Highway 17 closure lifted

A road closure on Highway 17 near Nipigon has been lifted. The OPP closed the highway early this morning after a collision involving a Tractor Trailer. Only minor injuries were reported.

Westjet flight makes impromptu landing in Thunder Bay

A 27 year old is in Police custody after a scary incident during a Westjet flight from Vancouver to Toronto. Police say the man became agitated during the flight, forcing the crew to make an emergency landing at the Thunder Bay Airport. The other 118 passengers who were on the flight will continue their scheduled flight to Toronto today.

Hundreds enjoy Parade of Lights

The holiday spirit is certainly alive in Thunder Bay.  Hundreds of people lined Memorial Avenue Saturday evening to watch the annual Parade of Lights. 

Ambulance involved in three vehicle collision

No one is hurt after a collision involving an impaired driver and an ambulance last night. Police say a woman attempted to pass an ambulance, but hit a parked car and proceeded to hit the ambulance before coming to rest on a homes front lawn. Extensive damage was done to both vehicles, along with the ambulance and the house.

Strong November for the Port of Thunder Bay

A big milestone has been reached by the Port of Thunder Bay. The port shipped over one million tonnes of cargo in November, making that the most cargo shipped in one month since May of 2009. Nearly 900,000 tonnes of grain was shipped throughout the month.

Council to talk about selling golf courses

Council is going behind closed doors Monday to speak about the possibility of selling the municipal golf courses.  Recently Mayor Keith Hobbs said, he wants to see the course break even and if that doesn't happen selling them is an option they could look at.

Waste Management Strategy ontap at council

City Council will be getting a report on the development of a Solid Waste Management Strategy at Monday's meeting.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says its a great way to plan for the future and help divert more waste away from the landfill.

Osisko concerned about potential mine workforce

A worker shortage could be one of the obstacles facing Osisko Mining. The company has started a study to determine the impact a proposed open-pit gold mine near Atikokan might have. Senior Advisor Mark Boller says having enough well-trained employees is one area the company is looking at. The company says it might need up to 2-thousand workers for construction and 500 in the mine.

Lawyers concerned over crime bill

With the advent of the Harper Government's new crime bill, changes are coming to the criminal justice system. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he recently had a chance to sit down with concerned Kenora lawyers.  He feels he was able to alleviate some of the worries they had about the new legislation.

Feds say no to Multi-Plex funding

Disappointing but not a setback is what City Manager Tim Commisso calls the decision by the federal government not to grant the city money in the current round of funding for the proposed Multi-Plex. Commisso says the project will go on adding council has already approved the feasibility study.  He says we were one of 120 applications for the so called P-3 funding.

Mac's Mart is making changes to prevent robberies

Uniformed Security Guards could soon be patrolling our local Mac's Marts.  The Company announced today that they are making a number of changes to deter the rash of armed robberies plaguing their stores in Thunder Bay.  The company will also be reducing the hours at certain locations and clearing the lines of site with in the stores.

Make way for the Parade of Lights

The popular Parade of Lights happens Saturday night. About 50 or so trucks will be decorated for the event. Organizer Marshall Erickson says it will move down Memorial from the Harbour Expressway to Queen Street.  The parade begins at 7 o'clock and is expected to last about 45 minutes.

Jobless rate climbs again

Our jobless rate edged up last month.  Thunder Bay's rate went from 6.9 percent to 7 percent in October.  That's still lower than the national and provincial rates which sit at 7.4 and 7.9 percent respectively. 

RFDA seeks $

Thunder Bay residents are being asked to open up their wallets for the Regional Food Distribution Association. Board Chair Kelly Hicks says they're trying to raise about 400 thousand dollars to put the finishing touches on the new Syndicate Avenue headquarters, specifically completing work on the kitchen by purchasing new equipment.  The campaign will run until June.

NAN talks Attawapiskat

The Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation says chronic Federal underfunding is to blame for the housing crisis in Attawapiskat.  Stan Beardy says it's shameful that the Harper Government is trying to absolve itself from its responsibilities.  Beardy says many of the communities in the Far North would allow people to use their traditional lands in exchange for basic human rights like clean water.

Humane Society staying open for now

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is going to continue to operate until March 31st. Executive Director Maryann Kleynendorst says they'll continue to evaluate their financial situation on a month to month basis. The organization announced earlier in the year that they were facing a 180 thousand dollar operating shortfall and would be forced to close their doors on December 31st if things didn't improve.

Man stabbed on May and Williams

2 teens are charged with aggravated assault after a man was stabbed at May and Williams Street.  Police received a 911 call around 10:20 last night of a male being being stabbed.  The victim was transported to hospital and is in stable condition.  A knife was located further down on Williams Street.  Both accused will attend bail court in the morning.

Highgate Road Fire

A chimney fire forced a family of four out of their Highgate Road home last night.  Firefighters from Junot, North Central Mapleward, James and Neebing Stations battled the blaze that spread to the attic.  The fire department is reporting extensive water and smoke damage.  Investigators will be looking into the exact cause later today.

