A new Regional Economic Development Agency is in the works

The Region could soon have a body to oversee economic development across the Northwest.  Thunder Bay City Council saw a presentation yesterday from Iain Angus who is chair a group that is working to create the Regional Economic Development Agency.  Angus says there are already several agencies that cover economic development but not on a regional level. This group would include all First nations and municipalities.  He says the REDA would give the Northwest a unified voice at both the provincial and federal levels.

Subdivision causes debate

A proposed 25 unit subdivision near the Fort William Country Club is creating a bit of a buzz.  About a dozen people spoke up at council last night both for and against the project.  Residents who spoke out against the plan are worried the construction would destroy the pristine scenery while those in favour say it would be a great place to live and are especially interested in the larger than average lot sizes. The proposal will come back to council towards the end of April. 

Province changes funding model for hospitals

It won't be until May or June until we find out if a new Provincial Funding structure will benefit the Health Sciences Centre.  Vice President Scott Potts says its still unclear how the new model will work, but he's optimistic the hospital will see an increase in funding.

Local students condemn London rioting

If the students who rioted in London, Ontario are expecting support from their counterparts at Thunder Bay's Confederation College, they're mistaken. Those we spoke to are condemning the violence

Busch new campaign chair

Carol Busch will be the face of this fall's United Way campaign having been selected the new campaign chair.   She says she can't wait to hit the ground running.

Making a splash during Water Week

The city and EcoSuperior have a common bond this week. They both are helping to promote Water Week and specifically, water conservation. EcoSuperior's Ashley Priem says we still have a lot to learn about saving H2O.   Priem adds there will also be tours of the Bare Point Water Treatment and Atlantic Avenue Pollution Control plants .

Humane Society financially stable

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is in the clear financially after threatening to close its doors back in November.  Executive Director Maryann Kleynendorst says it's a huge relief to have their bills paid and staff salaries covered.  Kleynendorst says an increase in public donations helped saved the local agency.

Public input required on White Pelican habitat

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants your feedback on it's proposed protected habitats for the American White Pelican. Biologist Glen Desy says Pelican's are found on Lake of the Woods, Lac Seul and parts of Lake Superior. You have until April 2nd to comment and can do so by clicking here.

OPP snag 200-thousand dollars of pot

Over 200 thousand dollars in marijuana is in OPP hands after a traffic stop on Highway 17 east of Marathon.  OPP stopped a vehicle travelling westbound on the Trans Canada and found a large amount of pot.  A 29 year old Quebec man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Three fires deemed arson

Three fires in the McIntyre area are being deemed cases of arson. Fire Department Spokesperson Eric Nordlund says there were two fires on Regina Avenue and another on John Street. Nordlund says because of the location and time of the fires they seem to be connected. The fires broke out between four am and 10 am on Sunday. A garage and two sheds were destroyed in the three incidents.

Missing man found

Thunder Bay Police are reporting that a missing 20 year old man has been found. Oscar Basic was picked by the Toronto Police force and they're holding him. Basic was reported missing last week after he was last seen at the Health Sciences Centre.

Kraft Mill in Fort down

More bad news for Mill workers in Fort Frances.  A lack of qualified personnel has put a halt to production at the Resolute Forest Products kraft mill.  Company spokesperson Pierre Choquette says the mill doesn't have enough second class stationary engineers needed to run the plant.

Weather records broken

Weather records toppled across Northwestern Ontario over the weekend.  The hot spot yesterday was Fort Frances at 26.4-degrees.  Thunder Bay hit 15.7 beating the old record of 13.8 in 2010.

City arsons being probed

Police are puzzled by three arsons on the city's north side which have caused extensive property damage.  Two of the incidents were on Regina Avenue, the other on John Street with the fires breaking out between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday.  Police believe there may be a connection between two of the arsons, but they're still investigating.

MP Rickford Defends Safe Streets Act

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is defending the Safe Streets Act, which was passed through the House of Commons this week. The Kenora Lawyers Sentencing Group has been outspoken about the impact the bill will have on young offenders and aboriginal people who run afoul of the law. Rickford says they consulted widely on the bill and is satisfied that most Canadians support tougher sentences for criminals. Rickford says the bill provides better protection for children from sexual predators and tougher sentences for drug crimes.

