Sunday Night Robbery

Thunder Bay Police investigating another robbery in the City.  Around 10:30 last night, a male, armed with a syringe, robbed the Mac's Mart on Simpson Street.  The robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash and goods.  The accused is described as a Caucasian male in his 30's, who was last seen wearing an orange hooded sweatshirt, black toque and backpack.  No one was injured.

Highway 11 Reduced To One Lane

Highway 11 roughly one-hundred kilometers west of Hearst is down to one lane while crews retrieve tractor trailers that have slid off the road into a ditch. OPP are warning motorists of long delays, the closure is expected to last roughly twelve hours.

Sleeping Giant Visitors Centre Now Open

The Sleeping Giant Visitors Centre is now open for the winter season which lasts until March. With the recent snow fall cross country trails have yet to be groomed. The centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am until 4 pm.

Date Set For Potential Transit Job Action

Thunder Bay Transit operators now have a date to bargain with when it comes to a potential strike. Union President Sheila Kivisto says workers are in a position to walk off the job on January 20th but does maintain that a strike is being seen as a last resort.

Election Registrations Up To 3

Candidates continue to trickle in for the upcoming municipal election. Three people have filed to run for spots on City Council including Logan Ollivier in the McIntyre ward, Shelby Ch'ng in Northwood and David George Noonan in Red River. The first day to register for the 2014 election was Thursday.

Eacom Timber To Reopen Mill

EACOM Timber is planning on re-opening the Ear Falls Sawmill sooner rather than later.  Company Spokesperson Gwen Webster says the company's goal is to take advantage with what they believe will be a strong market for lumber in 2014.  Currently the company is testing existing equipment that has sat idle at the mill for nearly five years.

Money For Hwy 599 Improvements

The Provincial Government is putting 2.1 million dollars towards improving Highway 599 south of Pickle Lake. The Medcalf Lake Narrows Bridge will be repaired. The announcement will create 21 new jobs.

Accident At Fort William Road & John Street

City police are laying a careless driving charge in relation to a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Water Street and John Street. Three people were sent to hospital as a precaution. Road conditions are being blamed for the accident.

Pair Of Stabbings

Thunder Bay Police currently investigating a pair of stabbings.  Shortly after 8:30 last night a female was stabbed in front of a building in the 100 Block of South May Street. The female was taken to the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with a non-life threatening wound to her back. It is believed the attacker is known to the victim, but no arrest has been made.  Meanwhile, just after 9 o'clock, a male was stabbed in the stomach in the Picton Street area.  The victim was taken to hospital and required surgery.  A man was arrested a few hours later and also taken to hospital with injuries sustained in the incident.  

First Day For Municipal Election Registration

2014 is a municipal election year.  Today marks the first day when candidates can register to run in the October election.  City Clerk John Hannam says after they register candidates can start to campaign. Hannam doesn't expect too many people to register today but notes they usually see one or two eager beavers.

Study Likes Hwy Approach

A recent study finds that of six proposed transmission routes that would be used to supply energy from Ignace and Dryden to Pickle Lake only one would pose minimum risk to caribou. The Canadian Wild Lands League's Crossing Caribou Country study found that having a route following Highway 599 would be the best option because it is an existing, permanent road. Spokesperson Anna Baggio says the other proposals would interfere with lands that have been described as some of the best for caribou populations.

New Years Baby Unveiled

Thunder Bay Hospital's New Year's Baby is Nevaeh Ellieanna Victoria Mamakwa.  Baby Nevaeh was born at 11:56 a.m. on January 1st at the Health Sciences Centre.  Nevaeh will be made an honourary member of the First Marks Club which means her name and birth date will be inscribed in a baby-sized footprint and permanently added to the hospital's Celebration of Life Wall.

Rickford Wants Compromise

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is hoping for a compromise in the new year regarding the First Nations Education Act.  Several aboriginal groups are upset with the direction the government is going and have pledged to develop their own strategy.  Rickford says they want to work with everyone in order to come up with a strong plan. Rickford believes First Nations education begins with having the proper infrastructure in place.

