Stats Can Release Age Info

Thunder Bay's population is dominated by Seniors.  That's the latest findings in the 2011 census from Statistics Canada.  Spokesperson Vince Dale says we have a higher population of seniors than the National average.  Senior citizens now represent 17.2 per cent of the population of Thunder Bay.

City Talks Flood Insurance

Hundreds of people have flooded basements in the City.  City Spokesperson Darryl Matson says people who are worried about their insurance claims can contact the City's Sewer and Water Department or their Insurance provider.  Meanwhile, Matson says they don't know if the City's insurance will cover the cost of the destruction at the water treatment plant.

Charities Fill A Need

Two local charity groups are working to help the people affected by basement flooding, especially in the East End.   The Red Cross volunteers are working to redirect some affected people to proper housing, while the Salvation Army is operating services for lunch and dinner with its mobile van.

Flood Warning Remains

There's no change to the region's flood warning from the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Chair Bill Bartley says while the water levels are starting to go down we are not out of the woods yet.
Bartley says the amount of water that has gone through the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway has been the most since it was opened.

Horwath Offers Help

The Province's NDP leader says she is ready to help the city in any way she can. Andrea Horwath says she made the offer to Mayor Hobbs when she called him by phone this morning. She said that if Hobbs ever found the provincial response to our emergency wasn't to his liking she could assist. Horwath says she has been keeping an eye on the flood problems here.

Baggage Building Set To Open June 15th

The owners of the Painted Turtle Art Shop will run the new Baggage Building Arts Centre at Prince Arthur's Landing starting June 15th.  Lorraine Cull and Angela Jensen will provide interim programming this summer. The City entered into an agreement with the two women recently.

Conmee Remains On Alert

Conmee Township remains in a State of Emergency due to this week's flooding.  Reeve Kevin Holland says Highway 11-17 remains closed between Highway 590 and Highway 102.  All roads within the community are now open to local traffic only with the exception of portions of Mokomin Road East and Hume Road.

CEDC Welcomes Communitech CEO

The Community Economy Development Commission is learning about what Thunder Bay can do to improve its economy.  The CEDC brought in the President of Waterloo based company Communitech to speak about the similarities between the two communities.  Iain Klugman told the CEDC they need to grow Thunder Bay's medical research economy.

Mayor Visits East End

The State of Emergency continues in Thunder Bay as city officials struggle to go get control of the situation at the crippled sewage treatment plant on Atlantic Avenue. They say until the flooding at the plant is settled they're asking residents to continue conserving water. The city says they've recieved up to 500 calls about flood complaints, many of which are flooded basements. Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's been to the most affected area with flooding and that is the east end and is impressed with the way the people are pitching in.

Lee Stuesser Is Law School Dean

Rod Hanley and Lee Stuesser

Lee Stuesser is Lakehead University's new Law School Dean.  Canadian born Stuesser has been busy working at Australia's Bond University as a Professor.  Stuesser says they'll be hiring a librarian and teaching staff in the near future.  The school is set to open in September of 2013.

Conservation Authority Update At 10 A.M.

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority continues its flood warning for the entire Lakehead region. This includes the City of Thunder Bay, the municipalities of Neebing, Oliver-Paipoonge, Shuniah and the townships of O'Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion. The Neebing-McIntyre floodway is diverting significant water flow and will do so for several days. The L.R.C.A. will update their flood warning at 10:00 a.m. this morning.

Salvation Army Set To Help Out Flood Victims

The Salvation army is helping out with those who have been forced from their homes due to flooding. The local Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services team is prepared for food and hydration for up to 200 to be served at the evacuation centre in the Neebing Arena for those displaced by the emergency. Divisional Director, Perron Goodyear says “The Salvation Army is committed to assisting in any way they can during these very difficult days.”

Dog Lake Down To Dam Is Dangerous

Stay away from water on the Kaministiquia River between Dog Lake and Kakabeka Falls. That's the message coming from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ontario Provincial Police and Ontario Power Generation. The Ministry of Natural Resources and O.P.G. continue to monitor the high water levels currently existing on the Kaministiquia Watershed. Officials say there is a potential for flooding of the Silver Falls Road and areas along the Kaministiquia River between Dog Lake and Kakabeka Falls.

