Wabuskang Stands Against Laird Lake Stripping

The Chief of Wabuskang First Nation says it's time the provincial government respects their treaty. Last month, the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines issued a permit to an individual allowing mechanized stripping of land in the Laird Lake area. Leslie Cameron says they were hoping the permit wouldn't go through. Cameron says they have received letters of support from Grant Council Treaty Three and the Chiefs of Ontario.

Fort William Street Fair

Fort William is hopping today as the Business Improvement Association's Streetfest gets underway. Spokesperson Tina Huk says downtown Fort William is thriving. Just down the road from Streetfest the City's Riverfest along the Kam River is being held.

Idle No More October Rally

Supporters of the Idle No More movement in Canada are looking to rally across country once again. It's calling on individuals to participate in a mass day of action October 7th. The day marks the 250th Anniversary of the British Royal Proclamation, which led to the founding of Canada.

Trans Canada Twinning Still Planned

Plans to twin the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora may be dormant, but the project isn't dead. That assurance from premier Kathleen Wynne. Wynne admits it's taking longer than expected to start construction but says they are continuing to work with local first nations to ensure the project can go ahead. Former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty announced 100-million dollars to kick start the project four years ago.

Stats Can Out With Jobs Report

Statistics Canada is out with its latest jobs report.  They say in August the number of jobs created rose by 59-thousand which is almost three times more than analysts expected.  Locally, the unemployment rate last month was 6.1 percent a slight bump from 6 percent in July.  The report also shows that the national unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage points to 7.1 per cent.

CLE Staying Mum

Rita Stoger

It appears the cone of silence is on with the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition board of directors.   Following a noon hour meeting board president Reta Stoger says there will be no further comment on this weeks events that saw one director, Linda Gambee, removed from the board.  Meantime, the board is coming out in full support of the Christmas Cheer campaign after Gambee announced her intention to resign as campaign chair.

Province Announces Rehab Money

The Provincial Government is vowing to spend 5 million dollars annually to improve the lives of kids with special needs in the region.  The investment will expand the family-centred Children's Rehab Information System to five treatment centres in Northern Ontario.  The move will mean kids will receive improved access to physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Fatal Plane Mishap Near Red Lake

A 67-year-old man from Minnesota is dead as a result of an float plane mishap just south of Red Lake. Ontario Provincial Police say the incident took place on Dee Dee Lake yesterday morning around 10:30. Police says the operator of an amphibious plane was standing on the floats as he was coming into shore. When the plane came into contact with the shore, the pilot was thrown into the  propeller.  He was was transported to hospital in Red Lake where he died of his injuries.

Oshki & Cambrian Renew Deal

A First Nations education organization and Cambrian College are teaming up.  They renewed their working agreement for another five years.  The deal means the two will work together to enhance education and training opportunities for Aboriginal people.

Former Child Prostitute Speaking Out

A former child prostitute in Thunder Bay is speaking about her experiences in the sex trade industry in the City.  Bridget Perrier says she was shocked that the story she told an American researcher about being sold on a ship in Lake Superior got so much attention.  Perrier says Thunder Bay has a dirty secret and she hopes her story helps women in the local sex industry get out.

Nipigon Bridge Construction Underway

Construction is underway on the new Nipigon River Bridge.  The work on the stretch of Highway 11-17 east of Nipigon includes building two additional lanes.  The move will improve traffic flow on the Trans-Canada Highway.  A construction kickoff was held today with Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle.

New Management At ELA 2014

The International Institute for Sutainable Development says it won't actually be taking over the Experimental Lakes Area until next spring. Matt McCandless is the project manager and says there's still lots of work to do before they can assume responsibility for the ELA.  McCandless says the 2-million dollars announced by the Province of Ontario for the ELA will only cover about half of their annual operating costs, so they are still looking for more partners.

Numerous Groups Interested

The City is happy with the number of applications they've received from interested potential Event Centre partners.  City Facilities Manager Michael Smith says they received responses from several quality organizations. Finding a tenant for the proposed facility is one of the steps towards making the project a reality.

Gambee Resigning Christmas Cheer

The Christmas Cheer campaign will have to find another chair.   Linda Gambee says she is resigning from the position following her removal from the board of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition.  Both the CLE and Christmas Cheer work together during festive season.

Drug Bust In Nipigon

A 53-year old Thunder Bay man has a court date in December following a drug bust in Nipigon.  OPP seized 579 grams of marijuana, 31 percocet pills and $27,000 in cash after searching a home.  The man has been charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of property obtained in a crime.  Two other males were also charged.  The investigation continues and police say more charges could be laid.    

OPP Nab Escaped Prisoner

An escaped prisoner has been captured in downtown Kenora.  Kenora OPP say they found and arrested 53 Harvey Smith of White Dog First Nation.  Smith had escaped custody while at the Kenora Court House on August 20th.  Smith made a court appearance after his arrest to answer to the charge of escaping lawful custody.

Collision In Front Of Waverly Park Apartments

Police, paramedics and fire are on the scene of a two vehicle collision in front of the Waverly Park Apartments.  The collision just after 3 happened at the intersection of Red River Road and New Street. Officials say one of the people involved in the crash may have whiplash.

Ainsworth Selling Barwick Mill

There's to be new owners of the mill in Barwick.  Ainsworth is agreeing to sell all of its operations, including the Barwick mill, to U-S forestry giant Louisiana Pacific in a deal worth one-point-one billion dollars. Louisiana-Pacific chief executive Curt Stevens says the acquisition provides more financial stability to weather market conditions. Stevens says it will also gives L-P greater access to the Asian market where Ainsworth is well established.

Mayor's Safety Awards Back

The Crime Prevention Council is looking for nominations for the 3rd annual Mayor's Community Safety Awards.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says since its inception he's noticed more grassroots groups making their neighbourhoods safer.  The awards recognize citizens and groups who work to improve community safety. Nominations close September 27th with the awards being presented at the November 4th meeting of Council.

Tbaytel Gets Award

Tbaytel keeps racking up the awards for its local digital TV apps.  They are the recipients of the 2013 Canadian Cable Systems Alliance Community Channel Award for NextBus and Flight Status.  As part of their award they've been given a thousand dollar donation for Children’s Wish Thunder Bay.