Shipping Season Still Going

As the shipping season winds down in the Port of Thunder Bay, Harbour Master Guy Jarvis says they couldn't have made it through a cold December without the help of the tug operators in the city. Jarvis says the season should wrap up by January the 8th with arrival of another 7 or 8 ships.

Crimestoppers Hockey Game Tonight

The 25th annual Crimestoppers charity hockey game is taking place at the Fort William Gardens tonight. Crimestopper Coordinator Jason Disher says it is a free event but donations are welcomed and go towards supporting the program. Opening ceremonies begin at 6:30, puck drop at 7:15.

Atikokan Death

The Thunder Bay Forensic Identification Unit and Rainy River OPP are investigating the death of an Atikokan man that was reported yesterday morning. Police say they found the man shortly before 9:00am on River Road. The coroner has not yet set a date for their forensic investigation.

Busy New Year's Eve For City Police

It was a busy New Years Eve for Thunder Bay's police services. Over ninety-calls were responded to by officers, mainly having to do with noisy party's, minor disputes and public intoxication. Officials say even with the high number of calls Thunder Bay as a whole enjoyed a relatively safe evening.

Increase In Airport Fees

New Years Day means prices at the Thunder Bay airport are going up for aircraft using the terminal. The increases include aircraft landing and parking fees. Airport Manager Scott McFadden says the increase will be three per cent across the board and is mainly to keep up with inflation.

Cover All Exposed Skin

The Health Unit is warning people to take precautions before going outside during the recent deep freeze that has struck the region. Recent wind chills have seen temperatures plummet to minus forty and below, the Unit is reminding the public that in such temperatures exposed skin can freeze within a matter of minutes. They are also warning of frostbite and hypothermia for not only people but their animals as well and to prevent pets from staying outside for extended periods of time.

CTF Spreads Tax Change Info

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is spreading the word about changes to the employment insurance and Canadian Pension Plan taxes in Ontario. Spokesperson Candice Malcolm says it means taxpayers will keep less of their pay cheques after New Years Day. Malcolm adds the maximum employee share of EI taxes will go up 23 dollars in 2014, while the employer's share will go up to 31 dollars.

Health Unit Urges Immunization

The Health Unit is urging people to get a flu shot if they haven't already.    It comes in the wake of reports that a second person in the district has now died due to the H1N1 virus.   The Health Unit reported the first death a week and a half ago and says it was a person under the age of 65, the same as this latest reported death.

Record Breaking Cold Hits City

The cold weather is breaking records.   In Thunder Bay this morning a record low of minus 33 from 1946 and 1967 was shattered  when the low hit minus 39.   It's the second morning in a row the city  broke a record low temperature.  Yesterday the city broke a record from 1982 when the temperature hit minus 36.7

Siemieniuk Looks In Crystal Ball

The Lakehead Public School Board is looking forward to taking on new initiatives in the New Year.  Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says they'll be reviewing some of their programs.  That includes a parent engagement initiative that will see two way digital communication with all stakeholders.  Siemieniuk says they also will tackle creating a new Strategic Action Plan.

Gravelle Rings In New Year

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle wants to see some movement on the Ring of Fire in the New Year. Gravelle says they've made a good start with the establishment of the development corporation but notes more needs to be done. 2013 saw Cliffs' Natural Resources pull out of their mining project in the Ring of Fire.

FWHP Family Frolic Back

Fort William Historical Park is back for another New Years Eve with it's Family Frolic tonight. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they expect a great turnout despite the cold weather. Mascarin says they'll have plenty of warm up areas set up around the park.

Chief Wants Pot Laws Repealed

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is reiterating his stance on decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.  J-P Levesque says handing out tickets rather than charges would help clear up the back log of cases in the local court system. Levesque says the backlog of court cases is a national police issue and hopes the Federal Government will consider allowing police to ticket people for small offences rather than charge them.

