Greenpeace visits on Monday

Greenpeace are in Thunder Bay Monday with their "Caribou Caravan."  The environmental group is pressuring Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle and the Ontario Government to save woodland caribou.  Spokesperson Richard Brooks says they'll be bringing their black silhouetted caribou and hour glass.  Greenpeace will meet at Gravelle's constituency office at 10 Monday.

Inflation drops in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay bucked the trend when it came to the inflation rate.  Our rate dropped from 2.8 percent in August to 2.7 percent last month.  The national rate went from 1.7 to 1.9 percent last month. Ontario's rate held steady at 2.9 percent.

Fort Hope declares a state of emergency

The community of Fort Hope has declared a state of emergency after a string of crimes.  The declaration was made after 3 murders, a string of arsons, animal mutilations and a number other violent crimes have plagued the community this year.  Chief Lewis Nate says they had no choice but to ask for government help.

City police arrest woman after hit and run

A 22 year old woman has been charged in connection with yesterday's early morning hit and run.  Traffic Sergeant Glen Porter says the driver turned her self into police yesterday evening.  An 18 year old girl is in hospital in serious condition after she was hit by a car while walking across Leslie street just before 3 o'clock.  Porter says the victim is making progress.

Local Union unhappy with the Canadian Wheat Board

A local union president is taking aim at the Canadian Wheat Board.  Tom Hamilton of the United Steel Workers Union says the CWB is favouring one grain elevator over others in Thunder Bay.  Hamilton says the vast majority of grain is going through the Mission Island terminal while the other 5 elevators are left with the scraps.  The CWB claims they are just finding the best prices for producers.

Many fires Thursday morning

Fire crews were stretched thin this morning. With most of the city's crews busy fighting the blaze on Simpson street, a second call about a house fire at Queen and High street, then shortly after another call came in for a fire in the Ogden area. The 3rd fire proved to be false. Fire Chief John Hay says additional staff had to be called in to provide service to the rest of the city.

Police make appeal after hit and run

Police say an 18 year old city woman is fighting for her life after being the victim of a hit and run.  They say that Amy Neumueller was walking on Leslie Avenue near Arundel at around 3 o'clock Thursday morning,  when she was hit by a compact car.  Police say the driver didn't stop and left the scene.   They're hoping the driver or someone with information on the incident calls them.

Kenora OPP find explosives

Kenora OPP have more than just firearms and knives to deal with, apparently they also have to deal with explosives.  After searching a house yesterday officers discovered a small amount of explosives with some pills and other drug paraphernalia.  Two men were arrested and are facing charges.

Huge fire guts south side hotel

A raging inferno tore through the West Hotel this morning.  Fire crews are still on scene keeping control of what is left of the building.  There are no reports of any injuries but fire officials say it'll likely take days before any cause could be found.  Chief John Hay says the fire was probably going for a while prior to them getting the call at 4 o'clock.  Hay says since the building was abandoned the cause is likely suspicious.  According to the city the building was pegged for demolition. 

Meanwhile fire crews were stretched thin this morning.  With most of the city's crews busy fighting the blaze on Simpson street, a second call about a house fire at Queen and High street came in.  Shortly after another call came in for a fire in the Ogden area but it was proven to be false. Hay says additional staff had to be called in to provide service to the rest of the city. 

West Hotel Slated for Demolition

A fire at the West Hotel won't change the City's plans for the building. The vacant hotel was recently acquired by the City because the owners didn't pay the taxes. Taranis Contracting group has been awarded the demolition contract for the building and work will start next week. The building's neighbour the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Hall is also set to be demolished. The city acquired the buildings as part as their plan to improve the appearance of neglected properties. The West Hotel building was under security watch at the time, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

Global National Anchor live in Thunder Bay

A former Thunder Bay broadcaster is making a return visit.  Dawna Friesen the new anchor of Global National will be broadcasting at Marina Park on Monday.  She'll broadcast live starting at 5 on election day. 

Hit and run leaves one woman in hospital

A woman is in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle this morning.  Just after 3 o'clock the woman was hit while walking down the 400 block of Leslie street.  Police say the driver of the vehicle fled the scene and the victim was taken to the Health Sciences Centre. 

