City sunshine list is leaked

The List of city employees who made more than 100 thousand dollars have been released.  224 people made the sunshine list this year with City Manager Tim Commisso topping the list with a 2011 salary of just under 219 thousand dollars.  There was over 100 more people on the list in 2011 compared to 2010 because of the new contract for Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue.  The contract awarded a number of long time firefighters with back pay.  Firefighters made up almost 150 of the people on the list.

Oxycodone bust in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay Police have 3 people in custody after a drug bust this morning.  Officers made the arrest at southside motel just before 1 o'clock this morning.  Almost 35 thousand dollars worth of Oxycodone was seized. 

Rotary Lottery house tickets are on sale

You can get your tickets for the Rotary Lottery house in Thunder Bay.  This year's house up for grabs was the scene of the annual media launch and Chair Bob Hookham says the Rotary Club hasn't decided where all the money raised this year will go, but all the money will stay in Thunder Bay.  There will be 8000 tickets sold for the house that is located in the Sherwood Estates.

Potter out as COO @ ORNGE Aviation

Thunder Bay's Rick Potter is no longer the Chief Operating Officer at ORNGE Aviation.  Staff at the province's scandal plagued air ambulance service were informed of the move via e-mail this week saying Potter was to work exclusively on another project.  The move comes after it was reported that Potter admitted to fibbing about his university credentials. The opposition Progressive Conservatives demanded that he be fired.

Toy gun causes a scare at a local high school

Thunder Bay police arrested a 15 year old boy at Superior Collegiate at noon today.  Police were called with reports about a boy showing some other students what was believed to be a gun.  It turned out to be a soft air rifle and the boy was charged. 

Outdoor rinks to close

It's that time of year again, time for the city to close the outdoors skating rinks. Spokesperson Paul Fayrick says because of the spring like temperatures, the rinks aren't even fit for skating. Fayrick says as of this weekend the buildings will be closed and the lights turned off

Stevenson leads delegation to Mexico

Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson is going to Mexico, but not for a vacation. He's helping to lead a group of Canadian universities to learn more about how Mexico has evolved higher learning for Aboriginal students and establish possible partnerships.  He hopes this is the beginning of a broad international strategy for L-U. Representatives from both countries will be meeting on Sunday and Monday in Mexico City.

Nolan new PDAC President

There's a Thunder Bay connection to the newly appointed President of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada.  Glenn Nolan who is the Aboriginal Liason Officer with Noront Resources is the new head of the organization.  Nolan works out of Thunder Bay.

Manitouwadge drugs seized

26 thousand dollars in drugs are off the streets after Marathon OPP searched a home in Manitouwadge.  A 38 year old woman and 50 year old man are charged with production of a controlled substance and  possession for the purpose of trafficking.  A quantity of marijuana and other drugs were seized.

Hospital not impacted by drug shortage yet

Thunder Bay's hospital has been spared from the nation wide shortage of drugs.  Health Sciences Centre Pharmacist Jeff Chan says the shortage hasn't impacted the hospital yet but it might down the road.  Hospitals in several provinces are reporting looming supply gaps for dozens of medications used in operating rooms, emergency departments and intensive care units.

Housing starts down last month

Canada Mortgage and Housing is reporting that Thunder Bay had no new housing starts last month. Analyst Warren Philp says that's not a reason for concern since it's not uncommon for there to be no starts counted in a month like February given the nature of the residential construction industry in the North. Year to date construction starts are sitting at 3 units down from seven in 2011.

Hyer on pay equity, vets and government by ambush

MP Bruce Hyer is using International Women's Day to call for pay equity reform.  Hyer says there is a long way to go before what he says "true equality" can be achieved between the sexes.    Meantime Hyer and his NDP colleagues are fuming over the government's plans to make cuts to the Veterans Affairs Department. Hyer is upset that the Harper government voted down an NDP motion to stop the cuts.  Hyer says the government mistreats veterans and doesn't give them the support they deserve. Hyer is also disappointed but not surprised by a move by the government to limit debate on the new crime bill saying, it's part of a pattern by the Conservatives on such issues and calls it "government by ambush"

Event Centre location debate continues

The debate over the location for the proposed Event Centre in Thunder Bay still rages.  20 years ago the city of Saint John, New Brunswick went through a similar decision when it built their Harbour Centre.  St John's Tourism Manager Ross Jefferson says the city had just redeveloped its waterfront and  chose the downtown location near the new construction. Jefferson says at the time it was a hotly contested decision but has since lead to a revitalization of their downtown with a great deal of economic spin off.  He says parking was an issue but the construction of some parkades and a pedway system helped alleviate the problem.

Stolen BC car found in Thunder Bay

A vehicle stolen from a B.C. car rental business has turned up in Thunder Bay.  OPP pulled over the car yesterday evening and found the driver had some credit cards and other stolen property.  A 29 year old woman was arrested and charged.

PARO shines during women's week

It's International Women's Week which helps to recognize the advances females have made, and here in Thunder Bay women have made strides in the business community thanks to the efforts of PARO. Spokesperson Suzanne Tighe says the organization has been able to help three thousand women start up a business in a welcoming atmosphere

Cancer Centre opens up new clinic

Thanks to 150 thousand dollars in funding, Thunder Bay will be home to one of 3 new pilot clinics to help cancer patients transition out of treatment.  Vice President of the Cancer Centre Michael Power says the Transition Clinic will help get patients back to their family doctors and primary care. Power hopes the clinic becomes a permanent fixture.

Only 2 cases of flu in T.Bay

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is reporting only 2 cases of influenza this year.  It follows a flu trend that's being reported in Canada as well as in Europe and the US.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they like to think the reason for the quiet flu season is the increase of people getting immunized.

Prospectors conference wraps up

Thunder Bay's contingent at the Prospectors conference in Toronto is coming back with contacts in the mining industry. Mining Services Manager John Mason says the networking was well worth the price of his plane ticket. Harold Wilson of the Chamber of Commerce, Lakehead University's President and Mayor Keith Hobbs were also in attendance.

KI chief protects traditional lands

The Big Trout Lake First Nation is actively guarding Sherman Lake against mining company God's Lake Resources.   Chief Donny Morris is staying at the lake saying he's guarding against the company that insists on drilling on leases and claims that are known sacred burial grounds.  Morris released a video on YouTube this morning asking Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci to hold negotiations between God's Lake and the First Nation.

Watermain break closes Central

The City of Thunder Bay is dealing with a water main break in the area of Central Avenue. City employee Peter Viita says they're working on fixing the break.  Central Avenue is closed from Golf Links to Balmoral.Meanwhile, Lakehead University is reopening its doors. They had planned to cancel class today due to the water main break but water has since been restored.