Police Investigate Sexual Assault

City Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving the University of Ottawa's men's hockey program. University officials received information from a third party on February 24th regarding an incident involving some members of the  team.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says they're working closely with Ottawa police. Adams says the alleged incident occurred on the weekend of February 1st when the Ottawa team was in Thunder Bay to play the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.  Ottawa University is conducting an internal review in conjunction with the police investigation. The Ottawa University men's hockey program has been suspended. 

Companies Graduate From Program

Several Thunder Bay companies are graduating from the Provincial Government's mining supply and export program.  Activation Lab, Maki Bay Solar, KGS Consulting, Abitibi Geophysics, Kozar Engineering and Digital Engineering are just a few of the local companies that took part. The program was made possibly through funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Local Diver Does Good

A 15 year old diver from the local club is now part of the Youth Olympic Games she earned her qualification recently in Mexico.  Molly Carlson was among the four athletes were selected to represent Canada in Mexico at this qualifying event.  Carlson left Mexico on Monday but before she arrives back home, she has a weeklong stopover in Saskatoon to compete at the Winter Senior Nationals.

T.Bay Man Dead In Sunday Collision

OPP are confirming that a 24 year old man from Thunder Bay is dead after a fatal collision on highway 11 between Longlac and Hearst.  A total of three vehicles were involved in the collision.  It appears that an eastbound pickup truck crossed the centre line and sideswiped a westbound transport then collided head on with another westbound tractor trailer.  The woman passenger of the pickup truck was transported to Notre Dame Hospital in Hearst with non-life threatening injuries.

Students Want Tuition Fees Cut

Students from across Ontario are meeting with MPPs this week to present recommendations for the upcoming budget. The Canadian Federation of Students Chair Alastair Woods says they want something to be done to help improve post secondary education. The group is calling on the Province to cut tuition fees by 30 percent over three years and end illegal internships.

Ukraine Ripe For Invasion

With the crisis in Ukraine deeping by the day, world leaders, including Prime Minister Harper, are condemning Russia's actions there.  President Vladimir Putin says he has the right to protect Russian interests.    Lakehead University political science professor Laure Paquette believes Putin is in the for long haul.  Paquette also thinks that Ukraine is ripe for invasion, and short of that Russia will install a puppet regime in Kiev.

Chief Concerned About Future Of Bridge

Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau plans to continue to pressure CN to open the James Street Swing Bridge to vehicle traffic.  The community is fresh off a meeting with CN officials.  Morriseau says she's not optimistic about the company's plans for the bridge. The engineering report on the bridge is to be released at the end of March and CN officials are expected to release a statement to the public sometime this week.

FCM Meeting In T.Bay

Thunder Bay is playing host to municipal leaders from across Canada this week.  The Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference is on all week at the Valhalla Inn.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson the FCM meetings will also coincide with a Women In Politics Workshop on International Women's Day March 8th.  The FCM conference will bring 150 municipal representatives to the City.

Chill Get New Sponsor

The Thunder Bay Chill have a new sponsor to help expand their brand across the northwest.  Gillons Insurance is announcing a 3-year 45-thousand dollar commitment to the soccer club.  Dave Colistro is head coach of the girls reserve squad and says he expects to see the club benefit from the announcement. Soccer camps will be expanded to Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances.

NDP Call For Propane Cost Cut

The NDP are calling on the Federal Government to cut the cost of propane.  The request comes during one of the coldest winters in recent memory.  NDP MP Claude Gravelle raised the issue in the House of Commons recently. The NDP are calling for an oil and gas ombudsman to ensure fairness for consumers being squeezed by high prices.

Fraser Institute Releases Rankings

St. Ignatius High School is tops in the city when it comes to the Fraser Institute's most recent rankings of secondary schools across the province.  St. Ignatius scored 7.5 out of 10.  Director of Performance Studies Peter Cowley says even with the high score their is a concerning trend taking place with area high schools. The average provincial score is 6 out of 10.

Citizen Wojak To Run For Mayor

Wojak: Centre

There's going to be another name on the election ballot for mayor.   Citizen activist Henry Wojak says he's running because he wants to see more transparency at City Hall especially when it comes to the budget.  He doesn't consider himself a fringe candidate, rather someone who can speak for the people at the council table. Wojak is currently banned from City Hall property and plans to make his announcement this afternoon  on the sidewalk in front of the building.

Pedestrian Struck On South Side

A woman is in hospital with serious injuries after an auto-pedestrian accident on the city's south side last night.  Police say that at around quarter to 10 a man driving a vehicle backed over the victim at the intersection McKellar and Miles.   A 34 year old man is charged with Impaired and Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm.

Fire Sends Infant To Hospital

A 10 month old infant is recovering from smoke inhalation following a fire last night in a basement apartment on the 300 block of South Archibald Street.   The blaze was reported at 10:20 pm.   While the fire was quickly put out,  the residents of the 3 story building had to be evacuated until it could be cleared of smoke.   Damage is minimal and the cause is not known.

Arson Charge Laid

Thunder Bay Police have a 24 year old man in custody charged with Arson and Mischief after a weekend fire in Westfort.  Police say that early Sunday morning there was an apartment fire on the 1900 block of West Frederica Street.   Minor damage is reported and no one was injured.   The man is to make a court appearance this morning.

City Council Preview

City Council is expected to ratify their 2014 budget tonight. The fiscal document was already approved in principal in February. The City's 2014 tax levy is set at 1.69 percent. Meanwhile, City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll present a review of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. The report includes recommendations on how MPAC can be changed to benefit area communities in fights with their industrial taxpayers. If council likes the report they'll send it to the Province.

March Is Easter Seals Month

The local Easter Seals organization is gearing up for their upcoming fundraising month.  March is Easter Seals month across the Province.  The organization will be participating in a direct mail campaign asking for funds as well as a Paper Egg campaign at participating businesses such as the Bargain Shop.

LU Research Week Continues

Lakehead University's Research and Innovation week will take to the Fort William Historical Park Tuesday evening.  Erica Sawula is Student Ambassador at the school and says researchers from across the province will be speaking.  Those unable to attend can watch a live stream at your ontario research.ca

Energy Plan Signed

Ontario and Manitoba are working together to find new clean, renewable power for both provinces.   Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Canadian Energy Innovation Summit.  The agreement will enable Ontario and Manitoba to collaborate on growing the energy sector in a number of key areas, including conservation, efficiency, security and reliability.

Crime Of The Week

This week on Crimestoppers, the OPP are asking for your help in solving two thefts of fuel that happened on Boreal Road in Marks Township sometime between January 25th and February 25th.  In each case police say the suspects used a pick up truck with a 300 litre tank to haul away 2 thousand dollars worth of fuel from a parked grader.   If you have information on this crime you can call crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477