MP Rickford Defends Safe Streets Act

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is defending the Safe Streets Act, which was passed through the House of Commons this week. The Kenora Lawyers Sentencing Group has been outspoken about the impact the bill will have on young offenders and aboriginal people who run afoul of the law. Rickford says they consulted widely on the bill and is satisfied that most Canadians support tougher sentences for criminals. Rickford says the bill provides better protection for children from sexual predators and tougher sentences for drug crimes.

City Council to look at new subdivision

A developer will ask council to approve a new subdivision on Mountain Road next to the Fort William Country Club.  Ryan Jones is looking for support to create a 25 unit project on 18 acres of land.  He originally presented this proposal in 2005 but it was turned down by council.  Jones has since undertaken a number of studies to meet some objections to his initial plan.

NDP Leadership contender makes late campaign stop in Tbay

Despite both our MP's already backing different NDP Leadership candidates the youngest contender is looking for support in Thunder Bay.  Niki Ashton was in town Friday and says she respects the decisions of both Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty and is looking for the support of all NDP party members in the Northwest.  The 29 year old believes it's time we look to the future to ensure her generation has the same opportunities that have been available in this country for decades.

Police Service wants Mauro demoted

City Police Sgt. Jim Mauro will find out his fate April 5th. An adjudicator has found Mauro guilty of discreditable conduct following a Police Services Act hearing. Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says they are asking that Mauro be permanently demoted to the rank of constable instead of an outright dismissal. Evidence at the hearing showed that Mauro presented letter at a 2009 arbitration proceeding and falsely claimed it was from then Police Association President, Keith Hobbs. Meantime the Mauro family says the proceedings were an "incredible" waste of taxpayers dollars.

Deputy Chief Hay discusses the fact Sgt. Mauro has been suspended with pay for the two years Mauro's case has been outstanding.

Shipping Season about to open

The start of the shipping season is coming early.  Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says an ice breaker will be here this weekend to get the port ready for the season that'll open on the 25th after the Sault Locks open. Heney says it looks like most people inside the grain industry think the Wheat Board ending could be good for Thunder Bay.

Man falls through floodway ice

A highly questionable decision has left one man wet but safe.  The man was walking across the Neebing McIntyre floodway when he fell through the ice.  Police say with the warm temperatures the ice in the area is NOT Safe.

NAN Women's Council

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Council is fresh off a two day election.  Four women from First Nations in the east of NAN's territory and four from the west were elected.  The council serves as the voice of women and families.

TVO show loosely based on NOSM

TVO is launching it's very own medical drama show based on the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.  Spokesperson Paul Ginnis says it's like a northern Ontario version of Grey's Anatomy.  The show will follow first year students working in the remote communities in the North. The production of the series is taking place around Sudbury.

Heart to Heart bonspiel cancelled

There will not be a Heart to Heart Charity Bonspiel this year. Organizers cancelled the long time event that was to raise money for the Northern Cardiac Fund. Officials say they needed 72 curlers to put on the event and as of yesterday only 34 people had shown interest. Due to the lack of interest final logistics could not be finalized.

Pain med shortage impacts Fido

A local veterinary hospital says they're starting to feel the impact of pain medication shortages.  Production cuts at a factory in Quebec are impacting human hospitals and now the treatment of animals as well. A local vet says they've been unable to get some of the medications they require but the purchasing companies they work with are looking for substitutes.  The vet clinic did not want their name used.

New iPad on store shelves

The new iPad has arrived in Thunder Bay but to very little fanfare.  Walmart Electronic's Department Manager Donald Bates says they expect to get more customers in the afternoon.  The new model comes with a faster processor and a much sharper screen.

Possible casino privatization concerns MPP

The possible privatization of Ontario Lottery and Gaming facilities in the province is catching a local MPP's attention. The idea was floated in this weeks OLG announcement of sweeping changes. Bill Mauro says he is unsure if that will mean the casino in Thunder Bay is going to land in private hands or not, and says he is having discussions on the issue since he hasn't seen any details of the proposal just yet.

LUSU Prez not happy with traffic on Oliver Road

The President of the Lakehead University Students Union wants to the see the city move faster to put in traffic lights in front of the Hospital.  Michael Snodden says with the rash of speeding tickets handed out this week it just proves how dangerous it is for students to cross Oliver Road. Snodden says he's been told the city is mindful of the situation but feels more could be done to get the lights in sooner rather than later.  City Engineering Manager Pat Mauro says lights will be installed this year but not until at least May.