City Council to look at new subdivision

A developer will ask council to approve a new subdivision on Mountain Road next to the Fort William Country Club.  Ryan Jones is looking for support to create a 25 unit project on 18 acres of land.  He originally presented this proposal in 2005 but it was turned down by council.  Jones has since undertaken a number of studies to meet some objections to his initial plan.

NDP Leadership contender makes late campaign stop in Tbay

Despite both our MP's already backing different NDP Leadership candidates the youngest contender is looking for support in Thunder Bay.  Niki Ashton was in town Friday and says she respects the decisions of both Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty and is looking for the support of all NDP party members in the Northwest.  The 29 year old believes it's time we look to the future to ensure her generation has the same opportunities that have been available in this country for decades.

Police Service wants Mauro demoted



City Police Sgt. Jim Mauro will find out his fate April 5th. An adjudicator has found Mauro guilty of discreditable conduct following a Police Services Act hearing. Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says they are asking that Mauro be permanently demoted to the rank of constable instead of an outright dismissal. Evidence at the hearing showed that Mauro presented letter at a 2009 arbitration proceeding and falsely claimed it was from then Police Association President, Keith Hobbs. Meantime,  the Mauro family says the proceedings were an "incredible" waste of taxpayers dollars.

Deputy Chief Hay discusses the fact that Sgt. Mauro has been suspended with pay for the two years Mauro's case has been outstanding

Shipping Season about to open

The start of the shipping season is coming early.  Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says an ice breaker will be here this weekend to get the port ready for the season that'll open on the 25th after the Sault Locks open. Heney says it looks like most people inside the grain industry think the Wheat Board ending could be good for Thunder Bay.

Man falls through floodway ice

A highly questionable decision has left one man wet but safe.  The man was walking across the Neebing McIntyre floodway when he fell through the ice.  Police say with the warm temperatures the ice in the area is NOT Safe.

NAN Women's Council

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Council is fresh off a two day election.  Four women from First Nations in the east of NAN's territory and four from the west were elected.  The council serves as the voice of women and families.

TVO show loosely based on NOSM

TVO is launching it's very own medical drama show based on the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.  Spokesperson Paul Ginnis says it's like a northern Ontario version of Grey's Anatomy. The show will follow first year students working in the remote communities in the North. The production of the series is taking place around Sudbury.

Heart to Heart bonspiel cancelled

There will not be a Heart to Heart Charity Bonspiel this year. Organizers cancelled the long time event that was to raise money for the Northern Cardiac Fund. Officials say they needed 72 curlers to put on the event and as of yesterday only 34 people had shown interest. Due to the lack of interest final logistics could not be finalized.

Pain med shortage impacts Fido

A local veterinary hospital says they're starting to feel the impact of pain medication shortages.  Production cuts at a factory in Quebec are impacting human hospitals and now the treatment of animals as well. A local vet says they've been unable to get some of the medications they require but the purchasing companies they work with are looking for substitutes.  The vet clinic did not want their name used.

New iPad on store shelves

The new iPad has arrived in Thunder Bay but to very little fanfare.  Walmart Electronic's Department Manager Donald Bates says they expect to get more customers in the afternoon.  The new model comes with a faster processor and a much sharper screen.

Possible casino privatization concerns MPP

The possible privatization of Ontario Lottery and Gaming facilities in the province is catching a local MPP's attention. The idea was floated in this weeks OLG announcement of sweeping changes. Bill Mauro says he is unsure if that will mean the casino in Thunder Bay is going to land in private hands or not, and says he is having discussions on the issue since he hasn't seen any details of the proposal just yet.

LUSU Prez not happy with traffic on Oliver Road

The President of the Lakehead University Students Union wants to the see the city move faster to put in traffic lights in front of the Hospital.  Michael Snodden says with the rash of speeding tickets handed out this week it just proves how dangerous it is for students to cross Oliver Road. Snodden says he's been told the city is mindful of the situation but feels more could be done to get the lights in sooner rather than later.  City Engineering Manager Pat Mauro says lights will be installed this year but not until at least May.

