Fire Hall Tenders About To Go Out

The City's Fire Chief is preparing the paperwork needed to get two new fire halls built.  John Hay hopes to get the tenders out for construction shortly.  One fire hall is to be built at Frederica and Neebing and one on the 20th Sideroad.   In addition there will be modifications made to two other stations.

Weather Seminar Coming

Calling all storm watchers!  A program is being offered in  Thunder Bay by Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson, and he says it gives folks the chance to learn more about   specific weather patterns and possibly even become a spotter for Environment Canada.  The free session is taking place in Thunder Bay June 3rd.

Summer Sentencing In Murder Case

On the court beat this week, 23 year old Leif Hobson of Thunder Bay is going to be sentenced July 5th on charges relating to the murder of 65 year old Edgar Marion in 2009.   Hobson plead guilty this week to all charges including second degree murder and committing an indignity to human remains.  Meantime a former treasurer for the Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union in Nipigon has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for stealing 178 thousand dollars from union coffers.

Mauro Remains Opposed To Horizon Project

MPP Bill Mauro isn't giving up the fight. Mauro says even though Horizon Wind has passed a crucial environment hurdle from the government there is still time for those opposed to the building of wind turbines on the Norwester Mountains to voice their views. Mauro stopped short of saying the this weeks decision is a setback for opponents.

MPAC Fails To Appease NOMA Crowd

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation is failing to win any friends at the regional municipal conference.  MPAC President Antoni Wisniowski spoke this morning and told angry mayors in the audience that MPAC understands their concerns about the changes to mill assessment rates.  Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall called Wisniowski's speech a standard prepared presentation and says they'll continue to withhold their assessment payment.

News CEO At NOMA

Kristen Oliver is taking over as Executive Director of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.  She replaces Charla Robinson. Oliver said she was extremely happy to have been given the position, and is looking forward to the challenges it presents. Oliver will be officially starting May 1st.

CECD Has Interim CEO

A veteran senior administrator at City Hall is taking on some new duties on a temporary basis.  Karen Lewis has been appointed to take over as the Interim CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.

Police "Maced" By Man

A 28 year old man is to make a court appearance tomorrow after police say their officers were allegedly sprayed with bear mace.  They say it happened early this morning on McIntyre Street when they tried to take a man into custody who was carrying around a machete. Police say they drew their guns to make the arrest.

Jared Staal To Make NHL Debut

The Carolina Hurricanes now have three Staal brothers on the roster after Jared Staal was called up from their AHL affiliate in Charlotte. He will join brothers Eric and Jordan Staal.    Jared will make his NHL debut Thursday night against the New York Rangers.

Campbell Tries To Spur Gov't Action

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is calling on the premier to address the social conditions in First Nation communities.Speaking at Queens Park, Sarah Campbell says it's unfair that these communities have to declare a state of emergency to get some attention from the government. A remote Northern First Nation declared a state of emergency last week due to recent suicides and the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Gravelle Says He Lobbied For ELA Decision

MPP Michael Gravelle is taking some of the credit for helping to save the Experimental Lakes Area .   The province has agreed to keep the scientific research in the area near Vermillion Bay going.   Gravelle says he has been lobbying on behalf of provincial control over the area.

Gravelle says it's important also find a way to keep the ELA open for the longer term saying the research conducted there is invaluable.

Province Replacing Bridge On Highway 11

The Provincial Government is hiring Dalcon Enterprises to replace the Blackwater River Bridge near the Highway 580 junction.  The 4.4 million dollar project will create 40 jobs near Beardmore.

Fire Called To Hospital

Thunder Bay Fire Crews spent a short time at the Health Sciences Centre today.  There wasn't a fire but crews found a little bit of smoke in the area and closed the case.

NOMA AGM In T.Bay

Municipal leaders from across the region are in Thunder Bay for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Annual General meeting.  The highlight of the 3 day conference, which starts today, is a forum with 8 Ontario Ministers.  Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will also address delegates.  There will also be an appointment of a new President.  Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is widely expected to replace Ron Nelson who has indicated he won't seek another term.

Resolute Gives Money To Cancer Fund

Thunder Bay's Resolute Forest Products Woodlands workers are celebrating being injury free for a year.  The company is marking the achievement with a 5-thousand dollar cheque to the Northern Cancer Fund at the hospital.

Police Launch Senior Abuse Video

Thunder Bay Police are tackling the issue of crimes against seniors.  They're launching a special video today that will speak to First Nation residents about the growing concern about senior abuse.
Constable Diane MacLaurin says the video was greatly needed.  The video is narrated by a local elder who speaks in her native language and English.

ELA To Stay Open In 2013

The Provincial Government is coming to the rescue of the Experimental Lakes Area.  Ontario is teaming up with the Manitoba Government and Feds to keep the ELA open in 2013.  The province will provide operating support and work toward an agreement to keep the facility open well into the future.

TBRRI Looking For New CEO

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is looking for a new CEO.   It comes with the sudden departure of Michael Wood. Board Chair Keith Jobbitt will not discuss the details surrounding Wood's exit but says Roxanne Deslauriers is going to take over on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found.

Horizon Clears Another Hurdle

Horizon Wind is one step further towards building its wind energy park in Thunder Bay.  The Ministry of Environment has determined the Big Thunder Wind Park's Renewable Energy Approval application meets the requirements of the Green Energy Act.  The company's REA still needs to be approved before Horizon can commence construction on the first phase of their project on the Nor'Wester escarpment.

Highway 17 Fully Open

Ontario Provincial Police say Highway17 on the north shore is open.  It was closed most of the day between Nipigon and Marathon because of weather related issues.