EMS Boss Admits To A Busy Monday

The city's top paramedic is playing down a report that ambulance service was delayed Monday night.   Norm Gale of Thunder Bay Emergency Medical Services says while his crews were busy,  all urgent calls were prioritized and answered immediately.  Gale stresses that at all times an ambulance was available that evening,  and there were no long responses to any call.  

Suicide Prevention Task Force Updated

Thunder Bay has seen an increase in support for youth suicide prevention. Youth suicide prevention task force co-chair Sheila Hansen says over thirty organizations are partnering up to help tackle the issue. This partnership includes ten more organizations than the original, signed in 2009.

CMHC Low Housing Starts

The poor weather conditions in April are having an impact on the latest Canada Mortgage and Housing Statistics. Analyst Warren Philp says so far 2013 has seen 11 housing starts compared to 24 last year. Philp says we saw four new housing starts last month.

Construction Closes Roads

Officials with the City say Central Avenue to Fanshawe is closed today while construction crews work in the area. Local traffic can still get to the College and Fanshawe via detours. Central Avenue to the Harbour Expressway also continues to be closed.

McHappy Day In Thunder Bay

Today is McHappy Day in Thunder Bay. McHappy Day is a fundraising event that gives one dollar from most McDonalds purchases to Ronald McDonald house and Easter Seals. Spokesperson Kathy Bukovy says they've raised millions of dollars nationally. Bukovy says that in the last month, three local families have gotten help from the Ronald McDonald house.

City Can Host 300 More Evacuees

The city says it will be able to handle an additional 300 northern flood evacuees if necessary.  Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says  the decision follows a meeting of emergency officials Tuesday afternoon.   He says it means if Emergency Measures Ontario needs to evacuate more residents, then Thunder Bay has the room for 300 of them.  The city is already hosting 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation.

RFDA Asks You To Give It Up

The Regional Food Distribution Association is asking you to "Give It Up" today for Hunger.  The Hunger Awareness day will include local residents giving up food by fasting for the day.  RFDA Spokesperson Volker Kromm says it will help teach people what it's like to go hungry.  Kromm says besides fasting you can also donate food to your neighbourhood food bank.

Collision Sends One To Hospital

One person is recovering from injuries sustained in a south side traffic mishap.   Police say it happened Tuesday afternoon at Syndicate Avenue and Ridgeway when a motorcycle and car collided.  The motorcycle driver was sent to hospital with injuries that are not considered a threat to his life.

City Can Host 300 More Evacuees

 The city says it will be able to handle an additional 300 northern flood evacuees if necessary.  Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says  the decision follows a meeting of emergency officials this afternoon.   He says it means if Emergency Measures Ontario needs to evacuate more residents, then Thunder Bay has the room for 300 of them.  The city is already hosting 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation.

Street Sweeping Starts

City street sweeping is underway.   Officials say it takes approximately six weeks to complete the work along main roads and other major streets. Once these roads are done, crews will move into residential areas.

Sgt. Defends Police Checks

 A concern is being raised about how police inspect vehicles heading to the city's Solid Waste and Recycling facility on Mapleward Road.  A listener believes police are being too intrusive and overstepping their boundaries, but City Traffic Sgt. Glen Porter says not so.    Porter says officers are going by the book as they check drivers who are taking advantage of free dumping this week.

Victim's Condition Improves

City police say the 36 year old victim of a weekend assault is now in fair condition.   He was originally listed in critical  after being found injured outside an East End house on Sunday night.  Five teenagers are charged in connection with the violent incident.

Rickford In Kapuskasing

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is in Kapuskasing today on behalf of the Prime Minister overseeing the evacuation of flood victims from Kashechewan First Nation.  600-people have been forced from their home and have been relocated to Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing and Cornwall.  Rickford says it's been a fairly smooth transition.  Rickford says it's not yet known how long the evacuation order will remain in place.

Habitat For Humanity Women Only Build

Local women are trading in their heels for work boots.  It's part of Habitat for Humanity's first ever women build in the City.  CEO Diane Mitchell says often women are intimidated by men at the build sites and that's why they are holding a women's only build.  The Mary Street East home is going to a single mother with four sons.  The single mother came from Burma seven years ago with her husband and the boys but shortly after arriving in Canada her husband passed away.

Cliffs Mining Training Graduates More Youth

A step closer to working in Northwestern Ontario's mining industry for 14 students.  The youth from Webeuie First Nation are the latest graduates of the Mining Essentials Program, offered by Cliffs Resources and Oshki Training and Education Institute. Oshki Executive Director Rosie Mosquito says the students were able to learn a lot.  Once the mines are up and running, Cliffs has stated they will likely hire the students.

Strike's Impact Not Known

A spokesperson from Infrastructure Ontario says it's too early to speculate on how an elevator constructors strike will impact the work on the Consolidated Courthouse.  Jennifer Asals says they're hopeful the matter will be resolved soon and that there will not be any major impact on the schedule for the project.  levator union members and sheet metal workers went on strike last week.

