Monday, October 17, 2011

Bell towers get letter of concurrence

Council is sending a letter to the Federal Government so it can deal with two proposed cell towers in city limits. The towers are set for Algoma Street North and Highway 61. One concerned resident spoke out against the towers at Monday night's meeting. He's concerned the Federal Government might not be able to catch all of the health impacts the towers might have on residents.

Justice Lane not Chapples for road near Court house

The new laneway around the consolidated court house is going to be named Justice Lane.  Development Services Manager Mark Smith says they ruled out Chapples because there are other areas of town with similar names.  Three councillors wanted the roadway to be named Chapples but were voted down.

Council gives Shelter House money

City Council is giving money to Shelter House for it's George Street Alcoholic Treatment Centre. Councillor Mark Bentz feels the organization needs to ensure they receive funding from the Provincial Government as well. Bentz says the funding shouldn't fall solely onto the Municipality. The City is providing 270-thousand dollars towards renovating the George Street building.

Deer population meeting Thursday

Thunder Bay's deer population is warranting a public meeting on the topic this Thursday.  City Council wants to know what the public thinks they should do to manage the deer population.  Council is considering by laws prohibiting feeding deer and allowing hunting of deer in certain areas within the City.  The meeting will be held from six until nine at the Waverley Resource Library. 

8 pupil school on Peter Street not going forward

A teacher that planned to open an eight pupil school on Peter Street has withdrawn his application with the City. Tim Bernardi says he's backing out because his neighbours are not happy. Some neighbours were against the move saying the school would mean an increase in traffic and noise.

Fire Plan Open House Tuesday and Thursday

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue wants to know your thoughts on their service plans for the future.  Chief John Hay says everyone is welcome but they really want to hear from people living in North Neebing and West Fort because they will be impacted the most.  Tuesday night's open house is being held at the North Neebing Community Centre.  Another public hearing will be held on Thursday at the West Thunder Community Centre.

SIU releases the name of Kakabeka Falls victim

The Provinces Special Investigations Unit has released the name of the man who died last week at Kakabeka falls.  Spokesperson Frank Phillips says they still haven't determined how the man fell to the bottom of the falls but say 22 year old Kurtis McVittie of Huntsville died.  Phillips says the investigation is still ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the SIU.

Police to contact Mac's about robberies

City Police are saying enough. There have been a string of Mac's store robberies in the city lately and now Police spokesperson Chris Adams says they believe it's time for a different approach to help prevent more such incidents. They will be contacting the Mac's head office to express their concerns about security issues.

Police release robbery photos

Thunder Bay Police have released photos of the suspects in this weekend's Mac's Mart robbery.  Official say a pair of men around 5'10'' with similar builds are wanted in connection to the robbery that happened early Saturday morning.

HMCS Griffon has new Commander

A new Commanding Officer for HMCS Griffon is in place.  Commander Peter Fleming has taken over for Lieutenant Commander John Bell.  Fleming says his main priority will be to hire an additional 21 sailors.  Fleming served in Thunder Bay as a training officer from 1997 to 2001 and is happy to be back in the city.

World wide movement hits Thunder Bay

Over the weekend a handful of protesters used Waverly Park as a staging ground for an Occupy Thunder Bay protest.  Organizers were piggy-backing on the Occupy Wall Street movement which is now a world wide phenomenon to protest what they believe is corporate greed and corruption.   

Still no hearing for stabbing suspect

There's another bail hearing set for tomorrow for a city man charged in connection with a recent stabbing spree.   19 year old Eli John is still in hospital following the incident at Andras Court nine days ago.  Prosecutors expect he will be back at the District Jail for his Tuesday court appearance.

Fire cause listed as electrical

The investigation is complete into yesterday's fire at the provincial government building on James Street. Investigator Marty Patterson says the blaze, which began in the mechanical room, was caused by an electrical problem which originated with a malfunction in a high voltage switch.  No one was hurt in the fire.

City admin backs Shelter House request

City Councillors are being told there's enough money in reserve to help Shelter House conduct a managed alcohol program.  It would provide measured doses of alcohol everyday to the most destitute alcoholics in the city, those that resort to drinking hairspray or even hand sanitizer.  Tonight's request is for 270 thousand dollars.