Research Conference Coming To T.Bay

Thunder Bay is going to host a major Canadian Research Conference this fall.  Organizer Rhonda Koster says it's the first time the Rural Revitalization Foundation has held a meeting in Northern Ontario.  The October conference will focus on finding ways to help grow rural Canada and will see 200 delegates take part.  

Crowded Jails

Dryden Police Inspector Kevin Glenister isn't surprised with a new statistic regarding Ontario's jails.  The Ministry of Community Safety and Corrections shows that almost half of the province's jails held more prisoners than they were designed for.  Glenister says they send majority of their prisoners to Kenora.  Glenister says all prisoners under 18-years-old either go to a facility in Kenora, Thunder Bay or Sault Ste. Marie.

Ribfest Is Back!

Ribfest is back for another year, August 23rd to the 25th.  The Waterfront District BIA is bringing back the event to Court Street and Park Avenue. This year's event includes a best local rib competition as well as a competition between four out of town ribbers.  Over 20-thousand people turned up in droves to last year's event and even more are expected this August. Celebrity Chef Corbin Tomaszeski will also be on hand to talk about entertaining and cooking. BIA President Suzan Cooper Rochon says a portion of the proceeds from the beer garden will go towards Our Kids Count and the Dew Drop Inn.  

New City HR Director

Maureen Panizza is the City's new Director of Human Resources and Corporate Safety.  The appointment was made official Monday night by City Council.  City Manager Tim Commisso says Panizza is familiar in the role since she has been in it for the past six month in an acting capacity.  Panizza has been with the City since 1999.

Dilico Workers Ratify New Deal

A strike by 350 Dilico workers is over.  CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says it's good news with 80 percent of employees voted to ratify their new deal.  The employees head back to work on Wednesday.  

   

   

Golf Links Road Construction Continues

Drivers take note...starting on Wednesday the intersection of Golf Links Road and the Harbour Expressway is going to be closed to all turning traffic.  The intersection will remain open to east-west traffic.  City officials say the turning area is being closed to allow for repaving of the expressway's eastbound lanes.  The closure should remain in effect until Sunday.

Hebert Happy With OEB Decision

The Ontario Energy Board is confirming the need for the Thunder Bay Generating Station.  In a decision made last week the OEB ordered Power Generation to enter into an operating contract for the remainder of 2013.  Councillor Larry Hebert says it's good to hear but notes it still isn't a decision to convert the plant to natural gas.  The OEB says the removal of the plant would have a bad impact on electricity reliability in the region.

Open Spot On Con College BOG

There's an open spot on Confederation College's Board of Governors.  The three year term starts September 1st and the deadline to apply is by August 31st.

Superior North EMS Gets Funding Boost

Superior North EMS is getting a boost in their funding.  The Provincial Government announced a 4.8 percent increase in land ambulance funding.  EMS service in the region will see just over a 11 million dollars in funding for 2013.

Coroner Inquest Starts Today

A coroner's inquest into the death of a man who was killed while inspecting a bridge over the Mackenzie River starts today.   Gustavo Argueta died in June 2011 while on the job.  The inquest is expected to continue throughout this week with 15 witnesses taking the stand.

Dilico Contract Could Be Ratified Today

The three week old strike at Dilico could end as early as today as voting on a new proposed deal wraps up.  The 350 workers went on strike citing low wages and poor working conditions.  If the recommended deal is approved workers will go back on the job August 6th.   

   

   

Sister City Partnership Renewed

It's another five years.   Thunder Bay has renewed its sister cities agreement with Duluth.  Mayor Keith Hobbs calls Duluth a true sister city.   Aldo Ruberto, Chair of  Sister Cities Advisory Committee. says it shows a long-lasting relationship between ourselves and our closest international city.

MNR Gets Provincial Cash

The Ministry of Natural Resources fire attack base in Armstrong is getting a 9 and a half million dollar face lift.  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it's going to be a complete rebuild.  Gravelle says the reason for the upgrade is to help improve the province's forest fire fighting abilities.  