Say hello to Lakehead Yale Sports Holdings

The group looking to bring a professional or major junior hockey team to Thunder Bay is trying to get people used to calling them Lakehead Yale Sports Holdings.  CEO Anthony Leblanc says that has been the official name for about a year after Ice Edge Holdings was disbanded. He says Ice Edge was created for the sole purpose of purchasing the Phoenix Coyotes.  The new company is working hard on a number of issues including bringing a team here.  Leblanc says he is impressed with recent developments in regards to a new Events Centre in Thunder Bay and says a new arena is a key term to bringing in a team.  He adds it is a condition of every hockey league they have had discussions with.

No deer feeding complaints

The City's bylaw enforcement manager says no one is complaining yet following news that a man on Mission Island is feeding deer which is now against the law. Ron Bourret says the system only works if someone calls his department since it's complaint driven.  Bourret says the law isn't being enforced until May first anyway, so the person would only get a lecture.

Police look for missing man

City police are looking for a missing  20 year old man.   They say that Oscar Jesus Amor Bacic was last seen at the Regional Health Science's Centre March 7th.  Police say there are concerns because of mental health issues. Police say he doesn't know anyone here and has ties to southern Ontario and to Manitouwadge.

People still speeding near hospital

Thunder Bay Police continue to target speeders near the Health Sciences Centre. For the second time this week officers set up a speed trap on Oliver Road infront the entrance to the hospital and picked off 20 speeders.  Earlier this week they caught another 20 heavy footed drivers. The fastest driver today was clocked going 80 in the 50 zone.

Virdiramo applauds police

The chair of the Police Services Board is issuing a statement of support to the rank and file of the force. Councillor Joe Virdiramo says it follows the recent arrests made in the Mac's store robberies and not public prodding by Mayor Keith Hobbs.  He felt it was appropriate to thank the officers that worked on the convenience store robberies and adds that it's a show of confidence in the work the police do.

WSIB President salary under scrutiny

The salary of the head of a government organization is not sitting well with injured workers groups.  They are upset David Marshall's gig as the President of the Work Place Safety and Insurance Board includes a bonus of up to 400-thousand dollars on top of of his annual salary of 400 thousand. Local Spokesperson Steve Mantis says it's absurd to think Marshall is being paid to cut injured workers benefits.  Ontario's Injured Workers have sent a letter to the Premier to stop making cuts to the WSIB and scale back the President's pay.

Police probe fuel theft

OPP are investigating the theft of fuel in Gorham Township.   Police say that in several incidents recently,  thieves were able to break into a locked compound and in each case stolen upwards of 500 litres of fuel. 

Hyer retables motion

NDP MP Bruce Hyer isn't giving up his fight to see cross-party cooperation. He retabled a motion today that if passed would change the rules of the House of Commons. Currently, private legislation can only be introduced by individual MPs and bills are often branded an initiative of the MP's party.

City opens up bike rack competition

The City of Thunder Bay is asking for artists to come up proposals for their new City wide bike racks.   Public Art Coordinator Reana Mussato says the competition is open to Northwestern Ontario artists.  The winning designs will be transferred onto circular panels and incorporated onto bike racks.  The deadline to apply is April 23rd.

Calendar parking over

Most of the snow is gone from the roads; and so is calendar parking. The Parking Authority has decided to lift the Calendar Parking restrictions. Based on the warm weather forecasted this week and the current road conditions the decision was made to lift the restrictions starting today.

Wet start to fire season predicted

Despite a relatively dry winter and an early start to spring, we may not see an early start to the forest fire season. The Ministry of Natural Resources says a call for a wet spring may help off-set an early fire hazard.

Information Officer Debbie MacLean says right now it's business as usual, as they make preparations for the new season which officially starts April 1st.

Police arrest hit and run suspect

A 33 year old man is charged with failing to render assistance after a hit and run incident on Memorial Avenue on Sunday.  Police say they arrested the man after they received an anonymous tip.  The pedestrian has also been charged with being intoxicated in a public place and impeding traffic.

NDP member eats humble pie

MP Pat Martin is apologizing for remarks he made in an interview with Global TV which referred.

to Thunder Bay's Responsive Marketing Group in connection with the robocalls controversy. In an apology posted on his website Martin says he did not intend to impugn any notion of illegal behaviour to RMG. He says his statement was ill-advised. Over the weekend RMG slammed opposition MPs it says "level false and defamatory claims" against it . The company says it's cooperating fully with Elections Canada in it's probe of robocalls that were made to thousands of voters during the last federal election.

