Chamber is election ready

The Chamber of Commerce is helping you stay informed about the municipal election.   It's posted the results of it's candidate survey on the Chamber website.   President Harold Wilson says neither he nor the chamber will be endorsing any candidate.   He says however, he is disappointed some candidates didn't participate.

NOSM strikes back

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is making it's offer to it's striking employees public. School officials say that they are disappointed the OPSEU staff voted to reject a tentative agreement this week. Dean Roger Strasser says the negotiating team is confused about the reason the members had for turning thumbs down to the deal.  NOSM has posted the offer made to the workers on the school's website NOSM.ca

City may regulate student room rental

The first steps are being taken to start licencing home owners who rent rooms to students.  The city's By-Law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says they want to have some sort of regulations placed on the practice.    Bourret says in addition to a licence fee, there would also be surprise inspections.  He hopes to have a draft by-law before council by the spring.

College welcomes Chinese educators

Confederation College is getting a stamp of approval from a school in China it's partnering with. Con College is offering it's Hospitality program to 400 students there. President Pat Lang says as part of the process they are hosting a couple of Chinese school officials.  Lang says it's a chance for them to examine the program where it originates.

Transit vote will go tomorrow

We'll find out tomorrow if the Amalgamated Transit Union will accept the city's tentative contract.  Two ratification votes will be held at the CEP Hall at 10 o'clock and again at 7 Friday.  Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says they are recommending members accept the deal. 

Lac Des Iles Mine reopens

Almost 200 people are happily back at work at the Lac Des Iles mine.  After sitting idle since October 2008 the operation was recently restarted and the miners and various other contractors are back at work.  North American Palladium held a grand reopening event yesterday.

McFadden takes a shot at the MTO

Thunder Bay's airport manager is complaining about the road construction around the airport entrance. There will be some intensive work taking place there this week during daytime hours. However Scott McFadden says he would have preferred that the Ministry of Transport conduct the work when the airport isn't so busy. As it stands, the current construction means travellers will be facing delays getting to the terminal

Province loans local developer 1.8 million

The province is providing a 1.8 million dollar loan towards converting the old McKellar Hospital.   MPP Bill Mauro says the new 100 unit McKellar Place seniors home is designed to ease the pressure on other facilities in the city including the Regional Health Sciences Centre.  He says the demand for long term space is so great that  75 of the 100 beds at the future McKellar Place are already spoken for.Thunder Bay's Habib Enterprises is doing the work on the project.

Horizon to move quickly on wind farm

Work could start as early as 6 months from now to erect the new wind turbines on the Nor' Wester Mountains. Horizon spokesperson Nhung Nguyen says now that the city has approved the lease agreement they are confident the provincial approval process will move rapidly

Council votes in favour of lease with Horizon

City Council has decided to sign a lease option with Horizon Wind.
The final vote was seven to five in favour of the wind farm project.
Councillor Rebecca Johnson voted for the project and says it's about the City's future. Neebing Ward Councillor Linda Rydholm says it's in the Provincial Government's hands, and notes no work can occur on the mountain until the Provincial government gives its approval. Linda Rydholm, Frank Pullia, Aldo Roberto, Joe Virdiramo and Mark Bentz voted against signing the lease. Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee President Irene Bond says they're disappointed, but they're not giving up the fight.  Meanwhile MPP Bill Mauro is taking a hands off approach when it comes to the project. While he says he has never fully agreed with the site for the proposed farm, he says his hands are tied because it was a private deal made by the city with city land.  Mauro says the environmental process is the next step and has to be honoured.  He adds that the process won't be politically interfered with.

NOSM pickets back to hold up traffic

The picket lines are back up at the main entrances to Lakehead University. Striking workers from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine are there again after they rejected the school's contract offer. Local union leader Yuk-Sem Won they'll be holding up traffic for a while longer. Won adds that the workers understand the issues better now.

