Fire Service Lays Charges

The City Fire Service is charging the owners of a Balsam Street residence with failing to maintain smoke alarms in operating condition.  The occupants were alerted to the October 5th fire by a passerby. An order has also been served requiring owner Beendigen Incorporated to provide a written plan to address a systemic lack of smoke alarm maintenance procedures.

Hyer & May Team Up Over Motions

Independent MP Bruce Hyer is hopping mad with the Conservative Government's recent motions dealing with independent and small party MPs.  Hyer says the motion is to have those MPs submit their amendments directly to committees.  Hyer held a press conference with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May who both feel the move will take away MPs rights to move, vote on or even speak to their amendments.

Immigration Portal Upgraded

The Multicultural Association's Immigration Portal is getting an upgrade.  Executive Director Cathy Woodbeck says new features on the site include a career directory, businesses for sale directory and an interactive map. Woodbeck says since the portal's inception in 2010 they've seen several newcomers relocate in the North.

College Boasts Experts

Confederation College is taking part in a new online tool produced by the Province's 24 public colleges. It's called The College Book of Experts and it lists staff with various expertise that can speak as experts on specific topics. Our College has nine faculty listed in the data base.

Canada Games Flag Raised

The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame is raising the Canada Games Flag to celebrate the achievements of local wrestlers Ron Bingham and Marco Palermo.  They earned gold medals in the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Quebec.

Ward Councillor Issue Coming Up

City Councillor Ken Boshcoff is asking Council to consider putting a question to the voting public in the next municipal election. Boshcoff is requesting a question be crafted that asks the public if they would support all Councillors being elected at large. The issue will come up at next week's Council meeting.

Council Round Up

The City is applying for 2 million dollars in provincial government funds for the Court Street Bridge. They've sent in an application for the small, rural, and northern municipal infrastructure fund. The application says the bridge that was built in 1906 is in bad shape and doesn't meet certain design codes. Meanwhile, City Councillor Joe Virdiramo wants to see the Provincial Government bring back the spring bear hunt. Virdiramo asked his fellow members to support Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro's private member's bill that looks at reinstating the hunt. Council will send a letter of support to the Minister of Natural Resources. City Council is also approving its staff's budget directions for 2014. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says they have a lot of things to consider.

Walk A Mile Gibbon's Property

The City is ensuring the intellectual property of former Aboriginal Liaison Officer Anna Gibbon is preserved. Gibbon created an education board game that trained staff about aboriginal culture. The City wants to expand the use of the game and is ensuring Gibbon's rights our protected and that she receive a small sum for her work in creating the game. Gibbon won't receive money for the game while she's still a sitting Justice of the Peace.

Some City Departments In The Red

A number of City departments are reporting cost over runs. At the end of September, the City was a million dollars over its 2013 budget projections. The Golf Division was over 200-thousand dollars in the red because of a late start to the golf season and poor weather. Meanwhile, Municipal Child Care is also over 200-thousand dollars because some of their kids are taking part in the Provincial Government's new full day kindergarten program. The City is putting off filling vacant positions until 2014 and staff are vowing to keep an eye on their budget targets.

Infrastructure Priorities Approved

City Council is approving its staff infrastructure priorities plan for the next three years. It was approved at Monday night's meeting as was a three year contract for a Corporate Project Manager. Councillor Ken Boshcoff feels it's a good move and says the position will pay for itself. The City is hoping to have someone in the position by January 1st.

Ward Councillor Issue Coming Up

City Councillor Ken Boshcoff is asking Council to consider putting a question to the voting public in the next municipal election.  Boshcoff  is requesting a question be crafted that asks the public if they would support all Councillors being elected at large.  The issue will come up at next week's Council meeting.

Council Round Up

The City is applying for 2 million dollars in provincial government funds for the Court Street Bridge.  They've sent in an application for the small, rural, and northern municipal infrastructure fund.  The application says the bridge that was built in 1906 is in bad shape and doesn't meet certain design codes.  Meanwhile, City Councillor Joe Virdiramo wants to see the Provincial Government bring back the spring bear hunt.  Virdiramo asked his fellow members to support Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro's private member's bill that looks at reinstating the hunt.  Council will send a letter of support to the Minister of Natural Resources.  City Council is also approving its staff's budget directions for 2014.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says they have a lot of things to consider

Walk A Mile Gibbon's Property

The City is ensuring the intellectual property of former Aboriginal Liaison Officer Anna Gibbon is preserved.  Gibbon created an education board game that trained staff about aboriginal culture.  The City wants to expand the use of the game and is ensuring Gibbon's rights our protected and that she receive a small sum for her work in creating the game.  Gibbon won't receive money for the game while she's still a sitting Justice of the Peace.

