Health Unit Looking At Flu Shot Clinics

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is going to consider marketing their flu shot clinics differently next year.   The board recently received a review of their influenza program that suggests marketing the clinics differently.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they'll be getting more insight from a public survey.  The survey will ask locals why they chose not to get their flu shot from the Health Unit.

Hajdu Likes Funding For Homeless

The Harper government is pledging to extend funding for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy beyond 2014.  That is music to the ears of Patty Hajdu the executive director of the city's homeless shelter who says Thunder Bay benefits from that program.  Hajdu is also pleased the program will focus on "housing first" which she calls a proven idea.

Federal Budget Riles Local MPs

Thunder Bay independent MP Bruce Hyer is attacking the federal budget on several fronts siting no improvements to the Canada Pension Plan or tax breaks for small businesses.  He does however says there document does help the mining industry. Hyer is disappointed there are no tax reductions for small businesses.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is calling the budget a shell game.

Geraldton Man's Body Found

OPP are reporting they found the body of missing 32 year old Erik Legarde.  Around 11 o'clock yesterday they found the body of Legarde on a bush trail in Geraldton.  The OPP are looking into the circumstances leading to his death and a post mortem exam is taking place over the next couple of days.

Man Charged In Viral Video Incident

Dryden Police are charging the man accused of assaulting a Pikangikum First Nations man at a local fast food restaurant.  22-year-old Christopher Donylyk of Geraldton made arrangements to turn himself in to Dryden Police after learning of the investigation.  The incident captured widespread attention on social media.  The incident was reported Tuesday night by a long time Dryden resident but the date of it isn't known.  Several witnesses came forward to assist in the investigation.  Donylyk will appear in Sioux Lookout court today for a bail hearing.

Mayor Moves To The Head Of The Cash

The latest figures from City Hall show Mayor Keith Hobbs was the highest paid elected city official last year at over 110 thousand dollars in salary and expenses.   Number two was Councillor Joe Virdiramo at over 50 thousand dollars.   The mayor also had the most expenses with over 15 thousand dollars.  Councillor Mark Bentz was the only elected official with no expenses reported.

Northern Lights Education Back At It

The Northern Lights Education Initiative is looking for public support for an alternative education proposal.  They're holding a series of workshops at the Baggage Building at Prince Arthur's Landing starting in April.  The organization is hoping to team up with the Lakehead Public School Board to offer a new type of education.

Dryden Police Find Assault Victim

Dryden Police continue their investigation of an assault at a fast-food restaurant.  Chief Rob Davis says they have identified the accused and the victim, who is from Pikangikum First Nation.  Police say their names will be withheld as they continue to investigate.  Davis says they are still asking for the public's help identifying the person who shot the video, adding that they are not a suspect or in trouble with police for capturing the footage.

Respect Founder Honoured

The first ever Respect award winner is Thomas Russell of the Student Union at Confederation College. He is the originator of the Respect campaign against racism, homophobia and bullying which started at the college and spread to City Hall. Russell says the award is humbling. It was given to him at the annual Diversity Thunder Bay breakfast this morning.

Consultant Coming In To Help Store Evidence

City Police continue to have too much evidence for the amount of storage rooms they have.  A recent audit shows they have just under 27-thousand items in their care and control.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says they've invited a consultant in to look for solutions.  Adams says the consultant is going to consider a new layout for their building.

Catholic S.B. Receives Report On Aboriginal Education

The Catholic School Board wants to include culturally appropriate education tools for its First Nation students.  They recently received a report on where First Nation students are doing well and where they struggle.  Spokesperson Omer Belisle says they're considering a number of new initiatives.  Belisle says they'll also bring in text books in First Nation languages.

MoneySense Mag Releases Best Place List

MoneySense magazine is out with its annual list of best places in Canada to live.  In the best Cities Overall category Thunder Bay is ranked number 92, and in the midsize market we are number 34.  The rankings take into consider the number of days with rain, the temperature, and the jobless rate. To check out the whole list click here.

Janzen's Robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a man they believe robbed the Janzen's Pharmacy on Frederica Street yesterday.  They say a man entered the store just after 5 o'clock and robbed the pharmacy at knife point.  There were no injuries in the incident.  The man made off with a small amount of prescription medication.

