Methadone Clinic phobia

Clinic phobia is making the rounds of Thunder Bay. Councillor Joe Virdiramo made mention of the methadone clinic being proposed for Frederica Street at last night's council meeting. Virdiramo asked Development Services Manager Mark Smith if the City has any say on what types of clinics set up shop in the City. Smith says there is a phobia amongst the public in regards to clinics popping up in their neighbourhoods. Smith adds they typically just have say over the zoning but not what forms of clinics can be operated on that property. The rezoning of a piece of property on high street sparked the conversation on methadone clinics. A local union office and a possible future community clinic is being proposed for high street.

Open Spaces proposed for Kam River area

More open green spaces are planned for the Kam River area. A draft report on the area was presented to City council last night and the public will have their chance to weigh in on it this summer.  Development Services Manager Mark Smith says once the final report is in place; council can decide what forms of infrastructure they would like to put in place.  Councillor Ian Angus would like to see a mixed use residential area on the waterfront with the possibility of a condominium.

Local Tories show interest in running

Some north side Conservatives appear to be anxious to have a shot at federal politics. Mike Auld has stepped down as the candidate in Thunder Bay Superior North for health reasons. Riding Association President Michael Picard says the buzz has already started.  He says interest has been shown but he wouldn't say who those people might be until it's formalized.   Picard hopes to have a candidate chosen before the end of the summer.

Public School Board gets good grades

The Lakehead Public School Board is happy with its students test scores in the Ontario Secondary School literacy tests. The tests are handled by the Education, Quality and Accountability office and results were released last week.  Director of Education Kathy Seminieuk says their students scored 81 percent, just 3 percent below the provincial average.  Hammarskjold high was above the provincial average with 85 percent.  Meawnhile, Sir Winston Churchhill scored 80, Superior Collegiate came in with 69 and Westgate scored 87 percent.

Ride for Dad sets record

The final numbers are in. The annual Motorcycle Ride for Dad on the weekend set a new record for participation. Michael Pedri of the Health Sciences Foundation says over 78 thousand dollars was raised by the 346 riders. Pedri says organizations have no complaints. He calls support for the community oustanding especially the assistance from the corporate sponsors. In the ride's 10 year history, 628 thousand dollars has been raised for the Foundation.

Counselling Centre gets thumbs up

The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre is celebrating. It's received it's accreditation, essentially a stamp of approval from counselling experts. Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain says it gives them continued credibility.  She says it assures  the community that they are following accepted practices in everything from administration, to finance to programming.   Chamberlain credits her staff and the board for the achievement.

Still no deal for Superstore workers

The workers at the Real Canadain Superstore are yet another step closer to striking. Not only have they already voted in favour of a walkout, now comes word that conciliation talks aimed at getting them a new contract broke off Monday. The major stumbling block in negotiations are company concessions that include wages and benefits. The countdown to any strike action will begin with the release of a conciliators report.

Native merchants sell their wares at Chippewa

Ruth Stebens was one of the many merchants who were selling First Nations jewerly at the Aboriginal Day celebration at Chippewa Park.  

Thousands take in Aboriginal Day

Aboriginal Day is another success. About 3 thousand people took in the festivities at Chippewa Park. This year's ceremonies were special for the Metis. Thunder Bay Council President Wendy Landry says it's the Year of the Metis. She says under the constitution Metis are considered Aboriginal People and so it's a huge statement for the local committee to recognize them. Landry says the contribution the Metis made to Canada can't be ignored.   Organizer Stephanie Feletto says Aboriginal People have come together to celebrate the day for generations.   She says it's a time to celebrate life and meet new friends.

Relay for Life a huge success

Friday night marked the annual Relay for Life Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser. Almost one thousand people participated this year, with over 160 walking the Survivors Victory Lap. Fundraising Coordinator Dana Levanto says that by closing ceremonies, over 143-thousand dollars had been raised. The money goes towards cancer research, as well as treatment and support for those affected.

May Street Mac's Robbed Again

Thunder Bay Police are investigating another robbery at the Mac's Mart on north May Street. Early yesterday morning, a man armed with a knife entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. An undisclosed amount of cash and cigarettes were taken. The man is described as approximately 30 years of age, Native with a scruffy face, and wearing a black hoodie and black pants with a white stripe. The male left the store on foot. Police have been unable to locate the suspect.

New hospital chair to stay the course

The new chair of the Health Sciences Centre Board of Directors wants to build friendships in the community. Angele Brunelle says she doesn't want the board to stray from what it's doing best and that is,  patient and family centred care. She stresses that the facility is a teaching hospital and should continue it's focus on research. Brunelle says one of her first jobs will be to find a person to succeed Ron Saddington as hospital CEO. She says there should be news on that front "pretty soon."

