NOMA AGM In T.Bay

Municipal leaders from across the region are in Thunder Bay for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Annual General meeting.  The highlight of the 3 day conference, which starts today, is a forum with 8 Ontario Ministers.  Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will also address delegates.  There will also be an appointment of a new President.  Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is widely expected to replace Ron Nelson who has indicated he won't seek another term.

Resolute Gives Money To Cancer Fund

Thunder Bay's Resolute Forest Products Woodlands workers are celebrating being injury free for a year.  The company is marking the achievement with a 5-thousand dollar cheque to the Northern Cancer Fund at the hospital.

Police Launch Senior Abuse Video

Thunder Bay Police are tackling the issue of crimes against seniors.  They're launching a special video today that will speak to First Nation residents about the growing concern about senior abuse.
Constable Diane MacLaurin says the video was greatly needed.  The video is narrated by a local elder who speaks in her native language and English.

ELA To Stay Open In 2013

The Provincial Government is coming to the rescue of the Experimental Lakes Area.  Ontario is teaming up with the Manitoba Government and Feds to keep the ELA open in 2013.  The province will provide operating support and work toward an agreement to keep the facility open well into the future.

TBRRI Looking For New CEO

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is looking for a new CEO.   It comes with the sudden departure of Michael Wood. Board Chair Keith Jobbitt will not discuss the details surrounding Wood's exit but says Roxanne Deslauriers is going to take over on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found.

Horizon Clears Another Hurdle

Horizon Wind is one step further towards building its wind energy park in Thunder Bay.  The Ministry of Environment has determined the Big Thunder Wind Park's Renewable Energy Approval application meets the requirements of the Green Energy Act.  The company's REA still needs to be approved before Horizon can commence construction on the first phase of their project on the Nor'Wester escarpment.

Highway 17 Fully Open

Ontario Provincial Police say Highway17 on the north shore is open.  It was closed most of the day between Nipigon and Marathon because of weather related issues.

Meeting Set For Northern Mayors

Lobby efforts for a one-on-one meeting to discuss property assessments in northern Ontario have finally paid off.  The Northern Mayors Coalition has secured a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Finance in Toronto on Monday morning. Mayor Craig Nuttall says several communities withholding payment to the province's assessment office may have been the turning point

LU Clinic Has Full Time Dr.

The Sports Medicine Clinic at Lakehead University now has a full time doctor. Dave McKee says he's happy to take on a position that he's always had a fleeting interest in having worked with alpine and world cup skiiers.   Dr. McKee comes to LU from the Emergency Department at the Regional Hospital.

Prostate Cancer Fundraiser Back For Another Year

Organizers are gearing up for the 13th annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad this June.  Spokesperson Ted Ciotucha says the event not only raises money for the Northern Cancer Fund but also awareness about Prostate Cancer.  The ride will take place at the Victoria Inn Saturday, June 15th.

Big Coke Bust In Kenora

Police in Kenora are sitting on a sizable seizure of cocaine.  They say 7 kilos of the contraband, worth an estimated 750 thousand dollars, was discovered after they stopped a speeding vehicle on the Trans Canada Highway in the community yesterday.    A 26 year old man from Pickering is charged.

Police Seize AK-47 In Bearskin Lake FN

A resident of Bearskin Lake First Nation is facing police questions after a prohibited assault weapon was found in his home.  Police say the discovery of the AK-47 and two high capacity magazines was made after a raid on the house yesterday.   So far police have not charged the 57 year old man.

Highway 17 Closed At Marathon & Terrace Bay

Highway 17 is closed near Marathon this hour as several transports are stuck on Angler's Hill.  OPP say sanders are en route to assist the vehicles that are unable to move due to slippery road conditions.  The highway is closed eastbound at Terrace Bay and westbound at Marathon while police try to get the transports moving again.

Atikokan General Gets $

Some provincial dollars for the Atikokan General Hospital.MPP Bill Mauro has announced 606-thousand-dollars that will go to fund a Regional Chief Information Officer for two years. This project supports the creation of hospital eHealth plans that align with regional plans. It's part of a 20-million-dollar commitment to help small and rural hospitals in Northwestern Ontario.

Adam Leon Free & Clear In Canada

Former Confederation College student Adam Leon is  free and clear.  An Ontario Superior Court granted Leon an absolute discharge in relation to an incident where a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States.  His lawyer Neil McCartney originally asked the court to treat Leon's case as "double jeopardy" since he was already charged and served time in the United States.

Council Round Up

The corner of Mountdale and Gore is going to be home to a pet store and apartment units.   City lawmakers are allowing the new developments.   Planning consultant Don Manahan is representing the developer and says the proposal shouldn't have any negative affects on the area.  There is no one in the neighbourhood who is objecting to the plan.  Meanwhile, City Councillors are giving thumbs up to a new upscale 6 unit apartment complex on High Street.   One of the developers, Esther Seargeant says they believe they have answered all the neighbours concerns.

