Thunder Bay's Housing market continues to rise

Thunder Bay's housing market continues to hum along at a nice pace.  That's the opinion of the President of Thunder Bay's Real Estate Board.  Diane Erickson says our average house price is well behind the national number of 350 thousand dollars but rose to sit at just over 167 thousand dollars from January to August which is a 14 thousand dollar increase over the same period last year.  Erickson says our market is stable and steady and she expects it to continue to grow. 

3 car collision injures 2.

A three vehicle smash up this morning injured two people.  The collision happened just after 10 o'clock on Cumberland Street near Clavet.  The injuries are not known at this time but they are not believed to be serious. 

Counterfeit bills are being used in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay Police are telling the public to be on the lookout for fake american money.  Around a dozen fake 20's have surfaced in the city after they were used mainly at fastfood restaurants.  All the bills shared the same serial number.

Con College casting call

You thespians and want-to-be-actors out there have a chance to strut your stuff this weekend. The Confederation College film program is holding a casting call at the Intercity Mall. The auditions take place Saturday from 3 until 5 and Sunday noon until 3

Green's have a new candidate

The Green Party has found a new candidate for the upcoming provincial election.  Jon Milnes will run for the greens in Thunder Bay - Atikokan

NAN scoffs at Premier's offer

It's thumbs down by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to an offer from the Ontario government.   Premier Dalton McGuinty is offering meetings instead of a Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of seven NAN students in Thunder Bay.   Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says they expect nothing less from the Premier than to announce the inquiry.

Northern Debate a go!

The Northern Ontario Leaders Debate is a go!  NOMA Executive Director Charla Robinson says they'll be asking a variety of questions to the NDP and Progressive Conservatives.  The debate will take place next Friday at 11 at the Valhalla Inn.  It's only open to members of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, Economic Development Commissions, and Chambers of Commerce.

Pickle Lake wants you to picnic

How about 100-thousand dollars in cold hard cash to fix up a popular tourist destination?  Pickle Lake is hoping to grab that cash as it's one of 5-communities in the running for the Schneiders 'Picnic Anywhere' competition.  John White is leading the local bid and says the community now needs your vote.  You can vote by going to Facebook and search the 'Picnic Anywhere Project from Schneiers'.

Fundraiser for hospice

St. Joseph's Care group is embarking on a new fundraiser.  This one is trying to raise half a million dollars for its hospice.   The project is a personal effort for local real estate agent and fundraising co-chair Karin Sitko.  She has experience with the care provided at the hospice and wanted to give something back.

No injuries in mishap

There are no injuries to report after a two vehicle accident on Edward Street near the entrance to Confederation College.  Police say that despite the proximity to the College entrance the current support staff strike had nothing to do with the incident.

Frost warning overnight

It's a sign that fall can't be all that far away. Environment Canada has issued a frost warning for overnight. Our meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says it's almost a sure thing.  Laidlaw says there could be another frost tomorrow night but it shouldn't be as intense as tonight.

Steed steps down

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are without a manager.  Mike Steed has resigned from his position as manager. The 41 year old native of Burlington, Ontario is giving family reasons for his decision.

T.Bay man charged with impaired driving

Sioux Lookout OPP have charged a Thunder Bay man with impaired driving.  Police received a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 642 and officers caught up to the man.  Police arrested the 28-year-old for impaired operation of a motor vehicle.  He was transported to the Sioux Lookout Detachment where the accused refused to provide a breath sample.  He will appear in Court on November 15th

T.Bay woman invested in Order of Canada

A Thunder Bay woman is being invested into the Order of Canada. Ruth Kajander is being honoured for her work with people with psychiatric illnesses. Kajander is one of 45 Canadians being acknowledged by the Canadian Order.

McGuinty doesn't rule out deaths inquiry

Premier Dalton McGuinty is not ruling out a Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of seven First Nations students in Thunder Bay. McGuinty says the call by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is now in the hands of the government's Child Advocate.   He's hoping to bring various levels of government to the table to come to grips with the problem. As well, McGuinty has again ruled out joining next week's leaders debate on Northern issues.

For Ken Lewenza it's ABH

The national leader of the Canadian Auto Workers Union is suggesting his members not support a Tim Hudak government. However, speaking in Thunder Bay, Ken Lewenza insists he is not endorsing any political party for this provincial election. However he admits his message is "anybody but Hudak".  Lewenza told a group of union members last night the Tories are not on the side of workers or public servants.

Gravelle responds to Northern Debate

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is coming to the defence of his Leader.  Gravelle says they want to make sure northern issues are heard on the province wide debate. In a press release, the Liberals say they wrote NOMA to tell them the Premier wouldn't be able to attend because he has a prior commitment.  The Liberals say they offered to make someone else available for the Thunder Bay debate, but they declined.

