Sousa & Wynne Talk Economy

Finance Minister Charles Sousa and Premier Kathleen Wynne are listening to local residents concerns about the economy.  They held a roundtable event at the Valhalla Inn this morning and Wynne says what she hears today will be used in the future.  City officials, members of the education sector, and business representatives took part in today's event.

Fire Hazard Back To Low

All the rain over the weekend, is helping fire fighting efforts in northwestern Ontario. No new forest fires were reported over the Labor Day long weekend, and Saturday's precipitation has reduced the fire hazard to low across most of the region. The number of active fires has dropped to just 17.

Missing Woman Found

The missing woman who was last seen in Geraldton is safe after being found in Thunder Bay.  Audrey Wright's daughter reported her missing and Police say she's ok and in the City.

TSB Looking Into Crash

Two people have walked away from a plane crash in the Kenora area.  The Cessna floatplane reportedly went down in the LacLu area Friday afternoon.  The pilot and a passenger sustained only minor injuries in the mishap.  Some anglers who were fishing nearby managed to rescue the occupants of the plane. Transportation Safety Board says it will be looking into the crash.

Greenstone OPP Seize Drugs

Greenstone OPP are charging two people with trafficking cocaine as well as possession of other drugs after a search of a Longlac home.  On Friday, police searched the home and found cocaine, meth, and cannabis resin.

Police Deal With Man With Rifle

It was not a good wake-up call for a Tarbutt street man over the weekend.  Police say a resident in the 1300 block of Tarbutt noticed a man ransacking his vehicle early Monday morning.  When the resident went outside to approach the intruder, the thief pulled out a rifle.  The resident returned inside his home and called police.  The thief escaped and no one was injured.  Police are looking for a native-Canadian male in his early 20's, who was wearing a light blue hoodie.  

Poverty Free T.Bay To Rally Tonight

Poverty Free Thunder Bay plans to rally at MPP Michael Gravelle's nomination meeting tonight.  Chair Terri Carter believes Premier Wynne will be in attendance and she wants to greet her with three demands.  Carter is looking for the Premier to demonstrate a commitment to reducing poverty.

School Board Ready For New Year

The Lakehead Public School Board is ready for the new school year.  Director of Education, Cathi Siemieiuk says they made major technology upgrades over the summer.  The board is also celebrating having full day kindergarten classes in each of their schools.  School starts tomorrow for public school kids.

Gravelle Nomination Meeting Tonight

Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle is holding his nomination meeting tonight for the Thunder Bay Superior North riding.   Gravelle says he feels good and wants to continue to represent the interests of his constituents.  The meeting will be held tonight at 6 at the Italian Cultural Centre.

Bay Street Film Festival Back

The Bay Street Film Festival is back for another year.  The 9th annual event kicks off Wednesday with a gala.  Organizer Zoe Gordon says they'll have 39 films this year. The movies will be shown above the Hoito with the exception of one movie being shown on the waterfront this Friday.

ATV Deaths Prompt Safety Reminder

OPP are reminding ATV users to follow the rules of the road or get off the trail.  Police are telling riders to wear a helmet, never drink and drive, and always let someone know your trip and where you plan to go. OPP are investigating two recent ATV related deaths.

CLE Possibly Losing A Member

The membership of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is getting set to possibly kick off a member of the board of directors.   Board president Reta Stoger refuses to identify the person involved but says it's the first time this has happened in the CLE's history.  In a letter to members Stoger says that the board member has demonstrated unbecoming conduct.   The vote is expected to take place Wednesday night.

Con College Welcomes Students

Orientation at Confederation College and Lakehead University is this week.  229 students moved into the Sibley Residence on the college campus over the weeekend.  Meanwhile, LU's experience Lakehead week starts on Thursday.

NDP Calls Premier Visit Photo-Op

The NDP is taking a shot at the premier claiming her trip to northwestern Ontario is nothing but a photo op.   MPP France Gelinas feels the premier has some nerve coming here when there are still promises to be kept. Wynne's northwestern Ontario visit brings her to Thunder Bay today and tomorrow.

ELA Saved

The Provincial government has formally announced funding to keep the Experimental Lake Area west of Vermilion Bay open.  Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement in Kenora.  Wynne says she's not sure why the federal government decided to pull out of the ELA, but her government is committed to the scientific research being done there. Wynne says the provincial government is committing up to two million dollars per year to keep the ELA open.  The International Institute for Sustainable Development will be responsible for operating the freshwater research facility.

Shoreline Hotel Catches Fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to a blaze at the Shoreline Hotel yesterday. There was heavy smoke pouring out of the fifth floor of the building. Searches of the fourth and fifth floors confirmed everyone made it to safety.

Government Aiding ELA

The Ontario government is dedicated to keeping the Experimental Lakes Area open. Michael Gravelle says the provincial government is giving 2 million dollars a year to keep the facility running. Gravelle says premier Wynne was visiting the ELA area during her Kenora visit.

County Park Knife Attack

Officers were called to an address on Wentworth Crescent on friday night, finding a man with a knife wound. He was taken to the hospital to get stitches. A 34 year old woman is in custody charged with assault with a weapon and will be attending court later this week.

Hospital Cracks Down On Smoking

The hospital is going to start better enforcing it's "Smoke Free Grounds Policy". The crack down begins September 30th and comes after staff complained people were smoking near the doors to the hospital. CEO Andree Robichaud says they're also going to help their staff who want to quit. Robichaud says it makes sense for the hospital to promote a healthy lifestyle to the public.

Catholic School Board Anticipates Decline

Thunder Bay's Catholic School Board is expecting a decline in their enrollment this year. Spokesperson Tom Mustapic says they're not letting it get them down. School starts September 4th for Catholic Board students.