Golfing Fee Idea Shot Down

Golfing fees are not being reduced at Municipal Golf Course this year.   Councillors have turned down a proposal to bring down fees to 2007 levels, an idea which Councillor Trevor Giertuga thinks it's a guaranteed money loser.  Giertuga called the proposal asinine.

Two Week Shutdown At Resolute FP

Resolute Forest Products is shutting down its newsprint mill in Thunder Bay for two weeks starting this week.  Marvin Pupeza of the Paperworkers Union calls it an inventory shutdown due to a glut of paper on the market and says it has nothing to do with a vote by members last week who rejected a company bid to contract out some mill jobs.

Laundry List Of Charges After Sunday Incident

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 35 year old man with impaired operation of a vehicle, mischief and breaking and entering.  The laundry list of charges stem from an incident yesterday that saw a man repeatedly try to enter a home.  Police say the man threw a snow shovel at the front door of the home breaking the glass.  He then left the area in a vehicle when police pulled him over for drinking and driving at the corner of Court and River Street.

Neebing Stolen Car

Two young men are charged with stealing a vehicle in Neebing. OPP say they found an abandoned vehicle on Olsen Road last week and it was later revealed it was stolen from a residence in Thunder Bay. The two under age youth are charged with possession of property obtained by crime. The two are being held in custody for a video bail hearing.

OPP Busy Weekend

OPP are taking a breath after a busy weekend.  Police responded to over 30 motor vehicle collisions over the weekend.  Most involved vehicles landing in ditches due to poor driving conditions and transports becoming stuck or jack knifed on area highways.  No one was seriously hurt in any of the accidents this past weekend.

It's Earth Day

It's Earth Day today.  Eco Superior Spokesperson Ellen Mortfield says it's important to consider how you can be more environmentally friendly.  Mortfield suggests eating local foods, cutting down on buying products with lots of packaging, and recycling when possible.  Local celebrations were held over the weekend on the waterfront.

Municipal Golf Fees Up For Debate Tonight

The City's Municipal Golf Advisory Committee is recommending dropping user fees back to 2007 levels as away of increasing its membership.   The committee was put in place to try and find ways to keep the golf course open and make it sustainable.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson isn't in favour of the move.  If approved an adult membership for Municipal will be set at 900 dollars and an older adult will pay 800 dollars a year.

Sachigo Lake Teens Wrap Up Walk Today

Sachigo Lake teens are on a fundraising walk have made it to Thunder Bay!  They had hoped to make it to the City by April 27th but instead arrived just in time for a special celebration at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School today.  The teens want to raise money for new residences for the DFC high school.

Council Hears Plans For Old Church Lands

City Council will hear about plans for the former Ukranian Catholic Church on the corner of Mountdale and Gore Street West.  The developer of the property is asking Council to rezone a portion to allow for a pet store, recreational facility and apartment building.  They are also asking to spruce up the existing parking lot across from the Church.

Dillico Workers Strike Vote

Unionized staff who provide child welfare, health and mental heath services to aboriginal communities in northwestern Ontario have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action.  The 450 plus staff at Dilico Anishnabek Family Services have voted in 95-percent in favour of strike action.  The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union says their old collective agreement expired in March 2012.  CEP says workloads, off-hour coverage and wages and benefit improvements are just a few of the issues that haven't be resolved.  The Union is hoping to schedule more meeting dates with the employer.

OPP Say Highway Open

Highway 17 between Terrace Bay and the Hemlo Mine is now open to both lanes of traffic.  OPP say bad weather and road conditions caused the closure of the highway earlier today.

International Astronomy Day Today

Be on the lookout for telescopes and astronomers today as people interested in the wonders of the universe celebrate International Astronomy Day. Thunder Bay's Fort William Historical Park will be taking part in the celebrations tonight.

Public Transit Back To Normal Today

Public transit is up and running again today. City buses were shut down yesterday because of the poor weather conditions. Thunder Bay Police are also reporting that John St Road is open again following a closure yesterday due to downed power lines. 

Red Cross Uses Flood As Learning Experience

It's being described as the worst disaster to ever hit Thunder Bay but it has resulted in some positive changes for emergency groups. Last year, the Lakehead was hit with massive flooding and a price-tag to clean up at 15-million dollars. Mike Morton is the Director of Disaster Management for the Canadian Red Cross and he says they learned that they had to proactive in helping those affected. Morton says the Red Cross is currently looking at different means of helping victims including the use of social media and new technology.

Heritage Designation Requested

The United Nations is being asked to declare a portion of Northwestern Ontario as a world heritage area. Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti  says the land in question is 33 thousand square kilometres of boreal forest north of Kenora that straddles the Manitoba border. He says the designation will help to give the area world recognition. 

Breaking News>Marathon Bombing Suspect Captured

Police in Watertown, Massachusetts have their suspect.   They say that, 19 year old Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was taken into custody after being found in the backyard of a residential house hiding in a covered boat.

Buses Pulled Off The Street

All city buses are off the streets because of today's snowstorm.   A city official says the buses will resume normal operations at 6 o'clock Saturday morning.

