City Wants Ideas On Gardens

The City wants you to imagine the future of the Fort William Gardens. The request is part of a future use assessment that will look at a full range of options to use the Gardens as a non-spectator facility.  All ideas are being encouraged event removing some or all of the seats.  Two open house events are scheduled for the coming months including January 8th at the Gardens and another on February 4th.  The assessment is to be completed by March 4th.

Hyer Goes Green

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is joining the Green Party.  The one-time member of the NDP made the announcement this morning during a news conference at the Finlandia Club in Thunder Bay. Hyer says becoming a Green Party MP will allow him to maintain independence and stand up for the interest of his constituents. He adds being a part of a party will also help him better represent the North. Hyer broke ranks with the NDP in April of 2012 over the vote to scrap the gun registry.

72 Year Old Woman Still In Critical Condition

Police are continuing to investigate a collision that saw a City bus strike a woman at the intersection of south Algoma Street and Waverly Thursday night.  Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says 72 year old Audrey Kahkonen is still in critical condition and asks the community to pray for her recovery. Porter says good progress is being made in the investigation but notes there's some additional areas that need to be explored.  Meanwhile, Transit Manager Brad Loroff says their thoughts are with the woman. Loroff notes the driver of the bus is not operating any city equipment today.

Spring Bear Hunt Takes Step Forward

The return of the spring bear hunt in Ontario is one step closer to reality.  Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro brought forward his Private Members Bill and it passed its second reading at Queen's Park.  Bill 114 was referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy which would see an open season from April 15th to June 15th. The purpose of the bill includes reducing the number of aggressive bear attacks while also boosting the Province's moose population by lowering the number of calves killed by bears.

Tbaytel Gives Out Cash

Tbaytel is giving 5-thousand dollars to Nipigon-Red Rock High School. The money is through the company's "For Good" community giving campaign. The school will use the cash to help its food and nutrition classes that host weekly lunches in its school cafeteria. Another 5 organizations from the region will be receiving 2-thousand dollars each to help with their education projects.

Charges Laid Against Beendigen

Thunder Bay's Fire Service is laying 8 more fire code charges against Beendigen Incorporated for failing to maintain smoke alarms in operating condition.  The new charges come from a search of several properties operated by the company.

T.Bay Writer Up For National Award

A Thunder Bay author is up for a national award.  Charles Wilkins and his book "Little Ship of Fools: 16 Rowers, 1 Improbable Boat, 7 Tumultuous Weeks on the Atlantic," is one of twelve that has been nominated for RBC's Taylor Prize.  The award is Canada's most prestigious for literary non-fiction.  The winner will be announced March 10.

DSSAB Budget Passes

The Social Services Board's proposed budget for the new year has passed.  The seventy-three million dollar budget will also include some financial relief for area municipalities according to CAO Bill Bradica. Bradica adds that the reduction comes because of a lowering case load for Ontario Works.