Confederation College woos students

Confederation College is wooing students this week on its regional recruitment campaign.  Spokesperson Shari MacKenzie says they'll be telling students about their programs.  Confederation College will be hosting 12 other post secondary schools on Friday for an information session for Thunder Bay high school students.

Upgrades made to Confederation College

Students at Confederation College are benefiting from the latest technologies and equipment thanks to funding from the Provincial government.  Almost 255 thousand dollars is being put towards equipment upgrades.  The money will be used to buy a plane, dental lab equipment and training equipment for the fire fighter program.

Local business owners praised

The Stezenko brothers of Thunder Bay are in the spotlight. They officially opened their new Quality Market grocery store. John Scott, the president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, says both businessmen have proven that independents can survive against the big chains.  The new store is located on Golf Links Road.

Transit talks taking a break

The Amalgamated Transit union and the City are taking an almost a two week break in negotiations. Talks will resume October 5th and will again include a conciliator. Transit services will continue as usual for the time being.

Local med students are wooed

Thunder Bay is the latest stop for the Health Professionals Recruitment tour.   Organizer Ceara McNeil  says its a chance for communities to strut their stuff to attract potential doctors  The tour stopped at Lakehead University Thursday.   There are also stops in Ottawa, Kingston, Hamilton ,London, Toronto and Sudbury.

DSSAB awards building contract

Finn Way Contracting of Thunder Bay is the winner of the contract to build the new District Social Services Building. At 11.6 million dollars, it was the low bidder to build the new facility at Arthur, May and Brodie Streets. Construction is expected to begin next month and it should be completed by the end of next year.

Fair Wage Policy discussed

The City of Thunder Bay is set to receive a report on a fair wage policy for road, bridge, and sewer and water contracts.Administration is bringing a study on the matter to council Monday night. City Spokesperson Dan Munshaw says they don't really have a use for the fair wage policy, since mostly local businesses have won city contracts. The study shows from 2008 to 2010 95 percent of the contract awards were given to local firms. 

Heritage Buildings in Thunder Bay

City administration will be recommending a number of old buildings to the municipalities heritage register. The George Graham, John King, and Ross Residences are being considered for the register. The Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and Canadian Car and Foundry Historic site also being looked at.

Student remains in critical condition

Still no arrests to report in connection with a vicious assault on the weekend. A 22 year old Lakehead University student from Southern Ontario remains in critical condition in hospital.    Police say they have interviewed several people in the area of Darwin Crescent and Newton Street, which is a student rental hub.  Police say the man was assaulted there by a group of about 5 men who are also believed to be LU students.

Drug suspect turns himself in

Police have a person in custody in connection with a recent million dollar pot bust. They say that a man they had an arrest warrant out for, has turned himself in. They say he has been charged in connection with a marijuana grow-op they found last week. Police say it was located at a home on the 100 Block of Nelson Street. It followed complaints from the landlord.  Meantime drug officers were busy recently with several busts.  One in Lybster Township saw two people charged after police say they found marijuana.   Two men are charged after oxycodone pills were found at a Fitzgerald Street address and a woman was arrested at the airport for trying to bring oxycodone to a remote First Nations community. 

Contact North helps program expand

More remote First Nations communities now have access to a program from the National Centre for First Nations Governance.  The Centre is using the distance education services of Thunder Bay's Contact North to train more first nations the art of governing.   Brian Smith, the Centre's Director of Operations,  says the focus is teaching young people.   He says it's possible that one day the program could be taught across Canada from here.

Far North Act passed

The McGuinty government's Far North Act has passed in the Ontario Legislature despite the objections of First Nations and many northern communities.  The Conservative's Northern Affairs Critic Randy Hillier says plenty of people have come out against the legislation; yet the McGuinty Government won't back down.  Nishnawbe Aski Nation has said that if their concerns are not met they may blockade and protest in response.  The law is designed to protect about half of the north's land from development.

Council tackles LRCA levy

Thunder Bay could be paying more money to the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Administration is recommending council provide almost 113-thousand dollars extra to their 2010 levy. The extra cash is for the recovery of professional fees associated with the failed facility on Fort William Road. The remaining funds are to be used for maintenance and capital expenditures for the old facility.

Calling before you dig is easier now

The city is partnering with a Dryden company to help contractors call before they dig. Dig North provides the service. The company has information from various sources to find what utilities are underground.  The Construction Association of Thunder Bay is also part of the new program.

Council prepares for election

City administration is taking steps to keep the municipal government rolling after the upcoming election.  A resolution is being brought before council on Monday night asking them to delegate power to the City Clerk and the General Manager of Finance and Corporate Services.  The senior adminisitration team would then be able to issue debentures for capital projects that were previously approved in budgets prior to 2010.

Wet weather in store for Thunder Bay

What you see is what you'll get weather wise for the next little while. Environment Canada's Jim Prime says we could see as much as 40 millimetres of rain by tomorrow afternoon. Prime says things will clear up over the weekend with temperatures hitting the high teens early next week.

