Council Doesn't Meet Small Business Needs: Survey

The latest survey from Thunder Bay Ventures should be a concern to city councillors.    Manager Royden Potvin says the study indicates the city should pay attention to the needs of small business and that city council has an image problem. The survey indicates council is not meeting the needs of business. On a positive note half the  businesses questioned expect to hire more employees in the next year and that overall, there are more positive responses to questions this year than in some previous years.  

Greenstone Budget Finalized

Greenstone is finalizing its 2013 budget.  There won't be an increase in the total taxes raised from 2012 to this year.  Officials say it was hard to keep the taxes down with the increased costs in utilities, policing, & water and sewer.

Shuniah Looking Into Merger

Shuniah Town Council is getting their staff to look into the possibility of merging with Dorion.  CAO Eric Collingwood says they've asked staff to report back with the feasibility at a future meeting.

City Hall Says No To Internet Voting

City Council is saying no to offering internet voting in the next municipal election.  It was quashed in a late night meeting that ended at 1:30 in the morning.  Some Councillors were concerned about the security of the new system.

Art Gallery Location Undecided

The future location of the art gallery is still up in the air.  Art Gallery reps asked City Council for 25 million dollars to help build a new building on the waterfront.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they have some time to mull the proposal over before it comes back in the fall.  The art gallery is currently housed on the Confederation College campus.

CMHC Releases Resale Report

Canada Mortgage and Housing is out with their resale market report.  The outlook says the price of a house in the City will rise 6.4 percent.  The report also shows that the amount of homes for resale are on the decline.

Enough Is Enough Ride In Town Today

A mental illness cross Canada bike tour is stopping in Thunder Bay today.  The Enough is Enough ride will be at the Memorial Avenue Walmart around the lunch hour today. Money raised goes toward the Kelty Foundation.

Police Looking For Suspects

Thunder Bay Police are looking for two men in their 20s who they believe tried to rob a woman as she walked home on the path behind Walmart on Dawson Road.  Two men dressed in dark clothes pushed a 22 year old woman to the ground and demanded money or her iPhone.  She was able to get up, run away and call police.  If anyone has information contact Police or Crimestoppers.

Councillors Approve New Bike Lanes

The person responsible for the bike lane system in Thunder Bay says statistics prove they are safe.   In his presentation to city councillors Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper said  the numbers show that streets are safer where bike lanes exist.  He says there's been a 70 per cent decrease in bike collisions and a 22 per cent decrease in motorist collisions after the lanes have been introduced. The latest changes will see 120 kilometres of new bike and pedestrian routes to the city.

Bay Street Area Residents Complain

Not everyone is in favour of an added system of bike lanes for the city.  Speaking at City Hall last night,  Bay Street resident Robert Brown  said  the stop sign changes in that area, to accommodate bike travel,  is a dangerous idea.  Brown was one of several people who presented their concerns and support for the bike lanes to city councillors.

Financial Position Strong: Commisso

Several city councillors are getting props from City Manager Tim Commisso.   It comes following the city's latest Report to the Community which Commisso says shows our financial position is strong and improving.  He sites Councillors Mark Bentz and Linda Rydholm for their committee work which he says has guided the city to an "enveable position."   Commisso says we've made great strides in updating our roads and sewer systems.                        

City Involved In Human Rights Training

The City is getting involved in human rights training.    A two day session is planned for September on a variety of themes including Aboriginal issues, housing, disability and gender identity.   Sandy Boucher of the city's Anti-Racism task force says it's all about educating anyone who's interested including the business community, municipal officials and human resource professionals.  The event will include presentations and discussions.