School Closures And Bus Updates

Due to road conditions please be advised of the following cancellations and or school closures. Kakabeka Falls and Crestview. Busing is also cancelled for all Lakehead secondary students from these areas. All other Lakehead Public schools are open today.

The Thunder Bay Catholic and C.S.D.C. Des Aurora Borealis are reporting route closures. Busing has been cancelled for: Conmee Township and the Municipality of Oliver-Paipoonge North of Highway 11-17. All of the Thunder Bay Catholic and C.S.D.C. Des Aurora Borealis schools are open today.

Edward St. Bridge Closed

City Police and the Thunder Bay Fire Department have closed the bridge that crosses the Neebing River at Edward St. Motorists will not be able to cross this morning and will be detoured accordingly.

Overnight Flood Updates

As part of the ongoing response to the City flood emergency, the City of Thunder Bay closed the Edward Street Bridge over the Neebing River shortly after 10 p.m. Monday as a precaution due to the high water level. The bridge will be evaluated  during the day on Tuesday to reassess the situation

As the East End was particularly hard hit by flooding, City crews were installing portable toilets by 12:30 am Tuesday.

The short-term reception centre is in place at the Neebing Arena. By end of day on Monday, two persons attended the centre to ask for information and no persons made use of the available transportation from the staging area at the Slovak Legion, 801 Atlantic Avenue. The reception centre will remain available, if required, and residents are encouraged to call 211 for more information.

The following facilities were closed as of 5 pm Monday: the Canada Games Complex, Churchill and Volunteer Pools, the 55 Plus Centre and the West Thunder Community Centre.

The City has implemented a contingency strategy which includes an assessment at the Secondary Sewage Treatment Plant. The City is unable to confirm timelines for completion of the assessment and remedial action.

The City was also dealing with the following road closures:
· North 25^th Side Rd. from Arthur Street to the north end
· Mission Marsh Rd.
· Kline Rd. extension (also known as Little Kline Rd.), to the end
· Highway 130 from Oliver Rd. to Pole Line Rd.
· Oliver Rd. from Mapleward Rd. to Townline Rd.

Residents and businesses are asked to follow the following recommendations:
· Check on friends and relatives who may need assistance and particularly seniors and persons with disabilities to make sure they are in good health.
· Minimize the amount of water that is flushed or released down the drain until further notice. City tap water is safe to drink [However, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit recommends
those on private well water should bring the well water to a rolling boil for one minute before consumption].
· Exercise caution when travelling in the area of waterways.
· Stay out of the basement if it is flooded, especially if water has risen as high as electrical outlets and advise Thunder Bay Hydro at 343-1111.
· Do not consume food that is wet due to flooding and follow the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s recommendations for food safety during a power outage. Visit www.TBDHU.com.

Important contact numbers:
· Thunder Bay Hydro – 343-1111 or after hours 343-1002 – for electrical problems or concerns
· Infrastructure & Operations – 625-2195 – to report flooding or for questions or concerns about City roads and other City infrastructure
· Ministry of Transportation – 511 – for information about provincially-owned highways
· 211 for general information and details on reception centre
· 911 should only be called if there is an emergency

Help Is On The Way

The City is bringing in outside resources to help clean up the flooded Atlantic Avenue Water Treatment Plant. 9 pumps are coming in from Toronto, Sudbury and Winnipeg today and are being placed in the sewer system and at the plant. General Manager Darrell Matson says they won't know what caused the plant to flood until it's cleaned up. Meanwhile, the City is setting up a reception centre at the Neebing Arena for those people whose homes are flooded. Some homes with water in the basement are having their Natural Gas and Electricity shut off as a safety precaution. The Centre will provide a place for those people to sleep until it's safe to return to their homes. Meanwhile, the City has closed the Canada Games Complex, Churchill and Volunteer Pools, the 55 Plus Centre and the West Thunder Recreation Centre.

