New Courthouse Now Open

The new courthouse on Brodie Street is now open with the Superior Court of Justice starting operations today. The new 250 million dollar 7 story building includes 15 courtrooms and an Aboriginal Settlement Suite, the first of its kind in Ontario.  Crown Attorney Dan Mitchell is like a kid at Christmas.   He says it's a state of the art building which allows all the crown prosecutors to be under one roof for the first time in about three decades. The employees from the Ontario Court Of Justice on Arthur Street  will be moved in next week

LU Signs Mexican Agreements

There's a new era of cooperation between Lakehead University and 3 Indigenous universities in Mexico.  LU spokesperson Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux  an agreement has been signed which will see, among other things, a student and professor exchange program.   She adds, that some professors will be coming here to get their PhD's which they can't do at their universities just yet.  There will also be joint programming between the institutions which will have an Aboriginal focus.

OPP Probe Fuel Theft

The OPP are investigating a few weekend incidents.   One is the theft of 800-900 litres of fuel from various pieces of machinery  on Holland Road West.   As well they are asking for your help in trying to figure out who stole a silver Mazda van from outside a Shabandowan residence,  a vehicle which was discovered abandoned with its rear window smashed on Highway 17 near Fourway School.  And a traffic stop on Chippewa Road and Highway 61 netted police what they believe to be cocaine and crack cocaine.

NDP Critic Visits The Lakehead

The NDP's provincial Children's Services's Critic says northwestern Ontario has unique issues when it comes to helping disadvantaged young people.   Monique Taylor says while wait lists for services and funding issues are the same problems across the province she says our size makes our challenges different.  She says it becomes harder to provide services to everyone especially First Nation communities.  Taylor was here for a meeting with local parents and children's advocates.

Councillors To Debate Plebiscite

A plebiscite on the proposed downtown events centre will be pitched to council tonight.  Linda Rydholm says if approved council would have until the end of the month to act. Rydholm says at a recent public meeting the public voted unanimously to have a plebiscite held.   Meantime Mayor Keith Hobbs is repeating his opposition to any sort of vote on the event centre saying the city is already on track with the project and a plebiscite would only delay the process.

Mining Meeting This Week

Prospectors from across the Province are in Thunder Bay this week for the Ontario Mines and Minerals symposium.   Prospectors Association Executive Director Garry Clark says it's a great chance for stakeholders to mingle.  There will be representatives from the government, junior mining companies and prospectors in location.   The conference is taking place at the Valhalla Inn tomorrow and Wednesday.

ROF Discussion This Week

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business is set to host a panel discussion to discuss the future of Ontario's North and the Ring of Fire. Among the panellist at the discussion are city mayor Keith Hobbs and Webique councillor Roy Spence. The meeting will take place April 10th at the Valhalla Inn and run from 5-9pm.

Student Film Night Coming Up

Silvercity is set to debut the original short films made by Confederation College's Film Production class. The 29 films of the graduating class are shot on Oscar nominee Arri Alexa's camera and include several different themes.  Film Night will take place April 17th at 6:30 pm. Admission is free and donations to the Starlight Foundation are welcome.

Haley Irwin To Speak At College Awards

Olympic gold medallist Haley Irwin will speak at Confederation College's Athletic banquet, being held Tuesday evening. Irwin will present both the men's and women's athlete of the year awards and speak about her Olympic experience.  The banquet begins at 6 from the Ryan Hall.

Crime Of The Week

Crime Stoppers is asking for your help in solving a break and enter that took place between March 19th and 21st at a building under renovation in the 100 block of North Court Street.  A vandal or vandals gained entry by smashing a basement window and proceeded to cause an estimated 30-thousand dollars damage inside the building.  It included smashing finished drywall and spray painting defamatory comments on walls.  Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a web tip at www.tipsubmit.com.

Solid Waste Plan Approved

City Council is allowing its staff to move forward on its 9 million dollar solid waste plan.  Council approved the multi-year garbage and recycling initiative at its meeting Monday night.  Staff will come back at a later date with details on how the City can pay for the waste plan.

Paving Projects To Be Discussed

The city is expected to award Taranis Construction with its paving contract.  It's estimated that costs will come in around 3.7-million dollars and will include resurfacing projects on Broadway Avenue, the Harbour Expressway and Lithium Drive.  Stretches of over 20-roads will see resurfacing, including the rehabilitation of two railway crossings.