Chamber Pleased With Idea Pick Up

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is pleased their Provincial counterpart adopted two of their ideas at their recent meeting.  The province wide Chamber will be asking the Wynne Government to repeal the Far North Act.  They'll also ask the Province to reform Ontario's Apprenticeship system.

MP Questions Reliability Of Census Data

Next weeks data from the latest Canadian census will be the first since the questionnaire became voluntary to fill out.  MP John Rafferty is wondering if the information gathered from northwestern Ontario will be accurate enough. He says there will not be results to help northern communities get reliable data for future planning.  Rafferty it will also be difficult to compare the latest data to previous years.

Health Unit To Conduct Inspection Blitz

Body art and beauty shops in the city better have their act together.   The Health Unit says it will be conducting an inspection blitz of them all this month.  It's to ensure they comply with infection prevention control laws laid out by the government.

Another City Mac's Store Robbed

The Mac’s store at Balsam and River Streets was the scene of an early morning robbery.  Police say a man entered the store at approximately 3 a.m.. The suspect demanded money and was armed with knife. There were no injuries and the man made off with a small amount of money and cigarettes.

Man In Critical Condition After Assault

A 36 year old man is in critical condition after he was beaten and robbed Sunday night.  Police say they found him lying in front of a home on McNaughton Street.  4 youths and an 18 year old man are charged with aggravated assault and robbery with violence.  Alcohol is thought to be one of the factors in the incident. The victim and the accused are all known to each other.

Cameron Street Bridge Under Repairs

The Cameron Street Bridge is down for repairs. Spokesperson Mike Vogrig says that while the repairs will last until September, they shouldn't affect traffic too badly. The repairs will end up extending the bridge's lifespan.

Festival Breaks Attendance Record

Organizers of the annual Folklore Festival are basking in the glow of a successful weekend event.  They say all records have been thrown out the window with over 16 thousand people attending the 40th anniversary edition of the festival.

Councillor Looks To Keep Kids Safe

 Councillor Brian McKinnon is going to ask staff to find ways of keeping kids safe at the intersection of Junot Avenue and Blucher Crescent. McKinnon says he'll present the matter at tonight's meeting. Staff will be tasked with looking for short term options for calming traffic.

Upgrades Coming To City Arena And Stadium

City Council is formalizing an agreement with FedNor over a million dollars in upgrades to the Delaney Arena and Fort William Stadium.Councillor Paul Pugh says the improvements are needed.The City's share of the million dollar project is 500-thousand.

SIU Investigates OPP After Weekend Incident

The Special Investigations Unit is looking into an incident this weekend where a man was injured during an altercation with OPP.  OPP were called to deal with a suspected drunk driver on Highway 61 when they approached the driver he didn't listen to police when they asked him to leave the vehicle.  An altercation broke out and the suspect was taken to hospital for treatment of what the SIU says was a broken eye socket.

City To Approve Construction Contracts

City lawmakers are set to put their stamp of approval on several construction contracts at their meeting this evening. Councillor Rebecca Johnson doesn't see any problem with councillors approving the five million dollars worth of work. Johnson says the work has already been approved during budget deliberations.

City Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Thunder Bay Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Walk For Suicide Prevention Today

The Out Of The Darkness Memorial Walk is happening today. This event is a three kilometer walk starting at Confederation College. Spokesperson Margaret Hajdinjak created the event as a way for people to celebrate the lives of people they've lost to suicide. The event will go from 6-8 pm.

Toronto Doctor Recommends New NWO CPR Guidelines

Healthcare guidelines specifically for Northwestern Ontario. Dr. Aaron Orkin with St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto believes that the current "hands only" CPR guideline may not work for local communities because it usually takes a lot longer for an ambulance to arrive. However, Orkin says any help is better then none at all. Orkin says people in Northwestern Ontario deserve guidelines that are designed with their needs in mind.

Navy Pays Tribute To Those Lost In WW2

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy are paying tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Commander of the HMCS Griffon Pete Flemming says Thunder Bay played a role in the critical fight. A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon today at 2.

Hike For Hospice Today

Hike for Hospice is taking place today at Boulevard Lake. Hike for Hospice is an event that helps raise money for Hospice Northwest, allowing them to continue providing services to over 300 people a year. This year's fundraising goal is 40-thousand dollars.

Local Grain Industry Changing

The grain industry continues to evolve. In the latest business move Parrish and Heimbecker and Cargill are proposing joining forces to streamline services which grainhandlers union boss Herb Daniher says will mean the closure of one elevator in the city. He says it's a sign of the times with a deregulated grain environment. He says it's too early to talk about possible job losses. The proposal still needs government approval.

NOHF Promotes Funding Opportunities

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is out promoting new funding opportunities for this region. Executive Director Bruce Strapp is encouraging communities to take the next step forward on a regional economic development initiative. Strapp says they will be consulting with municipalities and first nations the next couple of weeks to raise more awareness on the programs.

Awards For Keeping Work Green To Be Given

The Municipal Green Awards are being presented at City Council Monday night. Nominated organizations are the Airlane Hotel, The Green House and Agnew H. Johnson public school. The awards are handed out to organizations that act in environmental ways.

