Thunder Bay athlete at 2011 Pan Am Games

A Thunder Bay athlete has been asked to be the assistant to the 2011 Canadian Pan American Team.  Curt Harnett says his position will be a mentor to the members of the Canadian team.  Harnett says he's honored to be given the opportunity.

Firefighters need to keep cool too

Responding to a fire in the hot weather can be a challenge for city firefighers. They have to wear their heavy coats when it's 30 degrees. Fire Chief John Hay says there's a plan in place for such an event. He says precautions are taken to ensure their health and safety. He says that includes rotating the crews and keeping them hydrated at all times. Hay says it's similar to the precautions they take when fighting a fire in minus 30 degree temperatures.

Fire hazard is low

The fire hazard is still low to moderate for the region. No new fires were reported in the region yesterday. The Ministry of Natural resources says rainfall and high relative humidity have affected the fire hazard. High relative humidity prevents wet vegetation from drying. There are currently 12 active fires in the region.

India's Mining Minister set to vist Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is going to host India's Mining Minister.  Bijoy Krishna Handique will tour Ontario starting tomorrow and will be making the rounds of the province until Tuesday.  Handique will be visiting mines in an effort to attract some of those companies to India.

Constable demoted for Discreditable Conduct

City police say the Police Service Act proceedings against a city constable have ended.   Constable Jamie Maijala has pleaded guilty to two counts of Discreditable Conduct in  connection to an incident in May of last year.    The Constable has been demoted from a First Class to Fourth Class Constable.   Meantime, in an unrelated case, hearing dates have been set for Sgt. Jim Mauro.  He is facing two charges of misconduct.  The hearing will take place starting October 4th.

Rickford cool with moonlighting

No complaints from Greg Rickford. The Kenora Conservative MP thinks there's nothing wrong with some MPs having an extra income. He says the only rules should be that elected duties come first and that there are no conflicts. The names of about 150 MPs who had outside income were named recently, that included Thunder Bay NDP MPs Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty.

Grand Chief meets Queen

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is feeling good after his meeting with the Queen today. Stan Beardy says it was important that she met with him because it means she respects First Nation treaty rights. Chief Beardy says he told the Queen that it was the 100th anniversity of the signing of Tready 5. He said she just responded with a nod of her head. He says in total he spent about 2 minutes with Her Majesty.

Bike lanes added in Westfort

There are now more bike lanes in the city. Lane markings have been painted on Walsh Street and Syndicate Avenue. City Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper says it's the last of the lanes for this year. He says plans are already in the works for 2011. Kupper says so far there has been some good response to the bike lanes.

LU hosts digital conference

About 80 researchers from 33 countries are attending a digital information conference at Lakehead University. The 3 day event is being organized by LU professor Rachid Benlamri who believes bringing the conference here is a significant accomplishment. Speakers have come from Nova Scotia and Florida for the conference.

OFIA against proposed forest tenure reform

A coalition of northern businesses, municipal leaders, unions and forestry groups are against the province's forest tenure proposal. The coalition includes the Ontario Forest Industry Association and President Jamie Lim says they're dead set against the initiative. Lim adds its going to have a negative impact on the industry driving up costs and creating uncertainty. The forest tenure proposal is expected to be approved by the government sometime this year.

Thunder Bay Police Chief likes new legislation

Police officers from Ontario and other provinces can now better collaborate to target crime. The McGuinty Government recently passed the Interprovincial Policing act. Thunder Bay Police Chief and President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Bob Herman says the act makes it easier to investigate crime that occurs across Canada.  Herman adds the Chiefs of Police Association has been calling for this legislation for some time.

MNR Fire Hazard is low

The Ministry of Natural Resources says the fire hazard is still low in the region.  Despite the rain, two new fires were confirmed in the Red Lake district.  One fire is northwest of Sandy Lake and the other is west of Keewaywin.  There are 9 other fires being monitored in the Sioux Lookout and Nipigon districts.

Abitibi close to getting out of bankruptcy

AbitibiBowater could end nearly eighteen months of creditor and bankruptcy protection on October 1 if its restructuring plan wins creditor support next month. A meeting on the plan takes place August 26th. The plan would see unsecured creditors receiving between nothing and 48 per cent when their debt is converted to equity, depending on their class. Current shareholders will walk away empty-handed. Others fall somewhere in between, including workers who received no severance when their mills were shut over the past year.