Some City Departments In The Red

A number of City departments are reporting cost over runs.  At the end of September, the City was a million dollars over its 2013 budget projections.  The Golf Division was over 200-thousand dollars in the red because of a late start to the golf season and poor weather.  Meanwhile, Municipal Child Care is also over 200-thousand dollars because some of their kids are taking part in the Provincial Government's new full day kindergarten program. The City is putting off filling vacant positions until 2014 and staff are vowing to keep an eye on their budget targets.

Infrastructure Priorities Approved

City Council is approving its staff infrastructure priorities plan for the next three years.  It was approved at Monday night's meeting as was a three year contract for a Corporate Project Manager.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff feels it's a good move and says the position will pay for itself. The City is hoping to have someone in the position by January 1st.

Historic Sunken Tug Found

There's a newly discovered shipwreck in Lake Superior for divers to explore.   Thunder Bay's David Shepherd says he and a fellow diver found the tug Mary Ann located just passed the Welcome Islands in 70 feet of water  Shepherd says the ship was discovered as a way to promote scuba diving in the region.

Glow Sticks For Trick Or Treaters

Much of northwestern Ontario will be a glow on Halloween. Some 6-thousand glow sticks have been distributed to schools and child care centres around the region. OPP Constable Anne McCoy says they will help young trick or treaters be seen. The campaign, expanded to the Kenora and Dryden districts last year, is also being extended to the Thunder Bay region this Halloween.

More Tough Financial Decisions In Dryden

Dryden Police Service is staring down more possible cuts including night guard services.
The Police Services Board is currently staring at a 62-thousand dollar shortfall in that area. Chief Rob Davis says they have been taking a close look at the financial situation.  Davis says the decision to close the Communications Centre in 2014 played a factor in their decision.

Cause Of Kenora Fire Still A Mystery

The cause of a fire on Railway Street last week is still not known. The Ontario Fire Marshall's office wrapped up it's investigation of the burned ruins of the home yesterday. Fire Chief Warren Brinkman says there was so much destruction and fire loss, that it could take weeks before they can determine what caused the blaze.  In the meantime, a woman taken from the home last Thursday is still being
treated in Winnipeg Hospital for her injuries.

Coroner's Inquest Underway

The Coroner’s inquest into the death of 27 year old Bruce Moonias is back on today. In his opening statement to the jury the lawyer for the coroner, Leonard Kim, says that evidence is expected to show that Moonias died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen after being brought to Thunder Bay following an incident in Neskantaga First Nation in which he was holed up in a home alone for several hours. Moonias died in December of 2006 at the regional hospital after his involvement with the police

Minivan Crash

City Police continue to investigate an accident between two minivans at the corner of Bay and Court Street last night.  The crash took place
around 6 o'clock and one woman was taken to hospital with unknown injuries.  A child, riding in one of the vans, was not injured.  

Evacuation of Canada Games Complex

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Hazardous Materials Response Team was called to the Canada Games Complex shortly after eight o'clock yesterday evening. An im-proper mix of chemicals resulted in a chlorine gas leak. The building was evacuated, it took personnel five hours to safely remove the chemicals. One staff member at the complex was taken to hospital. The building was back to normal operations shortly after.

Highway 11 Closed

OPP have closed a stretch of Highway 11 two kilometers west of Beardmore. Two tractor trailers collided early this morning, one of which has been flipped on its side and is completely blocking the highway. The closure began at 5:55am.

Armed Robberies

Thunder Bay Police have a suspect in custody and continue to investigate two armed-robberies. Last night corner stores on River and North Cumberland were robbed within five-minutes of one another. The suspects drove off and then crashed. Two males and one female were in the car and ran off. The weapon used has been seized by police. No one was injured, and Thunder Bay Police ask that anyone with information contact them.

More Green Space

New green space is being unveiled by the city at the intersection of Beverly and High street. Earth Care Sustainability Coordinator Brad Doff says the green space was designed specifically to handle stormwater. The project is partially grant funded with the remaining costs being covered by the city.

The Hunger Is Back

Over 4-thousand Halloween revellers are expected to take over the City's north side bars and streets tonight.  The Hunger is back for it's 8th year and Definitely Superior Art Gallery Director David Karasiewcz says it's their major fundraiser.  The hunger is at 7 venues this year and will boast 52 live performances.