Council at Chippewa Park

Thunder Bay City Council will be starting a little earlier Monday night.  The meeting is being moved to five o'clock at Chippewa Park pavillion.  Aboriginal Liason officer Anna Gibbon says the meeting will be special because council intends to sign a declaration of committment with area first nations.  Gibbon adds it's a great first step and will better the City's relationship with first nations.  The second half of the council meeting will take place in council chambers.

Quaint businesses and bistros could line Kam River

Thunder Bay City Council is expected to approve a draft report on the redevelopment of the Kam River area. Project Lead Victoria Kofny says they want to find new uses for the property. Kofny says they want to encourage small businesses and restaurants along the waterfront and on the islands. After the report is brought before council, a series of public consultation sessions will be held.

TBHU and Dilico team up for early learning education

A new early learning program is being launched in three area first nation communities.  The Thunder Bay District Health Unit and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care have teamed up for the Nitam Giigadowin program. Health Unit Spokesperson Cathy Ferrel says they want to reach out to first nation communities and hopes they'll walk away with a better understanding of first nation culture. The program will teach speech and language skills to young children. The project will be available in Ginoogaming, Fort William, and Long Lake First Nations.

Red Rock paramedics "homeless"

Paramedics in Red Rock are away from their home base for a week at least. The EMS station there has been temporarily closed after mould was found. Deputy Chief Ernie Kadikoff says they have moved to a new location  in the Red Rock Fire Hall without any problems. Until the station is declared mould free, the paramedics will stay away .

Virdiramo didn't know about methadone clinic

City Councillor Joe Virdiramo says he too was caught off guard about a proposed methadone clinic in the Westfort business area. Area merchants are raising concerns about it. Virdiramo says it was a surprise to him as well.   He says the owner of the business across the street from the future clinic made him aware of the issue.   Virdiramo says he sympathizes with the merchants but says the clinic will not be operating illegally.

Mutiny on the Bounty

The Bounty will be paying a visit to Thunder Bay and it's not the chocolate bar or the paper towel.  HMS Bounty is one of the most famous tall ships and has been featured in the movies "Mutiny on the Bounty" and "Pirates of the Caribbean".  Spokesperson John Ongaro says boating enthusiasts are encouraged to join the Bounty as it makes its way into port on Tuesday, August 3rd.  Public tours of the ship will be staged the following day on August 4th.

Gravelle unaware of funding cuts

Northern Development minister Michael Gravelle is scrambling to get answers about funding cuts. Gravelle says he was not aware that the province reduced funds to the District Social Services Board for an addictions program.  He's hoping to discuss the issue with Board Chair Iain Angus and then lobby the minister responsible to get the funding maintained.

Herman named President of Ontario Police Chiefs

It looks like it will be a good working relationship between the Ontario Government and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. Thunder Bay's police chief Robert Herman was appointed as President. Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci says he looks forward to sitting down with Herman. Bartolucci feels Herman will do a great job as President and has a wealth of experience. Herman joined the Thunder Bay police service in 1980 and was made chief in 2000.

Province finds funds for Duel Credit program

The provincial government is putting almost 1.3 million dollars into a college and high school program. The Duel Credit program allows high school students to get college credits in a course while still in at the grade level. Confederation College President Pat Lang says it helps students find the right course. The provincial money will fund the local program for the upcoming school year.

Tory candidate steps down

The Conservatives in Thunder Bay-Superior North are looking for a Federal Candidate. Mike Auld says he is stepping down for health reasons. Auld was nominated last year after a coin toss was used to break a tie vote between him and challenger Richard Harvey. Riding Association officials say that it will be up to the Party in Ottawa to decide what direction to take next

Health Sciences Centre goes into the black

There are no worries about deficits at the Regional Health Sciences Centre. The Annual General Meeting was told the surplus is a modest 139 thousand dollars. Hospital CEO Ron Saddington says it was an effort by all departments to get into the black. He says it took all of them looking over the organization with a microscope and making sure the hospital was efficient as possible.

