Chamber Wants Conversion To Continue

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce agrees that the Mission Island generating station not be allowed to shut down. Harold Wilson says the decision to put the plant's conversion to natural gas on hold is a huge letdown.  He says they were looking forward to the conversion taking place, not just for current energy needs in the region, but the future needs as well. Wilson hopes there's a chance for the Chamber to give its side on the issue.

DSSAB Ideas In Report

The District Social Services Board is excited some of their ideas are being used in a provincial review of the social assistance system.  The local board suggested Ontario works be replaced by an integrated program that provides individual services and that the Province give First Nations and Municipalities responsibility of the social assistance program.

Gravelle On Power Plant

The Minister of Natural Resources is pledging his efforts to help change the mind of the Ontario Power Authority. Michael Gravelle says he was shocked to hear the news about the possible mothballing of the Mission Island Power Plant. The plant was set to be converted to natural gas but that move has been suspended.

More Course Sharing

Confederation College is continuing to partner with other colleges in the province to share courses. Three more colleges were added to the list Monday in Timmins, Sudbury and Peterborough. President Jim Madder says it will give more students a chance to take programs and not leave their home communties. Madder says Confederation College is bringing its mining program to the table for this agreement.

Woman Missing

Thunder Bay Police are requesting assistance from the public to locate a missing person.42 year old Pauline Jean Kireto was last seen at 9:00 a.m. on October 15th.  Pauline is described as 5-foot-1 and has a medium build.   She was last seen in the vicinity of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center wearing a blue jacket. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Pauline Kireto is asked to call Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Minister Won't Commit To A Deadline

Chris Bentley says he would like to see an answer on the conversion of the Mission Island generating station to natural gas sooner rather that later. When pressed our newsroom the Energy Minister would not say if the Ontario Power Authority has been given a deadline to give him the answers he wants.     The Authority says it can save the province 400 million dollars by mothballing the coal fired plant and getting our region's energy from other sources.

Man Arrested In Cat Killing

Police responded to a south May Street address just before 5:00 a.m. on Saturday to investigate a report of a cat being killed.  When officers arrived they observed a male covered in blood and a small black cat that had it's throat cut.  Witnesses to the killing had immediately called police and cooperated with the investigation.  Police say alcohol was a factor in this incident. A 35 year old man was arrested and charged with Killing an Animal.

University Hockey Results

In University Hockey action, The Lakehead Thunderwolves defeated the Carleton Ravens 5-4 Saturday afternoon.

City Searching For Answers

City officials say they're going to do what they can get get to the bottom of it. They want to know why Ontario Power Generation is suspending the conversion of the Mission Island power plant to natural gas. Councillor Joe Virdiramo says they are hoping to talk face to face with Energy Minister Chris Bentley. An emergency meeting was held at City Hall today to discuss the issue.

Motel Death In The Fort Suspicious

The death of a man in Fort Frances is being treated as suspicious.  Provincial Police responded to a 911 call this morning from the Mid-Town Motel, where a man was found dead in one of the rooms. OPP are working under the direction of Detective Peter Loree of the Criminal Investigation Branch. The name of the dead man is not being released until family members are notified.

"Salties" Making A Comeback

The Port of Thunder Bay may be seeing the early benefits now that the Wheat Board grain monopoly has ended. Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says more ocean going ships, or salties, is coming to our port to load up with grain. He's hoping it's a trend. Heney says so far this year, more ocean going vessels have visited the city then all of last year.

Mauro Attacks OPA Thinking

MPP Bill Mauro says he shares in the anger of community leaders over the decision to suspend the conversion of the Mission Island coal powered generating station. Mauro disagrees with the Ontario Power Authority's claim that the region has a surplus of power and for suggesting the conversion to natural gas may not happen. Mauro says he will do his best to make sure the conversion takes place as scheduled.

NOMA Fuming Over OPG Decision

Municipal leaders in Thunder Bay are outraged over the decision to suspend the natural gas conversion of the Ontario Power Generation coal plant on Mission Island. Ron Nelson, the president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association,  says he is so livid he can hardly contain himself.  The association says the decision will put mining growth at risk in Northwestern Ontario.

