City Plans To Take Over Salvation Army Funds

The City is going to take over the funds raised by the Salvation Army and Red Cross. The decision was made at tonight's council meeting. After the two organizations updated council on their work, councillors gave them a standing ovation.

Northwood Residents Share Concerns

A group of concerned Northwood residents expressed their anger over repeat flooding in their neighborhood. They told council they've warned the City over and over again about the periodic flooding that happened long before the May 28th flood. They feel they've done everything they can to prevent flooding. They are in favour of City staff's plan to conduct a neighborhood drainage study.

Missing Boater Found

A 62 year old Thunder Bay man is safe after a weekend boating accident on Lake Nipigon.  OPP say the man's vessel was damaged after it struck an island.   He was reported overdue on Saturday morning, but was found by 7 o'clock that evening.  He was flown to the Nipigon hospital for his injuries and then taken to the Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Class Action Suit To Target Province

The provincial government is being put on notice that it's about to face a  half billion dollar class action lawsuit by victims of flooding in Thunder Bay.   Lawyer Sandy Zaitzeff says the lawsuit will allege the province neglected in it's duty to police the workings of the city's storm and sewage  system.  None of the allegations have been proven in court.   Zaitzeff says they plan to formally file the statement of claim in two months

Quashing Rumours

City Manager Tim Commisso is putting to bed any mis-conceptions about Provincial Funding coming in for flood relief. Of the 16-million dollars the province has promised, 10-million is for roads and sewers.

Commisso says fund raising the 3-point-2 million is the figure to focus on if you want to help flood victims. Conmee Township and Oliver-Paipoonge were recipients of 2-point-8 million dollars from the province to round out the 16-million dollar figure.

Mayor Away In Quebec

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in Quebec at a conference that brings together the Mayors of Great Lake cities. Hobbs has some scheduled time to speak at the conference and intends to raise awareness about Thunder Bay's Flood situation to his colleagues.  Hobbs has said that he has targeted this meeting as a potential source for financial help since the disaster first occurred on May 28th.

Johnson Stresses Flood Relief Number

Members of the Emergency Operations Control Group are making sure you are well aware of what's available when it comes to flood help. Acting Mayor Rebecca Johnson wanted to relay the message about Disaster Relief Forms being available on-line. The "9-8 Flood" number is important for you to call if you have any questions or inquiries about flooding.

Bentley Hears Our Energy Concerns

Energy Minister Chris Bentley is back on the road after a meeting in Thunder Bay with municipal and First Nations leaders. Bentley says he was especially interested in his discussions with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and it's energy concerns. Bentley says all sides are still exploring the energy needs in the Ring of Fire mining development.

School Board Unions Raise Flood $

The Red Cross has 28 thousand dollars more in it's relief fund for city flood victims. Spokesperson Rob Kilgour says it comes from money raised by the unions within the city's public and catholic school boards which he hints may get matching funds. Kilgour says the organization's flood fund has reached a quarter million dollars and continues to grow.

7 Active Fires In Northwest Region

The recent wet weather helped keep forest fire activity to a minimum this weekend. The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 7 active fires in the Northwest Region. One in the far North of the Nipigon District and six in the Sioux Lookout District. There are no problems being reported with these fires. They are all classed as Being Observed. The weather forecast is calling for another sunny day today and the fire hazard is rising. It is "Moderate" to "High" in the West and "Moderate" across the remainder of the region.

Stan Beardy Greets Literacy Counsellors

Nisnawbe-Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy will welcome more than 80 students this morning as they begin training to become Literacy Camp Counsellors. The training will take place starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Bora Laskin Building at Lakehead University. This is the 7th year for the Lieutenant Governor's Aboriginal Summer Reading Camps program, which works to improve literacy skills among youth in NAN First Nations. This year, the program will be providing 38 camps in 29 northern Aboriginal communities.

Cats Hit The Road

The Thunder Bay Border Cats enjoyed a day off yesterday and are on the road to face St. Cloud tonight. The Border Cats are 11-14 on the year and are 7 1/2 games back int he North division.

Disaster Relief Claim Forms Now Available

Flood claim forms are now available from the city for residents affected by the May 28th catastrophe. The Emergency Organization Committee and members of City Hall were on hand for a pair of public meetings held today at the Slovak Legion and the Moose Hall. The Slovak Legion was full of people looking to fill out two possible claims, an advance form for up to $1,000 within five business days and another for the detailed disaster relief which will be paid out after October 31st. Disaster relief claim forms can be picked-up from City Hall starting Monday and are also available from the city's website: www.thunderbay.ca.

Pittsburgh bound

Another Thunder Bay native will have his shot at playing in the NHL. Soo Greyhounds Goaltender Matthew Murray was drafted in the third round, 83rd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft.

Crosby Visit Causing Stir

Twitter is abuzz with Tweets about Sidney Crosby's visit to the city for Jordan Staals wedding.   Here is another of the many Twitter pics of "Sid the Kid" in Thunder Bay.

Bike Racks For Businesses

The City is looking for interested businesses who would like bike racks in front of their store fronts. Display models of the racks were showcased on Friday to area businesses and City Spokesperson Lee Amelia says they have several people interested in them. Earlier in the Spring, the City asked local artists to design artwork that would be put on the bike racks.

Report Says ELA For Sale For $1

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it's their preference to transfer the Experimental Lakes Area to a third party. Rickford isn't commenting on a report that the area is up for sale for only 1-dollar. Rickford says they want to see the important work at the facility to continue. He says he's been in discussions with some local groups and he believes those talks are morphing into what will be a new begining.

The Path Of The Paddle

A water route linking Dryden and Kenora is now looking at involving the Rainy River district as part of the Trans Canada Trail. The Path of the Paddle would take paddlers through five provincial parks including Quetico and Turtle River. Project manager Vicki Kurz says it will help capitalize on a growing industry. The route spans roughly 900-kilometres.

City Set To Talk Flood

City Council is going to spend Monday night talking about the after effects of the flood. City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be asking council to approve the independent engineering and neighbourhood flooding studies. On top of that they'll also be asking permission to launch a flood prevention campaign.

Sunday Simpson Street Closure

Simpson Street between Pacific Avenue and Ogden Street will be closed on Sunday for watermain repairs. Work is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. Simpson Street will remain closed to through traffic until 6:00 p.m., or until work is complete. Motorists are asked to watch for detour signs and take an alternate route.