Hillier comments on Bill 151

The Provincial Government has passed the forest tenure bill.  Third reading of Bill 151 and an hour of debate took place on Tuesday.  Progressive Conservative Critic for Northern Development Randy Hillier says the Liberals played a shell game with the region switching the legislation and closing down discussion.

NAN says jury roll problem not resolved

A lack of First Nation representation on Ontario's jury rolls has yet to be resolved.  That's according to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.  NAN is commenting after Attorney General Chris Bentley claimed issues around jury selection have been resolved.

Rafferty hopes for role in new look NDP

John Rafferty doesn't believe he'll be lost in the shuffle.  The Thunder Bay MP admits that with a record number of members in the NDP caucus he may not get the attention from leader Jack Layton like he used to. The new session of Parliament starts on June 2nd and Rafferty says he'll take whatever role the party wants him to play.   He expects to spend most of his early days helping new members learn the ropes.

Wind farm debate at the next stage

The wind farm controversy in Neebing moves to a new level tonight. It's the provincial phase of the approval process for the Big Thunder Wind Park. The first of two public consultations on the project takes place at Blake Community Hall starting at 6 o'clock

Aspenware plans for Dryden on hold

An economic blow to Dryden. Officials there say that Aspenware has put construction of a manufacturing plant in that city on the back burner. Mayor Craig Nuttall says they have been notified that the company, that specializes in wooden cutlery, wants to concentrate on its manufacturing plant in B.C. first.

Fewer dollars coming from OLG

The City of Thunder Bay will be losing money as the result of accounting changes at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The OLG's Tony Bitonti  says the changes will result in a reduction in the quarterly dividends which this year will amount to about 65 thousand dollars.  Bitonti says, however, the city's 5 per cent share of slot machine revenues from the casino is not changing

Blue Parrot set to close

After 38 years the Blue Parrot Restaurant is closing its doors.  The family who owns and operates the Greek restaurant on Lisgar Street will be retiring with their last day of business being this Sunday. 

Hilton Hotel reps talk to City Council

Representatives from Hilton Hotels spoke to Thunder Bay City Council Monday night.  The Thunder Bay Hotel Partnership Group wants council to amend the zoning by-laws to allow the proposed hotel to be built on Airport lands on Arthur Street.  The Hilton Hampton Inn is a four story building that would have a resort like setting.  The construction of the hotel is expected to cost 10 million dollars and property taxes for the city would be around 225-thousand dollars a year.

Police Chief recognized

Thunder Bay Police Chief Bob Herman is among three northwestern Ontario officers being recognized for their contributions to policing. Treaty Three Police Chief Henry DeLaronde, along with OPP Detective Inspector Dennis Olinyk have been appointed members of the Order of Merit of the Police Services.

Workshop dissects Community Forestry

A controversial idea gets a hearing at Lakehead University Tuesday.  Peggy Smith of the Natural Resources Department says a workshop will examine the concept of Community Forestry which sees decisions on forestry made at the local level.   Smith says the workshop brings together people across the north to discuss the issue.

Horwath talks forestry

The Provincial NDP is not letting up in its offensive against the McGuinty Liberals and its wood re-allocation policy.  In Queen's Park on Monday, Leader Andrea Horwath brought up the Hudson Sawmill bankruptcy.  Horwath says she's frustrated by reports of interest from Lac Seul First Nation, noting that interest is tied to a secure wood supply.

Nursing program deemed success

A community based nursing program currently offered across the Region will be featured in a soon-to-be released paper from Lakehead University and Confederation College.  Dryden Hospital Spokesperson Darlene Furlong says the program has been a critical recruiting tool.  This is the second installment of the program which will graduate 21-nurses at the end of the 4-year course.

Curtola says Richardson's death a big loss

Thunder Bay's Bobby Curtola calls him a great man.   Curtola says the death of record producer Jack Richardson is a big loss for the industry.   Richardson recorded some of Curtola's songs in the 1960's.   Curtola says Richardson was a no nonsense guy who demanded perfection.  Richardson died on the weekend at the age of 81.  He is best know for producing the Guess Who

MNR sending help to fight Alta fires

Help is on the way for weary firefighters in Alberta. Debbie MacLean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says a group of over 80 Ontario firefighters are going to help with the forest fires in that province. MacLean says half of the force will come from the Northwest Region the other half from the Northeast Region.

Collins eyes good relations with city

Chief Peter Collins and the new Fort William First Nations band council are now sworn in. Collins says the next two year term will be a busy one with numerous projects on the go.   Collins is also looking forward to improved relations with the City of Thunder Bay through a Memorandum of Understanding .  He says it will help build the economy's of both communities together

Foundation launches 2011 Prostate Campaign

Lets start talking about our prostates...that's the message in this year's Regional Health Sciences Foundation campaign.  President Glen Craig says a few years ago men wouldn't talk about anything south of the belt and that is changing.  Craig says hundreds of men have put their names into the hat to become a Prostate Man and that shows the increase in awareness. Craig says both Quality Market locations will be selling Prostate Man T-shirts for the campaign.