Say hello to Lakehead Yale Sports Holdings

The group looking to bring a professional or major junior hockey team to Thunder Bay is trying to get people used to calling them Lakehead Yale Sports Holdings.  CEO Anthony Leblanc says that has been the official name for about a year after Ice Edge Holdings was disbanded. He says Ice Edge was created for the sole purpose of purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes.  The new company is working hard on a number of issues including bringing a team here.  Leblanc says he is impressed with recent developments in regards to a new Events Centre in Thunder Bay and says a new arena is a key term to bringing in a team.  He adds it is a condition of every hockey league they have had discussions with.

No deer feeding complaints

The City's bylaw enforcement manager says no one is complaining yet following news that a man on Mission Island is feeding deer which is now against the law. Ron Bourret says the system only works if someone calls his department since it's complaint driven. Bourret says the law isn't being enforced until May first anyway, so the person would only get a lecture.

Police look for missing man

City police are looking for a missing  20 year old man.   They say that Oscar Jesus Amor Bacic was last seen at the Regional Health Science's Centre March 7th.  Police say there are concerns because of mental health issues. Police say he doesn't know anyone here and has ties to southern Ontario and to Manitouwadge.

Police continue to target speeding near hospital

Thunder Bay Police continue to target speeders near the Health Sciences Centre. For the second time this week officers set up a speed trap on Oliver Road infront the entrance to the hospital and picked off 20 speeders.  Earlier this week they caught another 20 heavy footed drivers. The fastest driver today was clocked going 80 in the 50 zone.

Virdiramo applauds police

The chair of the Police Services Board is issuing a statement of support to the rank and file of the force. Councillor Joe Virdiramo says it follows the recent arrests made in the Mac's store robberies and not public prodding by Mayor Keith Hobbs.  He felt it was appropriate to thank the officers that worked on the convenience store robberies and adds that it's a show of confidence in the work the police do.

WSIB President's salary causes stir

The salary of the head of a government organization is not sitting well with injured workers groups.  They are upset David Marshall's gig as the President of the Work Place Safety and Insurance Board includes a bonus of up to 400-thousand dollars on top of of his annual salary of 400 thousand. Local Spokesperson Steve Mantis says it's absurd to think Marshall is being paid to cut injured workers benefits.  Ontario's Injured Workers have sent a letter to the Premier to stop making cuts to the WSIB and scale back the President's pay.

Police probe fuel theft

OPP are investigating the theft of fuel in Gorham Township.   Police say that in several incidents recently, thieves were able to break into a locked compound and in each case stolen upwards of 500 litres of fuel.

Hyer retables motion

NDP MP Bruce Hyer isn't giving up his fight to see cross-party cooperation.  He retabled a motion today that if passed would change the rules of the House of Commons.  Currently, private legislation can only be introduced by individual MPs and bills are often branded an initiative of the MP's party.

City opens up bike rack competition

The City of Thunder Bay is asking for artists to come up proposals for their new City wide bike racks.   Public Art Coordinator Reana Mussato says the competition is open to Northwestern Ontario artists.  The winning designs will be transferred onto circular panels and incorporated onto bike racks.  The deadline to apply is April 23rd.

Calendar parking over

Most of the snow is gone from the roads; and so is calendar parking. The Parking Authority has decided to lift the Calendar Parking restrictions. Based on the warm weather forecasted this week and the current road conditions the decision was made to lift the restrictions starting today.

Wet start to fire season predicted

Despite a relatively dry winter and an early start to spring, we may not see an early start to the forest fire season. The Ministry of Natural Resources says a call for a wet spring may help off-set an early fire hazard. Information Officer Debbie MacLean says right now it's business as usual, as they make preparations for the new season which officially starts April 1st.

Police arrest hit and run suspect

A 33 year old man is charged with failing to render assistance after a hit and run incident on Memorial Avenue on Sunday.  Police say they arrested the man after they received an anonymous tip.  The pedestrian has also been charged with being intoxicated in a public place and impeding traffic.

NDP member eats humble pie

MP Pat Martin is apologizing for remarks he made in an interview with Global TV which referred.to Thunder Bay's Responsive Marketing Group in connection with the robocalls controversy. In an apology posted on his website Martin says he did not intend to impugn any notion of illegal behaviour to RMG. He says his statement was ill-advised. Over the weekend RMG slammed opposition MPs it says " level false and defamatory claims" against it . The company says it's cooperating fully with Elections Canada in it's probe of robocalls that were made to thousands of voters during the last federal election.

