NAN communities getting high tech

The within 5 years, 26 Nishnawbe Aski First Nations Communities will be hooked up to fibre optics. The federal and provincial governments along with a private company are making it happen. Total cost of the project is 86 million dollars.

Duncan vows to look into water complaint

The Federal Indian Affairs Minister says he will deal with the water supply at Constance Lake First Nation.  The First Nation sent out a statement saying they're outraged that INAC cut the amount of water being supplied to their residents.  John Duncan vows to look into the matter.  Duncan adds he personally hasn't heard about the complaints from the First Nation.

Chamber Businesses to be reviewed

Confederation College Business Students will be getting real world experience soon.  Four students will be reviewing Chamber of Commerce businesses.  President Harold Wilson says they're looking for both the students and businesses to take part. Wilson says the project will start in January.

NDP Critic visits Thunder Bay

The NDP are on the war path when it comes to Women's rights in Canada. The NDP Status of Women Critic toured Northwestern Ontario this week and touted her committees report on women's issues. Irene Mathyssen says it looks at First Nation women's rights and the report will be released in the New Year. Mathyssen is critical of the Federal Government denying funding to the Sisters in Spirit program. She feels the Federal Government needs to provide the funds and shouldn't have cut them in the first place.

NAN wants Sisters in Spirit funds restored

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is calling on the Federal Government to restore funding to the Sisters in Spirit Program.  The program is a database for missing or murdered aboriginal women.  The Federal Government didn't renew the program's operating agency funding this year.

FWFN inks land claim deal

It's a historic day on the Fort William First Nation. They've received an offer from the Canadian and Ontario governments to settle a land claim.  The proposed settlement includes about 154 million dollars and transfers of land on Flatland and Pie Island.   The band membership will now vote on the proposed settlement on January 22nd.  However Chief Peter Collins doubts it will be turned down.

Chop Shop case moving forward slowly

Two decade long lawsuits are back in the courts.  T&T Auto and Central Auto Parts are suing a number of people including a retired OPP officer, Former Police Chief Leo Toneguzzi and Mayor elect Keith Hobbs.  The lawsuits stem from charges against the companies that were dropped in the 90's.  Part of the complex procedures saw the winner win a court order in the case.

CEP and Greenpeace Unite

Greenpeace and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union are teaming up to create green forestry jobs.  The environmental group released it's green jobs report for northern forestry in Thunder Bay today.   CEP Spokesperson Kim Ginter hopes by launching the report in Thunder Bay, Minister Michael Gravelle and the Liberals will sit up and take notice. Greenpeace Spokesperson Catherine Grant says the report represents a new forest where both the environment and jobs are protected.  Both parties say it's important to be united on the forestry front.

Save Jimi the Dog facebook group is growing

A facebook group has been started in an attempt to save the Pit Bull cross who killed a small dog last week.  So far over 300 people have signed up hoping to prevent the dog from being euthanized.  Mayor Elect Keith Hobbs joined the group.  Hobbs says he was attacked by a Pit bull once when he was a police officer and said that dog wasn't put down because it wasn't his fault.

No charges after fatal industrial accident

There won't be any charges stemming from an industrial accident that left one man dead.  A 51 year old man died after being crushed between the garbage compactor at Superstore and his Recool truck last November.  The ministry of labour investigated and no charges will be laid.

Gravelle happy about energy rebate

It's official, the McGuinty Government will give residents a 10 percent rebate on electricity bills in 2011. Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says it will start in January. Gravelle adds if companies are unable to provide the rebate on the bills in January, the rebate will be retroactive to January on future bills. The opposition parties say the Liberals are trying to buy voter support, but Gravelle says that's not the case.

More snow in the forecast

It's going to be another snowy evening in Thunder Bay.  The forecast is calling for a significant snowfall overnight according to meteorologist Bill Laidlaw.  He says 5 cm should fall in the city and up to 10 cm outside the city. Laidlaw says watch for winds to pick up as well.

