Bisson In T.Bay Today

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is taking up the cause of the Thunder Bay's generating station.  Bisson is calling on the Provincial Government to get to work on converting the coal generating station to natural gas.  Bisson says he intends to bring up the coal plant conversion as soon as the Legislature resumes in September.  Bisson is in Thunder Bay today to talk about the Province's failure to convert the local plant.  

Ontario Creates Fund For Energy Plans

The Provincial Government is out with a new funding program for small and medium-sized municipalities and Aboriginal communities.  The money will be used to create Municipal Energy Plans.  Eligable plans must focus on increasing conservation and identify the best energy options for that specific community.

Law School Almost Ready

Thunder Bay's Northern Ontario Law School is set to open its doors for the first time this September.  Dean Lee Steusser says the class of sixty will one day offer a free legal aid clinic and they're in discussions with Legal Aid Ontario. Steusser says the building is still under construction but they'll be ready by September 3rd.

Northern Mayors Speak Up To Ministers

Northern Ontario Mayors are giving the Provincial Government a piece of their mind.  They presented seven Ministers a document called Northern Priorities.  The Mayors hope the document will provide a more strategic relationship between Ontario and the five largest Northern Ontario Cities. 

Unionized Workers Make More Dough

A report by the Canadian Labour Congress is touting the economic benefits of having unionized jobs in Thunder Bay.  CLC President Ken Georgetti says the average unionized worker in the City earns six dollars and five cents an hour more than non unionized employees.  Georgetti is calling for more unionized positions in the City.  He adds money made in Thunder Bay is spent within the City and will help local business.

Hydro Gets Safety Award

Thunder Bay Hydro is being recognized for it's safety record.  A Health and Safety Association is giving them an award for achieving 250-thousand hours of work without an injury.  135 employees worked for over a year to set the record.

NOMA Back From AMO

Members of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association are back from Ottawa.  They took in two days of meetings with Provincial Cabinet Ministers.  They spoke with reps from the Ministry of Energy, Municipal Affairs and Housing and Finance.

Rickford Says Prorogation Is Good Idea

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is calling it a smart move.  His comment is in regards to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking the Governor General to prorogue the legislature until October. Rickford says he feels confident that their best interests will be right there as the government transitions into a new parliamentary agenda.

Swimming Advisory Lifted

Swimmers take note...The Health Unit is lifting the swimming advisory at Boulevard Lake's Sandy Cove Beach.  However, the advisory is remaining in place for Sunny Side Beach and Chippewa Park's Main Beach.  Swimming advisories do not close the beach or stop people from swimming. 

George Creek Rehab

The City and a local trout group are teaming up to work on restoring fish habitat at George Creek in Centennial Park.  Parks Spokesperson Werner Schwar says as work moves ahead the main trail to the logging camp will be temporarily closed from time to time.  The bridge over the Current River may be temporarily closed for a few minutes at a time to safely allow machinery and material to cross over to the work site.  Work in the park is expected to take a couple of weeks.

Superior Youth Festival Back

Poor Young Things and Scientists of Sound will be co-headlining the City's Superior Youth Festival tonight.  Organizer Jean Paul DeRoover says the free event is designed to create something strictly for young people that relates to them.   The concerts take place tonight at Marina Park from 6 until 10:30.