Cautious About ELA Deal

Kenora-Rainy-River MPP Sarah Campbell isn't convinced with the latest announcement about the Experimental Lakes Area. Sarah Campbell says the Memorandum of Understanding really only means that negotiations will continue. Campbell adds she doesn't know why the government hasn't made any financial commitments or time frames during the 7 months of negotiations.

Missing Teen Found

Thunder Bay Police are reporting they've found the 15 year old boy who was reported missing earlier this week. Police say he has been returned to his parents.

Ash Tree Owners Being Warned

City Hall is trying to educate homeowners with ash trees about a dangerous insect.  City Forester Shelley Vescio says there will be an information session this weekend to warn residents about what could happen with the potential arrival of the emerald ash borer.  The session takes place at 1 o'clock Saturday in the Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur's Landing.