Kettle Appeal kicks off

It just isn't Christmas without the Salvation Army's Kettle Appeal.   The fundraising goal this year is 130 thousand dollars.  The kettles will be located at various city locations.

Housing market to cool

The housing market in Thunder Bay will cool a bit next year.    Canada Mortgage and Housing says activity will be slightly slower in several areas according to analyst Warren Philp. He says sales of existing houses will drop slightly and there'll be about a 7 per cent drop in the number of new houses that are started.

Alzheimer's benefits from cash

Thunder Bay's Alzheimer's Society has benefited from money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  The OTF provided enough cash for a three year pilot project.  Spokesperson Jason Rasevych says they used the money to improve their fundraising techniques.  Rasevych says donations increased quite a bit from 2007 as well, going from 40 thousand to 90 thousand a year.  Rasevych adds more people know about the local branch now than they did at the start of the project in 2003.

It's not too late for seniors

It's not too late to change careers.  That's the message of the North Superior Workforce Planning Board.  Keynote Speaker Julia Moulden says if your in your fifties and out of work don't give up.  The motivational speaker and author says it's never to late to start a new business or switch careers.  Moulden says there's plenty of programs and resources to help experienced workers re-enter the workforce in Thunder Bay.

HRC to review haircutting incident

The Ontario Human Rights Commission is looking into an incident in Thunder Bay.  The family of the aboriginal boy who had his hair cut by a teacher's assistant at McKellar Park School last year is complaining the incident was racial discrimination.  The complaint names the teacher's assistant involved, the Lakehead public school board, Thunder Bay Police and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Man robbed at knife point

A man was robbed at knife point in the city last night.  Thunder Bay Police say the victim was walking in the Norah and Cameron Street area when a man assaulted him and held him for 30 minutes before making off with his iPod and Blackberry.  There were no injuries in the incident that happened just before 10:30 last night.

Court Street Standoff costs $46,000

The cost of the standoff on court street is nearly 50 thousand dollars.  Police say the 27 hour standoff that happened two weeks ago involved nearly 40 officers on scene.  Deputy Chief JP Levesque says despite the extra costs he believes it was money well spent.  The money adds to budget problems with the police force which is already looking at over 400 thousand dollars in the red.

Tribute paid to Leo Bernier

The King of the North is still being talked about at Queen's Park. Members from all parties paid tribute to Leo Bernier today. Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak stood up in the legislature and touched on his legacy. Bernier past away at the age of 81 this summer. Bernier was the last northwestern Tory to sit at Ontario’s cabinet table.

Anti-bullying is the message

The move is on to eliminate bullying in the city's public schools. Former Westgate student Emily Lauzon returned there to discuss issues relating to alternative lifestyles which includes, gays, lesbians, bisexual and those who are transgender. The talk was part of a week the school board has set aside to bring awareness to bullying.

Hyer's bill fizzles

Bruce Hyer's climate change bill is dead in the water.   The Thunder Bay MP blames what he calls Prime Minister Harper's unelected Senate which voted it down on Tuesday night. The bill would have forced the government to set targets for greenhouse gas emissions

TV announcement just days away

Officials at TBayTel are remaining coy about the roll out of their new TV service. It's designed to compete with cable and satellite providers. The only thing that President Don Campbell will tell us is that "day one" it's just days away.

3G network up and running

Thunder Bay Telephone has launched it's latest cellphone technology.  President Don Campbell says the 3G mobility service is up and running in Thunder Bay.  The service will be offered in Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Red Lake and Kenora next month.  Fort Frances, Atikokan, Rainy River, and Nipigon will get the service in 2011.

Chimney Swift population on the decline

Wanted: Bird watchers.  The Chimney Swift population in Ontario is dwindling and Birds Canada needs your help.  Elisabeth Van Stam says they're looking for people to look for the bird's stomping grounds.  Stam says key swift habitat is chimneys and hollow logs.  Anyone interested is asked to e-mail volunteer@birdscanada.org

Health Unit increases municipal levies

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is looking for more money from area municipalities. CEO Doug Heath says they passed the 2011 budget yesterday and describes it as a status quo budget.  Heath adds they're making no changes to their programs or services, and will require a 1 percent increase in Provincial funding as well as the matching funds from municipalities. Thunder Bay will see a 3.2 percent increase in the amount they pay to the Health Unit.