Quebec Strike Could Affect Local Plant

Workers at a Quebec company that supplies the local Bombardier plant with parts for it's Toronto subway cars, is on strike. Dominic Pasqualino is the union spokesperson for the workers at Bombardier and says if the strike drags on too long, it would have an affect at the local plant after they run out of metal sidewalls and roofs.   Pasqualino says the local workers have enough supplies to last at least two weeks then there's the risk of a layoff.

Anti War Activist Leaves City

Francis Thatcher

An American anti war activist is on his way home to Minneapolis after being fined 5 thousand dollars in Thunder Bay yesterday. Joe Callahan plead guilty to trying to sneak a Salvadoran couple into Canada at the Pigeon River Border Crossing. His lawyer Francis Thatcher says Callahan left this morning after being processed by border officials. Callahan avoided jail time after the judge noted he had already spent time behind bars.

Pedestrian Hit By School Bus

A young woman is now out of hospital after being struck by a school bus while walking this morning. Police were called to the intersection of Arthur Street and Parkdale Boulevard just after 7:30 a.m. The woman was apparently trying to cross while a school bus was turning left off of Arthur Street. A 64 year man, driving the bus has been charged with failing to yield for a pedestrian. The driver and the kids on the bus were not hurt but the woman had to be taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries.

Unemployment Rate Jobs In October

Thunder Bay's unemployment rate is seeing another positive step in the right direction. The unemployment rate fell to 6.1 percent last month, dropping frm 6.3 percent in September. Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.4 percent with the creation of only 1,800 jobs across the country.

Firefighter Calendar Supports Juvenile Arthritis

The brand new firefighters calendar comes out Saturday. A launch party will be held starting at 4:00 o'clock at Reid's Countrywide Furniture where you can purchase the calendar for $15 with proceeds helping to fight juvenile arthritis. Arthritis Society spokesperson Shelley Graham says the disease can affect children as young as 18 months old and proceeds will help those in Northwestern Ontario.  Graham says the calendars sell for $15 or two for $25. A gift certificate is also available if you make a purchase at Reid's Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters Headed Back To Canada Malting Fire

City firefighters are heading back to Canada Malting on Maureen Street this morning. Additional fire crews have been sent to that location to help with a pellet fire that has been smouldering since Tuesday morning. The fire has never been declared out and firefighters are reporting a flare up in a bin that contains about twenty feet of pellet products. Crews have been monitoring the fire since Tuesday while workers tried to empty the bin but so far have been unsuccessful.

Lakehead U Ranks 2nd In MacLean's Survey

Lakehead University is ranked 2nd out of five universities in Ontario according to MacLean's magazine, which is out with its annual report card. Lakehead is 1st in Library Holdings Per Student, 2nd in in the province in the following categories: Student/Faculty Ratio, in Student and Faculty Awards, in Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, in Total Research Dollars, in Library Expenses and Acquisitions and in Operating Budget. L.U. did drop by one to 12th overall in Canada among 19 universities surveyed.

Thunderwolves Prepare For Busy Weekend

The Lakehead University men's hockey team is on the road this weekend and will play a pair of games against the Carleton Ravens tonight and tomorrow. The women's volleyball team is here at home against the McMaster Maurauders. Both teams are looking for their first win of the season. The first serve is set for 7:00 o'clock tonight and tomorrow at the Thunderdome. The women's basketball team is on the road for a pair of exhibition games against Bemidji State University. The women are 4-and-4 so far in pre-season play.

Conversion Suspended

Ontario Power Generation is suspending the conversion of its coal powered generation station on Mission Island to natural gas. OPG spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says its because they aren't sure if the Ontario Power Authority wants to continue in the original direction. Gruetzner can't say how long the conversion process will be on hold.

No Secrets Here

A long time Thunder Bay city councillor and former mayor, says his colleagues don't spend anymore time meeting in secret than they have to. Many city councils in the province have come under criticism for holding too many closed door meetings but Ken Boshcoff says that's not the case here. Boshcoff says past councils may not have been able to get away with some of their closed door meetings had they been following today's rules.

Almost 600 Claims To Process

Now the real work begins for the city's disaster relief team. Program manager Kari Chiapetta says they've received about 600 claims from those affected by the May 28th storm, and now she'll be going over them with a fine toothed comb  Chiapetta doesn't foresee the process taking longer than three months.

Great Pumpkin Compost Collection

The Great Pumpkin Compost Collection is announcing it's return from November 1st to 12th. EcoSuperior invites you to bring your old pumpkins to one of the three composting sites. Spokesperson Jason Sherband says the pumpkins go through an eco-friendly process once they are disposed.