Beardy heads to the UN

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is heading back to the United Nations.  Stan Beardy will be leading a NAN delegation to the annual forum on Indigenous issues in New York this week.  The two week forum will focus on topics including economic and social development and the environment.

OPP look for distracted drivers

The O-P-P in Thunder Bay are out in force starting today looking for distracted drivers.If you are caught chatting on a cellphone the ticket is 155 dollars.  Using a cellphone isn't the only distraction police are looking for.   Eating while driving and fiddling with your mp3 player can also land you a fine.

The difference a year can make

At this time last year Thunder Bay residents could fill up for 98 cents a litre. According to the website gasbuddy.com, the price of unleaded gasoline has risen nearly 40 cents since last year.

Chemotherapy shortage not impacting T BAY

A National shortage of chemotherapy drugs isn't impacting Thunder Bay.  The hospital and Regional Cancer Care Northwest say they have a sufficient supply to meet demand. Planned treatment is not expected to be impacted in the near term including all patients in hospital, as well as clinic and outreach patients.

Senate approves law school

Lakehead University's Senate has approved the school's proposed law curriculum and faculty of law. The senate's approval was the final step before submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Training for funding support.

Sioux Lookout Mayor upset over mill

The Mayor of Sioux Lookout is lashing out at the Province for not allocating wood rights for the Hudson Mill. McKenzie Forest Products has filed for bankruptcy protection and will result in around 300 jobs lost.

Abitibi Bowater invests in its sawmill

Good news for Thunder Bay's Abitibi Bowater plant. The company is investing 8 million dollars to upgrade capacity at the sawmill. The upgrades started last month and should be finished within the next 2 years.

Stand off with police

For the fourth time this year Thunder Bay police were forced into a standoff. Spokesperson Chris Adams says a 52 year old man claimed to have guns and was trying to provoke police into shooting him. Adams says luckily in this case there were no injuries and the man surrendered peacefully.

Confederation College using wood to heat buildings

Confederation College is going green.  The provincial government is providing a million dollars towards the creation of a new bioenergy learning and research centre.  President Pat Lang says the facility will heat the REACH facility and the Shuniah building.  Wastewood from across the Northwest will be used to heat the two buildings.

Wind Farm Public Meetings start Tuesday

The Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee isn't giving up their fight against the proposed Big Thunder Wind Park.  Wind Concern Ontario President John La Foret says Horizon is going to be holding a series of meetings this week.  Public information sessions are being held in Neebing and Thunder Bay on Tuesday and Wednesday.  La Foret is speaking at an anti-wind farm rally on Monday at the Best Western Norwester Hotel.

Autopsy doesn't reveal cause of death

An autopsy on a 36-year-old woman, who was found in the bush in Kenora this week, has not been able to confirm the cause of death.  The body of Rosella Digirolamo was found Wednesday morning by the OPP's Emergency Response Unit.  She had been reported missing from her home last Thursday.  The OPP say they don't suspect foul play, but are continuing to work with the Coronor's office on the investigation.

Fishing database launched

All the information you need for a successful fishing trip in northwestern Ontario is now just a mouse-click away.  The Ministry of Natural Resources has put all of its fishing data on-line for the first time.  Matt Garvin is a spokesperson for the MNR and says the amount of information available is pretty impressive.  Garvin says the guide to eating sport fish in Ontario and fishing regulation guidelines are also included in the on-line data base.

Mental Health issues in schools

A youth panel provided their thoughts on mental health issues in area schools recently.  Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Stambrook stressed the importance of early detection of mental health illnesses. Stambrook says teachers must have their eyes more wide open to identify students at risk and provide referral to Mental Health Agencies. He stresses that Northwestern Ontario has a significant proportion of children who are affected by parental substance abuse.

OPP make arrest in copper theft

Thunder Bay OPP have made an arrest in the theft of copper wire.  31 year old Jeremy Bisson of Thunder Bay and 44 year old John Keating of Nova Scotia are charged with possession of stolen property, mischief and theft under 5 thousand dollars.  The duo will appear in provincial court on June 15th to answer the charges.

Paterson Family Food Centre open

The Regional Food Distribution Association still needs your help. The Paterson Foundation helped the organization renovate its South Syndicated building. Past Chair Larry Brigham says they still owe 247 thousand dollars on the building, and hopes the provincial government or community will help them with the cost.

Fines for Atikokan fire

A Quebec man has ordered to pay the cost of putting out a forest fire last year in the Atikokan area after pleading guilty to a charge of failing to keep a fire under control. The blaze occurred in the area of Raft Lake Road last April after a fire started for cooking was spread by strong winds to the nearby bush. Two Ministry of Natural Resource fire crews and a water bomber had to be dispatched to put out the fire.