State of Emergency Update

Water Levels Continue Rising

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says many area waterways continue to rise especially in the city and in Oliver Paipoonge .  The Neebing River is rising at a rate of 15 centimetres and hour.  Corbett Creek is also rising considerably.   More rain is expected overnight.   15 millimetres is possible.  

OPP Cruiser Hits Crevasse

OPP say the driver of this cruiser is not seriously injured.  He was driving the vehicle along Oliver Road near Boutler Road when the incident occurred

Health Unit Tells Well Users To Boil

The Health Unit is recommending well users boil their water.  If your home or business is affected by the flooding and high water levels you need to bring well water to a rolling boil for a full minute before using.  The Health Unit is also telling people to be careful and throw out food that was not kept cold or frozen during this morning's power outage.

MTO Updates Road Closures

There are several roads closed in the Thunder Bay area today.  The Ministry of Transportation says full or partial washouts are being reported on Highway 11/17 near Hume Road, west of Vibert Road, east of Twin City Crossroad, and the Harbour Expressway Intersection near Highway 11/17 and Highway 61.  It could be several days before a section of Highway 11/17 East is open.  The section that is giving the Ministry of Transportation trouble is west of Vibert Road where water is rushing over the roadway at the SuperCor culvert.
For east/west traffic, Highway 102 is operating normally at this point.  Other road closures include: Portage Creek Road at the first bridge,  Laukaa Lane at Auto Road, and Silver Springs Road.  Arthur Street to Twin City Cross Roads is closed due to extensive damage to the roadway.  Thunder Bay Police are telling motorists and anyone who is travelling west out of the City they will have to take Highway 102 to Dawson Road as an alternative route.

Conmee Township Boil Water Advisory

A State of Emergency is in effect for Conmee Township. Mayor Kevin Holland says they're taking a wait and see approach. Holland is asking people within the township to stay home. The Mayor is also asking residents to boil their water since pollutants may have seeped into area wells.  Meanwhile, Oliver-Paipoonge has also declared a state of emergency.

O.P.G. Says Kam Dam Is Stable

Ontario Power Generation is reporting the Kam River Dam is in stable condition despite the recent heavy rainfall. Spokesperson Ted Gruetzner says they'll be managing water flows but not fully opening the dam. Gruetzner says if any more rain comes down they may have to re-evaluate the situation.

Thunder Bay Under State Of Emergency

The City of Thunder Bay is under state of emergency. City Spokesperson Darryl Matson says the Atlantic Avenue Water Sewage Treatment Plant is flooded. Workers are trying to pump out the water, just to try and get a look at the damage and assess the situation from there. All city residents are not to use any extra water. That means: flushing toilets, washing clothes, running baths, taking showers. Those activities would put extra and undue pressure on the city's water system.

City-Wide Flooding

There has been extensive flooding in the South Ward, this includes Northwood, the Intercity Area, parts of Westfort and James St. City Police are saying numerous basements in the Northwood Area have water in them, Northwood Mall is flooded with inches of water in the stores. The railway underpass on South James St is closed due to flooding. Most ditches in the Intercity area are overflowing and covering parts of the roads. There are numerous vehicles have stalled out on the roadways. Residents of Thunder Bay are urged to use caution.

School Closures Announced For Monday

The Lakehead Public School Board are announcing school closures this morning. Crestview, McKenzie, Five Mile, Gorham & Ware, Valley Central, Kakabeka Falls, Whitefish Valley and Thunder Bay Christian schools Are all closed. Norwesterview school will remain open but with no school bus transportation.

Hydro Reporting No Major Power Outages

Thunder Bay Hydro is reporting no major power outages at this time. Power was knocked out thanks to an overnight thunder storm which socked itself in over night. Power was out briefly at 12:45 a.m. in areas such as County Park, Castlegreen and the Dawson Road Area.