The Full Moon Memorial Walk hits city streets

There will a walk tonight to honour the hundreds of murdered and missing aboriginal women in Canada. Ontario Native Women's Association spokesperson Tasha Sheilds says the walk starts at 6 o'clock at the corner of Simpson and Victoria but everyone is encouraged to show up by 5:30.  Sheilds says its important to remember all these women to raise awareness about violence towards aboriginal women. 

High School students meet with Kenyan Runners

A Thunder Bay high school is learning from the winner and runner up of the Miles with the Giant Marathon.  Members of the Westgate Tigers Cross-Country Team will meet with Kenyan Runners Philip Kipchumba and Gilbert Kiptoo.  The duo will be speaking to a library full of students and runners today.

Go Tobacco Free, get money

Local sports teams in need of cash can get financial aid just by promising to be tobacco free.  The provincial government is providing a 500 dollar grant to teams that adopt a tobacco-free policy.  According to the local health unit, 15 Thunder Bay teams are tobacco free including the diving club, women's hockey association, and Fort William Figure Skating Club.

Long Gun Registry Alive

The long gun registry lives.  MPs voted 153-151 Wednesday night to kill the Tory bill to scrap the program.  Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he's going to poll his constituents on what they would like seen  done with the registry in the future.  Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says his party will introduce a bill calling for changes to the registry.  Meanwhile, Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he's dissapointed and notes it was an emotional day.  All three Northwestern Ontario MPs supported scrapping the registry.

Environmental Report critical of MNR

Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller says ineffective oversight from the Ontario government is allowing mining companies to illegally construct mining camps and airstrips in the Far North. It was one of the many findings Miller noted in his annual report.  He says the Ministry of Natural Resources has no presence in the region and that's why these activities are happening.  Miller adds the ministry needs more money and funding levels should be brought back up.

Charges laid in City's 4th murder

A shocking development in city's latest murder.  Two girls aged 14 and 15 have been charged with 2nd degree murder.  The charges stem from a body found yesterday morning behind Wentworth Crescent.  Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident.  A postmortem on the 16 year old victim will be conducted tomorrow in Toronto.

Money to teach adults how to read

Adult learning centres in Thunder Bay's two provincial ridings are getting taxpayer funding to improve reading skills. There are a total of nine centres sharing almost 3 quarters of a million dollars. Confederation College will get the most money, close to 400 thousand dollars.

Fewer flu clinics this year

Expect a change to how the Health Unit runs it's flu clinics this year.    Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they're tentatively scheduled to start in November.  She says there will be fewer clinics, but the locations will be larger.   Binette says they're still waiting for instructions from the government on which groups will get priority for flu shots.

Air traffic volumes up

Thunder Bay's Airport has recorded record breaking August traffic volumes.  Last month saw a 6.6 percent increase with over 65 thousand passengers flying in and out of the local airport.  President Scott McFadden attributes it to a number of factors including the improved economy.  McFadden expects air traffic to continue to rise through the foreseeable future and will be tendering another parking and ground trasnportation project soon.

City hires expert to review wind park

The city is hiring an outside expert to review all the information they have so far on the controversial Horizon wind farm. Development Services Manager Mark Smith says the city doesn't have the technical expertise to review what they've received from the company.  Smith says the expert in wind energy will evaluate all the information especially the financial impact of moving turbine locations.   The issue comes back before city councillors on October 4th.

Canada's Worst Handyman

Thunder Bay is going to welcome producers of the show "Canada's Worst Handyman". Show representatives will be in the city in November to meet with show hopefuls.  A Thunder Bay woman was on the third season, and producers hope to find more wanna be handymen.  To nominate someone e-mail handyman@ propertelevision.com

Talks to resume in NOSM dispute

It's back to the bargaining table as negotiations are now planned in the School of Medicine dispute.   The school and OPSEU have agreed to continue bargaining for a first contract at the end of the month.   Two days have been set aside in Sudbury for this latest set of talks.    The 150 support workers have been on strike since August 16th.

Police investigating another murder

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the city's 4th murder of the year. They say the body of a 16 year old girl from Sachigo Lake was found in the bushes off the bike path behind Wentworth Cres. around 7:30 this morning. That's right behind Al Laird's house.  He says it was at about that time he heard something chilling while he was in his back yard.  He says he heard "some real loud screaming, a woman's voice"  in the bush.   He says that it lasted for about a minute or so and then there was silence.  Police expect to release more details later today

Legislation could hurt Thunder Bay Port

Three quarters of the Port of Thunder Bay's commercial business could be lost if the State of New York goes ahead with its ballast water treatment legislation.  C.E.O. Tim Heney says the legislation has wide implications for Thunder Bay since most of the grain ships travel the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Heney is calling on the Federal Government to work with New York State to find a solution to their proposed legislation.

Hannam explains lame duck council

Thunder Bay City Council could be deemed "lame duck" after the municipal election.  A lame duck council is formed if four or more of the current council isn't re-elected. City Clerk John Hannam says a lame duck council can not hire or fire personel, buy or sell land, or spend money over 50-thousand dollars.  As long as the current eleven members of council are re-elected they will maintain their decision making powers.  There are four meetings scheduled in November before the new council is sworn in in December.