Methadone clinic raises concerns

There's concern among Westfort businesses. They have discovered that a methadone clinic is about to open in their area. Spokesperson Jack Moro says it took all of the area merchants by surprise.   He says they had no idea it was coming in and says it appears to be have been done in a "hush hush" manner.  Moro says the merchants hope if the clinic goes through, it's not a detriment to buiness

T-Wolves release hockey sked

The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey schedule is out. This year there are 20 home games starting on October 1st against the Ottawa Gee Gees. The last regular season home game will be February 5th and the playoffs beginning February 16th. Spokesperson John Payetta says they'll follow the same league format that was used last year. They'll mainly play the 9 teams in the OUA West Division and two teams from the East division. This year those East opponents will be Concordia and Nippissing

The Link helps kids testify in court

Thunder Bay's counselling centre has launched a new initiative under it's child and youth victims program.  Co-ordinator Tara Gauld says they created a child friendly room called "the link".  Up to 120 children take part in the child victim witness program a year.  They named the room the "link" because the centre is the link between local court services and youth victims.

Isotope shortage not hugely impacting hospital

The medical isotope shortage isn't having a big impact on the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.  Vice President of Regional Cancer & Diagnostic Services Micahel Power says they've got another option for cancer patients. Patients in need of a bone scan are being directed towards the hospital's PET CT scanner. The PET CT Scanner uses a different type of isotope, one that isn't produced at the Chalk River facility.  The chalk river facility is expected to be back up in the fall.

Death confounds the OPP

The OPP in Kenora are stumped.  For one year they have been trying to indentify the remains of a woman one year ago.   They say her body was found in a small tent located in a wooded area near Miller Rapids Road.  They believe that she was at the site for no longer than one week before her body was discovered.   They don't believe the death was deliberate or suspicious.   Pictured:   Tent the dead woman was found in

Cancer fundraiser ready to roll

The 9th annual Relay for Life takes place this weekend at Fort William Historical Park. The event raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society. Organizer Dana Levanto says there are 850 participants this year and the fundraising goal is 145 thousand dollars. About 160 cancer survivors will be walking the first lap of the relay starting at 7 o'clock Friday evening.

Thunder Bay hospital now has Breast MRI

Northwestern Ontario breast cancer patients now have access to a world class Breast MRI.  Thunder Bay's Regional Health Science Centre is teaming up with Sentinelle Medical to offer the initiative.  Dr. Neety Panu is the lead radiologist with the hospital and says they'll be offering world class MRI service.  The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation donated 185-thousand dollars towards the project.  The breast MRI is expected to be up and running some time in  September.

Hospital AGM tonight

The Annual General Manager of the Regional Health Sciences Centre board takes place tonight. There will be a new chair elected as Ingrid Parkes has completed her third, three-year term and is not returning. Hers is one of three board positions that will be filled at this evening's meeting. It takes place at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma Street starting at 7 o'clock.

Thunder Bay's Addiction Services Initiative gets funding cut

Thunder Bay's Addiction Services Initiative is being hailed as a success but is suffering a major blow. The province has decided to implement the pilot project across Ontario but to do so Thunder Bay funding is being cut by almost 40 percent. Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board Chair Ian Angus says the cuts will save the government just over 350 thousand dollars but will cost the District 3.42 million in added treatment costs.

Another Drug bust in Thunder Bay

Over 31 hundred dollars worth of illegal drugs have been taken off the street thanks to the combined forces organized crime unit. Officers searched a house on Windsor Street yesterday and found the drugs along with over 60 thousand dollars in cash. A 24 year old woman and a 30 year old man have been arrested and are facing a number of charges.

Adult Ed grads pumped for ceremony

Thursday is a special day for over 100 students in the Public Schools Adult Education course. They are graduating with their grade 12 diplomas. Spokesperson Barb Kucherka says it's a diverse group this year. She says the valedictorian is a grandmother of 3. The ceremony takes place at the Da Vinci Centre at Thursday evening at 7.

Algonquin students march for a cause

Students at Algonquin School have a better understanding of the way of life in Malawi. On Wednesday they walked the walk, marching the many kilometres some people in that country walk to see a doctor. The students also raised 1 thousand dollars towards a new clinic in a community that student Jaako Polkki and his mother Sue have visited.

New youth facility named for Justice Lester

The province's new youth detention building on Highway 61 now has a name. It's called the Justice Ronald B. Lester Youth Centre. His widow Susan Lester says it's a most appropriate honour since he worked with youth all the time as a criminal lawyer and judge. He was also very active with Harbour Youth Services, the organization that takes care of disadvantaged young people. Lester says naming the centre after her late husband is significant for the community. Pictured: MPP Bill Mauro and Councillor Joe Virdiramo help Susan Lester and family cut the ribbon.

