Anti- Wind Farm Activists Protest

Anti wind farm activists in the city can't let an opportunity go by.  Spokesperson Irene Bond and dozens of other protesters picketed against the Big Thunder Wind Park in front of the Victoria Inn Friday as 8 cabinet ministers huddled inside for the municipal leaders conference.  The protest was spurred by an environmental victory by the company planning to build the wind turbines on the Norwester Escarpment

Horwath Takes Credit

The provincial NDP leader is accusing the Wynne government of being reactionary when it comes to the needs of Thunder Bay.  Andrea Horwath is reacting to the news that the province is going back to the table to negotiate more disaster relief funding for those affected by the May 28th flood. Horwath credits pressure by her party for the government's change of heart.

Hudak Outlines Northern Plan

Tim Hudak has an economic vision for Northern Ontario going into the next election.  In Thunder Bay today the Progressive Conservative leader outlined his plan which includes lower taxes, affordable energy and a plan for the Ring of Fire mining development.

Water Safety Warning Issued

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is warning about water safety in the area.   The Authority says recent heavy snowfall along with expected warm temperatures will result in some fast melting.  It could in turn cause a rapid rise in water levels for rivers and streams making for potentially dangerous conditions especially for children.

T.Bay Women Get Awards

Two Thunder Bay women are on the receiving end of prestigious awards.  Nancy Chamberlain who led a program for male victims of sexual assault recently received the Ontario Victim Services Award.

Meanwhile, the Alzheimer Society's Ashleigh Quarrel just came back from Ottawa where she was presented the Governor General's Caring Canadians award.

Jeffrey Sheds More Light On Flood Relief

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Linda Jeffrey is re-affirming the Province's commitment to Thunder Bay and its flood relief.  Jeffrey announced they would help reimburse the City's four million dollars in costs under the Safe Homes Program.  She also told the Disaster Relief Committee they will continue to work with them to review their estimates of eligible flood damage claims.

NOMA Welcomes Back Canfield

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is welcoming back Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield as President.  Canfield was last President in 1998 and says he looks forward to carrying NOMA's goals forward.  Canfield is taking over for O'Connor Mayor Ron Nelson.

Orazietti In T.Bay Today

Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti is one of eight provincial cabinet ministers in the city for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal leaders conference. Orazietti says since he was only recently appointed as minister today's session is part of the learning curve.  Orazietti says the will also be looking for ways the ministry can support economic development and jobs in the region.

Bear Pit Session Welcomes 8 Cabinet Ministers

Eight cabinet ministers are in the city today for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.   Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle is among them. He says it's a chance for him to update area leaders.  Gravelle says he worked hard to get as many cabinet minister to attend as possible.

Jeffery In Town Today

Ontario's Municipal Affairs Minister meets with members of Thunder Bay's disaster relief committee today. It's Linda Jeffery's first visit to the city since it was revealed the government rules means the committee will only be getting 20 cents for every dollar raised for May 28th flood victims. Jeffery tells our newsroom, the process continues.  Jeffery hopes to get an update on the claims process.

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.