Rotary draws cash

Two Thunder Bay residents are a little richer thanks to Rotary.  Karen Lauzon won 25 thousand dollars and Dee Bodnar won five grand.  The two will get their checks next week.  Each week leading up to the House Draw on Canada day a cash draw will be made.  Rotary is giving 75 thousand dollars in early bird draws.

High price of gas is bad for tourism

The high price of gas is going to impact Northwestern Ontario's tourism industry. Doug Reynolds is the President of Northern Ontario's Tourist Outfitters Association and says it's going to cost more to run area tourist camps. Reynolds adds it's also going to cost more for Americans to drive here for fishing trips. The price of gas is over a dolalrs fourty in some parts of the City today.

Port finishes year in the black

Thunder Bay's Port Authority ended 2010 in the black with over 38 million dollars.  The Port held its annual general meeting on Wednesday. C.E.O. Tim Heney says it was a good business year.  Heney adds grain demand is up so far this year and project cargo will also bring in a lot of work for the Port.

Autopsy underway today

Thunder Bay's coroner will be conducting an autopsy on the body that was found in the Kam River last night. Thunder Bay police spokesperson Chris Adams says it's hoped that the body will be identified later today. Adams won't speculate on the identity but it was found in the area where searchers had been looking for Jordan Wabasse.

Police release name of deceased

A 20 year old Thunder Bay man is dead after his pick up truck crashed into a dump truck on Highway 11/17 last week.  Justin John Dickey was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in Shuniah Township.  Police are still looking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision.

Longlac EMS station closed

Paramedics in Longlac will be working out of the community's Fire Station for a little while.   The Longlac EMS station has temporarily been closed because of mould. As soon as it's mould free, crews will return to work.

Plan Nord out shining the Ontario Northern Growth Plan

Ontario's Northern Growth Plan is coming up short when compared to Quebec's newly released Plan Nord.  Lakehead University Economics Professor Livio Di Matteo says Ontario appears to be a framework for future planning while Quebec's plan is a framework for future action.  Di Matteo says our plan calls for 5 million dollars for a Northern Policy Institute while Quebec's plan commits 2.1 billion dollars for various projects over the next 5 years.

Cab robbed at knife point

Thunder Bay police are looking for two men after a cab robbery.  The Cab was robbed a knife point on Pasture Road.  The driver wasn't hurt and the suspects made off on foot with some cash.

Body found in the Kam River.

A body has been found in the Kam River near the James Street Bridge.   Thunder Bay police say that it was discovered around 7 pm Tuesday night by a boater.  There is no word on whether it's the body of a man or a woman.   It's the same area that searchers have been looking for Jordan Wabasse.  The teen has been missing since February 7th.

Thunder Bay woman dies in vehicle accident

A 38 year old Thunder Bay woman is dead after an accident on the Trans Canada west of Sudbury.  An east bound vehicle crossed the centre line and hit a westbound vehicle. After the initial accident a second west bound car swerved to avoid the collision but lost control and struck a rock cut.  38 Year old Leisa Hald died at the scene of the accident.

Horwath stands up against high hydro prices

Monday's Hydro protest in Dryden has caught the attention of Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. Horwath brought the Premier up to speed on the rally during Question Period Tuesday.  She says area residents have had enough.  Horwath says Northerners are forced to decide between paying their hydro bill or putting food on the table.

HMCS Griffon sent to Winnipeg

Thunder Bay's HMCS Griffon is sending 5 members and two inflatable boats to help with flood relief efforts in Manitoba.  Lieutenant Commander John Bell says they'll be helping to evacuate residents and bring in supplies.  The group left today but more personnel are expected to be sent within the next 24 to 48 hours.  The Thunder Bay group will be dispatched to HMCS Chippewa in Winnipeg before receiving further orders.

Rendezvous with Italy launched

Fort William Historical Park is kicking off its summer line up with a tribute to Italian culture.  June is Italian culture month in Ontario. General manager Serigo Buonocore says Thunder Bay has a large Italian population and he hopes to see everyone come out and celebrate.  Other events this summer include Retrofest and Celtic fair.

10 mile road race back for another year

The Fire Fighters 10 mile road race is back for another year.  Race Director Mark Smith says it's an ongoing May long tradition heading in to a second century.   Smith adds the race wasn't held during the World Wars but has been held every year since.  Prize money will be awarded for the fastest male and female competitor.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels looks to future

Atikokan Renewable Fuels is expected to begin production later this year.  Owner Ed Fukushima says they know that the pellets they'll be producing will become quickly out-of-date.  Fukushima says they're researching new techniques that will get higher energy out of the wood.

Dental equipment heading to Cuba

40 thousand dollars in dental and medical equipment is heading to Cuba thanks to Confederation College.  The college no longer needed the equipment since they're receiving new equipment as part of the new REACH facility.  A humanitarian group in Cuba will be getting 36 dental work stations, 8 dental chairs, 13 dental lights, sinks, stretchers and more.

Gas prices go up

Its getting even more expensive to fill up your vehicle. According to the website gas buddy dot come, the price of regular has risen to a dollar 44 a litre at some stations.