Report Says F.N. Policing Has Issues

Canada's auditor general has identified a number of serious issues with the First Nations Policing program. Michael Ferguson released his spring report and says aboriginal police services are often not governed by the same standards as other police services in Ontario. The report also identified problems with shoddy buildings, a poor allocation of funding and a lack of transparency.

ONA Gets Contract

The wait is over for local nurses.  Members of the Ontario Nurses' Association have received an arbitration decision, resolving a contract dispute with Ontario hospitals.  The two-year award provides a 1.4-percent wage increase in each year.  The ONA says that barely keeps up with the rate of inflation.  The Association is disappointed with the ruling stressing registered nurses have already sacrificed wages with a 2-year freeze.

Port Authority Has Record Business Year

Thunder Bay's Port Authority ended 2013 in the black with over 40 million dollars.   The Port is holding its annual general meeting today.  C.E.O. Tim Heney says it was a good business year.   In 2013 capital spending totalled 1.6 million versus cash generated of 1.4 million. Major projects included roof and lighting upgrades.

Crime Prevention Training

Barry Horrobin of the Windsor Police Service is back in Thunder Bay to teach area residents about how to prevent crimes through better city planning. He gave a similar presentation to police in September of 2012. Acting Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Lee-Ann Chevrette says it's common sense planning. The talk will take place today at the Police Station on Balmoral.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Its Mental Health Awareness Week. To wrap up the celebration, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is hosting stand-up comic David Granirer, who teaches stand up comedy as away to deal with mental illness.  Granirer will speak at 6:30 Friday at the 3rd level of the hospital.

Police Warn Of Animal Traps

City Police are looking into who placed an animal trap at the northeast side of Boulevard Lake near Cuyler Street and Birch Lane.  A grey squirrel that was injured in the trap had to be euthanized because his leg was cut off.  Constable Julie Tilbury says these types of devices can cause injury to animals and small children who may unexpectedly come upon the trap. Tilbury says they don't know if this is going to be a repeat incident or just the one trap.

Fort Frances Mill Permanently Closed

Unifor Rep Stephen Boon is disappointed Resolute has decided to permanently close the Fort Frances Mill. Boon says in 2010, the union agreed to a number of significant sacrifices related to wages, benefits and future pension service in order to help the company restructure.  He adds the union will now work to ensure Resolute follows through on its commitment to provide new job opportunities for affected Fort Frances employees at the soon be to opened sawmills in Atikokan and Ignace.

City Eliminates 1 General Manager Position

The City continues to streamline its corporate structure.  Council recently approved the restructuring that will see the City downsize from 5 to 4 departments. Greg Alexander the General Manager of Community and Emergency Services is retiring at the end of June and his position will not be filled.  The new combined departments will be called Community Services, Development & Emergency Services, Infrastructure & Operations and Corporate Services and Long Term Care.  The changes will save the City 80-thousand dollars in 2014.

Folklore Festival A Success

Organizers with the Folklore Festival are deeming the recent go-round a resounding success. 14-thousand people took in the cultural 3 day event this past weekend.

HWY 61 Lane Closure

The Ministry of Transportation is advising motorists that Highway 61 at the Kaministiqua Bridge will temporarily be reduced to one lane of traffic. Temporary lane restrictions will occur from 6:30pm Tuesday to 6:30 am Wednesday while routine bridge inspection is completed.  Drivers are asked to obey traffic signage and flag persons through the duration of work.

Tbaytel Employees Back In Office

TBayTel employees are back in their office after an electrical problem this morning.  Emergency crews were on the scene and evacuated the building as a precaution. Media Spokesperson Katie Crowe says there is no truth to an on-line rumour that said the incident involved a disgruntled worker. Crowe says a smoke alarm went off because of an electrical problem in their corporate offices.  Crowe says any of their services that were affected should now be back to normal.

Chamber Gets Their Ideas Out

The local Chamber of Commerce is pleased their provincial counterpart is adopting three of their ideas. Over the weekend the local members pitched several ideas that will now form the Ontario Chamber's policy. One of those ideas is asking the Province to lower energy prices and developing an energy strategy that supports economic development.

Dead Baby Discovered

Police are keeping a wooded area between the Legion Track and Tarbutt Street closed.  It will be secured by police while investigators continue to piece together what happened to a deceased infant found Monday afternoon in the area.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says more details will become available after the investigation is completed. A post mortem exam is scheduled for Wednesday in Toronto.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS.

LHIN Offers French Active Program

Health care services for Franco-phones in the city are becoming easier.  That's thanks to a program called Active Offer, from the Northwest Local Health Integration Network and a french health care organization. Executive Director Diane Quintas says the new program will benefit french speaking people in northern Ontario.  Quintas adds that there is still more work to be done.

Free WiFi At Airport

No more paying for WiFi at the Thunder Bay International Airport. The Airport is joining tbaytel's WiFi hotspots, providing free internet to travellers. President and CEO Scott McFadden says positive customer experience remains a high priority for the airport.

Nipigon Drug Bust

A Nipigon man will appear in court for drug charges. This comes after a month long investigation by Nipigon OPP. Officials say the 37-year-old man is charged with three counts of trafficking a controlled substance.

Police Monitoring Dump

It's free dump week in the city, and police are giving dump users a chance to avoid costly fines.  Police say avoiding a fine is simple, as long as you cover and tie your loads, and drive street legal vehicles.  Officials add that all loads will be under inspection.

Feast With Friends

Fort William First Nation is hosting Feast With Friends today.  Communications Officer Kristy King says students and staff from St. Ann's school will be in attendance, among many other community members. King adds that the students will also be making a presentation at the event.

Accessibility Open House

The City's Accessibility Advisory Committee is holding two open houses this week to promote barrier-free recreation and leisure. Municipal Accessibility Specialist Scott Garner says they're trying to make recreation more accessible for everyone.  One open house is being held today at the Italian Cultural Centre at 1:30, the other is on Thursday at 6:30 at the Victoria Inn.

No One Asks For It

Two local groups are partnering to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  The Centr'elles and the Thunder Bay Sexual Assault Centre are holding informational sessions around the city throughout the month of May to raise awareness about sexual assault. The "No one asks for it" campaign kicks off today.