SUV Driver Collides Into Bus

City Police are charging the driver of an SUV that collided into a City bus this morning. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says the incident happened in the area of Squier Street around 10:30. The driver of the SUV slided into the bus. A man on the bus was transported to the hospital to be treated for a seizure that was triggered by the collision. Porter says the cold weather has created slippery driving conditions and notes they've dealt with several fender benders as a result.

Wesley Sentenced

A Cat Lake First Nation man is being sentenced to eight years plus time served in relation to the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead.  Joseph Wesley's lawyer Christopher Watkins is pleased with the judge's sentencing. Wesley will also be prohibited for lifefrom owning any weapons.

Chamber Looks Forward To Election Season

2014 brings with it an upcoming municipal election. Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson says they'll actively seek out candidates and talk to them about where they stand on business issues. Robinson feels infrastructure will be the top municipal election concern.

Police Warn Snowmobilers

Police say this pic of the Kam
River was taken Saturday

Police say despite the frigid temperatures there are still patches of open water on the Kam River.   They say that special care should be taken by snowmobilers who are travelling on or near the river noting that fast moving currents are preventing the formation of ice on all parts of the Kam.

Shelter House Cold Program Running

Shelter House's cold weather program is now in operation. Executive Director Patty Hajdu says they've been touring the streets at night looking for individuals that may need their help. Hajdu says they always welcome help from the community whether it be donations of hats, mittens and scarves or cash to help run the program.

Local Woman Vies For Miss Universe Canada

2014 promises to be an exciting year for Thunder Bay's Nerissa McRury.    She's the Thunder Bay national finalist for Miss Universe Canada.   McRury says, as part of the contest, she is trying to raise 20 thousand dollars  through a calendar she has produced  for Operation Smile a charity that helps children with facial deformities.  McRury will be competing in May in Toronto and the winner there will go to Russia to for the Miss Universe contest. She says she's excited to be taking part.

Rae To Continue ROF Work In 2014

The Ring of Fire mining development won't be anywhere close to up and running in the New Year but several key initiatives could be wrapped up in 2014.  That's according to Bob Rae the Matawa First Nations Chief Negotiator with the province.  Rae says they're are several areas he'll be focusing on getting a framework in place on construction, broadband services and infrastructure for First Nation communities. Rae also wants to see the environmental practices in place in respect to any mining activity in the Ring.

Back In The Deep Freeze

Extreme cold temperatures are going to ring in the new year in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.   Environment Canada's Desjanelle Matthews says we are currently in the grip of a deep freeze which will see wind chill values in the minus 40 range much of the week. She say we may get a break by Friday.  Matthews says the extreme cold is spread over a wide area of the province from the Manitoba border up to James Bay and into the lower Great Lakes.

Sudden Death In Vermillion Bay

A Christmas day death in Vermillion Bay is being investigated by the police.   They say it was a sudden death and that it was not due to foul play, however further information isn't being released, such as the sex of the victim or the the results of Friday's post mortem.

Hobbs Set To Run For Re-Election

Mayor Keith Hobbs is running for re-election in the 2014 municipal election.  Hobbs says he's not done leading at the city level and would like to try one more term.    He believes this term of council has gone very well and he wants to keep the momentum going.   Thursday is the first day candidates can complete the municipal election nomination process.

Tennis Coming Back

Tennis enthusiasts won't have to wait until the snow clears away to enjoy some local action.  Robert Casavamp is President with the Neebing Fire and Rescue Association and says there will be matches for the public to watch and take part in at the tennis courts across from the Valhalla, after some maintenance. Casavamp says the public is welcome to come play.

Harvey Yesno Looks Back On 2013

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno says 2013 was a significant year for first nation influence on the economy. With contributions mainly being provided at the community level Yesno says he would like to see the Provincial and Federal Government more involved in the New Year.