Firm Contributes Big To Youth Centre

A Thunder Bay based company is taking the leading role in helping to open a new youth centre in Victoriaville Mall. Centre organizer Pierre Mapeso says without the Wasaya Group there likely might not be a pilot project because the company has covered the centre's 18 month lease contributed to purchasing furniture items. The youth centre is expected to open next month. City taxdollars are also contributing to the centre to the tune of 120 thousand dollars.

New Mining Act Now The Law

Ontario's phase two Mining Act changes officially go into effect today. Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Rick Bartolucci tells our newsroom,  the biggest changes will be to the communication level between First Nation communities, mining companies and the government. Bartolucci says the government has brought a 100 year old piece of legislation into the 21st century.  The Nishnawbe Aski Nation declined our request for an interview on the Mining Act.

Wawa Still Recovering

Wawa will likely continue its State of Emergency until at least tomorrow.  Mayor Linda Nowicky says 68 members of a nearby First Nation community have started to head home and all of them should leave Wawa by the end of today.  Nowicky also says travellers can expect delays as they approach on the Trans-Canada. Nowicky says the Trans-Canada should be full re-paved by tomorrow.

Mayor Shaves It Off For Movember

November is here as so is the move to create awareness of prostate cancer in men. This morning the mayor and several others publicly had their faces shaved at City Hall for Movember. Local organizer Phil Junnila says it's all in the name of awareness.  Junnila says every year Movember becomes more popular in Thunder Bay.

Shed Destroyed By Overnight Fire

Thunder Bay Firefighters are treating a shed fire as suspicious. Crews responded to the 3-hundred block of Talbot Street just after 2:00 o'clock this morning to find a shed fully engulfed by fire. It was completely destroyed. No injuries are reported. Meanwhile crews continue to monitor a pellet fire in a bin at Canada Malting that started on Tuesday. Crews there continue to put out remnants of the fire while trying to empty the bin.

Pair Of Locals Cleared In Italian Mafia Case

A couple of Thunder Bay men are relieved now that a magistrate in Italy has essentially cleared them of being a part of the Mafia. Lawyer Chris Watkins, who represents Vito and Rocco Minella, says there is only one word that can describe it...vindication. Watkins says the courts found there was no evidence against them to proceed.

NAPS Makes Two Liquor Raids At Airport

Three people are charged with keeping liquor for sale without a licence or permit after Nishnawbe-Aski Police made a couple raids at the Kashchewan airport this week. NAPS intercepted two large shipments on October 26th and 29th, seizing a total of 124 liquor bottles worth nearly $25,000 on the street. All three people arrested are to appear in court in January.

Open House Next Week For Proposed Bridge

The city is giving you a chance to have a say on the new bridge for Trowbridge Falls Park. There's an open house taking place Monday at the club house at Chapples Golf Course starting at 5 o'clock with a presentation at 7. The city's Werner Schwar says the consultant will present a recommendation on the type of bridge they have designed along with a series of possible locations in the park. 

Curtain Falls On Forest Fire Season

The Forest Fire Season is over in northwestern Ontario.  Deb Maclean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says it was fairly busy, but not as busy as last year.  She says there were about 660 fires this year compared to over 900 last year.  The amount of hectares burned hit 97 thousand this year , much lower than the more than 600 thousand in 2011. 

Operation Red Nose Needs Volunteers

The holiday season is coming up and Operation Red Nose is back. Spokesperson Stephanie Bateman is hopeful for a solid turn out for volunteers. The Operation Red Nose season did well last year but can always use a few more hands. Everyone is encouraged to contact St. John Ambulance if you are willing to participate.

Gold Project Into Public Meetings Stage

Lots of public feedback at this week's meetings regarding the Goliath Gold Project near Wabigoon. One of the biggest concerns was the number of jobs the mine would create when it expects to open in early 2015. Vice President Norm Bush says they are expecting to see a big jump creating a thousand direct and indirect jobs. Bush says right now they are in the development stage of the mine, but they are already looking into finding qualified people for a number of positions that will open up.

Woman Sentenced In Theft Case

A Thunder Bay woman is going to jail for 90 days after being convicted in a theft case that involved money taken from the Port Arthur Polish Alliance Hall. Her lawyer Chris Watkins says that 49 year old Krystyna Dolasinski will get to go to work and serve her sentence at the same time.  Watkins calls it fair and balanced.