More $ for building renos

A financial boost for the 2.3 million dollar upgrade to the Finlandia Hall. The provincial government is providing an additional 300 thousand dollars from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it's a valuable asset to hang on to.  This installment brings the total contribution from the provincial government to 800 thousand dollars

Two arrested after overnight robbery

An 18 year old man suffered minor injuries after being attacked by two young girls.  The man was walking the Picton and Clarkson area, just after midnight, when he was attacked by the pair aged 16 and 17 years old.  The girls assaulted and robbed the man and will appear in court this morning.

NOSM strike continues

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine Strike is still on.  Support staff voted to reject NOSM contract proposal yesterday and will stay on strike for the foreseeable future.  School officials say there have been no new talks scheduled.

A deal has been reached

The City of Thunder Bay and the Amalgamated Transit Union have reached a deal.  The two sides started late hour discussions just before midnight last night and reached a tenative deal just before 6 o'clock this morning.  Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says the deal still has to be ratified by members but the Union is recommending they accept the deal.  Brown says services will be running as normal today.  

Crowd walks out of council chambers

Anti-wind farm supporters stormed out of last night's council meeting before the final vote was held.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson was speaking about how many early Thunder Bay residents could have been wary of hydro lines running up and down city streets, and how noisey some generators can be.  During her time on the mic, many of the anti-wind farm supporters left the chambers in droves.

Pullia tries to push off vote

Councillor Frank Pullia tried to get a week extension on the proposed wind farm.  Pullia wanted council to take an extra week and put off the vote until Monday night's meeting. Pullia feels more information is needed before a final decision can be made.  Councillor Linda Rydholm seconded his motion but no one else from the table was willing to back it. 

Deputants let council know how they feel

Deputation after deputation railed against the Horizon Wind Farm project on Tuesday night. John Beals was one of five people to address council . Beals says the wind park is masquerading as a green project. He feels the only green part of the project is the money. Beals notes they are very dissapointed in council's process saying they've met 14 times on the issue and most of it was behind closed doors.

Norwester Escarpment Group makes one last plea

The Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee spoke at what is expected to be the City's last wind turbine meeting. President Irene Bond is calling on the City to vote for what the citizens want, and turn down the Horizon Wind project. Bond says its an election issue and council is taking it off the table by pushing a decision through before the municipal election.

Meeting gets bumpy start

City Council kicked off the final wind farm debate over two hours late. The special council meeting that was scheduled to start at 6:30 was put on hold while councillors discussed issues behind close doors. Councillors filed into the meeting at 8:20. An anti-wind farm group protested at city hall earlier in the afternoon, and five deputations are expected this evening.

Murder case moves to next court phase

A 49 year old Thunder Bay man is to face a trial on a charge of second degree murder.  Harold Barr was order to stand trial following a recent preliminary court hearing.  He is charged in connection with the stabbing death of 49 year old Robert Good in August of last year at a North Edward Street apartment.   There's no indication when the trial will be held.

Man attacked on the north side

City police are trying to track down two people who are suspects in a north side assault.   They say a 42 year old man was attacked as he was getting into his parked vehicle at Junot and Red River Road. The incident took place at around 11:30. He told police he was able to drive himself to a friends home to get help.   Police believe he may have been targeted and that robbery didn't appear to be the motive.

Fundraising dinner on tap this weekend

The 11th annual Empty Bowls-Caring Hearts dinner takes place this weekend.  Organizer Nelly Readhead says  the money raised through the dinner and auction, goes to the Food Bank and Shelter House.   Last year they both split 15 thousand dollars.  The event will be held at the Moose Hall.

Poverty Free Thunder Bay to launch next week

Dealing with poverty issues in the city is the aim of Poverty Free Thunder Bay.   Spokesperson Catherine Schwartz Mendez says the group will not only help to focus on poverty in the community, but will take a political stand too.   Poverty Free Thunder Bay will be introduced to the city next week.