NAN Chief happy with HST exemption

Reports indicating continued point of sale HST exemption for Ontario's first nations are being welcomed from the Grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Stan Beardy says treaty rights give his people PST exemption and having that continued with the provincial portion of the HST is great for his people. Beardy says the official announcement is expected to come by Friday.

Border Cats add infielder

The Border Cats have added some offensive pop. The Cats have signed infielder Ryan Court from Illinios State. Court led his team with 10 homers and 49 RBI's this spring. He's expected to be in uniform tonight when the Cats welcome the Mankato Moondogs to Port Arthur Stadium.

Mountain Climber rescued on the Nor'Westers

Thunder Bay OPP rescued a mountain climber in the Nor'Westers last night. OPP spokesperson Diana Cole says the Emergency Response team responded to a 911 call just after 10 o'clock last night. Cole says a 21 year old Thunder Bay man was climbing with three friends when he became nervous when it started to get dark. Cole says the man was successfully rescued and no one was injured.

City celebrates culture

The city presented it's Arts and Heritage awards Tuesday evening at Magnus Theatre. 10 awards were presented. The winners are:
• Keith Ailey for visual art.
• Lee Chambers in performing and media art.
• Thunder Mountain Singers are the heritage winners .
• Willow Springs Creative Centre is the top cultural organization.
• Brandi Fiala for emerging youth artist.
• Christie Parry for cultural educator.
• Fran Loney wins as a cultural supporter.
• Ahnisnabae Art Gallery is the cultural business winner.
• The Chronicle-Journal for large business.
• The Painted Turtle Art Shop for small business.

Wind farm D-Day....June 29th

It's crunch time for city council and the Big Thunder Wind Park. There'll be a special council meeting June 29th to deal with the issue.  City Clerk John Hannam says councillors will be asked to decide on the location of the 18 wind turbines. He says council will get a staff report and get administration's recommendation on where they should be located. Councillors are being pressured by residents in the area to turn down the proposed site.

OPP looking for missing Nova Scotian Man

Marathon OPP are looking to the public for help in locating a missing man. Charlie MacPherson from Nova Scotia was reported missing by his family and his vehicle was located near the Prairie River west of Marathon. The 62 year old is described as 6'5'', around 210 pounds with grey shoulder length hair and walks with a limp.

Pedestrian injured by car

One man is in hospital with serious head injuries after being hit by a car this morning. Police responded to the collision just after midnight. The man was walking across North May street when he was hit by a North Bound vehicle. The 28 year old was transported to the Health Science Centre.

Forest fire situation quiet

The forest fire situation in Northwestern Ontario can only be described as quiet. MNR Fire Information Officer Heather Pridham says there are no fires of concern. She says the fire hazard is low to moderate with the far north at Big Trout Lake and Summer Beaver experiencing a moderate to high hazard. There are currently 8 fires in the region and none of them are threatening anything of value. There are no fire bans in place.

Two new schools named for full day kindergarten

Two Thunder Bay schools are benefiting from the latest rollout of all day kindergarten by the province. St. Elizabeth has been chosen to host the program for the Catholic School Board starting in September of 2011. Ogden School has been chosen for the Lakehead Public School Board. Both schools will each receive over half a million dollars in order to build and equip the two schools.

Scores of people walk to prevent elder abuse

A new effort to draw attention to elder abuse. People of all ages marched in Thunder Bay Tuesday to raise awareness about the issue. Lee Stones is with a group that organized the walk and says it's a critical cause. Stones says it's important to tell the public that some of the people that built this community are not being treated well. The Thunder Bay City Police were also involved.

Councillors view Hovorka video

Shy-Anne Hovorka is back with a new single. "Can't Change the World" is the latest song from the Thunder Bay musician. Monday night City Councillors got their own screening of the socially conscious music video.

Summer in the Parks good to go

Summer in the Parks is back. The Marina Park Bandshell is the site of the Wednesday evening concerts that feature local musicians. Coordinator Jean-Paul De Roover says this year there are 23 performers, 10 of them newcomers. The first Summer in the Parks takes place June 23rd with Roy Coran and Mark Potvin jazz bands. The construction at Marina Park is going to affect parking. You're encouraged to walk or take advantage of the park and ride program. Shuttle buses will be available throughout the downtown. Pictured: Mark Potvin and his son Max

Baseball organizers get piece of concession pie

The organizers of the World Junior Baseball championships are getting some of their wishes granted. The group spoke to council about the tournament in May and asked for a number of municipal favours. Thunder Bay city council is allowing them to collect 15 per cent of the concession revenues that would normally go into city coffers. However, council is not waiving rental fees for the Port Arthur Stadium and the cost of lighting for the tournament.