Health Unit Drops Program

The Healthy Child Development program is no longer going to be handled by the District Health Unit.   Spokesperson Doug Heath says it's hoped the program can be given to an organization that can put more focus on it. Health says it's not a program that they are required to provide. He says the board is recommending to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services that the program go to the Children's Centre.

Hobbs Encouraged By Wynne's Order

The mayor calls it encouraging.   Keith Hobbs is reacting to news that Premier Kathleen Wynne is ordering  Ontario Lottery and Gaming to rewrite its formula for locating new casinos so that all municipalities are treated in the same way. Hobbs says the news comes at the right time as the city prepares to negotiate a new agreement to begin in April.  Hobbs had been concerned that a new Toronto casino would get a sweeter deal from OLG than we are currently getting.

Cath Lab Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Regional Hospital officials are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the cardiac catherization lab.   The procedure allows a tube to be put into the heart to help provide treatment.   Since it was started officials say 27 thousand patients have had the procedure done.

Waterfront Project Almost Half Million Over Budget

Remarkable is what city official Greg Alexander calls it. He says for phase one of the waterfront project to come in at only 1 per cent over budget speaks to how hard the project management team worked to keep costs down. Alexander hopes it silences any critics on city council.  In dollar terms the variance works out to just under half a million dollars.

Viral Video Shows Assault

Dryden Police are investigating an assault at the Dryden McDonalds. The incident was captured on video and immediately went viral on social media. It shows a young man abusing a customer who was sitting down to eat.  Police Chief Rob Davis says the incident was reported yesterday night but he believes the attack happened before that day. Davis is asking the public for help to identify who shot the video of the assault or who witnessed the incident. He says they have been able to identify the victim and the accused and notes charges are likely going to be laid.

Snowy Spring

The first day of spring brought with it cold temperatures and snow still on the ground.  Our newsroom went to City Hall to ask residents what they thought about the lack of warm weather.

Future Of Power Plant Still In Limbo

Uncertainty continues to surround the future of the Mission Island power plant. Councillor Andrew Foulds listened to the update from Ontario Power Generation officials this morning and says the conversion of the plant to natural gas remains on hold with no plans to change that. Foulds says the decision makers in southern Ontario don't appear to realize the energy challenges the region faces in the

Police Spending Over 2012 Budget

Thunder Bay's Police are finishing off last year's budget year in the red.  They ran over their 34 million dollar budget by 179-thousand dollars.  Chief JP Levesque says they've worked really hard to keep their cost over runs modest.  Levesque provided the Police Services Board with an update on their spending at yesterday's meeting.

OPP Looking For Missing Man

OPP are searching for a missing 32 year old Geraldton man. Erik Legarde's family reported him missing yesterday. He's described as 5'11 weighing 180 pounds with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen on March 17th wearing blue jeans, brown shoes, and a grey sweatshirt.

Rock Drummer Lends His Star Power

A Thunder Bay based suicide prevention movement is getting some help from a Canadian rock star.   Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart says he joined the Collateral Damage Project after  founder Scott Chisholm reached out to him through Twitter.   Taggart is convinced it's a worthwhile endeavour and hopes to use his celebrity status to bring the message across the country.

LRCA To Start Its Flood Watch

The spring flood watch is about to begin as the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority keeps its eye on area rivers and streams during the snow melt.   Chair Bill Bartley says he just finished his annual spring meeting with the operational staff of the area municipalities to make sure they are prepared for any eventuality.  Bartley says monitoring so far shows there is no cause for concern.

"Ceremony And Resurgence"

The Idle No More movement in Thunder Bay  is trying to give itself a kick start.  Organizers are holding what they call  "a day of ceremony and resurgence" today.  Beginning with a sunrise ceremony, a day of First Nation  teachings is planned at the Anishnawbe Mushkiki Centre on Royston Court.

"Ceremony And Resurgence"

The Idle No More movement in Thunder Bay  is trying to give itself a kick start.  Organizers are holding what they call  "a day of ceremony and resurgence" Wednesday.  Beginning with a sunrise ceremony, a day of First Nation  teachings is planned at the Anishnawbe Mushkiki Centre on Royston Court.