Shelter House volunteer turns 93

A Shelter House volunteer is celebrating her 93rd birthday today by helping prepare and serve a meal for Thunder Bay's less fortunate. Marie Tracz has been volunteering at Shelter House since it first opened in Thunder Bay in 1984.  Tracz is also a long time volunteer of the First Church United.

NAN Grand Chief meets Queen

The leader of the Nishinawbe Aski Nation will be meeting the Queen today. The visit with Queen Elizabeth comes as area first nations mark the 100 year signing of Treaty number 5 with the British Crown. The Queen will wrap up the Canadian tour with a stop at the Ontario Legislature.

124 million dollar school board budget

The Lakehead Public School Board has passed a balanced 126 million dollar budget.  School officials feel their budget will lead to the success of all students.  The 2010-2011 budget will maintain current Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators and Social Workers.  The board also found some efficiencies in transportation costs due to the second year of blended routing and shared transportation costs with partner boards.

More illegal painkillers seized

There appears to be no end to the drug busts involving Oxycodone in the city. The latest arrests were made at two rooms at the Landmark Inn recently. The street value of the pills is estimated to be 96 thousand dollars. There was 60 thousand dollars in cash that was also seized.

City playgrounds staffed for the summer

Thunder Bay playgrounds are open for the summer. 17 Playgrounds throughout the city will have activities for kids from 5 to 12 years old. Supervisor A.J. Kresack says there are structured programs involved to keep children busy. The program runs from 9:30 to 4 Monday to Friday.

Make way for SuperArts

Kids can't complain there's nothing to do this summer. The City of Thunder Bay has kicked off it's SuperArts Program at Ogden Community Centre on McKenzie Street. The program keeps the children busy each afternoon according to supervisor Kirsten Fritsch.   The program includes activities like drama, cooking and scrapbooking. Pictured:  SuperArts participants Matthew Vidis and Rachael Morgan

New hospital prez comes with top credentials

The new president of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is from New Brunswick. Andree Robichaud takes over the position from Ron Saddington as of October first. Robichaud is a seasoned health executive. She is currently the CEO of the Region Health Authority in that province. She also held the position of Associate Deputy Minister of Health in the New Brunswick government.

Road washout closes Highway 11

A large sinkhole has closed Highway 11 west of Kashabowie.   Provincial Police says the sinkhole impacts both lanes of the highway, about 10 kilometres west of Burchell Lake Road.  Heavy rain is to blame. The highway is not expected to reopen until crews complete repairs sometime today. For people  travelling to Atikokan or Fort Frances fromThunder Bay , it means having to detour through Highway 502 and Dryden.

Warm weather will continue

Northwestern Ontario can expect to see warmer than normal temperatures this week.  The normal temperature for this time of year is 24 degrees, but Environment Canada is calling for highs of 26 or more.  Spokesperson Geoff Coulson adds the region will see scattered showers on Tuesday and Thursday.

Gas station robbery leaves attendant injured

A gas bar attendant has been injured after a morning robbery.  A man entered the service station at the corner of Wardrope Avenue and Balsam Street just after 7:30 this morning and attacked the clerk from behind.  The victim sustained a minor injury from what appeared to be a straight edged weapon.  Police have yet to locate the robbery suspect.

Local MPs have side jobs

Thunder Bay's two MPs are in the spotlight along with a number of their fellow parliamentarians. John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer are among the 150 MPs who have outside business interests that could suppliment their regular salary of 151 thousand a year. The information has been taken from the Office of the Ethics Commissioner. It shows that Rafferty owns a communications and media recording company while Bruce Hyer still owns Wild Waters Wilderness shop and Nature Tours.

Family fishing week in Ontario

Family fishing week is coming to Ontario.Starting July third Ontario residents will be permitted to fish without a lisence. Officials say the event allows for children and adults to experience the outdoor activity. Licence-free fishing will be allowed July 3rd to 11th. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is holding a family fishing day on July 11th at Hazelwood Lake.

Geraldton going gold

Premier Gold says it has discovered at least one million ounces of possible gold at the Hardrock deposit in Geraldton. This is good news for the company, because gold has been trading well this year, at more than one thousand two hundred US dollars per ounce. Premier Gold of Thunder Bay holds a 70% share in the company.