Screen For Life Van In Town

The Screen For Life Coach is back in Thunder Bay for the winter months.  It tours the region during the summer screening women over the age of 50 for cancer.  Spokesperson Lauren Beach says they're taking appointments at 684-7777.  Nurses on the van normally see 20 to 30 women in a day.

Planning Review Underway

The Provincial Government is reviewing the way Cities plan and pay for development.  Ontario is going to review its land use planning system and the Development Charges Act.  The review is meant to ensure municipal planning decisions support livable communities, attract jobs and encourage economic growth.  A regional workshop on planning and development charges is being held in Thunder Bay on November 7th but a location has yet to be set.

City Looking For Applicants For Royal Edward Arms

The City is accepting expressions of interest from anyone who might want to utilize the Royal Edwards Arms.  Information posted on the City's website says they will consider the sale of the building, leasing, or a partnership.  The deadline to apply is Monday, November 25th.

Bob Rae Speaks at Confederation College

Negotiator for the Ring of Fire project Bob Rae does not agree with a rail line proposed by KWG Resources. Speaking at Confederation College today Rae says that road access is needed for the communities within the Ring of Fire, that includes five communities with no connection at all. Rae also touched on the education of Aboriginal students, saying more support is needed for students moving to bigger cities.

New Lawsuit For Ontario

Ontario taxpayers will be on the hook following the latest lawsuit against the province.  NDP Northern Development and Mines Critic Michael Mantha is reacting to news that North Superior Resources out of Sudbury has filed a 110-million-dollar lawsuit.  The company says the government has failed to discharge its "constitutional duty" to engage First Nations on its behalf, and claims they have now lost their right to explore a vast area of northwestern Ontario.

Moonias Inquest Back On Monday

The coroner's inquest into the death of 27 year old Bruce Moonias is off to a bumpy start.  It was adjourned today because a witness wasn't told the correct date to be at the hearing.  The hearing will reconvene on Monday morning. Moonias died in December of 2006 at the regional hospital after his involvement with the police.

Indecent Act At Boulevard Lake

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a man that's alleged to have performed an indecent act in the bushes just south of the Boulevard Lake dam.  The incident occurred on Wednesday just after 7 pm.  Police checked the area but could not find him.  Anyone who may have seen the suspect is asked to call police, he's described as a white man with a heavy build.

Tbaytel Looking For Answers

Tbaytel technicians are hard at work today trying to figure out what caused yesterday's service outages.   Spokesperson Katie Crowe says  the landline, internet and digital tv service disruptions were scattered throughout the city.   Crowe says they will work to make sure the problem doesn't creep up again.

More Reaction To Aboriginal Education Study

A new report says Ontario schools don't do enough to create more educational opportunities for Aboriginals.    Omer Belisle of the catholic school board says the report is very accurate when it comes to what's happening within the board's system locally.   Belisle  says the board is committed to doing what's necessary to reduce the learning gap between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

Break-In Leads To Swim In River

Thunder Bay police have a 33 year old man in custody after a house break-in Thursday afternoon on the city's south side.  They say a 9-1-1 call from a distraught woman  on Bernard Street resulted in  a foot chase that ended at the McIntyre River near Vickers Street. They say the man jumped in the river and swam to the other side where he was met by waiting police and was arrested.

Rickford On Senate Suspensions

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is all for the suspension of three senators involved in the spending scandal.  A vote could come today, suspending Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau without pay.  Rickford says it's only appropriate.  Rickford says this is what Canadians expect when inappropriate claims are made.

Big Lots Open In Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's Liquidation World is now a Big Lot store.  Big Lots Canada President Joe Cooper says it's been a lengthy process of opening up Canadian stores.  A grand opening celebration was held this morning.  Thunder Bay's store is the fifth to be opened in Canada.

Board Defends Its First Nations Teachings

A new report says Ontario schools don't do enough in teaching Aboriginal students about their culture.  But Sherri-Lynne Pharand of the Lakehead Public School Board suggests the study by People for Education may not have it right when it comes to the local board. She believes they go over and above what's required for Aboriginal students.  She adds however,  that there is always more work to be done. The study says half of elementary  schools surveyed and 40 per cent of high schools don't have First Nations opportunities.

Tbaytel Service Disruption

Tbaytel is reporting disruptions in landline, internet and digital TV service. Some customers may notice poor service while technicians continue to work in resolving the network problem.