We want Brits

The British are coming.  That's the hope of the new Northwestern Ontario Immigration Web Portal.  Spokesperson Kathy Woodbeck says they are actively targeting the UK.  Woodbeck says each day they have been receiving 4 e-mails a day from interested brits looking to relocate.  The immigration campaign is also aimed at the Phillipines and India.

Navy co-op program underway

The latest group of high school co-op students have signed up at the HMCS Griffon. The Navy is in the second year of a pilot program with the local school boards. There are 13 students taking part this semester.

Time of use rates in 2011

Thunder Bay Hydro is taking the wait and see approach when it comes to introducing time of use rates.  Spokesperson Eileen Dias says they'll be watching to see how other hydro companies deal with the new rates.  Thunder Bay Hydro is looking at starting an education campaign in the new year on the time of use rates.  Dias adds almost everyone in the City has a smart metre installed and the final 100 will be hooked up this fall.

TBSO reaching out for donations

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is going to the community to raise some money. The goal is to celebrate the Orchestra's 50th anniversary by raising half a million dollars. General Manager Clint Kushak says that will be a one time effort.  He says that will cover operating costs and to make sure the TBSO has a solid financial footing.   Kushak says the effort will last through the new season with various events.

Science North is taking over PA days

Students have another option to occupy themselve during PA days this year. Science North will be hosting programs every PA day this school year. Spokesperson Emily Kerton says its a great way for kids to learn more about science and will be available for kids aged 4-12.   Kerton says it costs 45 dollars for non members and 39 dollars for members and includes before and after care.

Building Permits Up

It's been a busy year for the construction industry in Thunder Bay. At the end of August, building permits had been issued for more than 100 million dollars worth of construction.  City administration feels more construction activity has occurred in 2010 than in any one year over the last two decades.

CEDC wants more money from City

The Community Economic Development Commission wants to create a new mining division and hire a project manager.  Chair Ed Schmidtke asked council for an increase in their 2011 and 2012 operating budgets.  The CEDC would like 125 thousand dollars in 2011, and 250 thousand dollars in 2012.  The current council is unable to commit the funding because of the upcoming election and the possibility of a new council.  Council is approving the project in principal and wants the new council to address it in December.

Council tackles zoning again

The City of Thunder Bay tackled a number of zoning issues at Monday night's council meeting. Council is considering a re-zoning application for a piece of property at Ray Boulevard. The property owner would like to use the former school site to house a series of town houses and a community health resource centre. Two people came out to speak out against the application.  Both were concerned about the increase in traffic on the street since young children live in the area.

Fire victim dies

Police say they are ruling out foul play in the death of man who was on fire outside the Arthur Street Courthouse on Friday. They say the man died on the weekend after being taken to hospital with serious burns. The fire had been extinguished by bystanders before police and fire fighters arrived.

LU reacts to serious assault

Lakehead University wants the public to assist police in their investigation of an assault over the weekend.  The altercation that took place at a north-side home over the weekend involved a Lakehead University student who was badly injured.  LU wants anybody who may have witnessed the serious assault to contact the police.

LU student victim of vicious assault

Police say that a Lakehead University student from Southern Ontario is in critical condition in hospital.  It  follows a weekend incident on Darwin Crescent.  Police spokesperson Chris Adams says it was the result of an assault by what's believed to be about 5 other LU students who tried to crash a party.  Police say no weapon was used and the victim sustained head injuries.

Conference attracts the world

A group of about 50 health scientists are in the city for a conference.   Michael Wood of the Health Sciences Centre says they are experts in medical imaging like MRI's and other scanners.  The conference is on until Wednesday at the Best Western Nor' Wester

Courthouse planning reaches next level

The proposed new courthouse in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality. It comes with the government announcing that Plenary Justice is the preferred company to design, build, finance and maintain the building. Negotiations are now underway to determine the final contract. The new courthouse will be located in the downtown south core.

Bus talks set for Wednesday

The transit talks are going to continue on Wednesday. Amalgamated Transit Union boss Charlie Brown says that contract negotiations adjourned last week.Brown says there's not much he can say about talks so far.  Brown says the mediator will be back for Wednesday's discussions.

Mediation service a first for Counselling Centre

Families in Thunder Bay can now handle some of their legal disputes with the help of the Thunder Bay Counselling Centre. Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain says there are 9 new trained mediators who are available to help.  Program coordinator Connie McLeod says it's designed to keep families and children out of court. 

Hyer finalizes stand on gun registry

This week Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer, along with other MP's will be voting in the House of Commons on the future of the long gun registry. Today Hyer made his stand clear on how he'll vote on Wednesday, saying until there are new developments he will vote to end the registry. Hyer's stand came after he was pressured to change his vote by members of a coalition that included the City Police and Women's groups.

Police still looking for drug suspect

An arrest warrant remains out for a 27 year old man in connection with last weeks million dollar pot bust in the city. Police say it stemmed from a complaint one week ago, from a landlord of a home on the 100 block of Nelson. He suspected there was a grow op. Police seized about 114 pounds of marijuana with a street value of about 1 million dollars.

Miles with the Giant results

835 runners from 70 different communities took part in the first Miles with the Giant Marathon.   You can get race results from this link