City Council Meets Tonight

E-Bingo is up for discussion at city council tonight.  Thunder Bay Community Bingo has proposed an agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to implement Electronic Bingo in the city.   Councillor Ian Angus says Thunder Bay Community Bingo helps local charities.  Angus says he believes council will approve the agreement.  Meanwhile, the city is on pace to be 2.5 million dollars over budget, and it may be because of the late start to spring.  Angus says the odd weather played a role in the budget with the increased cost in snow removal.

Forest Fire Hazard In The Green

 At last, the forest fire hazard situation in our area of Northwestern Ontario is down to low. However Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Deb McLean says there is still quite a bit of activity. McLean says the hazard in the northern parts of the region is still at moderate, but the rain is expected to help that.

Mining Matters Back In Rainy River

Rainy River Resources is bringing back the Mining Matters initiative. The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada program gives people a chance to learn more about the mining industry. Company vice-president Kyle Stanfield says two separate sessions will be held in Barwick this week.

ETFO Supports Inquiry

An inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women is supported by the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario. Local President Anne Saltel says it's unfair that the federal government has said no. Saltel says the ETFO believes all people should have the same equity, adding the government seems to be treating Aboriginal women like second-class citizens.

Two Car Crash

Only minor injuries to report after a two vehicle collision. The crash happened this morning at the intersection of Victoria Street and Edward Street. The occupants of the cars were attended to by paramedics at the scene.

Terrorism Prevention Comes To NWO

The fight against terrorism has come to Northwestern Ontario. Rainy River Community College is offering a two-year program that will teach students how to detect and deal with terrorist activities. Coordinator Steve Kovacic says demands for increased security has driven its need. The program is being run in partnership with Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Car Rams House

One man is recovering from facial injuries after his car rammed into a house on the 700 block of James Street this evening.   Police say that the incident took place just before 7 of o'clock and may have been the result of a medical condition.  

Agreement Renewed

It's another five years.   Thunder Bay has renewed its sister cities agreement with Duluth.  Mayor Keith Hobbs calls Duluth a true sister city.   Aldo Ruberto, Chair of  Sister Cities Advisory Committee. says it shows a long-lasting relationship between ourselves and our closest international city.

Murder Tips Coming In

Police say the public is responding to a tip line set up following the last week;s murder in the city.  They say a number of tips have been followed up and it remains active.  Thirty year old Shannon Hogan died after being found with serious injuries in a laneway behind a Lake Street house.  The cause of her death is not being revealed.

Former Investment Dealer Hit With Big Fine

A former city investment dealer is feeling the sting of the law.   Pirkko Ramsay must pay a 200 thousand dollar fine after the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada found she misappropriated client funds and failed to cooperate with investigators. The financial violations took place when she worked at the Thunder Bay branch of CIBC Investor Services 

Lots Of Rain On The Way

The Thunder Bay area will be wet over the next day or so.  Environment Canada says a broad area of low pressure over Lake Superior is giving much of Northern Ontario persistent showers..which have been heavy at times due to thunderstorms.  A few locations have received over 20 millimetres since yesterday evening.  Rain is expected to begin to taper off tomorrow, but some areas could receive up to an additional 40 millimetres by Saturday morning. 

Things Looking Up For Treaty 3 Police

A major obstacle has been cleared in keeping the Treaty 3 Police Service Open. A new board was elected this week at the service's annual general meeting. Local Public Service Alliance of Canada rep Judith Monteith-Farrell says the new board is much more open to working with the union. The changes mean the closing of the force has been postponed a year.

Severe Crime Drops In City

Deputy police chief Andy Hay says the latest stats showing a drop in severe crime in 2012 is helping to make us a safer city.  He credits the hard work of  police and community members especially the Crime Prevention Council.   Hay notes however there is a long way go since we still have high murder and domestic assault rates.

