Council needs to keep low income residents in mind

Not everyone wants money from Thunder Bay City Council. Two groups who attended the budget consultation session Tuesday night urged council to consider low income residents. A recent widow told of how her rent is going up because of the proposed increases to water rates and property taxes. Sandra Taggart says she's not looking for sympathy, just empathy from council. Poverty Free Thunder Bay says the 2011 budget could have positive impacts on low income residents but the city needs to remove barriers that might hinder residents from benefiting from city initiatives and services.

Council hears requests for cash

A variety of community groups are looking for money from Thunder Bay City Council.  The Children's Aid Society is asking for 65-thousand dollars.  Thunder Bay's Community Foundation wants council to create a 100-thousand dollars endowment fund.  Councillor Iain Angus suggested the city would consider providing the money in 2012. The Community Foundation provides grants to other community groups.

Child care subject of forum

The Ontario Federation of Labour brings its lobbying efforts to Thunder Bay Wednesday evening. President Syd Ryan says the Federation's Better Child Care Coalition is trying to get Ontario's finance minister to inject 100 million dollars into such programs.  Wednesday's forum takes place at the West Thunder Community Centre from 5:30 until 8. 

Airbag injury sends man to hospital

One person is feeling the bruises of an air bag injury as the result of a traffic accident.  It took place at the corner of Mcdonald and Christie just before 2 on Tuesday afternoon. Police say it involved two half ton trucks.   One of the drivers was hurt after the truck's airbag went off.   Police say he was unconscious when they arrived.  Police say the other driver has been charged with a turning infraction.

Fire in Conmee destroys home

No one is hurt following a fire in Conmee Township this afternoon.   The volunteer fire department was called just before 1 o'clock to a house fire at 468 Mokomon Road.   A Township official says the blaze completely destroyed the residence.   The cause isn't known. 

A heat wave is coming our way..lol

The work week will be cold, but this weekend looks like its going to be a nice one. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says by the weekend the temperatures will be hovering around the freezing point with cloudy skies and some scattered flurries. Laidlaw says unfortunately with the warmth you can expect a mess on the roads.

City finally reaches deal with firefighters

The city has finally reached a new contract with its firefighters.  After over 7 years an agreement has been reached through arbitration.  The new contract gives firefighters an average wage increase of just under 4 percent per year from 2004 to 2010.

More street addicts showing desperation

The use of mouthwash and hand sanitizing liquid by street addicts is going up in Thunder Bay. Deputy Police Chief J-P Levesque says beat officers are telling him it's becoming a major concern and they see it quite often.  He says they are seeing a lot of these items being shoplifted and getting that under control is a challenge.  Levesque says there needs to be a way to handle these people away from the criminal justice system.

Fraud artists captured near Marathon

Three Southern Ontario men will be appearing in court in Thunder Bay facing fraud charges after a recent routine traffic stop near Marathon.  OPP pulled over the vehicle for speeding on the Trans Canada and after a search of the vehicle credit card fraud materials were found.  A fourth man is facing drug charges.

Council approves drug study

Thunder Bay City council is committing to a substance abuse study.  Council voted unanimously to provide 30 thousand dollars for the study that will look at possible solutions to the drugs and alcohol problems plaguing the city.  The District Social Services Administration Board is also providing 30 thousand dollars.