City launches pothole page

If you run across a pothole in the Thunder Bay the city wants to know about it. The City has launched a new online pothole reporting page.  Officials say its important to take care of potholes quickly because they can get worse very fast at this time of year.  To report a pothole you can visit the city's website at www.thunderbay.ca/pothole

Be careful with discarded needles

The Health unit is sending out a warning to people to be careful with what they find under the melting snow.  The District Health Unit's Superior Points Harm Reduction Program is reminding people to be careful if they find discarded needles.  Officials say use tongs or pliers to pick up the needle and put it in a hard container that is clearly marked.  You can dispose of the needles at any yellow metal disposal bins in the city that can be found on the Health Unit's website.  Spokesperson Lori Franzen says while the risk of infection is very low, its important to be careful.

Bushie inquest to resume

The inquest into the 2007 death of Reggie Bushie is getting back on track.  Regional Coroner Dr. Michael Wilson says a date for the inquest will be set at a hearing on May 15th.   The body of the 15 year old was recovered from the McIntyre River November the first of that year after  he was reported missing just days earlier.   The inquest is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and the jury could make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.

Hyer endorses Cullen

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is throwing his support behind Nathan Cullen for leadership of the NDP.  Hyer says Cullen has proven to be more than capable of taking the reigns of the party. Hyer says his second choice is Thomas Mulcair who he hopes to see as the deputy leader.

Police make another Mac's Robbery arrest

Thunder Bay Police have made another arrest in connection to the recent Mac's Convenience Store Robberies.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says a 17 year old boy was arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection to robberies where a person was wearing a mask. Adams says police have now made arrests in connection to 6 of 8 Mac's robberies in 2012.

Film Fest a "window to the world"

It's back for another season, the Northwest Film Fest is taking place once again at Silver City. Organizer Marty Mascarin says they again have over a dozen award winning features including the best picture winner at the Academy Awards , The Artist. The festival takes place over two Sundays, March 25th and April first.

Mascarin explains success of film festival

Northwest LHIN takes it on the chin

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is getting a failing grade when it comes to health care planning for chronic diseases. The report by the Hamilton Spectator shows our region near the bottom. LHIN CEO Laura Kokocinski admits the problems exist, but says it doesn't mean we aren't getting the bang for our buck, adding the report goes far beyond examing the services that are provided.  Kokocinski says the organization is working to overcome some of the obstacles the region faces when it comes to coordinating health care.

LU interviewing potential Deans

Lakehead University's search for its first Dean of its Law School is nearing an end.  Officials at the school have confirmed that a short list of candidates is being interviewed.  No comment will be made for at least 3 weeks.

New subdivision request before councillors

City Councillors will be tackling property and planning issues this Monday. Council will consider an application for a 25 lot subdivision on a piece of property near the Fort William Country Club. The piece of land is on Mountain Road and administration is recommending council approve it. Meanwhile, an application is being made that applies to a building on the corner of Leslie Avenue and Black Bay Road. The owner is asking they be allowed to continue to use the existing building as a 5 unit apartment complex.

NWHU talks oxy addiction

The medical officer of health for the Northwestern Health Unit wants to see more discussion in dealing with the withdrawal of Oxycontin.  Doctor James Arthur says it's an issue that simply one agency alone can't solve. Arthur says placing blame for the reasons behind the drug's high use in Ontario does little to address the problem.

Long Term Care Public Input

A task force seeking input into abuse and neglect in the province's long-term care homes won't be holding public meetings.  Instead, it's set up a website to gather that input.  Chair Gail Donner says they're working on some tight deadlines to get its recommendations into the government.  The deadline to comment for the http://www.longtermcaretaskforce.ca/ is this Monday.

DSSAB's come together

The agencies responsible for the delivery of social services programs in Northwestern Ontario have joined as one in a call for more funding.  Representatives from the Kenora, Thunder Bay and Rainy River District Services Boards presented a united front in a recent meeting with the Province. Spokesperson Deb Ewald says it was the first time all three have come together. The lack of funding for social housing was among concerns expressed.

Campbell calls for Matthews visit

Residents in Rainy River are being urged to keep up the pressure on Ontario's Health Minister to help resolve their doctor shortage.  Their MPP Sarah Campbell says assurances from Deb Matthews that the community's emergency room won't close when the lone doctor leaves is not a complete fix.  Campbell says a letter writing campaign started by residents in Rainy River needs to continue to bring more long-term solutions.

Warm weather records broken

Four Northwestern Ontario communities set record high temperatures yesterday. The hot spot was Fort Frances at 12.6-degrees, just edging past the old mark of 12.5 set in 1995. Thunder Bay reached 12.2, blowing away the previous high of 9.4. Atikokan hit 11.4 and Ear Falls 11.1 degrees.