Federal Opposition Leader paying Thunder Bay a visit

Michael Ignatieff will be making a stop in Thunder Bay next week.  The federal Liberal leader will be bringing his open mic town hall meetings to Confederation college next Thursday from 11:30 to 1.  It'll be at the student commons area of the Shuniah building.

Many Thunder Bay winners at NADF

Several Thunder Bay based businesses won at last night's Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund business awards. Janet Furoy took home the Youth Entrepreneur award and is proud of her Spa Euphoria and Wellness Retreat. Clayton Clace won the Busniness Man of the year award. Clace is originally from Sioux Lookout and maintain's heating systems in the far north. Clace hopes he will inspire other first nations residents to start businesses. Gabriel Cross won best new business for her Gabby's Spudz and more.

Tough talk from City Manager

The city says it will not be intimidated by a 126 million dollar lawsuit fromy Horizon Wind. The company launched the suit this week over changes made to it's lease agreement with the city over wind turbines. City Manager TimCommisso says the city will file a defense and will seek arbitration to resolve the dispute.

Levesque blames drugs and poverty for ranking

The second in command at the City Police Service says  vices and social conditions are contributing to a new dubious distinction for our city.  MacLean's Magazine has pegged Thunder Bay as the 23rd most dangerous city in the country and number 2 in the murder rankings.  Deputy Police Chief J-P Levesque blames drug addiction and poverty for many of our crime problems.

Katimavik looking for billet families

Katimavik is looking for host families for October and November.  Spokesperson Sarah Tamosetis says they have enough billet families, but they're still looking for back ups. Katimavik teens will be living in the City from October 28th until November 7th.

Hannam says no to hand count

The City of Thunder Bay is saying no-way to a petition demanding a hand count of election ballots.  Returning Officer John Hannam says even if they wanted to do a hand count, it's too late.  Andy Wolff launched the petition this week.

Report targets NW LHIN

An Auditor General report shows the Northwest Local Health Integration Network paid for consultants. The three LHINs studied spent anywhere from 224 thousand dollars to 1.4 million per year on consultants.  NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says she isn't surprised.  The report also states the LHINs didn't have an adequate process in place that would ensure consulting services were planned for.

No delays for waterfront development

Preparations are in place for the city's waterfront development project as winter approaches.  Manager Katherine Dugmore says they've already set the stage for how they'll handle the colder temperatures.  For instance,  building construction has been timed so that all the indoor work can take place during the harsher winter months.  Dugmore says the development remains on schedule.

Casino cut inches to 600 K.

The city's latest cut of the casino revenue works out to almost 600 thousand dollars.    That's close to 6 thousand dollars more than what was given to the city in July and almost 30 thousand more than the spring dividend.   Every three months the city gets 5 per cent of the revenue from the slot machines at the government run gambling casino.

Special Olympics are coming together

Thunder Bay is just 90 days away from hosting North Western Ontario's first ever Special Olympics Winter games. Games Manager Julie Tilbury says things are really shaping up but they are still short of their fundraising goal. She says one way people can donate is by sponsoring an athlete.  Chair JP Levesque says they have raised about 3 quarters of their 800 thousand dollar fundraising goal.

Habitat for Humanity is going to school

Habitat for humanity is getting a huge helping hand from Confederation. Students are volunteering to build the latest Habitat house and will get some hands on experience. Habitat's Dianne Mitchell says its a great partnership for the organization because it will help ensure the house is completed in time for the family to move in by Christmas. Student Michael Kehler says there is no better way to learn than to actually get your hands dirty and build.

Thunder Bay 2nd in the country in murders

McLean's Magazine has pegged Thunder Bay as the 23rd most dangerous city in the country. The real bad news for the city came in the murder rankings where we ranked 2nd in the country behind only Abbotsford BC. Thunder Bay also ranked 12th in robberies.