Charity dinner battles homelessness/hunger

Another milestone for a local charity. The annual Empty Bowls Caring Hearts dinner has raised 16 thousand dollars for Shelter House and the Thunder Bay Food Bank. Organizer Pyteke Blaauw says it proves we have a giving community.  The two organizations will be presented with their cheques Thursday.

Spirit of Giving Tree Campaign is on

You have another option if you want to give a kid in need a merry Christmas. Zellers is partnering with the Thunder Bay Children's Aid Society and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care for the annual Spirit of Giving Tree Campaign. CAS Executive Rob Richardson says you can choose a gift for a child off the tree and put it in the box. He says they hope to get around 500 gifts this year and gifts will be accepted until December 17th.

Alternative Education in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's future generations could learn differently than today's school kids.  The Northern Lights Education Initiative wants to create an alternative school.  Spokesperson Erin Carter says tonight's public meeting is the first step towards building the facility.  Carter says they hope to partner with the Lakehead Public School Board on the initiative.  A public meeting on the topic is being held tonight at 515 Syndicate Avenue.

Anishinabek Police Service gets new digs

The Anishinabek Police Services broke ground on their new Head Quarters.  The new detachment located at the Fort William First Nation will be built at Anemki place and is scheduled to be completed this spring.  A special ceremony was held Monday morning. 

Police Services Board looking at possible raise

Members of the police services board could be getting a raise.  The Board started preliminary discussion at yesterday's meeting. Board members get 3 thousand dollars a year while the chair gets 35 hundred dollars.  The police services board hasn't had a pay increase in 11 years.

Owner to decide dog's fate

The Dog that killed a small Chihuahua will be quarantined for 10 days.  Under the Dog Owners Liability Act the dog was put into quarantine and charges are being considered by the city after the incident last week at the off leash dog park across from the community auditorium.  A decision on charges and whether or not the dog will be put down will be made after the quarantine.  By Law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says if the owner doesn't put the dog down he will be charged.

Police Board looking to hire consultant

Thunder Bay's Police Board wants to hire a consultant to help them find a new Police Chief.  Board Chair Wayne Bahlieda says they hope to have a consultant hired by January.  Bahlieda says they will be looking for candidates from the police world.  Bahlieda says the consultant will help look for a new chief, but won't have hiring powers.

L-U improves in university rankings

Lakehead University is edging up in Maclean's Magazine's national rankings. It moved to 12th from 14th in the category of best undergraduate universities. Provincially, the survey positions L-U at number 3  out of 8, and that's fine by President Brian Stevenson   He says since 90 per cent of students come from Ontario the provincial rankings are important.   Stevenson believes the survey also shows the constant improvement and development of the university.

United Way gives fundraising update

United Way has raised 37 percent of it's 2010 campaign goal.  So far over 920 thousand dollars is in the groups coffers.  The goal is almost 2 and a half million dollars.

Road closure Wednesday

The City of Thunder Bay is closing the North bound lane of Golf Links Road Wednesdy. The closure will be in effect from Central Avenue to Oliver Road from 9 to 4. City crews will be repairing a hydro pole that was broken during a car accident.

Toys for Tots returns

Toys for Tots is back with it's fundraising efforts for another Christmas season. Organizer Bob Vander Ploeg  says there are thousands of children from needy families in Thunder Bay who will benefit.  The goal this year is 130 thousand dollars.  The firefighters have a booth set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre to take your donations.

Bad bug on the way

Thunder Bay is working on a plan of attack against the Emerald Ash Borer.  The invasive pest will be in Thunder Bay within the next five years and could devestate the City's urban forest.  Forestry Program Specialist Rena Viehbeck says there are two options.  One of the options is to inject an antibiotic into some of the emerald ash in the city.  Viehbeck says the other option is to do nothing and replace the trees when they die.   Urban Forester Shelly Veccio says it could kill all of the ash trees within the city.