Rickford on Air Canada strike

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is defending legislation that will prevent Air Canada ground workers from going on strike.  The government legislation was passed in the House of Commons early this morning, and is expected to get an easy ride in the Senate.  Rickford says it's a busy time of year in the airline industry and it would be unfair to travellers if they got stranded because of a strike or lock-out.  The union representing Air Canada ground crews says Labour Minister Lisa Raitt's decision to send its dispute to arbitration undermines bargaining.

Business owner releases break-in video

A Thunder Bay business owner is using the Internet to try to capture the people responsible for last weeks break in at his business. Angelo Petta of the Urban Boutique on Memorial Avenue,  says he has posted the surveillence video on the company Facebook page and says it's been yielding results.  The video shows a couple of thugs breaking the store window and going inside.

Third arrest made in Mac's robbery

City police now have a third suspect in custody in connection with the latest Mac's Convenience Store robbery on North Edward Street.   Police say they nabbed a 16 year old boy at a north side home this afternoon.  Two others in that incident were captured immediately following the robbery.  

Charges laid in rooming house cases

289 Park Ave.

The owner of two rooming houses in the city is facing charges.  The city formally laid the charges of operating a lodging house without a licence, against Robert Silvester in Provincial Offences Court today.  It's in relation to his facilities  at 130 South May Street and 289 Park Avenue.   The charges follow inspections by the Thunder Bay First Service.  The case will be back in court March 28th.

Police targeting speeding near hospital

Thunder Bay Police are busy trying to cut down speeding near the Health Sciences Centre.  An officer handed out 15 tickets on Oliver Road in front of the hospital during a 4 hour period yesterday afternoon.  One person was clocked going 100 in the 50 zone and had his car impounded. 

Bust nets Oxys

The illegal flow of prescription drugs continues into remote First Nation communities in the northwest.   The Nishnawbe Aski Police say they seized over 60 thousand dollars in Oxycontin pills recently in Deer Lake and in Webequie.  A total of four people are charged in connection with both drug busts.

Mac's launches social network crime campaign

Mac's Convenience Stores are adding a social media campaign to its crime prevention tactics in Thunder Bay. Mac's will now post security cam photos on their Facebook and Twitter pages. Ontario's Security Manager for Mac's Sean Sportun hopes the new approach will resolve unsolved crimes at their stores.

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Hobbs puts heat on police over robberies

Thunder Bay's Mayor says the buck stops with the city police when it comes to preventing the Mac's Convenience Store robberies. Keith Hobbs says with four robberies in the last two nights, citizens are demanding an end to them adding, the Police Services Board and Police Chief have to "get on this in a big way."  Hobbs says the public is frustrated and so is he.

Head of security in the west weighs in

The head of security for Mac's Convenience stores in Western Canada is weighing in on the rash of robberies in Thunder Bay. Doug Hartl says they have a standard security package for all of their stores across Canada. He says robberies come in cycles and each community often sees high and low periods and Thunder Bay is no different. Hartl toured the Thunder Bay stores in the fall with Ontario's security manager. 

Rafferty on host of issues

John Rafferty is ready for the NDP leadership vote. The Thunder Bay MP says he's going to support Thomas Mulcair for leader of the New Democrats. Rafferty says Mulcair has proven to be a great believer in Northern Ontario.  Meanwhile, As the robocall scandal continues to unfold the NDP remains on the government's heels.  Our local NDP member says he's happy to see the Harper Conservatives support his party's request to give Elections Canada more powers to investigate.  Rafferty is also bringing a private members bill on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to the House of Commons.  The Thunder Bay MP would like to see warning labels on alcohol bottles to create awareness of the problem.

Public outrage over Mac's Mart robberies

People are outraged over the recent string of Mac's Mart robberies.  Here's what callers to our radio station had to say.

Two Mac's Mart robberies overnight

Thunder Bay Police are looking for suspects in a rash of four Mac's Mart robberies over the last two days.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says they're doing everything in their power when it comes to dealing with these hold ups.  A man robbed the May Street store just before 7:30 last night armed with a needle and a pen. Police say the suspect in that case is linked to the two robberies on Sunday.  Meanwhile, Police are investigating a robbery of the North Edward Street Mac's where three men demanded cash from the clerk. One of the suspects had a large knife and cut the clerk's chest.  Three youths are now in police custody.

Osisko Mining update

Osisko Mining continues to work towards a feasibility study on its planned gold mine near Atikokan.  The company held open houses in Atikokan and Fort Frances on the weekend.  Spokesperson Alexander Drapack says part of study is to determine the socio-economic impacts.  A feasibility study is expected by the end of the year.