Community Safety debated

Thunder Bay ranks as the 23rd most dangerous city in Canada and second highest for murder according to McLean's magazine.  That was one of the topics buzzing around the mayor's debate last night.  Keith Hobbs feels one way of making our community safer would be to restructure the police.  Lynn Peterson says the restructuring process is not in the police service board's hands.  Peterson also feels a detox centre and the crime prevention council will improve community safety.  Hobbs disagrees and feels they can play a role.  Hobbs would like to change the police officers shifts from 10 hour to 12.   Around 300 people attendend the last mayors debate before the municipal election.

Horizon Lawsuit tops debate chatter

No surprise what the hot topic at council was at the final mayor's debate.  Horizon Wind's 126 million dollar lawsuit was fresh on everyone's mind.  Incumbant Lynn Peterson says the claim is unfounded.  Meanwhile, Frank Pullia says the city did its due dilligiance.  Collin Burridge called the lawsuit foolish.  Keith Hobbs says he was against the turbine sites from the beginning. Jeff Irwin feels if the city was run like a business we wouldn't be facing a lawsuit.  Horizon's claim has not been proven in court. 

Thunder Bay responds to Horizon

The City is dissapointed Horizon has decided to file a lawsuit against them.  In a press release, City Manager Tim Commisso says they've read the news relased issued by Horizon, but have yet to see any statement of claim.  Commisso feels the lawsuit is unfounded and once they have received a statement of claim, they will respond.

Horizon Wind Sues City over Wind Park

Horizon Wind is suing the City of Thunder Bay for 126 million dollars.  They've filed a statement of claim against the City, in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto.  Horizon feels the City has breached it's option agreement for the wind farm.  The claim has not been proven in court.

Court cases move on

On the court beat...A Manslaughter trial is underway at Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Camelot Street. 24 year old Mervin Spence is charged in connection with the death of 44 year old Scott James in December of 2007.   In a separate case, a Thunder Bay woman is now committed to stand trial in connection with a fraud case involving money that went missing from the Polish Hall on Court Street. Officials say they found about 100 thousand dollars missing from their accounts over a two year period

Border Cats aren't going anywhere....yet.

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are sticking around for another season. However owner Brad Jorgenson says they need to have more fans show up next season.   They are hoping to increase average game attendance to 1 thousand from last season's average of just over 600.   Jorgenson stopped short of saying the baseball team will leave the city if the objective isn't met.

No one hurt in early morning fire

There were no injuries after an early morning blaze tore through a 3 story house this morning.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue officials say the fire started around 6 o'clock this morning on the fire escape of the Villa street residence.  Officers say the fire spread to the roof but luckily all the tenants of the building escaped free of harm.  Officials say the fire is being investigated but no cause has been released.

Don't hit the panic button yet

The L-U Thunderwolves hope to turn their hockey season around with a couple of games against Guelph. Coach Joel Scherban says he knows the season hasn't started out on a high note, but says the team needs to get back to the fundamentals when they take on Guelph this weekend.  Scherban says there's no need to panic over the early slump.

Wind Farm lease approved, but 4 turbines need to be moved

City Councillors have voted in favour of signing the Horizon Wind Lease agreement, but only if four of the wind turbines are moved back.  Council passed a resolution last night just after 2:30 in the morning dealing with turbines 8, 9, 10 and 11.  Brian McKinnon feels the city is in its rights.  McKinnon says the City decided to move the four turbines because of the view.  The final vote was 8 to 4.

City approves bus contract

The City has unanimously approved the contract for the amalgamated transit union.  Councillor Frank Pullia says he's glad they settled and averted a strike.  The contract is retroactive from July 1st, 2009 to June 20th, 2012.  Employees will see a two percent wage increase in 2009, a 1.75 percent increase in 2010 and another 1.75 in 2011.

City works to be more accessible

The City of Thunder Bay continues to work towards making the community more accessible. Council provided 120 thousand dollars towards accessibility improvements set out in the 2011 capital and operating budgets. The accessibility committee provided an update to council last night and released the city's 8th accessibility plan.

Underground Gym no longer requires city funds

The Underground Gym is no longer looking for bridge funding from the City of Thunder Bay.  The gym had asked for 15 thousand dollars from council, but has since received the funds from an anonymous sponsor.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson took the time during the meeting to thank that person for their contribution to the Underground Gym.

