New Agreement In Place

A collaboration agreement has been signed between the Lac Seul First Nation and Goldcorp.  Chief Clifford Bull says there are a lot of things in the agreement with respect to revenue sharing, job opportunities and contracting provisions.  Bull says the agreement will define the long-term benefits for the First Nation, as well as the future of mining developments in the Red Lake area.

Cyclotron Public Meeting Tonight

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute wants you to have your say when it comes to their new cyclotron facility.  A public information session is being held tonight at 4:30 at the Hospital's Auditorium A.  Spokesperson Michael Campbell says so far they haven't heard too many concerns.  Another open house on the medical machinery will be held at Lakehead University in September.

Deadly Weekend On Area Waters

It was a deadly weekend on the water in Thunder Bay.  Two people are dead after a cliff diving accident in Shuniah Township near the Silver Harbour boat launch. OPP divers recovered the body of 32-year old Sioux Lookout resident Kevin Spade yesterday in Lake Superior.  26-year old Marlene Fox of K-I First Nation, who had been rescued from the waters, died Sunday night at the Health Sciences Centre from the injuries she sustained in the incident. Meantime, OPP divers have found the body of a man they believe to be Jordan DesFosses, who went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday in the Kam River.  The 31-year old, who had just moved to Thunder Bay from Peace River, AB, had been canoeing with another man and two children when it tipped over.  The three others made it to shore safely.  Police say DesFosses was not wearing a life jacket.

Missing Truck Found

Habitat For Humanity Thunder Bay is rolling once again.  A truck that was stolen from their Restore on Friday night was found yesterday in a parking lot in the East End.  The group's primary work vehicle is in good shape with no apparent damage.

New Job Training Program

A unique employment service is now up and running in northwestern Ontario.  Shooniya Job Connect has been matching up aboriginal job seekers with employment opportunities for a couple of months now.  Dana Bridgeman-Cross says the web-site offers a wide range of services.  Bridgeman-Cross says they also work with employers across the region to help place aboriginal employees.  

Police Officer In Court Today

A Thunder Bay Police officer charged with assault is set to be before the Ontario Court of Justice today.  The charge against Constable Andrew Johnstone stems from a Special Investigations Unit inquest into how he treated a man that was brought into his custody.  The incident dates back to May of this year.

Three Dead In T.Bay

Two people are dead after a cliff diving accident in Shuniah near the Silver Harbour boat launch. The body of 32 year old Kevin Spade was found just before noon today, while 26 year old Marlene Fox died from her injuries last night in hospital.  Meantime, OPP divers have found the body of a man they believe to be Jordan Desfosses who went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday in the Kam River.

New Job Program For First Nations

An employment service for aboriginal job seekers is now up and running.  Dana Bridgeman-Cross says Shooniyaa Job Connect says they offer services to both employers and employees. Bridgeman-Cross says they also help job seekers out with resumes, writing cover letters and with job interviews.  The new initiative has been matching up aboriginal job seekers with employment opportunities for a couple of months now.

 

Police Confirm Scooter Incident

Thunder Bay Police are confirming the theft of a scooter Friday night at Marina Park.  A 12 year old boy's scooter was stolen and he got hurt after he went up to people he thought were responsible for the crime.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's rare to see an incident at the Skate Park.

MNR Crews Deal With Fires

There are currently 15 forest fires burning in Northwestern Ontario, however none of them are posing a risk to people or property.  There were 3 new fires reported over the weekend...one each in the Thunder Bay, Dryden and Sioux Lookout districts.  With the chance of storms over the region today, there is a possibility a few lightning-caused fires could occur in areas where little rain has fallen.       

Roots To Harvest Carrying On

A Thunder Bay group is going to keep bringing fresh food to lower income residents despite having five of their bikes stolen.   The incident happened last week at their greenhouse on South Algoma Street.  Roots To Harvest Organizer Erin Beagle says so far the stolen bikes haven't been returned but they have received numerous offers of replacement bikes.  Beagle says they're going to find a way to bring the fresh produce no matter what to their weekly markets at the City's bus terminals.

Road Closure Wednesday

Drivers take note...A portion of Pacific Avenue at Simpson Street is going to be closed on Wednesday.  Thunder Bay Hydro Spokesperson Eileen Dias says it's because crews are working on upgrading the electrical system in the area. The closure will impact traffic travelling east-west between Simpson Street and May Street south of the Neebing River.  The road will be closed from 7 am until 5 pm.

AMO Conference Continues

The annual provincial municipalities conference is underway in Ottawa.   Ron Nelson is the past president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says tomorrow  is when the local delegates will meet with provincial cabinet ministers for one hour.  Nelson says the Northern Growth Plan, Ring of Fire and the Thunder Bay Generating station are on the list of topics for that meeting.

Pet Limit Still Has A Pulse

He refuses to give up.  City councillor Aldo Ruberto says he is hoping to revive his request for a limit on the number of pets you can own. Before he left on his trip to China, Ruberto told our newsroom he has one more chance to make his case because his proposal still requires a final vote to make it official. Ruberto says there's been a lot of support for his idea since it came up at City Hall last week.

Bridal Boutique Closing

After almost 3 decades in business Eva's Bridal Boutique on Algoma is closing.   Owner Eva Tucci say she's retiring.  She says no date has been set for the closure saying she will stay open until stock runs out.  Tucci says it's also possible someone may buy the company from her.

Crimestoppers Probing Greenstone Mischief

Thunder Bay District Crimestoppers  is looking for your help in solving a recent case of mischief and theft of machinery in Greenstone.   Back in June someone stole a feller buncher as it was parked on Partridge Lake Road.   It was driven down the street and the driver then found some trees to cut down.  Police believe it was someone with experience in operating such heavy equipment.  Crimestoppers is asking anyone with information about who may be responsible to call 623-8477 or 623-TIPS.

Local Drownings

Police say that a 32 year old man is missing and thought to have drowned in Lake Superior. They say  the incident took place early Saturday evening at Silver Harbour in Shuniah township and that a woman was taken to the Health Sciences Centre but her condition is not known.  Police say the two were cliff diving at the time.  Meantime police are searching the Kam River, also for a 32 year old man after the canoe he and three others were in flipped over at Silver Falls.  The others made it to shore safely, they say the man did not.

AMO Conference Starts Today

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is gearing up for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference starting today in Ottawa. Association President Dave Canfield says he's looking at issues affecting communities throughout Northwestern Ontario like infrastructure funding and tourism.  Canfield says another issue is the rising cost of policing.

Film Hopes To Bridge Culture Gap

The city is teaming up with a local filmmaker to produce  four short films about the Aboriginal people of the city and who they are. City Clerk John Hannam says it's to help bridge a cultural gap with First Nations residents.  He says they're looking for financial help from local businesses and organizations to offset the 45 thousand dollar budget.  Hannam says the documentary will be shown to employees in all city departments.

Mike Richards Donates 17K

Another huge success at the Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament in Kenora. A cheque presentation was held where the NHL star donated over 17 thousand dollars to the community foundation. Richards says giving back is a key goal of his no matter how big or small. Richards charity events have raised over 100 thousand dollars overall for the community foundation.