New Sports Honour Roll Announced

Two local hockey players and a medal winning paralympic swimmer head this years list of inductees into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.   Andrea Cole was the first female from the region to have won a gold medal at the Paralympic Games in Sydney.  Katie Weatherston was the first female from northwestern Ontario and the first athlete from Thunder Bay to win a gold medal for Canada at the Olympic Games in Turin. Tony Hrkac is the only regional hockey player ever to have won the coveted Hobey Baker Award as the outstanding US College hockey player.

Red Lake Wildfire Eases

The Ministry of Natural Resources says a fire in the Red Lake area is now being held. The blaze, 50 km northwest of the community, started on July 3rd and was caused by a lightning strike. It  has burned more than 18-thousand hectares.

Safeway Deal Doesn't Affect NWO

Empire Company, which owns Sobeys stores in Canada, has struck a deal to sell some of its newly acquired Safeway properties in a sale-leaseback deal with property management company Crombie of Nova Scotia. None of the stores impacted are in northwestern Ontario.

New Gold Close To Goal

In the world of business,  the New Gold mining company says its planned take over of Rainy River Resources is one step closer to reality.  New Gold is giving shareholders of the mining exploration company until August 8th to accept the cash and stock offer .  New Gold says it's just a few percentage points away from its goal of acquiring 90 per cent of Rainy Rainy shares.

More Stanley Cup Info

The time and place are now set for presentation of the Stanley Cup in the city. It will be at the Fort William Gardens on August 2nd from noon until 2:00. Patrick Sharp of the NHL Champion Chicago Blackhawks will be on hand to show off the hardware

Dam Work Postponed

The swimming season can continue at Boulevard Lake. The city has decided to postpone work on the Current River Dam. Spokesperson Pat Mauro says they can't find any company to do the 3 million dollars worth of repairs adding the tenders came in higher than what City Hall had budgeted for. As a result of the decision water on Boulevard Lake will not be drained and the beaches will stay open.

Thirteen Year Old Charged In B & E

A 13 year old boy is facing charges after a Dawson Road lottery store was broke into  yesterday.  Cigarettes and bus passes were stolen.  A court appearance is scheduled for today.  

Dryden Losing Another Senior Staffer

The City of Dryden is losing another senior member. George Friesen has announced his resignation as Airport Manager effective September. Friesen says he's worked with some great staff for the past 23-No replacement has been named.  Friesen is moving to Alberta to pursue other opportunities. The City is now without a full-time Economic Development Officer, City Manager, Library Manager and Recreation Manager, among other high level positions.

Still No Charges In Fatal Crash

There's still no word on any charges being laid in connection with this week's cycling tragedy near Red Rock. Two cyclists from Cornwall were killed after being struck by a passing pick up truck on Tuesday afternoon. They were part of a group of 25 cyclists travelling across the country.

Coke Bust On Hodder Ave.

A 31 year old Thunder Bay man is in custody after police arrested him on drug charges .  The arrest was made on Hodder avenue Tuesday night  when he walked off a Greyhound bus.   Pollice say the man resisted arrest and needed to be taken to the ground to be handcuffed.   Police say they seized 24 thousand dollars worth of what's believed to be cocaine.

Police Identify Accident Victims

Provincial Police continue to investigate the circumstances behind a tragic three vehicle collision in northwestern Ontario. A group of 25-cyclists on a cross country tour were travelling on the Trans-Canada Highway and were passing through the area of Red Rock on Tuesday when 2-of the cyclists were struck by an eastbound truck. The truck then hit two westbound vehicles. The cyclists, 65-year-old Robert Booth and 69-year-old Irene Booth of North Glengarry, near Ottawa, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two residents of Austin, Texas in the eastbound truck were transported to hospital with injuries. Two others in the involved vehicles were also sent to hospital.

Petition Aims To Save Police Service

Over 25-hundred people have signed a petition to save Treaty 3 Police Service. Tania Cameron presented the petition the police board's annual general meeting and says it shows how dedicated people are to save the service. A number of people took the opportunity to voice their concerns at the AGM in Kenora.  The board has put off the closure of the force for at least a year.