Trans Canada Highway Closed

A winter storm warning remains in effect.   The storm is causing white out conditions here in the city and outside the city.  OPP say that due to extremely icy conditions Highway 11/17 from Thunder Bay open again  after being closed because of downed power lines.   The Municipality of Neebing has pulled their plowing equipment off the roads until the weather improves.

Boston Is A "Ghost Town"

A former Dryden resident is stuck in a Boston hotel as the City is in lockdown mode. A massive manhunt is underway for a 19-year-old man involved in Monday's twin bombing attack at the Boston Marathon. Andrea Henderson is visiting the city and she says Boston has turned into a ghost town. Businesses and schools are closed and all public transit isn't running.

Police Release Robbery Video

Police are now releasing video of last night's Mac's Convenience Store robbery on Simpson Street.   It shows a man  with his face covered and carrying a knife and appearing to make demands.   The suspect made away with money and cigarettes.  No one was hurt. The video can be viewed HERE

Breaking News>Boston Under Lockdown

It's a fluid situation in Boston as police search for the 19 year old suspect in Monday's Boston Marathon bombing.   The city on lockdown as heavily armed officers search for the
man, who they say is a terrorist who is out to kill.  Stay tuned to the Giant 105.3 for any breaking news on this story.

Summer Jobs Program Back On

The provincial government is setting up it's summer jobs program for students.  MPP Michael Gravelle says the highlight is a 2 dollar an hour hiring incentive for employers when they hire students aged 15- 30 years old. The deadline for employers to apply is April 30th.

Latest OLG Dividend Is 500 K

More casino cash for City Hall coffers.   The latest payment from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is 570 thousand dollars.  The money is a quarterly payout and is 5 per cent of the revenues from the slot machines in the facility.

LCBO Rally In Thunder Bay

Union employees of the LCBO are holding an information picket today during the lunch hour.  They'll be rallying outside the Fort William Road LCBO store in support of their bargaining team's negotiations with the Crown-owned company.  On April 9, LCBO workers voted 95 per cent in favour of strike action should contract talks break down.  The main issues in negotiations include wages and benefits, job security and improved health and safety standards.

Simpson Street Mac's Robbed

No one was hurt in an armed robbery last night at the Mac's Convenience Store on Simpson Street.  Police are looking for a man they say entered the store with his face covered and carrying a knife. The suspect made away with money and cigarettes.

Winter Storm Warning

There's a winter storm warning in effect for the City.  Environment Canada Meterologist Desjanelle Matthews says its going to be a messy day with blowing snow.  Matthews says at the Airport they reported the City getting 5 to 10 centimeters of snow last night.  We will have a snow free weekend but on Monday could see snow or rain. 

No Flood Concerns Inspite Of Snow

So far so good. The head of the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says there is no need to worry about flooding even with our snowy spring. Bill Bartley says temperatures are ideal for a spring melt with cool nights and warm days.  Bartley says with rain expected next week,  officials will keep an eye out for possible area flooding.

Birth Control Recall Leads To Legal Action

Thunder Bay Lawyer Chris Watkins is going up against pharmaceutical giant Apotex.  He is serving notice of a 800 million dollar class action lawsuit against the company who just issued a recall of the birth control pill Alysena.   Watkins is representing a local woman in the legal action, but says the suit is on behalf of all women who took the pill and could now be  facing an unwanted pregnancy or be fearing an unwanted pregnancy.  None of the claims have been proven in court.  There has been no response from the company to our request for a comment.

Noonan Accepts NDP Post

The new president of the Thunder Bay-Superior North provincial NDP Riding Association is David Noonan.  He says job one is to win a seat for candidate Andrew Foulds in the Ontario Legislature in an expected upcoming provincial election.Noonan also hopes to increase party membership in the riding.

Con College Gets Mostly Good Report Card

Confederation College is tooting its own horn.  They're celebrating mostly good marks in the Ontario Key Performance Indicators Report.  The report ranks Con College number one of all Ontario colleges for employer satisfaction.  The report also identified a decline in graduation rates from last year.

Tattoo Operation Shut Down

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is shutting down a local tattoo operation.  They've issued an order against Dale Doucet to stop providing uninspected home-based tattooing services.  The illegal tattoo services were offered at various home-based locations in the City.  It's not known how many people were tattooed by Doucet and if you were please contact the health unit.

Hwy 11/17 Closed Accident

Highway 11/17 is closed between the highway 102 junction and Shabaqua.   OPP are on the scene dealing with a jackknifed transport that's blocking the road.  Highway 11 / 17 will be closed until the tractor trailer can be removed from the highway.

Boat Fire Brought Quickly Under Control

No injuries are being reported from a tug boat fire at Keefer Terminal.  Thunder Bay fire were called to the blaze that was quickly extinguished yesterday afternoon.  Crews found the fire in the furnace area of the boat.

Dump Truck Incident Leads To No Charges

A 50 year old man passed out due to a medical condition before ploughing his dump truck into a mobile home on Chippewa Road.  No charges are being laid in the Monday afternoon event.  Police are reminding drivers that medical conditions that can affect the ability to safely operate a vehicle will cause a review process and may result with possible suspension of driving privileges.