A sweet way to cheer on the T-Wolves

Tim Horton's Donuts is helping to promote the L-U Thunderwolves. It's come out with a donut that is decorated with yellow and blue sprinkles. Store owner Christine Youngs says the promotion is add another dimension to the company's current sponsorship of the team.Youngs says the T-Wolves donuts will be available through the hockey season.

Transit strike is looking more and more likely

It looks like you'll need a different way to get to work tomorrow morning if you rely on city transit. Amalgamated Transit Union spokesperson Charlie Brown says they presented a proposal to the city Thursday but haven't heard back.  Brown says unless something changes, transit services will cease at midnight tonight and union members will be picketing at city hall tomorrow morning.

One man dies in ATV accident

It was a tragic long weekend for a 64 year old Prescott man. He was killed when he left highway 801 and hit a large rock Sunday.  Greenstone OPP are investigating the accident and say Bruce Pankhurst was pronounced dead at the scene.

16-year-old arrested

A 16-year-old male was arrested early this morning.

Police say he was going through vehicles in the Valley St. area and was in possession of stolen property. The teenager will appear in court early next month.

Oliver/Paipoonge crash

There was a three-vehicle collision in Oliver/Paipoonge at the intersection of Highway 130 and Vibert Rd. Sunday afternoon.

Three people were taken to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The O.P.P. are looking into the cause of the accident.

　

White Park Drive break-in

A White Park Dr. resident had an unwelcome visitor Saturday morning. Police say a 21-year-old man broke into the resident's home.

The resident, who was inside, ran to a nearby neighbour to call police. Police arrested the man at the residence and recovered a stolen car they say was loaded with stolen goods.

The man, who also had outstanding warrants for his arrest, appeared in court yesterday.

Transit talks pause

There were no transit talks Saturday. Amalgamated Transit Union 966 President Charlie Brown says the union delivered their latest package last week and is waiting to hear back from the city.


The union has set a strike deadline of 12 a.m. Tuesday night. Brown says the union is willing to meet this weekend.

Direct flights to Minneapolis won't resume for a while

The earliest Bearskin Airlines will be able to offer direct flights from Thunder Bay to Minneapolis is January.

Executive Vice President Cliff Friesen says there are a number of steps the company must take before Bearskin can offer the service. Friesen also added that Bearskin plans to streamline the operation by using a smaller plane and looking at the frequency of flights.

Delta was offering the service previously, but opted to discontinue it, citing poor performance as a reason.

Foulds undecided on vote

A city councillor who sits on the EarthWise committee won't reveal how he is voting on the Horizon Wind Farm project.  Even though city staff are recommending in favour of leasing land to the company, Andrew Foulds says its the toughest decision he's had to make as a councillor.

Horizon responds to city report

Horizon Wind says it's wind farm project will have many environmental, social and economic benefits.  The company is responding to the city staff recommendation of the project, which still needs councils approval.   Horizon officials were not available to answer any questions, but did say the company will update the city on the provincial government approval process for the project.

Extreme Home Makeover: House of Commons Edition

MP Bruce Hyer wants to play musical chairs in the House of Commons.  Hyer is calling for the seating plan to be randomized, rather than sitting in party specific benches.  Hyer feels a seating plan change would foster more negotiation and a better working atmosphere.  Hyer made the statement in Ottawa and hopes to introduce a motion in the future.

Health unit looking for smokers

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is encouraging rural smokers to take part in their "Stop" program. Public Health Nurse Amber White says their sign-up numbers are below the mininimum required to host a session in those communities.  Smokers who take part in the study receive five weeks of free quit smoking products like gum, patches, lozenges and inhalers.

YPN hosting Mayoral Debate

There's just over a week left to the municipal election. One of the final mayoral debates will be put on by Thunder Bay's Young Professionals Network. President Christopher Da Silva says they'll be taking questions from facebook and the floor. The debate will be held at the DaVinci Centre from 5:30 to 7:30 Thursday night.

Northern Ontario School of Medicine vote Tuesday

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine's striking staff will vote on a tentative agreement Tuesday.  An information session is being held before the vote in Thunder Bay and Sudbury.  Union Spokesperson Tyler England says they're not for or against the contract.  The vote is expected to be wrapped up around 4 Tuesday.

