Thursday, August 15, 2013

New NAPS Chief

There's a new chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.  Terry Armstrong takes over the position as of September third.   Former Thunder Bay Police Chief Bob Herman had been holding down the fort on a temporary basis until the board could find someone permanent.

More Traffic Changes In Store

Golf Links Road and the Harbour Expressway is open again as a three-way  controlled intersection.  The city says temporary traffic signals will remain in place until the double left turn lanes at this intersection are ready.   The traffic headaches will continue on Monday when the Central Avenue and Golf Links Road intersection will be closed to traffic as the construction continues.

Four More Years For St. Joe's

More bragging rights for St. Joseph's Care Group.   Accreditation Canada, the independent organization that oversees health care standards, has given St. Joe's a 4 year stamp of approval. President and CEO Tracy  Buckler calls it an amazing accomplishment.   St. Joseph's Care Group  runs a number of health care facilities in the city ranging from acute care to addiction treatment .

Campbell Slams MNR Layoffs

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is slamming the Minister of Natural Resources over the recent announcement of layoffs across northwestern Ontario and the province.Campbell says there's nothing but confusion on how many jobs will be lost. The NDP member says the public has the right to know how these cuts will impact them.

New Bike Lanes Being Painted

The city is finally getting around to painting the new bikes lanes.    Spokesperson Adam Krupper admits it's a bit late in the season but he blames City Hall red tape. Krupper says when the new lanes are complete in the next couple of days, there will be 9 new streets painted which will complete  a continuous biking route from Current River to Bay Street.

City Reverses Childhood Cancer Decision

A change of heart.  City Hall will be proclaiming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month after all.   City Clerk John Hannam says officials decided to review the original decision after a public outcry and not necessarily because of the mayor's complaint.
Hannam says the request does meet the criteria for being in the public interest.

A City Hall Mix Up

Mayor Keith Hobbs is under fire after the City's denial to proclaim September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Local groups were disappointed that the proclamation was denied by the Office of the City Clerk.  Hobbs says he and city council were not made aware of the request adding that current policies will be reviewed.