Shutdown At Fort Frances Mill

A big blow to the Northwestern Ontario economy. Resolute Forest Products in Fort Frances is shutting down its paper machine number 5 and the kraft mill displacing 230 workers.   The company says the shutdown is indefinite.

Kenora Apology

A very public apology from the two culprits who stole the Stanley Cup banners from the White Cap Pavillion this past summer.  Adam Green and Jena Poschner read letters of apology to Kenora City Council last night.  Poschner says the timing of their actions couldn't have been worse.  The Stanley Cup banners were stolen from the Whitecap Pavillion just before Mike Richards was scheduled to bring the trophy to the city for a community celebration. 

Police Get Money For Social Networking Site

Thunder Bay's Police force is using 97 thousand dollars to create a website and a community based social networking site.  The money for the Zone Watch program came from the Provincial Government and Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says community members will register to take part in the social netoworking site. Some members of the Police Services Board are concerned about the security aspect of having information posted online, and Adams is assuring them it will be secure site.

Multiplex Public Meeting Wednesday

More information will be released tonight on the proposed Event Centre. The third and final public information session is being held at the Community Auditorium at 7 Wednesday night. If you want to watch it from the comfort of your own home you can log onto the City's website for a live stream of the event.

Balloon Animals On The Move

The waterfront's balloon animal sculptures are being repaired this weekend.  Since they've been placed at Prince Arthur's Landing they've been badly damaged on more than one occasion.  They're being fixed at the Baggage Building and then they will be placed near Pier 1 which has better visibility, lighting and security.

Taxi Issue Being Looked Into

The Police Services Board is hearing complaints about taxi service at the local airport. Roach's Taxi has a contract with the Airport to provide service to travellers landing in the City and people have had to wait for a cab. Chair Joe Virdiramo says he understands the situation first hand as he too was in need of a cab after an out of town trip. A committee with the Police Services Board is looking into the matter.

Farming Sector Good To NWO

The North Superior Workforce Planning Board is set to release a new report on the local farming sector.  Executive Director Madge Richardson says we have a number of farm related jobs in the region.  In the Thunder Bay area in 2011, we had 717 jobs in the food production sector.  The full report on the farming sector is being released in December.

Brawl On Limbrick

Police are investigating a brawl last night on the city's south side.   Constable Julie Tilbury says  that it took place at Limbrick Place at involved about 20 people and weapons were involved.   Tibury says they are hoping witnesses will call them to say what happened because right now no one involved is cooperating.

City Wants Dog Destroyed

The city's Animal Services section is proceeding with charges against the owner of an english bulldog involved in the mauling of an 11 year old boy over the weekend in Tarbutt Park. The city's top By-law enforcer, Ron Bourret says they are recommending that the dog be put down. The owner has been charged with failing to leash and licence the animal. Bourret says the fines could range up to 5-thousand dollars.

35 Million Dollar Police Budget Passed

Thunder Bay's Police Service Budget is coming in at over 35 million dollars.  The Police Services Board approved the 3.8 percent increase in the 2013 budget at this morning's meeting.  Chief JP Levesque calls it a lean budget.  Levesque adds the million dollar increase is due to wages and benefits and notes he can't cut any more costs from the financial document.  City Council will look at the police budget in the New Year.



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Record Temperature Set

Thunder Bay is celebrating a new record temperature thanks to the mild temperatures we've experienced. Yesterday the temperature reached 10.1 smashing the old mark of 8.7 set back in 1982. Four other northwestern Ontario communities are boasting of new records set yesterday as well, including Fort Frances, Atikokan, Dryden and Ear Falls.

New OLG Deal

The City is celebrating a new contract with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.  The OLG had planned to enforce a new deal that would result in a loss of 78 thousand dollars but a new agreement will slightly increase the City's share of slot machine revenue.  The new deal comes into effect April 1st, 2013.

City Buys New Fire Truck

The city is buying a new fire truck.  Council decided to spend just over 583-thousand dollars for a new pumper rescue truck from Carrier Fire and Safety.  The expenditure was approved at Monday night's council meeting.

Council Needs More Info

Councillor Joe Virdiramo isn't comfortable with a homeowner's request to build another house on their property.  The owners of a home on West Riverdale Road want to have another house for their family member that needs extra care.  Staff are in favour of allowing the move.  Council has asked for more information before they can make a decision.

Oliver Road School Rehab Site

City Council is giving the green light to the Crossroads Rehab facility to move into the old Oliver Road School.  The drug and alcohol program is currently offered out of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital and Spokesperson Kathy Sanderson says they haven't had any major trouble in the past.  Sanderson reiterated to Council they do not allow any form of drugs or alcohol on their property and wouldn't be bringing drugs into the neighbourhood.

Gravelle Goes Public With Cancer Diagnosis

Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says he is confident he can beat it.  Gravelle made a personal announcement today saying he has been diagnosed with cancer.  He says he has a treatable form of Lymphoma and the prognosis for a full recovery is good.    The Minister of Natural Resources says despite his cancer and future chemotherapy, he is staying on as a Member of Provincial Parliament and as a Minister.  Gravelle's full statement is below

 
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Bombardier Layoffs

Temporary layoffs have hit the local Bombardier Plant.  A parts shortage is resulting in one week of down time for around 70 employees this week.  Union Spokesperson Dominic Pasqualino says another 40 to 50 people will be laid off starting next week.  Pasqualino says workers should be back on the job before Christmas.

NAN Upset With Health Canada

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with Health Canada's decision to allow manufacturers to create generic, less expensive OxyContin. NAN feels the move is a blow to northern First Nations who are currently fighting a drug epidemic.  Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is urging the Health Minster to delay the decision until more research is done.

Police Get Their Man

The OPP say they have now captured the man they were looking for last week in Lappe. They say the suspect was taken into custody yesterday after a cab driver reported that a fare he had taken to an address in Shuniah township refused to pay. Police responded to the complaint and a 23 year old man was arrested peacefully.

By-Law Enforcer Eyes Dog Mauling Case

The dog at the centre of a child mauling incident remains in the care of its owner. The city's Ron Bourret says while the police are charging the man with a criminal offence, the possibility remains he may still have to face charges by the city.  Bourret says it's possible the dog may be euthanized, but it's too early to make such a determination yet.