City launches pothole page

If you run across a pothole in the Thunder Bay the city wants to know about it. The City has launched a new online pothole reporting page.  Officials say its important to take care of potholes quickly because they can get worse very fast at this time of year.  To report a pothole you can visit the city's website at www.thunderbay.ca/pothole.

Be careful with discarded needles

The Health unit is sending out a warning to people to be careful with what they find under the melting snow.  The District Health Unit's Superior Points Harm Reduction Program is reminding people to be careful if they find discarded needles.  Officials say use tongs or pliers to pick up the needle and put it in a hard container that is clearly marked.  You can dispose of the needles at any yellow metal disposal bins in the city that can be found on the Health Unit's website.  Spokesperson Lori Franzen says while the risk of infection is very low, its important to be careful.

Bushie inquest to resume

The inquest into the 2007 death of Reggie Bushie is getting back on track.  Regional Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson says a date for the inquest will be set at a hearing on May 15th.   The body of the 15 year old was recovered from the McIntyre River November the first of that year after  he was reported missing just days earlier.   The inquest is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and the jury could make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

Hyer endorses Cullen

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is throwing his support behind Nathan Cullen for leadership of the NDP.  Hyer says Cullen has proven to be more than capable of taking the reigns of the party. Hyer says his second choice is Thomas Mulcair who he hopes to see as the deputy leader.

Police make another Mac's Robbery arrest

Thunder Bay Police have made another arrest in connection to the recent Mac's Convenience Store Robberies.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says a 17 year old boy was arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection to robberies where a person was wearing a mask. Adams says police have now made arrests in connection to 6 of 8 Mac's robberies in 2012.

Film Fest a "window to the world"

It's back for another season, the Northwest Film Fest is taking place once again at Silver City. Organizer Marty Mascarin says they again have over a dozen award winning features including the best picture winner at the  Academy Awards , The Artist. The festival takes place over two Sundays, March 25th and April first.

Mascarin explains why the festival is popular

Northwest LHIN takes it on the chin

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is getting a failing grade when it comes to health care planning for chronic diseases. The report by the Hamilton Spectator shows our region near the bottom. LHIN CEO Laura Kokocinski admits the problems exist, but says it doesn't mean we aren't getting the bang for our buck, adding the report goes far beyond examing the services that are provided.  Kokocinski says the organization is working to overcome some of the obstacles the region faces when it comes to coordinating health care.

LU interviewing potential Deans

Lakehead University's search for its first Dean of its Law School is nearing an end.  Officials at the school have confirmed that a short list of candidates is being interviewed.  No comment will be made for at least 3 weeks.

New subdivision request before councillors

City Councillors will be tackling property and planning issues this Monday.  Council will consider an application for a 25 lot subdivision on a piece of property near the Fort William Country Club.  The piece of land is on Mountain Road and administration is recommending council approve it.  Meanwhile, an application is being made that applies to a building on the corner of Leslie Avenue and Black Bay Road.  The owner is asking they be allowed to continue to use the existing building as a 5 unit apartment complex.

NWHU talks oxy addiction

The medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit wants to see more discussion in dealing with the withdrawal of Oxycontin.  Doctor James Arthur says it's an issue that simply one agency alone can't solve. Arthur says placing blame for the reasons behind the drug's high use in Ontario does little to address the problem.

Long Term Care Public Input

A task force seeking input into abuse and neglect in the province's long-term care homes won't be holding public meetings.  Instead, it's set up a website to gather that input.  Chair Gail Donner says they're working on some tight deadlines to get its recommendations into the government.  The deadline to comment for the http://www.longtermcaretaskforce.ca/ is this Monday.

DSSAB's come together

The agencies responsible for the delivery of social services programs in Northwestern Ontario have joined as one in a call for more funding. Representatives from the Kenora, Thunder Bay and Rainy River District Services Boards presented a united front in a recent meeting with the Province. Spokesperson Deb Ewald says it was the first time all three have come together. The lack of funding for social housing was among concerns expressed.

Campbell calls for Matthews visit

Residents in Rainy River are being urged to keep up the pressure on Ontario's Health Minister to help resolve their doctor shortage.  Their MPP Sarah Campbell says assurances from Deb Matthews that the community's emergency room won't close when the lone doctor leaves is not a complete fix.  Campbell says a letter writing campaign started by residents in Rainy River needs to continue to bring more long-term solutions.