Dryden Loses Airport Manager

The City of Dryden has another key vacancy to fill. Airport Manager George Friesen has announced his resignation after 23-years on the job. Friesen will be moving to Alberta. The City is now without a full-time Economic Development Officer, City Manager, Library Manager and Recreation Manager, among other high level positions.

Rickford Praises Gun Ruling

 Kenora MP Greg Rickford is calling it a victory for long-gun owners. A judge has rejected Quebec's attempt to stop Ottawa from destroying long-gun registry data. Rickford says the registry isn't needed. Rickford says it costs about 100-thousand-dollars each month to maintain the registry in Quebec.

Market Initiative Touted

A marketing initiative involving the National Geographic Society is being touted to communities along the Ontario-Minnesota border. The idea is to raise 250-thousand dollars to create maps and a website for the area between  Thunder Bay, Duluth Fort and Frances/International Falls, . Committee Chair Frank Jewell says the Society wants to help promote the area.   Thunder Bay  has already committed to contributing money.

Tentative Deal Reached In Dilico Dispute

There's a tentative agreement in the Dilico Anishnabek  Family Care dispute.   It follows a day long negotiating session at the Victoria Inn yesterday.   Union boss Marvin Pupeza says workers will be voting on the new deal over the next week or so.   Until then he says there will be no details released.   350 social workers have been on strike for just over two weeks.

ATV Crash Kills Driver

Police in Marathon say a 55 year old man is dead as the result of an All Terrain Vehicle accident.   They say he was the driver of the ATV when he lost control of it trying to avoid a fallen tree.    The fatal mishap took place on a lake road near Marathon.

Crash Kills Two Cyclists

Highway 11-17 is now open following a fatal multi-vehicle crash that killed two cyclists on Tuesday afternoon near Red Rock.  The two were with a group of 25 riders travelling across Canada when they were struck by a pickup truck that was travelling eastbound on Highway 11-17.  A total of three vehicles were involved in the accident, sending four people to hospital.  A man and a woman from the township of North Glengarry near Ottawa were pronounced dead at the scene.  

City Gets 620K In OLG Cash

The latest dividend to the city from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation works out to 620 thousand dollars.   It's 5 per cent of the slot machine revenues from the OLG Casino and about 50 thousand dollars more than what  the city received in the last payment.

More Murals For The South Side

The Fort William Business District hopes to brighten up the area with a new mural program.  Spokesperson J-P Fraser says it's designed to brighten up the neighbourhood and get back to the area's historic roots.The program sees volunteer artists painting windows of vacant buildings in the Simpson and Victoria Street area.

No Serious Injuries In Morning Collisions

The operator of a bicycle is recovering in hospital with a leg injury following an accident this morning on the Thunder Bay Expressway and Oliver Road. City police say the bike and a car collided just before 7 o'clock. There was also a second accident involving two vehicles at the same intersection while emergency crews arrived at the scene. It was just minor rear end collision.

The Fort Wins

The town of Fort Frances is celebrating a victory over Dryden as they captured the TSN's Kraft Celebration Tour contest.  Fort Frances will receive 25-thousand dollars in improvements to its curling club and will also host a live broadcast of TSN's Sportscentre next month. 

Treaty Three Boards Holds AGM Today

The Treaty Three Police Services Board is holding their annual general meeting today in Kenora , and the closure of the service will be a hot topic. It will include the financial report of the 2012-2013 fiscal year. Supporters of the police service have planned a day long rally outside the meeting.

Fire Destroys Home In O-P

A house in Oliver Paipoonge is destroyed after a fire last night.  Police say it happened just after 10 o'clock at 3392 Rosslyn Road.  One person who was inside the home at the time escaped without injury.   The cause is not known.

Firefighters Contract Finalized

City firefighters will now be paid the same as city police officers are.   Councillors voted last night to accept an arbitrators decision on the new  three year contract which is retroactive to January of 2011.