TSB Releases More On Keystone Crash

The Transportation Safety Board has ruled that operational pressures, adverse weather conditions, and a lack of experience factored in a fatal plane crash in northwestern Ontario.  The pilot and three passengers died when the Keystone Air Service aircraft went down in a snowstorm about 2-kilometres shy of the runway at North Spirit Lake on January 10th, 2012.  36-year-old Brian Shead was the only survivor of the crash.

College And FWFN Sign Education Deal

The Fort William First Nation and Confederation College are partners in education.  The two have signed a deal which will see First Nation students get skills training on the reserve.  Chief Georjann Morriseau says it's a first step in building a relationship between the two groups.  College President Jim Madder says it will help the students become a part of the growing First Nations economy.  The program is expected to get up and running in the new year.

Fire At Giertuga's House Suspicious

Thunder Bay Police are treating a fire at the home of Councillor Trevor Giertuga as suspicious. One vehicle in the Lydia Avenue driveway was completely destroyed by the fire and a second vehicle in the driveway also received damage as a result of the blaze. The preliminary investigation of the early Thursday morning fire shows that it looks to have been deliberately set.

Reaction To Cliffs Announcement

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath isn't surprised by the decision of Cliff's Natural Resources to indefinitely suspend its Chromite Project in the Ring of Fire.  Horwath says the blame is solely on the Provincial Government. Meanwhile, Cliff's Spokesperson Pat Persico says they're not bluffing and will pull out of the project by the end of the fourth quarter of this year. Around 40 jobs will be lost because of this decision. Perseco says they will be open to further discussions with the Provincial Government and First Nations.

Art Gallery Looking For Input

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is asking the public for ideas when it comes to a possible move along the waterfront.  Gallery Director Sharon Godwin says the community will play a big role in the decision making process.  Godwin added that they are still early in the planing process, with designs expected to start in the middle of 2014.

Christmas Wish Bag Campaign Launched

Dilico Anishnabek Family Care is in its fifth year of their Christmas Wish Bag campaign.  This year's goal is to fill six-hundred gift bags for kids in need  Tausha Esquega is Case Manager and says it's sometimes family's just need a little help.  Those looking to help have until December 13th to register.

Noront Consults T.Bay

Noront Resources continues to consult the public about their Eagle's Nest project in the Ring of Fire. An open house on the environmental assessment of the project was held Wednesday night in the City.  President Alan Coutts says the draft version of their Environmental Assessment report should be complete by mid December.  Many of the people who took part in last night's session were industry stakeholders with the Provincial Government and Mining industry.

A Major Player Is Out

There's a big question mark hanging over the the Ring of Mining Development following a surprising decision by Cliffs Natural Resources.  Cliffs has announced it will suspend indefinitely its Chromite Project in Northern Ontario by the end of the fourth quarter of this year.  The company has decided not to sink any more capital into the Ring of Fire due to the uncertainty of the timeline and necessary infrastructure to bring the project on-line.  Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle, says the government is still committed to the project and the development is about more than just one company.  The suspension of operations affects 14 employees here in Thunder Bay and 17 more workers in the field.  

Mill To Re-Open

It's back to the job for workers at the Resolute Forest Products Sawmill.  The mill was suddenly shut down and workers were sent home Tuesday following a recent string of accidents at the facility.  Company spokesperson Xavier Van Chau says the company went through a review of its health and safety procedures.  The sawmill will be back in operations this Sunday evening.  About 200 workers were affected by the shutdown.

Shelter House Wants Help

Shelter House is looking for the city's help in starting up a cold weather pilot project to house as many homeless as possible during the winter months.  Spokesperson Patty Hajdu says it has various components to it which are designed to get the homeless a place to stay over the winter months. The proposal will be pitched to councillors on Monday night.