Stanley Cup here July 10th!

Thunder Bay is getting another visit from Lord Stanley's legacy. The Stanley Cup is being brought here Saturday, July 10th by Chicago Blackhawk star Patrick Sharp. It will be on display at the Fort William Gardens from 11 am until 1 pm. Last year Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins, brought the cup here and thousands of hockey fans came to catch a glimpse and get their picture taken with hockey's holy grail

Thousands attend celebrations

Another successful Canada Day at Marina Park. Co-ordinator Melissa Wnuk says all event and activities took place without a hitch. She says over 20 thousand attended the festivities on Water Street and at Marina Park. Wnuk says there were a few minor incidents, but nothing serious and the weather cooperated.

Columbus making return visits next year

The city is continuing its efforts to make Thunder Bay a cruise ship destination on the Great Lakes.   Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says that next year the MV Columbus will be making two stops in the city. It will bring with it 900 passenger over the two visits.  The Columbus is no stranger to the city.  It has made several ports of call here over the last decade.  For the last two years the Clelia II has been making it's way here, but this will be it's final season.  Pictured:  MV Columbus

Social Services Building soon to be built

Thunder Bay's social services board is eagerly awaiting construction on its new building.  Work began over the weekend to prepare the site, with asbsestos being removed.  The main tender for the construction of the building will be issued in late August.

Gas is up

Thunder Bay motorists might have got a shock when they pulled into their local service station yesterday.  The price of gas at the pump took a big jump on July 1st. The Harmonized Sales Tax kicked in yesterday and resulted in an eight cent a liter increase in the price at the pump.  Gas now costs anywhere from 108.9 to 116.9 cents a liter.  Gasoline is just one of the projects that is subject to the new HST.

Coroner's investigation continues

The regional coroner's office says it will be several more months before they conclude an investigation into the death of Willow Scott Hannam.  Dr. Michael Wilson says once the investigation concludes they'll share the information with the family.  Wilson adds after the investigation concludes they will decide whether or not to launch an inquiry into the death.  The four year old died while on a school field trip to Fort William Historical Park May 31st.  

Re-Store is an HST free zone

There's a way to get around paying sales tax on home renovation items...and it's not illegal. Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store doesn't have to charge the HST according to Manager Keith MacMillan. He says because they sell used donated goods they don't have to charged the HST. MacMillan says previously they were charging the PST, but the new tax eliminates that. He believes his store is the only place in the city that doesn't charge sales tax.

Bobby wows 'em on Canada Day

Thunder Bay's own Bobby Curtola is celebrating Canada Day in the city. He entertained fans young and old in the parking lot of the OLG Casino. The casino is one of several sites in the city that is hosting Canada Day festivities. Marina Park is were the official ceremonies are taking place along with the fireworks at dusk.

Chamber sides with cab companies

Cab companies in the city have the Chamber of Commerce on their side. The Chamber wants the Police Services Board to reconsider a decision to disallow a rate increase the companies say they need to absorb the HST. President Harold Wilson says it's only fair. He says it will be the cab drivers who will end up suffering.

NWO Fire Update

The fire hazard is low to moderate across the region, including the far north which was at high hazard. A single fire was reported yesterday in the Greenstone District close to the community of Summer Beaver. The fire is small at 0.1 hectares. There are currently six fires burning in the West fire region.

HST...it's a gas, gas, gas

Many drivers in Thunder Bay are trying to beat the HST on gasoline.  They are lining up at gas stations to pay the lower price. The K & A Variety on City Road is getting lots of business today according to one employee.   He says it's been "nuts" all day.  The 13 per cent HST kicks in tomorrow.

Party of five found by OPP

Five young adults are safe after getting lost in the bush.  Thunder Bay OPP responded to a call on Sunday from a lost 20 year old.  The man and his four friends were lost on a bush road in the Adrian Lake road in Marks Township.  When officers arrived at the scene they activated their lights and sirens in the hopes that the group would see or hear where the police were located.  Officers walked into the bush for about 1.5 kilometers and located the group.  Everyone was safe.