Third party management is not for Attawapiskat: Fontaine

The problems in Attawapiskat go beyond band finances according to the former head of the Assembly of First Nations. Speaking in Thunder Bay,  Phil Fontaine said the government decision to appoint a third party to manage the community will not get to the root of the problem. He says "third party managers cannot approve housing initiatives, because it's beyond their mandate."  Fontaine was in Thunder Bay to get an honourary degree from Lakehead University.

False security scare at the airport

 There's a red faced vehicle owner in Florida right now.   Thunder Bay Airport officials say an SUV left running in front of the airport terminal caused a bit of a security stir yesterday.  They had to call police after security spotted it running without anyone in it.   It turns out the owners were already on their way to a sunny Orlando vacation when the vehicle was discovered.   They'll get to pick up the keys and a parking ticket when they arrive

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Small fire causes a scene at Econo Lodge

No one was hurt during a small fire that forced the evacuation of the Econo Lodge on Memorial. Officials say a small electrical fire in one of the rooms caused the evac just before 11 o'clock and crews quickly put out the fire. 

Motors and Muscles launches raffle

The Canadian Diabetes Association is gearing up for it's Motors and Muscles Raffle. 600 tickets will be sold at 100 dollars a pop and Fundraising Chair John Trevisanutto hopes they'll be able to raise more money than last year. The draw will take place at the OLG Casino this year and is for a 2012 Harley Davidson Dyna Switchback Motorcycle.

LU gives Honourary Degree to Phil Fontaine

Lakehead University handed out an honourary degree to the former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.  LU President Brian Stevenson says the school is honoured to give Phil Fontaine the degree.  He says its important to celebrate the Aboriginal component of the University and Northwestern Ontario.  Fontaine was given the degree at a ceremony this morning. 

Dilico Christmas Fundraiser

Dilico Children's Foundation is looking to the community to help them with their Christmas fundraiser.  Chair Melanie Albanese says they want to provide 300 kids with Christmas boxes this year.  You can pick up empty boxes and drop off full boxes at the Thunder Bay Insurance, TD Bank locations, the Mary J L Black Branch Library and the Brodie Resource Library.

Arts and Heritage Awards

Several Thunder Bay artists were recently honoured during the City's Arts and Heritage awards.  10 awards were presented to nominees in nine categories representing Thunder Bay's cultural sector.  Magic 99 and The Giant 105.3 presented Paul Morralee with the Performing and Media Arts award.

Hobbs in Chicago this weekend

Thunder Bay's Mayor is in Chicago this weekend talking about the Great Lakes.  Keith Hobbs is taking part in a meeting of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Initiative. Hobbs says they'll also discuss wastewater management and the invasion of asian sea carp.

Hobbs tackles PETA e-mails

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is being bombarded with e-mails from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.  The group recently asked its supporters to write the Mayor and Council to cancel their plans for a bow hunt of deer.  Hobbs reiterates that he's opposed to the bow hunt in City limits.  The Mayor says he's taken the time to respond to each of the 200 e-mails he's received.

CP Holiday Train Friday night

It's time to get on board the Holiday Train.  The brightly lit CP locomotive will be passing through Thunder Bay Friday night.  Spokesperson Melissa Murray says the Holiday Train is in support of local food banks.  The train is expected at the CP train station on Syndicate at 9:30 Friday night.  Valdy will highlight the Holiday Train's entertainment this year.

PETA starts letter campaign to Council

The City's decision to allow bow hunting in City limits is not sitting well with animal rights group PETA.  The group wants residents to write Council asking them to scrap their bow hunting legislation.  The group is also applauding the City for discouraging the feeding of deer.

Conmee Street House Fire

A Conmee Street family is safe after their home caught fire over the evening hours. Firefighters from Hodder, North Central and Junot fought the fire and kept it to the outside of the home. The Fire Department is reporting very little smoke damage and no structural damage. Investigators will be on the scene of the fire today to look into the cause.

Shoving match leads to man grabbing an axe

 A shoving match turned ugly last night with Police taking a 56 year old man into custody.  A 911 call was made to a north side residence after two men were arguing.  One man went to the shed to grab an axe, when he got back the other man had retreated upstairs.  The 56 year old is in bail court this morning on charges of using a dangerous weapon.

Busy night for Police

Thunder Bay Police were kept busy last night with several calls for service. Police started off with arresting several people with possession of Oxycodone and Cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Later in the evening, a 40 year old woman was brought in to the Police Station for Breaching her Undertaking. She then spit on the police officer's face with a mouth full of blood. Finally, a 55 year old man was nabbed for drinking and driving after he almost drove into a train at a railway crossing.

Exacto knife lands man in bail court

A 29 year old man is in trouble with the law after pulling a knife on a woman on Simpson Street last night.  Police say the drunk man didn't like the response he received from the woman so he threatened her with an exacto knife.  The man is in bail court this morning facing charges of Assault with a Weapon and Dangerous Weapons.

Lakehead Public Board likes Anti Bullying Legislation

The Lakehead Public School board is happy with the province's new bullying legislation.  Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says the school board supports tougher punishments in bullying cases.  The McGuinty Government introduced a bill that would allow students to be expelled if they bully other students.

