Air traffic volumes up

Thunder Bay's Airport has recorded record breaking August traffic volumes.  Last month saw a 6.6 percent increase with over 65 thousand passengers flying in and out of the local airport.  President Scott McFadden attributes it to a number of factors including the improved economy.  McFadden expects air traffic to continue to rise through the foreseeable future and will be tendering another parking and ground trasnportation project soon.

Talks to resume in NOSM dispute

It's back to the bargaining table as negotiations are now planned in the School of Medicine dispute.   The school and OPSEU have agreed to continue bargaining for a first contract at the end of the month.   Two days have been set aside in Sudbury for this latest set of talks.    The 150 support workers have been on strike since August 16th. 

City hires expert to review wind park

The city is hiring an outside expert to review all the information they have so far on the controversial Horizon wind farm. Development Services Manager Mark Smith says the city doesn't have the technical expertise to review what they've received from the company.  Smith says the expert in wind energy will evaluate all the information especially the financial impact of moving turbine locations.   The issue comes back before city councillors on October 4th.

Canada's Worst Handyman

Thunder Bay is going to welcome producers of the show "Canada's Worst Handyman". Show representatives will be in the city in November to meet with show hopefuls.  A Thunder Bay woman was on the third season, and producers hope to find more wanna be handymen.  To nominate someone e-mail handyman@ propertelevision.com

Police investigating City's 4th murder

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the city's 4th murder of the year. They say the body of a 16 year old girl from Sachigo Lake was found in the bushes off the bike path behind Wentworth Cres. around 7:30 this morning. That's right behind Al Laird's house. He says it was at about that time he heard something chilling while he was in his back yard.  He says he heard "some real loud screaming, a woman's voice"  in the bush.   He says that it lasted for about a minute or so and then there was silence.  Police expect to release more details later today

Legislation could hurt Thunder Bay

Three quarters of the Port of Thunder Bay's commercial business could be lost if the State of New York goes ahead with its ballast water treatment legislation.  C.E.O. Tim Heney says the legislation has wide implications for Thunder Bay since most of the grain ships travel the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Heney is calling on the Federal Government to work with New York State to find a solution to their proposed legislation.

Hannam explains lame duck council

Thunder Bay City Council could be deemed "lame duck" after the municipal election.  A lame duck council is formed if four or more of the current council isn't re-elected. City Clerk John Hannam says a lame duck council can not hire or fire personel, buy or sell land, or spend money over 50-thousand dollars.  As long as the current eleven members of council are re-elected they will maintain their decision making powers.  There are four meetings scheduled in November before the new council is sworn in in December.

We want Brits

The British are coming.  That's the hope of the new Northwestern Ontario Immigration Web Portal.  Spokesperson Kathy Woodbeck says they are actively targeting the UK.  Woodbeck says each day they have been receiving 4 e-mails a day from interested brits looking to relocate.  The immigration campaign is also aimed at the Phillipines and India.

Navy co-op program underway

The latest group of high school co-op students have signed up at the HMCS Griffon. The Navy is in the second year of a pilot program with the local school boards. There are 13 students taking part this semester.

Time of use rates in 2011

Thunder Bay Hydro is taking the wait and see approach when it comes to introducing time of use rates.  Spokesperson Eileen Dias says they'll be watching to see how other hydro companies deal with the new rates.  Thunder Bay Hydro is looking at starting an education campaign in the new year on the time of use rates.  Dias adds almost everyone in the City has a smart metre installed and the final 100 will be hooked up this fall.

TBSO reaching out for donations

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is going to the community to raise some money. The goal is to celebrate the Orchestra's 50th anniversary by raising half a million dollars. General Manager Clint Kushak says that will be a one time effort.  He says that will cover operating costs and to make sure the TBSO has a solid financial footing.   Kushak says the effort will last through the new season with various events.

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.