OPP Constable Not Guilty X2

 An OPP constable is not guilty on two counts of assault causing bodily harm and a charge of public mischief.  Both charges were dismissed against Brian Bellefeuille in a Thunder Bay courtroom today.   Bellefeuille was charged by the province's Special Investigations Unit after a complaint from a man who says he was roughed up by the constable after being arrested in Geraldton in February of 2012.

Atikokan Wood Firm Sold To The Americans

There's more American investment coming to Northwestern Ontario.  California's Rentech Inc. has purchased Atikokan Renewable Fuels from Thunder Bay's Ed Fukushima who says he wasn't able to get the necessary Canadian financing to run the plant and made wood pellets.   Rentech has also purchased an idled plant in Wawa, also to produce wood pellets.  

Larry Joy Sr. Dies

A well known Thunder Bay businessman is dead.   Larry Joy Senior died this week after a lengthy illness.    He operated Larry Joy Men's Wear for more than 40 years.   His funeral will be held tomorrow morning at St. Agnes Church at 11 o'clock.

Labour Strife Halts Construction At Courthouse

Construction work at the Consolidated Court house has come to a halt as a result of a strike by unionized elevator workers.  Members of the Elevator Union are picketing at the south side site.  Spokesperson Graham Renner says their strike effects most of the City. Sheetmetal workers and roofers in the City are also on strike and are picketing at their job sites.

Bright Blaze Seen Across City Last Night

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is coming to Thunder Bay today to investigate last night's major fire at Rizzo's Cabinets on Alloy Drive.  The fire alarm came in just after 9 and crews spent the next two hours bringing the blaze under control.  Rizzo Employee Adam Blair only found out about the fire this morning when he drove into work. Damage to the building is extensive.

Campbell Says It's A Mixed Bag

The Provincial Budget brings a mixed bag of feelings for the MPP for Kenora-Rainy River.  Sarah Campbell says while it meets all of the NDP's original demands, it seems the Liberals are still throwing around money, especially with home care.  Campbell adds that there wasn't much mention of the Ring of Fire and mining opportunities in Northwestern Ontario.

Boise Closing International Falls Mill

Another blow to the forest industry. Boise is shutting down two machines at its International Falls mill by October.  Spokesperson Lori Lyman says it will keep the mill profitable.  265 jobs will be lost as a result.

Freedom 55 Golf Tourney Back For 8th Year

30 hockey players will be taking part in this year's Freedom 55 Hockey Celebrity Golf Classic at the Whitewater Golf Course this summer.   It's the 8th year for the event and in past years The Staal brothers, Alex Auld, Taylor Pyatt and Mike Richards have all been invited to attend.  Money raised goes towards the Northern Cancer Fund. 

NAN Chief Says Budget Falls Short

While he's not calling for the downfall of the Wynne government, a northern First Nations leader says the Ontario budget falls short. Grand Chief Harvey Yesno of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation says he sees nothing about infrastructure spending to accomodate both the Ring of Fire mining project and First Nation communities.  He says the budget doesn't speak about  building transmission lines or constructing all weather roads Chief Yesno says he'll have to study the budget more closely before deciding what the fate of the minority liberals should be.

Budget Meets Northern Needs: Gravelle

There's no stopping Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle when he talks about about the government's latest budget. The Northern Development Minister says keeping industrial electricity rates down in the north remains a priority with with a 360 million dollar commitment for 3 years.  Gravelle repeated the announcement of the government's 100 million dollar fund for roads and bridges.

Mauro Lauds Budget

Not surprisingly, Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is giving another ringing endorsement to his government's budget. He says there are several clear commitments to the north including the continuation of the  northern electricity rate program and the 100 million dollar roads and bridges program which will benefit some of the small communities in his riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan.
Mauro adds the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will be kept at 100 million dollars for the next year.

OEB Hears Metis Concerns

The Ontario Energy Board is being asked to consider Metis rights in the process of developing a new powerline from Thunder Bay to Wawa.   At the board's Thunder Bay hearing Thursday,  Metis Nation of Ontario President Gary Lipinski  demanded fair consultation because the so called east-west tie line would run across some of their land.  Metis rights lawyer Jason Madden said it's essential the consultation plan include Metis rights and those of others.  The board hearings continue today at the Valhalla
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35 Year Old Charged In Stabbing Death

Police speak to woman who
says victim is her brother

Thunder Bay police have charged a 35 year old city man in connection with Wednesday's stabbing death of 30 year old Travis Cutfeet.   Police say Cutfeet was stabbed Wednesday afternoon around 5:20 in the city's south downtown and May and Violet Streets.  Police say he died at the scene.   Charged with second degree murder is Shawn Henderson. 

Hate Crime Awareness Campaign Launched

Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council has launched a Hate Crime Awareness Campaign. It includes billboards, radio ads, and posters in bus terminals. Crime Prevention Council Coordinator Amy Siciliano believes the campaign will help to prevent hate crimes. The campaign will also be launched in the city's schools this fall.