Coroners Inquest Expands

Ontario's Chief Coroner is ordering a joint inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations young people in Thunder Bay.  All seven died after leaving their home communities to come to the city to go to high school.  The deaths happened between 2000 and 2011.   The inquest jury could be able to make recommendations aimed at preventing anymore deaths in a similar way.  No date has been set for the inquest. 

Gravelle Says Wheels In Motion For Disaster Relief

Michael Gravelle is applauding the city for requesting disaster relief from the provincial government. The Thunder Bay MPP says it means his government can now start the process of getting the city some financial relief in the wake of this week.s massive storm. Gravelle can't say how long the process will take.

Progress Made But Still A Way To Go

As the state of emergency continues in the city due to this week's flooding crisis, there is some progress to report.   City official Darrell Matson says that while they still haven't been able to examine the crippled sewage treatment plant the pressure on it is easing somewhat because the water levels in city sewers are starting to decrease.    Meantime, the city is still asking you to conserve water the best you can.

Second Truck Helps Salvation Army Efforts

The Salvation Army remains on the job in flood affected areas of the city.   Manager Merv Halvorsen says the organization is increasing the frequency that a mobile food van will be making stops to feed the hungry now that a second truck has arrived from Winnipeg. 

City Contractors Asked To Reach Out

As the city flood crisis continues more and more organizations are stepping up to help and this time it's the Thunder Bay Construction Association. President Harold Lindstrom says he's asking some of his members to volunteer to help clean up homes which have been hit with flooding, two have already done so.

Spofford Street Home O.K.

The City's Building Inspectors say a Spofford Street home is not in danger of collapsing.  Chief Building Inspector Desmond Stolz says the homeowners felt the home might collapse due to the recent flooding.  Stolz says they haven't been run off their feed and there have been no other home inspections.

Mauro Tours Flood Areas

Thunder Bay - Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is now back in the city and is touring the flood ravaged areas of the City and other municipalities today.  Mauro says the city formally asking for help is the appropriate step in trying to access funds from the Disaster Relief Assistance Program.  Mauro says municipalities within his riding have been successful in applying for provincial money in the past when facing a similar situation.

Pugh Talks McKellar Ward

The McKellar Ward is the hardest hit by the city's flooding. Residents in the East End and Intercity areas are reporting massive amounts of water in their basements. McKellar Ward Councillor Paul Pugh says he's spent a number of hours surveying the damage and is trying to relay information to flood victims about where they can turn to for help.

LU Closes Fieldhouse

Lakehead University has closed the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse because of some water damage.  Spokesperson Hugh Briggs says the decision coincides with what the city is doing with some of their facilities.  Briggs also says they've had to close another one of their buildings on Balmoral for the same reason.

Border Cats Lose Opener

The Thunder Bay Border Cats got off on the wrong foot last night, losing on the road in their Northwoods league opener 12-3 to the Alexandria Beetles. The Cats are still missing at least 12 players from their roster, 10 of which are still involved with N.C.A.A. playoffs. Their home opener at Subway field is on June 4th.

Live Coverage Of City Emergency News Conference

Live video from your iPhone using Ustream

No Buses Running In Conmee Township

School Buses in Conmee Township will not be running today or tomorrow. All schools are open for the Lakehead Public, Lakehead Catholic and C.S.D.C. Aurores Boreales boards. Delays are however expected for students coming in from rural areas.

Council Votes For Disaster Relief

The city is one step closer to getting some financial help from the provincial government.  City Council has voted to ask the province to declare Thunder Bay a disaster area as the result of this week's devastating rain storm. It's so we are able to apply for funding under the province's Disaster Relief Assistance Program. City Manager Tim Commisso is also going to see what kind of funding would be available from Ottawa. Some new information which came from Wednesday's special council meeting included a revelation from Councillor Ken Boshcoff that insurance experts have told him there could be 3 to 5 thousand claims filed and that total damage could be between 30 to 50 million dollars.

Flood Warning Update

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is continuing the flood warning for Thunder Bay, Oliver Paipoonge, and Conmee Township due to high water levels on the Kam River.  All waterways with the exception of the Kam are continuing to decline.  The Neebing River water level has dropped 3 metres since cresting Monday night.  The Neebing-McIntyre Floodway is expected to stop diverting flow overnight. 

Con College Home To Safety Training

A provincial safety association is setting up a training facility in Confederation College's Dorion Building. Spokesperson Al Beattie says opening up a Northern office made sense since most of their courses were originally only available in Southern Ontario. Courses will include working at great heights, working with high voltage electricity and transporting dangerous goods.

Salvation Army Red Cross Team Up

The Salvation Army and the Canadian Red Cross are joining forces to launch a national appeal for funds for flood victims.  Salvation Army Major Merv Halvorsen says they're on the street helping people get access to food.  To donate to the Thunder Bay Flood Fund call 1-800-725-2769.

East End Church Serves As Help Centre

Neighbours are pulling together in the East End in the wake of the devastating flooding that has hit most of their homes. A centre has been set up at St. Peter's Church so affected residents can pick up free clothing, food and water if they need it. It's been run by group of people who are headed by Shannon Hobbs and a lot of people and organizations are providing the goods.  Hobbs says she is overwhelmed by the generosity.

East Enders Still Pumping Out Their Basements

Residents of the East End continue to pump water from their flooded basements for the third day. The breakdown at the nearby sewage plant is causing lots of heartaches for many like Maria Bell on McPherson Street. She says she was hoping someone from the city could come by to have a look but to find out how they're doing, but that hasn't happened.  Bell says she had up to four feet of water in her basement and lost a lot of personal items.

No Limit On Garbage During Flood

During this state of emergency the city is removing the bag limit for garbage collection.  It means until further notice, you can put out as much garbage as you need to for your weekly pick up.  Along with that the city is offering a special collection service for large items by calling 625-2195

Pumping Continues At Treatment Plant

The City is busy pumping out water and debris from the crippled Atlantic Avenue Water Treatment Plant. General Manager Darryl Matson hopes crews will be able to inspect the plant tomorrow.

The city is still asking you to avoid flushing water down the drains.