Flood Watch Remains In Effect

The Lakehead Region Conservation Area is still maintaining a "Flood Watch" for this region. Waterways eased yesterday slightly but the rain overnight is wreaking havoc on area tributaries.Waterways such as the Neebing, McIntyre and Current River, along with McVicor Creek are all higher than usual and are expected to increase throughout the day with the overnight rain. Chairman Bill Bartley of the L.R.C.A. says caution is the word of the day if you are around a water way. The Kaministiquia River is flowing at an especially high rate and the Falls at Kakabeka are flowing at a rate not seen in years.

Townships Declare States Of Emergency

The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge has declared a state of emergency. Most main roads have had multiple wash outs due the rain and flooding. They include; Hwy 11-17, Oliver Rd, Twin City Crossroads, Fraser Rd, Boulter Rd, Poleline Rd, Veley Lane, Maki Rd, Mud Lake Rd. Reeve Lucy Kluisterhuis has not yet had a chance to inspect the damage personally but says there were multiple reports of flooded basements, roads and culverts in the township. Highway 590 at 102 is closed this morning as Conmee Township has also declared a state of emergency. They are urging people to remain indoors because of the poor road conditions.

Flood Watch In Effect

A flood "watch" is now in effect for the entire area that the Lakehead Conservation Authority looks after. 35 to 60 millimetres of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours and the Kaministiquia River is rising. L.R.C.A. Chairman Bill Bartley is warning people to stay away from waterways, especially with up to 100 millimetres of rain in the forecast. Bartley says localised flooding is already happening in areas west of the city.

College Inks Deal Helping Reservists

Confederation College was the scene of a unique military ceremony today in which the College formally adopted new military leave policies. Confederation College President Jim Madder and Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, met for a brief ceremony in which commemorative certificates were signed and presented to the College. New policies now set out in detail the leave provisions for Reservists who are on staff and attending the college.

L.U. Partners With Parks Canada

Parks Canada and Lakehead University signed an agreement today that will partner the two in collaborating on research efforts aimed at better understanding Lake Superior’s coastal environment and its watershed. L.U. is hoping the partnership will attract international researchers and increase enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs, while Parks Canada is looking to identify research opportunities and the sharing of scientific knowledge to better understand Lake Superior and its effect on the communities along the shores.

Huge Drug Bust Worth $934,000

A 22 year old from Weagamow First Nation has been arrested following a massive drug bust here in the city. A hotel room raid was conducted and police found more than 1400 oxycodone pills worth an estimated street value of $841,000. Police also seized a large sum of cash, which needed to be examined. The total currency seized was $93,905. Police believe the pills were on their way to a remote First Nation community. They also seized 427 pills of unknown origin and have sent them away for examination. The woman will next appear in court on May 29th.

Teleperformance Workers Headed Back

Nearly 100 laid off workers at Teleperformance here in Thunder Bay are going back to work this Summer. Employees with the contact centre have been notified to return during the first week of August. C.E.O. of Teleperformance Canada, Charlotte Gummeson also announced that 100 to 150 new jobs will be available thanks to a new contract. The Teleperformance workers have been laid off for a couple of months.

IBC Upset With Private Members Bill

The Insurance Bureau of Canada is speaking out against an NDP private members bill on auto insurance. Vice President Ralph Palumbo says if the bill is passed it would mean Northern Ontario drivers would subsidize the insurance rates of GTA drivers. The bill comes back to the Ontario legislature for a second reading June 7th.

OPSEU Worried About MNR Cuts

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is sounding the alarm over the Province's plans for the Ministry of Natural Resources.  President Smokey Thomas says the government has already cut back the MNR so much that any more cuts will jeopardize our ability to respond to emergency situations like forest fires.  Thomas says the Provincial Government has left fire fighters alone but they've continued to cut their support staff.

Premier Pays T.Bay A Visit

Thunder Bay's Bombardier Plant is getting some more work.
The Premier toured the facility this morning and announced the purchase of 60 new Go Train Passenger Cars. Work has already begun and the cars will be delivered to Southern Ontario in the Spring of 2015.