Thunder Bay Police review complaints

Thunder Bay Police have released a quarterly review of complaints they've received from July to September of this year. The local police force received 12 complaints over that time period. Only 3 will continue to be investigated, seven were not accepted, and two are awaiting word from the Office of the Independent Police Review Director. The list of complaints range from excessive force, deceit, harassment, conduct, neglect of duty and exercise of authority. The report is being presented Tuesday morning at the Thunder Bay Police Services Board meeting.

OPP Copper Thefts

Thieves continue to target copper wire as a source of easy money. OPP say that three men were arrested in connection with the theft of the metal in the region. They say a probe uncovered 14 hundred pounds of copper wire stolen from the CP Rail line east of the city.

Library launches $ campaign

The Thunder Bay Public Library is trying to raise a quarter of a million dollars in the community. The campaign is in support of the new Mary J-L Black Branch. Chief Librarian Gina La Force is confident residents will step up.  The money raised will be used to help furnish the new branch.  The Friends of the Public Library kicked the campaign off with a donation of 50 thousand dollars.

Retired general says scandal will not taint the forces

A retired Brigadier General in Thunder Bay doesn't think the Williams scandal will shake confidence in the military. Colonel Russell Williams has pleaded guilty in a Belleville court  to killing two women, sexually assaulting two others and a string of break-ins. Thunder Bay's  John Litt admits, there will be a few who see this as a stain on the forces, but others should see the crimes committed by Colonel Williams as ones performed by an individual.   Litt doesn't agree with stories that say the incident has shaken the military to it's core.

Waste Reduction Week kicks off in Thunder Bay

The City is teaming up with EcoSuperior this week for waste reduction week. EcoSuperior Spokesperson Karen Copeland says the week will include a number of events including a bunch of talks with local school students. Copeland says its a great opportunity for people to learn more ways to reduce the amount of waste they produce. One of the highlights is a workshop this Saturday at Intercity Mall.

New Ornge facility

Ornge Ontario unveiled a new air ambulance facility in Thunder Bay yesterday.


Ornge CEO Tom Lepine says the facility brings different parts of the organization together under one roof.

According to Lepine, Thunder Bay is the organization's busiest airport for transporting patients. He says the new facility will help Ornge deliver better patient care and cut down on response time.

The  facility will also serve as an educational hub to train Ornge paramedics around the region.

YPN debate a success

The Young Professionals Network is calling last week's mayoral debate a success.

A straw poll conducted at the beginning and end of the event showed that minds were changed by the candidate's responses. Keith Hobbs had a six percent drop in support among the crowd by the end of the debate while Lynn Peterson had an 85 percent increase from where she started at the beginning of the night.

YPN says around 175 city residents attended the event.

Bruce Hyer heads to China

Bruce Hyer is going to China. The Thunder Bay-Superior North MP leaves today to be part of a joint federal-provincial trade mission to promote Canada as a tourist destination. Hyer calls China a real tourism priority and says the number of potential visitors is huge. 45 million Chinese tourists traveled abroad last year, a number that's expected to increase to 100 million by 2020.

Transit union votes in favour of contract

Last night transit workers voted to accept the contract offered by the city. The vote was 78 percent in favour, according to union president Charlie Brown.


Transit workers retain their current benefits and gain a pay increase under the new three year contract. While transit workers are getting a bump in pay. Brown says city transit workers are still below the provincial average.

The contract also adds protections to prevent bus surveillance cameras from being used to monitor job performance, Brown says the cameras are there for the safety of drivers and passengers and should only be used for criminal matters.

Brown voted against the contract although the union recommended a vote in favour and called the negotiation process the most "dysfunctional" he's ever seen in his time as union president.

Brown says the contract will be up for negotiation again in 18 months.

Strategic plan update

City councillors will hear Monday about how well they're doing to implement the strategic plan.

City Spokesperson Karen Lewis says they'll be giving an outline of their progress and of plans 92 initiatives. Lewis says 75 of the initiatives are either complete or have major aspects complete.

Lewis adds they'll be recommending council put in a corporate review process to look for ways to make the city more efficient.

Monday's council meeting is the last before the municipal election.