Wednesday, April 30, 2014

EcoSuperior Launches Cycling Programs

Safe Cycling Thunder Bay is offering new cycling education programs.Spokesperson Raphael Shay says one of them is a series of discovery rides in area neighbourhoods. They will also offer an online education course that you can tailor to your questions and concerns about cycling.

NOMA Approves Of Energy East

Despite some opposition, the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is endorsing the Energy East pipeline project. A resolution supporting Energy East has been approved.  President Dave Canfield says it comes down to protecting our water resources and the environment. Canfield says we aren't going to stop burning oil any time soon and notes the project makes sense.

Fatal On Highway 527


OPP say a man is dead after an early morning collision on Highway 527 this morning.  The road washed out as a driver was driving past the area.  A second vehicle following close by drove into the wash out and the vehicle caught fire.  The man in the second vehicle succumbed to his injuries. Police say they believe he is from the area and are withholding his name until his family is contacted.  Highway 527 remains closed 20 kms south of Gull Bay First Nation, as well as closed at Highway 811 approximately 160 kms north of Highway 11/17.

Section Of Onion Lake Road Closed

Onion Lake Road 15 kilometres from Wardrope Avenue is closed because of a washout.  Work is underway to fix about a 20 metre  section  of the gravel road that has been worn away by running water.   It's not known how long it will be before the road is completely repaired.

Road Closure In Shuniah


Shuniah is letting drivers know that Lakeshore Drive is shut down just west of Charles Road between 634 and 636 Lakeshore Drive.  The closure was caused by a culvert that damaged the roadway and crews will continue to work to repair it. The road isn't passable and will be closed for eight hours starting at 2 today.

Washout Closes 527

The Ministry of Transportation is warning residents about a washout on Highway 527. They say the roadway is closed south of Armstrong.  Conditions are currently being assessed and additional details on estimated time for opening of the highway will be provided when they become available.

Owen Sound Move Complete

It's official! The Dryden Police Service has finally received approval to transfer dispatch service to the Owen Sound Police Service. The Board has been waiting roughly 6-weeks for the O.K. from the Ontario Civilian Police Commission. The Dryden dispatch centre will close May 27th. The decision was made last October due to costs and the current financial situation in the community. The move will result in the loss of 9 full time and 4 part time positions.

Battle Of The Atlantic


Elymer Auld and Tal Morgan  
The local naval community are paying tribute to those who fought in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Thunder Bay Naval Association Spokesperson Rob Cutbush says it's important to remember those who served. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II.  A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon Sunday at 2.

First Saltie In Port

Another landmark day for the new shipping season in the port.   The first ocean going ship, or saltie, is in port now taking a load of grain from the Richardson elevator in Current River. The captain of the Federal Elbe will be presented with a top hat at a ceremony taking place this afternoon.  After that he will be taking the ship and its cargo to Casablanca, Morocco.

Spring Bear Hunt A Go

No delays now that a judge has sided with the provincial government on the spring bear hunt.    A request to have the hunt delayed pending a judicial review has been thrown out of court.   The hunt will now go ahead as scheduled starting tomorrow.  The Ontario Federation Of Anglers and Hunters says it's pleased the court application by Zoocheck Canada and Animal Alliance of Canada has been dismissed and the federation looks forward to a safe and successful hunt.

LRCA Monitors Potential For Flood

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority continues to monitor area waterways for potential flooding. They are urging caution to local home owners saying that 9 to 17 millimetres of rain has been recorded and more is expected.  The Neebing-McIntyre Floodway which provides flood protection to the lower Neebing River and the Intercity area has begun diverting water and will continue to do so over the next few days.