Police Launch New Survey

Thunder Bay Police want to hear from you. Spokesperson Chris Adams says they've just released their latest online citizen survey. Adams says the survey helps them understand what safety and policing issues are important to the community. To link to the survey click on the link provided and click on the survey button. www.thunderbaypolice.ca

Missing Boy Found

The search is over for a missing 14 year old boy. City police had been looking for Keenan Mattinas after he was last seen at his Limbrick Street home on October 12th. Police and family members were able to find the boy just after 6:00 o'clock last night.

Union Gas Milestone Red Lake

A milestone for Red Lake. Union Gas, along with government officials, are celebrating the completion of a pipeline that will deliver natural gas to the municipality. District Manager of the Northwest Region David Sword says it's going to bring nothing but good things to residents. Sword adds they have provided natural gas to about 400 homes so far, and plan to add 400 more next year.

Domtar In Talks With Northern Iron

In the region, Ears are open at Domtar in Dryden. They have been approached by Northern Iron group to gain access to a railroad right of way on a stretch in northwestern Ontario that's been lifted for the past few years.

Trick Or Treating Safety Tips

Concerned parents of trick or treaters should know the route their children are taking. Constable Julie Tillbury says young children should be accompanied by older youth or parents. Children should also stick to the area they are familiar with.

Halloween & Diabetes

A different kind of trick or treat. Richard Boon of the Northwestern Ontario chapter of the Canadian Diabetes Association says having diabetes should not prevent a child from having fun on Halloween. Boon has a safe-tip for those giving out this year. Boon also suggests for parents to emphasize the fun parts of Halloween such as decorating and costumes, instead of focusing on candy.

NOSTA AGM This Week

The North Of Superior Travel Association will be discussing changes to Ontario's Tourism Markets at it's annual general meeting this week.  President Tim Lukinuk expects the changes in funding will dominate discussion.  The two day event is taking place at the Airlane Hotel.

Missing 14 Year Old Boy

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a missing 14 year old boy. Keenan Mattinas was last seen on October 12th at his home on Limbrick Street. He's described as 5 feet tall and under a 100 pounds with short brown hair. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers.

Gas Soaked Cat Found In Westfort

Officials with the Thunder Bay Humane Society are calling it disturbing. They say a cat that was soaked in gasoline was found wandering on the 14 hundred block of West Mary Street yesterday. They want anyone who knows anything about this will call them or the police. Director Maryann Kleynendorst is hoping the publicity will help to flush out whoever may be responsible. In addition, Kleynendorst says police have information that there may be more than one cat that was doused.

Pellet Fire At Canada Malting

Thunder Bay Firefighters will be at Canada Malting, the old Sask Pool 7 elevator on the waterfront as they continue to monitor a pellet fire. Fire crews say a pellet bin was seen smouldering causing smoke. Crews at the scene were having a difficult time getting water on the pellets according to Platoon Chief Les Newman. Newman says the cause of the fire is still being determined.

Council Passes EMS Plan

City Council is maintaining the status quo when it comes to the operation of Superior North EMS and it's stations across the district.  Council approved a report last night saying none of the 14 stations across the district will be closed in the foreseeable future.  However, Chief Norm Gale no longer has to consult with communities before closing a station.

Greenlight to Sir John A Office Building

City Council is giving the green light to Nordmin Engineering to set up a technical office in the old Sir John A MacDonald School.  Council ratified the decision at it's meeting last night.  The project will be allowed to go ahead if the project undergoes a traffic study and the property keeps an open green space.

Council Talks City Lean

Talk about how the City is doing financially turned into a blame game around the council table last night.  Council received a report showing several departments combined were over a million dollars over budget.
Councillor Trevor Giertuga says it's not fair to ask City Manager Tim Commisso to find savings and then not follow through on his recommendations. Councillor Iain Angus defended council's decision to go against the City Manager's suggestions in regards to the Botanical Conservatory and Municipal Golf Course.

Council Goes Behind Closed Doors

Thunder Bay City Council is spending some time behind closed doors.  Council met behind closed doors before it's regular meeting and started the main meeting late.  After debating several topics council decided to reconvene their private discussion.  They spent two hours behind closed doors Monday night.  Items discussed included property, and an update on the Horizon Wind lawsuit.