Pharmacies are experiencing shortages

Thunder Bay Pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of prescription drugs.  Janzen's Pharmacy Owner Brenda Adams says part of the problem began when changes were made to the rules governing drug manufacturers.  Adams says a variety of drugs are on back order and some people are going without their prescriptions.  Adams adds the situation is the worst she's seen in her 26 years in the business.

CA Rockstar on youtube

A Thunder Bay resident is doing his best to make Chartered Accountants cool. Richard Jagielowicz is a finalist in the Chartered Accountants of Ontario's Rule the Tube contest. You can support the Thunder Bay CA by watching his youtube Video entitled Rule the Tube CA Rockstar. The contest comes to a close on Friday. To watch his video click here.

Local teens top alcohol survey

Teens in Thunder Bay lead the province in a very dubious category.  They drink more alcohol on average than teens in the rest of Ontario. The Health Unit's Jennifer McFarlane says the Health Unit continues it's efforts to reduce the problem.   The survey by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health shows 64 per cent of teens have tried alcohol compared to 58 per cent across the province.  The same stats show city teens also binge drink more than their provincial peers.

Dog owner could face charges

The city will decide whether or not to charge the owner of the dog that killed a small Chihuahua at an off leash park. By-law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says the City will take action if the offending dog is not put down. Bourret says if the dog is not put down there will be charges.

A new seniors complex opens its doors

McKellar place has officially opened its doors.  75 temporary housing units are now being occupied at the facility.  The apartments offer seniors independent living with some support from building staff.  The units will be used as a stop gap for seniors until the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors Services opens.

Rafferty's pension bill being discussed

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty's pension bill is being discussed Tuesday.  Rafferty says they'll be going clause by clause through the bill for the next two weeks.  The NDP member says he hopes to have a vote on the bill just before the Christmas break.

Two TBay men charged

Two men from Thunder Bay face charges following a chase with OPP in Kenora. Officers tried to stop the vehicle on numerous occassions Sunday, however the car failed to stop. It was eventually stopped north of the Kenora Bypass, when police deployed a spike belt. The two men tried to escape on foot, but were nabbed a short time later. OPP say 31-year-old Chadwick Atwood and 32-year-old Stephen Parr both face charges of possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. Parr has also been charged with dangerous operation and driving while disqualified.

Habitat helps another family

Another family has moved into a Habitat for Humanity Home in Thunder Bay. The McKay's will now reside at 44 Banning Street thanks to the organization. Mother, Nicole says she's excited about her new home. Another habitat family was recently living in the Banning Street home.

Police busy with weekend robberies

City Police and OPP had to deal with separate robberies on the weekend.   OPP arrested a 36 year old Quebec man after the Imperial Bar and Motel was robbed.  In Thunder Bay police say that they are looking for the man responsible for the knife point robbery of the Elks Lodge on Syndicate Avenue Friday night.

Police nab B & E suspect

A 34 year old man is facing a break and enter charge after an incident on the city's north side. They say a man was seen scoping out some yards on McKibbon Street about 9:30 Monday morning. A suspect was captured on Rupert Street using a police dog. A number of electronic devices were seized at the scene.

College promises more Aboriginal education

Confederation College and Matawa First Nations are partnering. The College has signed an agreement which will see it provide services to the Aboriginal youth in that organization. College President Pat Lang believes the partnership will help make a difference in the First Nations communities.

Operation Red Nose is Back

Operation red nose will be running again this year. Honorary chairman Ken Boshcoff says the message is still getting drivers home safely when they have had too much to drink. He also stated that they are still looking for more sponsors and volunteers. Operation Red Nose starts November 27.

Traffic Jam on Highway 102

Recent snowfall has made travelling on highway 102 something to avoid. Eastbound traffic is blocked due to several transport trucks that have spun out on hills. There are tow trucks on the scene trying to assist the situation. Westbound traffic is still moving but at a very slow pace. Police say if possible take highway 11-17 instead.