Crash Victims Names Released

Provincial Police have identified the four other men who were killed in Saturday's crash on Highway 17, near English River.  They are 26-year-old Brady Ostell, 27-year-old Andrew Ostell, both from Kitchener, 42-year-old Kyle Prince from Waterloo and 44-year-old James Jackson from Fort Erie.  They were all in the pick-up truck that collided with a transport truck.  The driver of the transport, a 43-year-old man from Cambridge, was also killed.

Debate Surrounding Light Rail Placement

There is uncertainty surrounding the placement of Thunder Bay made Bombardier Light Rail Trains in Southern Ontario.  The light rail trains were intended for use in Toronto before that City Council decided to move ahead with Subway expansion.  The issue came up in the Ontario Legislature today when the PC's Frank Klees accused the government of forcing the vehicles on Southern Ontario communities.  Meantime, MPP Bill Mauro says he's been given the impression that Bombardier employees in Thunder Bay will not be affected. Mauro spoke to Transportation Minister Glenn Murray about the issue.

Gravelle Defends Mining Plan

NDP Critic Michael Mantha wants the Provincial Government to create a better plan for job creation in the mining sector.  The Northern Development and Mines Critic raised the issue during Question Period on Thursday.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says talks are ongoing with mining officials. Mantha feels the Province is avoiding the challenges in the mining sector.

LU Sexual Assault Task Force Meeting Soon

Lakehead University's new Sexual Assault Task Force could meet for the first time in two weeks.  Chair Dr. Lori Chambers says they have a lot of work to do around education, prevention and support.  Chambers says they plan to consult the public and students about their experiences as well as compare policies between Lakehead University and other similar size schools.  The task force was created after a letter to the editor talked about a student being raped by one of her classmates.

KWG Resources Defends Claims

KWG Resources is defending their staked claims into the Ring of Fire.  It comes after Marten Falls Chief Eli Moonias says it was staked illegally and without consultation.  VP of Exploration Moe Lavigne says back in 2009 they spoke to the former Chief and he gave it the go ahead.  Lavigne says the company's claims are legal in the Provincial Government's eyes and also involved First Nation consultation.

High Risk Offender Living In Manitouwadge

OPP are warning residents about a high-risk offender now living in Manitouwadge.  74 year old Gordon Oliver is being released from custody after being convicted for sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and incest.  He isn't allowed to have contact with anyone under the age of 16 unless in the direct company of that person's legal guardian, he also can't attend public parks or other areas where kids are present.

Naming Policy Up For Discussion

The District Social Services Board is meeting today to discuss creating a naming of room, building and property policy.  CAO Bill Bradica says they need it because currently they don't have any rules surrounding how their interests are named. Bradica says in the past buildings were just named after town residents without any formal process.

NWO Sees HIV & Chlamydia Rates Increase

The battle to prevent HIV in drug users is ramping up at the Northwestern Health Unit.  Public Health Nurse Kim Elke says the region is facing a major HIV outbreak.  On the flip side, she says the health unit is seeing a positive increase in users injecting with clean needles.  She also says that the health unit has cocaine and crack kits to prevent transmission by snorting.  Elke says that the region is also facing chlamydia rates that are 3 to 4 times higher than the provincial average.

It's World Polio Day

Thunder Bay's Rotary Clubs are marking World Polio Day today. Lakehead Rotary Club President Ken Boshcoff says they're close to eradicating the disease.  Boshcoff says members of the local clubs have been and will continue to donate to the world wide Polio Rotary cause.

Budget Directions Coming To Council

City Council is going to vote on a report detailing staff budget directions for 2014.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be bringing them a 3 and three quarter percent increase in the tax levy.  Council will tackle the upcoming budget priorities at its Monday night meeting.

TSB Float Plane Recommendations

A float plane crash in northern Ontario has resulted in two major recommendations from the Transportation Safety Board.  A float plane operated by Cochrane Air stalled and crashed during a second attempt to land in gusty conditions at Lillabelle Lake in May 2012.  The TSB says 2-people drowned and 1-person survived the crash.  The TSB is calling for more training for float plane pilots and better shoulder harness restraints.

Infrastructure Meeting Garners Public Input

Plenty of people are interested in the City's future infrastructure plans. A public information session was held Wednesday night to discuss the many upgrades that are needed over the next three years. City Council will be voting on a million dollar infrastructure spending plan at their meeting Monday night.