Police Probe Hit And Run

City police want your help in finding two people who were involved in a traffic accident on the city's south side just before 7 o'clock on Monday evening.  They say the two were the driver and passenger in a car that blew a red light and smashed into a pick up truck at Victoria and May street.   The driver of the truck was taken to hospital with minor injuries.  Police are looking for two men who they say  ran away after the collision.  

Last Coal Burned

Today marks the last day our local generating station burned its last piece of coal.  The Thunder Bay Generating Station was the oldest coal-fired station in the province and is the last in Ontario to burn the fossil fuel.  The plant is scheduled to be converted to burn advanced biomass.

New NOACC President

There's a new person at the helm of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce.   Nathan Lawrence has been elected as the organization's new president.  Lawrence says he wants to make sure all the chambers are working together on future projects.   Lawrence believes all the chambers should be allowed to voice their concerns and opinions on issues critical to them.

Court House Could Bring Police Savings

City Police are looking for cost savings in the new consolidated courthouse. Chief JP Levesque says there's potential but it's too soon to say a solid figure of how much they could save. He adds having both courts in one building is freeing up three cars. Other efficiencies include moving to an electronic court document process which will free up officers time.

Police Budget Slightly Over

Police Board

Thunder Bay Police continue to be slightly over in their 2014 operating budget and the year's not even half over. Chief JP Levesque says they saw overages in overtime and benefits.  Levesque says it's too early to say if they'll be able to find cost savings to balance out the 322-thousand dollars they have overspent.

Promising Economic Prediction

A study done for the North Superior Workforce Planning Board is predicting big things for the construction labour market in northwestern Ontario .  The BuildForce Canada report, for the local think tank,  predicts up to 7 billion dollars of  investment in next 5 years.   Board spokesperson the report sites growth for the mining, forestry and road building sectors.   It doesn't, however, include the proposed new events centre in Thunder Bay

911 Tech To Be Upgraded

Thunder Bay Police hope to start testing the new enhanced 911 service in the city by September. The new program will allow residents to text 911 and is expected to be live by January. Inspector Sylvie Hauth asked the police services board today for permission to upgrade their current 911 provider.  The cash will be used to upgrade the tech that dispatchers use to take calls from the public.

Attempted Break And Enters

City Police investigating two separate attempted break and enters overnight. The first took place just after midnight in the 1800 block of East Walsh Street with the second one taking place in the 2000 block of Hamilton Avenue just after 1:00.  In both incidents two males in dark hoodies on bicycles knocked on the doors of the homes first before attempting to gain entry. In both cases the thieves fled when the homeowners were awoken and discovered the two men attempting to gain entry. There were no injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Survey Gauging Support

True North Entertainment and Sports is looking to hear from the public on their interest in having a Winnipeg Jets affiliated hockey team based in Thunder Bay.  They have created a survey with the program Survey Monkey. The company is looking for support for their venture in the proposed event centre.  To take the survey click here.

City To Ask Feds For CBC Money

The City is asking the Federal Government to provide more funding for public broadcasting.  They made the decision following local job cuts announced by the CBC last week.  Councillor Andrew Foulds made an emotional plea last night saying the Sudbury won't be able to provide the same coverage as the local Voyage North.

EMS Gets New Equipment

The City is giving the go ahead to Superior North EMS to purchase new vehicle locator equipment. The new GPS tech will cost the city over 86-thousand dollars.  Ferno Acetech Canada will provide the equipment.

City Formalizes Agreement

The City is entering into an agreement with the local health authority.  They formalized a funding agreement with the Northwest Health Integration Network last night.  The deal will see funding continue for Supportive Housing, Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting operating out of the 55 plus centre and the Dialysis Transportation Program.

Boshcoff Not Giving Up

City Councillor Ken Boshcoff isn't taking no for an answer.  Boshcoff is still hopeful that one day Thunder Bay can play a role in hosting a national museum for Fox.  Councillor Aldo Roberto feels the City did the right thing by respecting the Fox family's wishes for a national museum in B.C. near where Terry was born.

Waterfront Property Saved For Public Use

The City is keeping a piece of waterfront land for the public to enjoy. The land in question is located next to the splash pad and has Muskoka style lawn chairs on it. It was to be developed for business but Council decided last night to keep it as a public use space.