LRCA To Start Its Flood Watch

The spring flood watch is about to begin as the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority keeps its eye on area rivers and streams during the snow melt.   Chair Bill Bartley says he just finished his annual spring meeting with the operational staff of the area municipalities to make sure they are prepared for any eventuality.  Bartley says monitoring so far shows there is no cause for concern.

Rock Drummer Lends His Star Power

Jeremy Taggart

A Thunder Bay based suicide prevention movement is getting some help from a Canadian rock star.   Our Lady Peace drummer Jeremy Taggart says he joined the Collateral Damage Project after  founder Scott Chisholm reached out to him through Twitter.   Taggart is convinced it's a worthwhile endeavour and hopes to use his celebrity status to bring the message across the country.

Virdiramo Says Allegation Tainted Police Service

Police Services Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says a recent allegation from a 19 year old man hurt the force's reputation.  The OPP investigation into the claim that a young man was driven out of the City and left behind was proved to be false.  Virdiramo says national media stories on the investigation didn't help local police.  Virdiramo has asked the Police Chief to also look into what costs might be associated with the investigation.

Police Youth Corps. Celebrate 20 Years

The Thunder Bay Police Youth Corps. 20th anniversary is off to a good start, as the group has received 2-thousand dollars for supplies and uniforms.  Deputy Commanding Officer Kerri Hnatiw says the money will help inspire youth to pursue a policing career.  The Youth Corps. has been a major help to aspiring police officers, and has left such a lasting impression that several of the graduates have returned to volunteer.

Robinson New Chamber President

The new Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce president is Charla Robinson.   She takes over from Harold Wilson who left to enter the world of politics.  Robinson hopes to put her own on stamp on the local business organization.  Robinson begins her new role at the end of April.  

Gravelle Says Mining Benefiting Ontario

The provincial government is highlighting the benefits mining is having on Ontario's economy.   Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says the province is seeing record spending by the industry. Gravelle spoke in Queens Park yesterday, and says that Ontario is the leading jurisdiction in Canada when it comes to exploration.

Crimestoppers Launches Hate Crime Prevention Program

Crimestoppers is offering a new program that will help put an end to hate crimes.  The new initiative will be launched in May and could cost up to 15-thousand dollars.  Constable Julie Tilbury says they embarked on the initiative after an alleged abduction and sexual assault of a First Nations woman.  The Police Services Board pledged 2-thousand dollars towards the project.

Hobbs Happy With Proposed Legislation

Mayor Keith Hobbs is excited to hear the Provincial Government is introducing legislation that will make it easier for Cities to charge out of province drivers who run red lights and fail to stop for school buses.  Hobbs says the proposed legislation will help them collect quite a bit of money in fines.  Hobbs says it was one of their main requests when they met with Provincial Ministers last month in Toronto.

Not As Many P.E. Teachers In N. Ontario

Northern Ontario has the greatest shortage of physical education teachers in the province.  The report from People for Education found that only 22 percent of schools across the north have phys-ed staff compared to 75 percent in the Toronto area.  Majority of schools in the area don't have teachers that specialize in phys-ed, instead it is up to the normal classroom teacher.  The report also says that the shortage is preventing most students from meeting the 20-minutes of mandatory daily physical activity required by the province.

Investigation Clears Local Police

An allegation against the local police force has turned out to be a lie.  An OPP investigation into a 19 year old's claim that Police dropped him off outside the city limits on December 2nd was untrue.  When questioned by investigators, he admitted that he fabricated the story about being given a ride out of town.  The young man has provided the Thunder Bay Police Service with a written apology.

Dryden Loses CAO

Dryden is losing its City Manager.  Joe Van Koeverden has said that he's leaving the community.  Van Koeverden has been named CAO of a township in central Ontario.  Van Koeverden was named City Manager in June 2011.

Respect Campaign Turns One Year Old Thursday

Thursday marks the one year anniversary of the City's Respect campaign.  Ann Magiskan is the Chair of the Anti-Racism Committee and says the initiative has sparked conversation in the community.  City officials raised the Respect flag Monday to demonstrate their commitment to bringing an end to racial discrimination.

Demolition At Superior House

Confederation College Students and Eco Superior are gutting a 1940's bungalow.  Spokesperson Raphael Shay says they plan to use Ontario Trillium Foundation money to renovate the home located next to Eco Superior's office.  Renovation work is expected to go on well into the summer.