Stand off is over

The police stand off with a man who barricaded himself in a Brunswick Street home is over.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the man surrendered shortly after 2:30 Wednesday.  A 53 year old Brunswick Avenue man is in custody and charges are pending.  The stand off started after city bylaw officers attempted to conduct a clean up of the man's property.

Police dealing with a tense situation

Thunder Bay Police are dealing with a stand off like situation on Brunswick Street.  A man has barricaded himself in a house with a woman who police believe is his girlfriend.  He's believed to be armed with a weapon. Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's too soon to call it a stand off and doesn't want to label the situation at this time.  Adams is asking the public to stay away from Brunswick, Waterloo and Victoria Street for their safety.

Neebing Avenue fire under investigation

The Fire Marshall is in Thunder Bay today investigating yesterday's townhouse fire on Neebing Avenue.  Inspector Terry Hanshire and a representative from the Fire Marshall's Office are on the scene.  The cause of the blaze is still not known.

Northern Ontario Debate next Friday

Premier Dalton McGuinty appears to be the only holdout in a Northern Ontario debate. Both NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and PC Leader Tim Hudak have accepted the NOMA invitation for September 23rd. Horwath says McGuinty opting out of the debate shows what he thinks of the North.  PC Candidate for Thunder Bay Superior North Anthony Leblanc agrees saying McGuinty continues to neglect the North. McGuinty says he wants to have a Northern Ontario specific debate in the September 27th televised debate.

McGuinty to bring campaign to Thunder Bay

Premier Dalton McGuinty is travelling to Thunder Bay to stir up some Liberal support during his election campaign.   One of the issues sure to come up will be McGuinty's reluctance to join in a leaders debate about Northern issues.   The Premier will arrive in the city tonight and is expected to leave after his tour of the Bombardier Plant tomorrow morning.

Red Cross honours hydro linesman

L to R: Rob Kruk-Rory Milani

A Thunder Bay Hydro linesman is being honoured for his heroism. Last May, Roy Milani performed live saving CPR on Robert Kruk who was having a heart attack. Milani credits the skills training he received through Thunder Bay Hydro.   As the result of his actions, the Red Cross has  given Milani a safety award.

ATV, Dirt bike collide

Two young men from O'Connor Township are in Thunder Bay hospital after an accident on a back road trail.  An 18 and 20 year old were driving an ATV and a dirt bike when they collided with each other.  The rider of the dirt bike sustained minor injuries, while the driver of the ATV received non life threatening injuries.

Mac's Mart robbed again

Police are investigating another robbery at a Mac's Convenience store in Thunder Bay.  Two men entered the east Arthur street store armed with a knife and stole some money and merchandise.  The duo fled on foot and were last seen heading east from the store.

Top marks!

It's high fives all around at the Regional Health Science's Centre after it got high marks in two areas of a mandatory accreditation. CEO Andree Robichaud says the hospital received a good report for it's telemedicine program and for family centred care.   Robichaud hopes to improve in other areas for the next examination including strategic planning.

Columbus visits City

Thunder Bay's Port welcomed a four hundred passenger cruise ship this morning. Acting Waterfront Manager Paul Pepe says the Columbus is being sold and will sail next year under the name Hamburg. Pepe is trying to bring that ship back and attract others to the City. Over 300 German speaking tourists sailed in on the ship today and toured the City. The cruise ship will be back in two weeks time.

Thunder Bay teens involved in weekend mishap

Two Thunder Bay teens are in trouble with the law as they recover from a traffic accident.  The 14 and 16 year old boys were arrested and charged Sunday after police had reports of a stolen vehicle from Thunder Bay travelling on Highway 17 near Schreiber.  OPP say the vehicle the two teens were in later veered off the road and slammed into a rock cut after it failed to stop for police.  The incident is currently being probed by the Province's Special Investigations Unit.

Hiring climate said to be healthy

It looks like the coming months will be good for Thunder Bay's hiring climate.  Manpower Thunder Bay spokesperson Florentine Bahlieda says the results of the most recent survey show 20 percent of employers are planning on hiring new staff.

Taxi robbed by syringe point

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a woman in connection to a taxi robbery.  Police say a woman robbed a Diamond Taxi early this morning armed with a syringe.  The woman is know by police.

No one hurt in a townhouse inferno

Luckily there are no injuries after a 2 alarm inferno at a townhouse on the south side of town.  The blaze ripped through two units a 924 and 926 Neebing Avenue just after 9 this morning.  Initial searches of the units came up clear.  There is no indication at this time what may have caused the blaze.   Black smoke from the fire could be seen across the city. 

Another fire at AbitibiBowater sends 5 to hospital

Another fire at AbitibiBowater sent 5 employees to the hospital with minor injuries.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Responded to the blaze early this morning at Paper Machine 5.  Four people suffered smoke inhalation and one person received a head injury.

Walsh Street Sidewalk up for debate

The controversial Walsh Street sidewalk might not be created after all.  Council already approved the contract for the project, and it's underway.  However, the city is considering backing out of the project because of trees being cut down.  A report will be brought back to council next Monday during a special meeting.