How Do You Communicate

A new study finds that a large number of Ontarians are moving away from talking with one another. The Harris-Decima study finds that fifty-percent of the province expect most of their communications to come through text or social media in 2014. Forty percent believe most in-person interactions will be replaced with mobile apps in the next five years.

Christmas Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are asking for the public's support in finding a caucasian male who is believed to be involved in the robbery of an Arthur Street Mac's Milk Christmas Day. He is approximately six feet tall, was wearing a blue/grey DC sweater and had tan gloves on. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or Thunder Bay Police.

Labour Negotiations Across NWO

20 local personal support workers with the Red Cross Care program head back to work today. Their union the SEIU announced that the strike was over on their website Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, more labour unrest in the region....Unifor is applying for conciliation this week after talks with Dryden's Revera Home Health Care broke down on Monday. The health care workers last contract expired June 1st and the two sides met numerous times since October in an attempt to reach a new Collective Agreement covering the 35 Personal Support Workers. Unifor will also resume conciliated talks with Revera in mid-January for over 25 office and client services staff based in Thunder Bay who are seeking their first contract.

Stabbing At Mall

A 19 year old man is recovering from two stab wounds to the leg after an incident at the Intercity Mall yesterday afternoon.  Police received the call about an altercation that occurred in the mall between a group of young people.  Officers found two accused males in the parking lot of the CLE grounds a short time later, both individuals are facing several charges.

Budget Meeting Coming To T.Bay

Northwestern Ontario residents will get their opportunity to provide input into the provincial budget. A legislative committee plans to hold a pre-budget hearing in Thunder Bay in the middle of next month. Those wishing to make a presentation, must contact the clerk of the committee by January 9th.

Campbell Opposed To Gas Tax Increase

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is strongly opposing a provincial plan to raise the gas tax to 10-cents to pay for public transportation expansion in southern Ontario. Campbell notes the move would be a slap in the face to northerners. Campbell says the extra 8-cents a litre that the province has charged since the implementation of the HST should be going to public transportation across the province.

Levesque Talks Courthouse Funding Issues

Thunder Bay's Police Chief JP Levesque is going to be bringing a 36.5 million dollar budget to City Council in the New Year.  Levesque says one of the issues they continue to struggle with is a need for more funding for officers posted to the new court house.  They currently receive 522-thousand dollars for the positions but it costs over a million dollars to provide that security.  Levesque says they'll continue to ask the Province for a bigger share in funding.

ROF Priority For Gravelle

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is reflecting on 2013. Gravelle says he understands that Cliff's announcement that they were ceasing their work on the mining project will be one of the biggest events in 2013. He feels the development isn't dead in the water and will move forward in 2013.

Hyer Reflects On 2013

There's no doubt in MP Bruce Hyer's mind what the highlight of 2013 has been. Hyer says as the year winds down it's his health issues which stand out. Hyer says his move to the Green Party is the other highlight from this year.

Police Look For Suspect In Stabbing

Thunder Bay Police had a violent Christmas night to deal with. They responded to a stabbing at just after 9:15 at the Royal Edward Arms on May Street.  They say the accused had run off just before  officers arrived.. A 21 year old Thunder Bay man was taken to Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre with non-life threatening injuries where he was treated and released.  They say this appears to be an isolated event, at this time Police are currently seeking a 29 year old Thunder Bay man in relation to this stabbing.

Ornge Heli Out of Service

An Ornge Helicopter that struck some trees just south of Kakabeka Falls this past weekend continues to be worked on. Ornge Spokesperson Steve Robinson says nothing will be left to chance. Robinson adds that its still too early to tell when the helicopter will be ready for use.

Mac's Christmas Robbery

This morning at 01:11 am Thunder Bay Police responded to a robbery at the Mac's Mart located at 745 Simpson St. An investigation revealed that a lone man had entered the store armed with a knife demanding money from the cashier. He then fled in a small blue four door car with an undisclosed amount of money. The clerk was not injured.