Nipigon Bridge Construction Starting

It's going to be the first of its kind in Ontario.    The provincial government has announced the work on the new Nipigon River Bridge will start this month and be completed in 2017.   The 106 million dollar contract is going to Bot Construction.  The bridge will be unique on the provincial highway system because of its cable supports.

Teddy Is The Star

Another successful Teddy Bears Picnic.   Hundreds of children and their parents enjoyed an afternoon of music, games and food at Vicker's Park.   The annual children's event is put on by the city.

Man Seriously Injured

Thunder Bay Police say a 47 year old man is in hospital after being seriously injured last night on Fort William Road.  He was assaulted in an outdoor area which is known for the use of intoxicating substances by transients.  Police are trying to determine the cause of the man's injuries.

Boshcoff Wants T.Bay Included In Report Card

City Councillor Ken Boshcoff feels the City will ace the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Municipal Report Card if the City is included next year.  The CTF left the Thunder Bay off this year's report on Municipal finances.  Boshcoff says that doesn't surprise him since most organizations have a big city mentality when they compile lists.  Boshcoff says the City's finances are in good shape thanks to the City Lean program.

Rally Planned For Treaty Three Police

First nation communities are rallying around the Treaty 3 Police Service.  The force has announced it will cease August 19 because of financial issues.  Public Service Alliance of Canada's Sharon DeSousa says they were shocked by the decision.  Petitions to keep the force alive are now circulating among communities effected with a rally planned in Kenora July 23.

More Info Collected At Border

Some of the information gathered from travelers at northwestern Ontario's border crossings is now being shared.  It's part of an initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Program director Andrew Lawrence says it expands on a pilot program.  Lawrence says data collected is already contained in documents such as a passport.

Day Of Peace

Today Thunder Bay is celebrating peace around the world by ringing the bell at City Hall.  City councillor Aldo Ruberto says the peace bell concept originated with the government of  Japan and as such, our sister city relationship with Gifu, Japan plays an important role in the ceremony.  The bell ringing takes place at 11:40 this morning.

Transit Gets Gas Tax Money

The Provincial Government is doling out 2 million dollars to the City in the latest installment of money collected from the gas tax.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says the City needs that cash to keep transit up to date.  To date 16 million dollars has been provided to the City through the Provincial Gas Tax fund.

CMHC June Housing Starts

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is out with its housing start figures for the month of June.  Thunder Bay saw 44 starts last month up from 41 the year before.  In total 128 new starts are being reported so far this year which is a jump from 87 at this time last year.

City Hears Options

City Council is preparing for it's upcoming battle with Resolute Forest Products over the company's decision to appeal their property tax assessment with the Municipal Property Corporation.  A special closed door session meeting of Council was held last night to discuss the City's options going forward.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they're getting a game plan together.  Resolute wants to have their assessment dramatically lowered from 72 million.