Science North taking over PA days

Students have another option to occupy themselve during PA days this year. Science North will be hosting programs every PA day this school year. Spokesperson Emily Kerton says its a great way for kids to learn more about science and will be available for kids aged 4-12.   Kerton says it costs 45 dollars for non members and 39 dollars for members and includes before and after care.

Building Permits Up

It's been a busy year for the construction industry in Thunder Bay. At the end of August, building permits had been issued for more than 100 million dollars worth of construction.  City administration feels more construction activity has occurred in 2010 than in any one year over the last two decades.

CEDC wants to create mining division

The Community Economic Development Commission wants to create a new mining division and hire a project manager.  Chair Ed Schmidtke asked council for an increase in their 2011 and 2012 operating budgets.  The CEDC would like 125 thousand dollars in 2011, and 250 thousand dollars in 2012.  The current council is unable to commit the funding because of the upcoming election and the possibility of a new council.  Council is approving the project in principal and wants the new council to address it in December.

Council tackles zoning issues

The City of Thunder Bay tackled a number of zoning issues at Monday night's council meeting. Council is considering a re-zoning application for a piece of property at Ray Boulevard. The property owner would like to use the former school site to house a series of town houses and a community health resource centre.  Two people came out to speak out against the application.  Both were concerned about the increase in traffic on the street since young children live in the area.

Fire victim dies

Police say they are ruling out foul play in the death of man who was on fire outside the Arthur Street Courthouse on Friday.  They say the man died on the weekend after being taken to hospital with serious burns.  The fire had been extinguished by bystanders before police and fire fighters arrived.

LU reacts to serious assault

Lakehead University wants the public to assist police in their investigation of an assault over the weekend.  The altercation that took place at a north-side home over the weekend involved a Lakehead University student who was badly injured.  LU wants anybody who may have witnessed the serious assault to contact the police.

LU student victim of vicious assault

Police say that a Lakehead University student from Southern Ontario is in critical condition in hospital.  It  follows a weekend incident on Darwin Crescent.  Police spokesperson Chris Adams says it was the result of an assault by what's believed to be about 5 other LU students who tried to crash a party.  Police say no weapon was used and the victim sustained head injuries.

Conference attracts the world

A group of about 50 health scientists are in the city for a conference.   Michael Wood of the Health Sciences Centre says they are experts in medical imaging like MRI's and other scanners.  The conference is on until Wednesday at the Best Western Nor' Wester

Courthouse planning reaches next level

The proposed new courthouse in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality. It comes with the government announcing that Plenary Justice is the preferred company to design, build, finance and maintain the building. Negotiations are now underway to determine the final contract. The new courthouse will be located in the downtown south core.

Bus talks set for Wednesday

The transit talks are going to continue on Wednesday. Amalgamated Transit Union boss Charlie Brown says that contract negotiations adjourned last week.Brown says there's not much he can say about talks so far.  Brown says the mediator will be back for Wednesday's discussions.

Mediation service a first for Counselling Centre

Families in Thunder Bay can now handle some of their legal disputes with the help of the Thunder Bay Counselling Centre. Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain says there are 9 new trained mediators who are available to help. Program coordinator Connie McLeod says it's designed to keep families and children out of court.

Hyer finalizes stand on gun registry

This week Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer, along with other MP's will be voting in the House of Commons on the future of the long gun registry. Today Hyer made his stand clear on how he'll vote on Wednesday, saying until there are new developments he will vote to end the registry. Hyer's stand came after he was pressured to change his vote by members of a coalition that included the City Police and Women's groups.

Police still looking for drug suspect

An arrest warrant remains out for a 27 year old man in connection with last weeks million dollar pot bust in the city. Police say it stemmed from a complaint one week ago, from a landlord of a home on the 100 block of Nelson. He suspected there was a grow op. Police seized about 114 pounds of marijuana with a street value of about 1 million dollars.

Miles with the Giant results

835 runners from 70 different communities took part in the first Miles with the Giant Marathon.   You can get race results from this link

First marathon in the books

The winner of the first Miles with the Giant Marathon is from Kenya. Philip Kipchumba completed the course in 2 hours and 29 minutes. The top Thunder Bay finisher was John Balabuck with Nicki Wilberforce of Thunder Bay the top female. Organizers are happy with the results and say they plan to be back next year.

Miles with the Giant off and running

The Miles with the Giant Marathon got off to a start shortly after 8 o'clock Sunday morning.. 835 runners are taking part in either the full or half marathons. For organizer Barry Streib  it's the end of a 2 year effort and credits the volunteers for the success.   He says the the satisfaction of getting it off the ground is amazing.  

Union walks away from NOSM talks

Talks have stalled in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine labour dispute.


Ontario Public Service Employees Union representatives left the table Friday afternoon after four days of talks last week.

A NOSM representative says progress was made but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement.

East Avenue Accident

There was a single vehicle accident this morning on East Avenue near County Boulevard.

Thunder Bay Police say a man was taken to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

His condition is unknown at this time.

Man on fire in front of courthouse

Thunder Bay Police and Fire Rescue responded to a call about man who was on fire yesterday in front of the courthouse on Arthur Street.

It isn't yet known how the fire started.

The fire had been extinguished by bystanders before police and fire fighters arrived.

The man was taken to hospital, his condition is unknown at this time.

Harper speaks at Conservative rally

The Prime Minister wrapped up his visit Friday by speaking at a Conservative rally at the Victoria Inn.

Stephen Harper began his speech by name dropping some local hockey heroes. He also had some complements for Conservative candidates Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann and Richard Harvey.

Harper said out of the four years the Conservatives have been in power this has been the "greatest for Canada" and touted everything from Olympic gold to the G8-G20 meetings and the nation's global economic standing to make his case.

Harper also reiterated his party will work to abolish the long gun registry even if the Tories come up on the short end of next Wednesday's vote.