Roads Washed Out

Heavy rain is wreaking havoc with area rural roads. Thunder Bay Police are reporting Harstone Drive in Oliver Paipoonge is closed due to being washed out. It's washed out just west of Luckens Road. The Oliver Paipooge Board of Works is working on repairing the road.

Kolody Faces Extra Charges

Thunder Bay Police are adding extra charges to the 20 year old man who is already charged with criminal negligence causing death and possession of stolen property.  Police are painting a picture of a weekend crime spree that includes stealing a truck, gas, breaking into another vehicle, and ending in a fatal motor vehicle collision on Northern Avenue Sunday.  On top of his previous charges; Shane Kolody faces several additional charges including resisting arrest.  Kolody's bail hearing is set for Monday.

Premier Visits Bombardier Tomorrow

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will be visiting Thunder Bay Tomorrow. He is scheduled to tour the Bombardier plant at 9:00 in the morning. McGuinty will be accompanied by local M.P.P.'s Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro. The Premier is expected to make an announcement following his tour.

Whalen Building Damage

The City is still trying to determine the total cost to repair the Whalen Building after it was struck by lightning yesterday afternoon. The bolt blasted terra cotta from the roof and scattered debris onto St. Paul Street, damaging some vehicles. No one was Hurt. Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says they're still trying to determine the amount of damage sustained to the building. Smith says, to his knowledge, it's the first city run building to be struck by lightning.

Event Centre Presentation Delayed

Another delay for Thunder Bay's proposed new event centre. The Phase 2 feasibility study was to be presented to council next month but has now been pushed back until September. City Manager, Tim Commisso says "Given the importance of the study, we need to allow the consulting team the time required."

Drug Strategy Praise

High praise for the City of Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy. Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition Donald MacPherson was in the City recently and says Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy has been influenced by Vancouver's. He adds the City's drug strategy is viewed as one of the most progressive in the Country.

CEDC Launches New Entrepreneur Plan

A new logo and a new direction. The Community Entrepreneur Development Centre unveiled both today. Development Officer Ron Humphreys says they too need to be able to adapt and change with the current economic climate. Humphreys says they're encouraging local entrepreneurs to "Imagine, Plan and Execute" as part of their new branding strategy.

MNR Wants Info From Kam River Anglers

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to hear from anglers on the Kam River. Spokesperson Eric Burgland says they're surveying people fishing on the river this summer and will be looking for anglers who've caught tagged fish or one of 50 walleyes with antennas attached. It's legal for you to keep tagged or fish with antennas but the MNR is asking you to throw them back.

Employment Insurance Cuts

The Federal Government's new rules for collecting employment insurance are not sitting well with everyone. Ontario Public Service Employment Union President Smokey Thomas says reducing the benefits of repeat E.I. applicants will punish seasonal workers. Thomas says fire fighters are a perfect example, they would love to work year round but they can't since they're only needed in the Spring and Summer.

Police Charge Woman In Brawl

A 54 year old woman is in hospital after a late night fight on the City's North End.  Police responded to a call about a woman who was assaulted and bleeding at a home on South Algoma Street.  Officers found the woman had been cut on the side of her neck.  A 31 year old woman is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Failing to Comply with an Undertaking.  Police says the two women knew each other and they appeared to be drinking.

Greg Rickford Makes Funding Announcement

Federal funding for the peforming arts in Sioux Lookout. Kenora MP Greg Rickford announced yesterday 6-thousand dollars in support for the Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series for the Performing Arts.

AbitibiBowater New Name Official

It's now official.  AbitibiBowater will officially be known as Resolute Forest Products beginning today.  The name change was approved at the company's annual general meeting today.  A mill employee at the Fort Frances mill was one of two to suggest the name in a company wide contest held last year.

OPP Long Weekend Stats

A busy weekend for Provincial Police across Northwestern Ontario during the Victoria Day long weekend. Police charged 249 drivers for speeding, 21 for seat belt infractions and seven with distracted driving. Four careless charges were laid and one ticket was handed out for impaired driving. The OPP laid roughly 8-thousand charges across the Province.