Transit strike deadline this Tuesday

A strike deadline for transit services is set for midnight October 12th.  Transit Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says if they strike it's going to have a big impact on the city. 

Linda Rydholm says she'll vote against wind farm on Tuesday

Councillor Linda Rydholm says she's going to vote against the signing of a lease with Horizon Wind. Rydholm says she's standing up for her Neebing Ward. She adds if council approves the lease it still needs to get Provincial approval. Administration is recommending council approve Horizon Winds locations for their proposed wind turbines. Council will vote on it at a special meeting Tuesday. Irene Bond is with the Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee and says they're dissapointed in Administration's report.

Hampton on long term care beds

Kenora-Rainy River M-P-P Howard Hampton says some seniors in Fort Frances are getting letters informing them long-term care beds are available to them if they leave the community. Hampton cited one case in which a woman was told a bed was available for her in Terrace Bay, some 550 kilometres away. Hampton says its letters they shouldn't have to receive. Hampton adds proposals for supportive housing in the region have yet to receive any approval.

More candidates weigh in on election issues

Colin Burridge is jumping into the discussion on whether council relies on administration too much. Burridge doesn't know if administration influences council's decisions. Meanwhile, Jeff Irwin feels council would have more power behind it's decision making process if the councillors were all full time.

Free Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday

The Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association is going to serve a Thanksgiving meal to those in need.  The free dinner is being held at the Salvation Army Booth Centre. Firefighter Scott Chisholm says they look forward to helping out.  The dinner will be held from noon to 3 today.

Climate Change Day of Action this Sunday

Thunder Bay is taking part in the 350 International Climate Change Day of Action. The Lakehead University Student Union is helping organize the event. Cutting our carbon emissions will be the main topic of discussion with a variety of key speakers. The event is taking place at Waverly Park in Thunder Bay Sunday from 2 to 3:50. Organizer Curniss McGoldrick says MP Bruce Hyer will be one of the guest speakers. Free tea and pumpkins will be provided at the event.

Commisso says process has been fair

All the debate comes to an end next week.  On Tuesday, city councillors are to make a final decision on the Horizon wind farm project. They'll be voting on a staff recommendation to lease land on the Nor' Wester Mountain range to the company for the purpose of building wind turbines. City Manager Tim Commisso believes it's been a fair process for both supporters and opponents.  He says this will be the 14th meeting on the project in  11 months.   Commisso adds the report to council says the city has an obligation to move forward on the issue.

Marijuana grow op busted near Nipigon

The combined forces drug unit has taken over 125 thousand dollars worth of drugs off the streets.  Officers found a grow op near Nipigon and seized 126 mature marijuana plants.  Two people were arrested and are facing drug charges.

Child porn charges laid in Thunder Bay

A 17 year old boy is facing Child porn charges in Thunder Bay. Spokesperson Chris Adams says the boy was arrested Wednesday after the Computer Crime Unit conducted a search of a south side residence.  Adams says officers seized computers and other storage devices and found a number of articles of child porn.  He says the sexual exploitation of children is always a huge concern for police.  The boy will appear in court November 25.

Unemployment rate rises in Thunder Bay

The Unemployment is on the rise in Thunder Bay.  Our rate edged up to 6.9 percent up from last months 6.6 percent but its still well below the national rate which fell to 8 percent from 8.1.

OPP find body in Bindo Lake

The body of a missing person has been found in Bindo Lake.  OPP divers found the body yesterday afternoon.  The person drowned after their SUV plunged into the lake off a single lane bridge north of Sioux Lookout.  The gender and identity has not yet been released but police believe it was a woman inside the vehicle.

Administration wants the wind farm

The fate of the Horizon Wind farm is now in council's hands.  City staff released a report on the proposed farm yesterday, recommending that council approve the locations for all the proposed turbines.  Council will vote on the report at a special meeting Tuesday.