Science North comes to Thunder Bay

Northwestern Ontario is getting a boost to its Science community. Science North has opened an office in Thunder Bay and C-E-O Jim Marchbank says the office will help promote science in the area by travelling throughout the region in the Cool Science Caravan. The office is located at the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Condo and hotel projects "moving forward"

The Condo and Hotel projects for Prince Arthur's Landing are alive and well. That's according to developer Gisele MacDonald who met with city officials this week to go over the building design. She says the waterfront project remains in gear. MacDonald says they hope to put the condos on the market in September and says there are 3 hotel companies interested in being a part of the waterfront plan.   The design plans and the selected hotel will be presented to City Council in later summer.

Wind farm decision delayed again

The City of Thunder Bay isn't making any decisions on the Big Thunder wind park.  Council has asked Horizon Wind to produce another report, but this time reflecting the concerns of citizens at last night's meeting.  Councillor Linda Rydholm says she's glad they are getting more information from the company.  One member of the public walked out during last night's meeting disgruntled and visibly upset after council asked Horizon Wind representatives a series of questions.  The second draft report will come back to council on July 26th.

Local residents voice their concerns on proposed wind park

The message from a special council meeting on the proposed Big Thunder Wind Park is for city council to hold off on making a decision on the location until all public hearings are finished.  A series of deputations were held and many delegates said there is no need to rush a decision. Delegates also asked council to ensure Horizon Wind holds the proper amount of consultation sessions with the public.  Horizon is holding an open house on August 4th at the Community Hall and August 5th at Lakehead Labour Centre.

Loch Lomond Ski area worried about proposed wind turbines

The owner of Loch Lomond ski area is worried the proposed wind farm will hurt his business.  Ward Bond says he's spoken with his insurance company and is worried he might not be able to get liability insurance with turbines located near his operation.  Bond says the turbines could vibrate the ground jeopardizing the safety of their ski lifts.  Bond adds he's not against the turbines he just wants them located in an area that is away from homes and businesses. Bond was part of many deputations on the turbines at a special council meeting Tuesday night.

Decision time for city councillors

There's big city council meeting taking place tonight. It's expected that administration may recommend to council whether to approve or turn down a proposed location for a wind farm on the Nor Wester Mountains.  Councillors will be meeting behind closed doors prior to the 6:30 start.  It's there they will get a chance to discuss the delicate legal issues surrounding any potential decision.

Phone book features Special Olympics

In the immortal words of Steve Martin in The Jerk..."The new phone book is here, the new phone book is here."  TBayTel is distributing the new version to all it's customers over the next week or so.   It features a tribute to the Special Olympics Ontario Games being held in the city in January.

Crime in the 'hood on a map now

City police are now using the internet to inform you about crime in your neighbourhood. Spokesperson Chris Adam says it's called crime mapping and its like a virtual Neighbourhood Watch. He says different types of crime are marked on a Google Map. He says those crimes are the ones they feel the public is most interested in knowing about. That includes crimes of violence, property crime and even traffic accidents. Adams says those crimes are now marked to show exactly where in the city they happened.  The site also allows you to get e-mail alerts about crime in your area.  Here is the link to the crime map.

Search fails to find new Prostate Man

The search for a new Prostate Man is over, and no one will fill the role. The Health Sciences Centre tried to recruit a new man for the volunteer position, but Alison McMullen says they couldn't find the right person. 
Instead health officials are starting a promotion to encourage all men over 50 to be Prostate Man and monitor their own health

No pulp fiction...Terrace Bay Pulp set to re-open

Thunder Bay's Buchanan Forest Products is basking in victory. Creditors have voted in favour of the company's plan for Terrace Bay Pulp paving the way for the mill to re-open in the north shore community. Yves Fricot has been the company pointman in the process and he couldn't be happier. He calls it a great vote of confidence by the creditors who have been affected by some really tough times. The mill could re-open sometime next month.

Former PC MPP Leo Bernier died Monday

Former Tory Cabinet minister Leo Bernier died in Sioux Lookout yesterday. He was first elected to the provincial legistlature in 1966 and spent 21 years in office. The man known as the Emperor of the North was 81.

Two suspicious fires are being investigated

Thunder Bay Firefighters had a busy morning. They first had to deal with a garage fire on Summit Avenue just before 4 o'clock this morning. Then crews also responded to a vehicle fire on Crown Street a short time later. Both fires are under investigation.