Traffic light removal approved

Thunder Bay City Council is approving the removal of the traffic signals at the intersection of Miles Street and Syndicate Avenue.  A report found that the lights are no longer needed because the traffic conditions no longer warrant them.  The removal of the lights will save the city a thousand dollars each year.  Pedestrian activated signals will be installed 30 metres west of the intersection of Miles and Brodie streets.  Council will ratify the traffic light removal at it's September 26th meeting.

Bus passes approved

Thunder Bay City Council is going to provide some bus passes to Lakehead University's Humanities program. However, they're also asking administration to create a policy that would deal with community groups asking for free bus passes.  Council will be providing 600 bus passes to the Humanities 101 students.

Shelter House makes request

Thunder Bay City Council is considering a request from Shelter House.  The group wants council to put just over 240-thousand dollars towards renovating their George Street building.  Shelter House wants to use the building to offer help to chronic alcoholics. The group wants to offer 15 beds to alcoholics that currently stay at the hospital or in jail cells. Council has asked for a report on the project.

Dawson Road petition presented

A room packed full of people living around Dawson Road took in Monday night's City Council meeting.  15 hundred signatures were collected on a petition calling for transport truck traffic to be diverted from that stretch of road to the Shabaqua Highway.  Community members shared their driving experiences with council.  The group feels the road isn't safe because of the aggressive way the transports are driven.

Columbus to visit city

Thunder Bay is getting a visit from a cruise ship Tuesday morning. The MV Columbus is going to arrive with its 360 passengers at around 6:15  and leave at around 5:30 in  the afternoon.    It will make a return trip to the city on September 23rd.

Smoke drifts into city

Smoke from a forest fire south of the border is causing problems in Thunder Bay.  The city fire service says the smoke drifted here from an 11 thousand acre fire near Ely, Minnesota . 

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect

Dark clouds are hovering over the city as Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the city. Environment Canada says a cold front is the cause of the storm.  Strong gusting winds and hail are expected.

50 thousand won on scratch ticket

A Thunder Bay resident is richer thanks to playing a crossword scratch ticket.  Terry Nishibata won 50 thousand dollars from the Ontario Lottery Commission.

Green Party could have candidate by Thursday

Ontario's Green Party says news of their candidate dropping out is not a set back.  Spokesperson Rebecca Harrison says Russ Aegard dropped out for personal reasons.  The party hopes to have a new candidate in place by Thursday.

City looks to host international games

Thunder Bay is making a pitch to host the 2016 Can-Am Police and Fire Games. Bill Marylees is one of the games organizers who are in the city inspecting our sporting facilities and says we are one of three cities in the running.  The other cities are Kingston and Ames, Iowa.

SIU investigating collision near Marathon

The Province's Special Investigations Unit is probing an accident Sunday near Marathon that seriously injured two teens. SIU spokesperson Frank Phillips says the investigation is necessary because the two were in a vehicle that the OPP  tried to stop on highway 17. He says the SIU has assigned three investigators to the case. One officer is the subject of the investigation while twelve officers are witnesses. Eleven civilian witnesses are also to be questioned.

NAN calls for inquiry into student deaths

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is making a call for a commission of inquiry into the deaths of seven First Nations students in Thunder Bay. Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says it will help the families of the students move on.  The call comes after a corner ruled an inquest into the death of one of the students could not take place because of jury roll concerns. 

Local man is raising money for Cancer research

A local man is raising money for cancer after losing his mother.  Jay Tysoski says he's is raising money in his mother's name after she passed away last year.  Tysoski is also raising money in his wife's name after she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. Tysoski will be heading to Chicago for this year's Men's Health Urbanathalon next month to help raise awareness.

Globe and Mail story predicting a tough fight for Gravelle

A recent story in the Globe and Mail is suggesting Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle could be in tough in his bid for re-election.  PC Candidate Anthony Leblanc says it's a sign of McGuinty's neglect of the North.  NDP candidate Steve Mantis says he thinks residents in the region want a bigger voice in Queen's Park.  Gravelle says every election is tough and he's going to do his best to meet the needs of his constituents.

24 year old drowns in Red Lake

OPP are investigating after a 24 year old man drowned in Red Lake.  The man went swimming Saturday evening and OPP divers located his body yesterday.  Officials say a post mortem will take place today.

Thunder Bay remembers 9-11

It's the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks and here in Thunder Bay people are gathering to remember. A ceremony took place at Boulevard Lake this morning. Fire and Rescue spokesperson Eric Nordlund says it's a day firefighters will never forget. Nordlund calls 9-11 a turning point for everyone.

9-11 remembered in Thunder Bay

It's the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks and here in Thunder Bay firefighters and police are remembering the day with a morning ceremony. Fire and Rescue spokesperson Eric Nordlund says it's a day that was a turning point and one that firefighters will never forget no matter where they live.