Bus Fares Going Up April 1

The city is reminding bus riders that fares are going up a the beginning of next month.   Among the highlights, the exact cash fare goes up five cents, a 20 ride pass increases by five dollars and a row of 10 tickets will cost 4 dollars more. As well all the prices will be available to Handicapped Transit customers.

Local Biathletes Compete Nationally

Joseph Pascuzzo

A Thunder Bay biathlete has finished in the top ten at a national event in Whistler B.C.   Joseph Pascuzzo finished sixth out of thirty one.   Pascuzzo is competing with another local biathlete, Toby Quinn who was 24th.

More Snow On The Way

Thunder Bay is in for another snowstorm.  This one is expected to hit starting this afternoon according to Environment Canada weather expert Peter Kimbell. He expects the snow to begin in the Thunder Bay area around 2 o'clock in the afternoon with 2 to 4 centimetres expected initially then another 5 to 10 centimetres tonight and overnight. Kimbell says some areas could get up to 15 cm when all is said and done.

Assault Victim Leaves Hospital

A 31 year old man is now out of the hospital after police say he suffered serious head injuries in an assault.  They say the incident happened on May Street near Dease last night.  An 18 year old man is in police custody charged with aggravated assault and Assault with a Weapon.

Council Not Meeting Tonight

City Council is taking a night off.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says tonight's meeting was cancelled because there wasn't any city reports.  Johnson says there's always something council can talk about but most discussions revolve around issues coming from reports.

North Shore RAP Open House

An open house is being held tonight to talk about cleaning up Thunder Bay Harbour.  The North Shore Remedial Action Plan is hosting the event and Coordinator Jim Bailey says they'll be talking about what needs to be done in the future.  The open house is taking place from four until 8 at the Baggage Building on the waterfront.

Fraser Institute Releases High School Board

St. Ignatius, St. Pats and Hammarskjold High Schools are all ranked above the provincial average in the latest Fraser Institute Report Card.  Spokesperson Peter Cowley says there's always room for improvement.  Westgate was ranked 4.7 out of 10 on the right wing think tanks report card system.

Mac's Robbery Remains Unsolved

Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers asking for your help in identifying a suspect involved in a Mac's store robbery on March the 4th.  It was at the 185 South Cumberland Street location.   Police say he entered at around 1:20 in the morning with his face covered by a scarf.   He said he had a knife and demanded money from the clerk.   He left without taking anything and there were no injuries.  The suspect is about 25 to 30 years old,  medium build with black pants and a black and white snowboarding jacket and hood.

North Stars Edge Iron Rangers

The Thunder Bay North Stars are starting their playoffs with a win. The North Stars edged the Minnesota Iron Rangers 1-0 last night at the Fort William Gardens with Mathias Gardiman scoring the lone goal for the North Stars, while Jayme Brattengeier stopped all 34 Iron Ranger shots for the shutout. The North Stars will hit the road for the next meeting between the two teams on Monday night.

Gas Station Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are investigating an early morning robbery at the Shell gas station on Red River Road. Police say the convenience store clerk was robbed around 1:30 this morning at knife point by a man wearing a camouflage mask. He was last seen on Clarkson Street heading toward Walkover Street.

Rick Lang Off To World Curling Championships

A man from Thunder Bay will be working closely with the Northern Ontario Team that will represent Canada at the upcoming World Championships in Victoria. In two weeks, famed curler Rick Lang, will act as the Team Leader on behalf of the Canadian Curling Association. Lang has become very close with the country's top curling teams over the past three years. Lang is back in Thunder Bay after watching the Brier final and visiting the curling venue for the upcoming Russian Winter Olympics.

Federal Budget March 21st

The Federal Budget will be presented in Ottawa on March 21st.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford says the budget will be focused on balancing the budget.  But, Rickford says you will see an emphasis on moving forward on skills training.  Rickford says the government has an obligation to our future generations to pay down the deficit.

Rae Has Forestry On His Mind

Forestry is on the mind of Federal Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae.  Rae used the forest sector as the focus of talks with party faithful and others during stops in Dryden and Kenora on Tuesday.  He talked about the need of getting more aboriginals involved.   Rae stressed the federal government must get more involved in helping the forest sector move forward.