Twolves Coach a fan of 4 ref system

The OUA is testing out a 4 man reffing system this season.  Thunderwolves Head Coach Joel Scherban says this past weekend's games against Laurier had the 4 man team and he liked it.  Scherban says it leads to a more open game and helps eliminate stick work behind the play, that normally gets missed when there is only one head ref.  Scherban says the timing is right, to switch to a permanent 4 man system.

More delays for hotel announcement

More delays for the developer who wants to have a hotel built on the waterfront. Gisele MacDonald says the location of a water main at the site caused a delay in the land sale with the city, but is in the process of being settled. MacDonald won't speculate on when an announcement will be made. The delay means an announcement on the hotelier won't come until the new year.

Gravelle says Ontario is a leader at protecting species

Ontario is a leader in North America when it comes to protecting species at risk.  Thats the opinion of Province's Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle in regards to Environment Commissioner Gord Miller's recent report.  Miller says the Province isn't doing enough to protect endangered species.  Gravelle says the key challenge is finding a balance between protecting animals and job creation.

Bouchard on literacy mission

Order of Canada Member David Bouchard is trying to inspire Aboriginal and First Nation youth to pick up a book and read. Westgate Students gathered this morning to hear Bouchard's message. Bouchard is a Metis writer and is touring across Canada as a literacy advocate.

World AIDS Day Thursday

Thunder Bay's local AIDS group is marking World AIDS day Thursday.  Spokesperson Bob Manson says their fourth annual breakfast will be held tomorrow morning at the Victoria Inn.

Lang receives lifetime achievement award

Confederation College's past President is being honoured by the Premier.  Pat Lang received the lifetime achievement award.  Four Confederation College Alumni's were also nominated at the recent Premier's Awards.

Canada Border tales

The Canada Border Service Agency is telling tales out of school.  They've released monthly stats for the Pigeon River crossing in October.  Among the highlights, include a Canadian man who went across for a day and came back with a vintage car.  The man provided a border agent with a fake receipt for five thousand dollars but after close examination revealed it cost almost 10 thousand dollars.  He was dinged with over 2-thousand dollars in fines.

Shelter House kicks off $ drive

Shelter House has a lofty fundraising goal this Christmas season. Manager Cal Rankin says they are looking to raise 150 thousand dollars in the community and are hoping they can reach some new donors this year.  He says no donation is too small. The money raised is a critical part of the homeless shelter's yearly operations.

Open house makes its mark

New design proposals for the main streets in Thunder Bay are now public. They were presented at a City open house. Scott Garner of the local office of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind came to see if his groups ideas were included in the consultants plan, as did Gloria Cyr from the Heritage Committee. City council will get to see the final report in the new year which will present guidelines on how make the city's main drags look nicer through tree planting and landscaping

Wood Supply is not the reason for struggles at Global Sticks

The Forestry Minister says a wood supply is not to blame for the problems at Global Sticks.  Michael Gravelle says his ministry has worked tirelessly to find the company a proper wood supply and has in fact identified over 30 options for the struggling company.  Gravelle says there is no question the company is having problems but nothing more could have been done at providing a wood supply.

Northern teens drink and smoke more

Northern Ontario teens are doing more drugs and drinking more alcohol than their colleagues in the south. That's the findings of a new provincial survey.  Patty Hajdu of the District Health Unit says the good news is that drug use in general is going down, except for cannabis

Chamber prez touts zero per cent

The president of the Chamber of Commerce wants the city to look at other ways of raising money for road repairs. Harold Wilson questions why taxes have to go up 1 and a half per cent in order to make it happen.  He suggests that other areas be found to fund those projects including internal savings.  Wilson says Chamber members would be willing to work with the city to help find those savings.

Party planned for Prince Arthur's Landing

The City wants to celebrate the opening of the new look waterfront at Prince Arthur's Landing. Events Supervisor Doug Henry says they plan to hold a big bash next month.   He says on the evening of December the 16th there'll be  events and ceremonies to mark the occasion.   Henry says the evening will end with a fireworks display.

Allstate Canada rates T. Bay sixth

Thunder Bay ranks sixth on a list of the safest places to drive in Ontario.  The study that was carried out from 2009 until this year was conducted by Allstate Canada.  Thunder Bay has a collision frequency rate of 3.66 per 100 cars on the road.

Ring of Fire Conference on this week

The Ring of Fire continues to be a hot topic for First Nation Communities.  The Centre for First Nations Governance is holding a two day conference in Thunder Bay this week and Spokesperson Len Hartley says they hope to foster good discussions.  The aim of the conference is to develop a better working relationship between Government and First Nations.

Clean, Green and Beautiful

City Council celebrated some of the best and brightest buildings in the city last night. The New Mary J L Black Library earned a Diamond Award, with Gold Awards going to Isabella Retirement Living and the McIntyre Building at Confederation college. The committee chose the the buildings that best enrich the life of the community through art beautification, heritage and environmental greening.