Cell Tower resolution fails

A call for administration to work with the health unit to look into the health impacts of cell phone towers died last night.  Instead Council voted in favour of creating a standard notice for the public that let's them know when a cell phone tower is going to be placed in their neighbourhood.

Council grills Police Chief on deficit

Thunder Bay's Police Department's million dollar budget deficit didn't go unnoticed at Monday night's council meeting.  Mayor Keith Hobbs and several other councillors expressed their displeasure and worry over the announcement that was made last week at a Police board meeting.  The cost over runs are being blamed on overtime and legal fees.

Tax ratio changes on hold

The City's tax ratios are staying the course for now.  City lawmakers are holding off on implementing a four million dollar shift from business to residential tax payers.  Councillor Mark Bentz says property owners won't stand for what's being proposed.  A decision will be made on whether to approve the changes at a December council meeting.

Regenerative Medicine Report due in November

City Council will have to wait to be updated on the Lake Superior Centre for Regenerative Medicine project.  The city provided five hundred thousand dollars towards the implementation of a business strategy for the centre.  Administration will bring a report back to council on November 28th.

Council holds off on Bending Lake Iron

Thunder Bay City Council is holding off on throwing its support behind Bending Lake Iron's Steep Rock Mine in Atikokan and processing plant in Ignace. Speaking Monday night, Chief Executive Officer Henry Wetelainen says it's OK that council needs some time to digest the information he's provided them. Bending Lake Iron is asking for support as part of its environmental assessment process. Council will vote on a resolution of support at it's November 7th meeting.

T.Bay lands Can-Am Police Fire Games

Thunder Bay has beaten out several large American cities to host the 2016 Can-Am Police Fire games.  The games will be held in the Lakehead July 2nd to 10th, and will bring in more than a thousand competitors.  Police Chief JP Levesque says the games are expected to bring in over 5 million dollars in economic activity. 

Pukaskwa Park: The Movie

Parks Canada is paying tribute to Pukaskwa Park in film.  Spokesperson Nancy Saunders says "A Park for all Seasons" is going to play at Thunder Bay's SilverCity on November 13th.  You can purchase your tickets online at cineplex.ca

Half a million dollars worth of durgs seized

Police have made a major drug bust at Boulevard Lake.  Officials says officers saw a 31 year old man known to be involved in the drug trade walking near the lake last Tuesday.  The man fled police but was quickly found.  Officers found a back pack on the man with half a million dollars worth of cocaine.

PETA weighs in on deer issue

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is urging our city councillors not to choose bow hunting as a method to control the deer population.  PETA's Kristen Simon says it's one of the cruelest forms of hunting since bow hunters routinely spend hours tracking the bloody trails of deer who are stuck by arrows,  before finding them.  She says the simple solution would be not to feed the animals.

Protesters "occupy" City Hall

From Waverly Park to Donald Street.  The Occupy Thunder Bay protesters brought their "make the rich pay" message to City Hall Sunday.  About 50 took part including MP Bruce Hyer and Councillor Paul Pugh.   The protest is part of the Canadian offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street phenomenon that has spread across the world.