Forest Fire Update

Widespread thunder storms and heavy down pours have put a damper on the forest fire hazard across northwestern Ontario. The Fire hazard is now considered "Low" across the Northwest region. A number of fires were called "Out" in the last two days. There are now 15 active fires in the region. No problems are anticipated with any of these fires. All fires have had rainfall in the last 24 hours and are only creeping and smouldering on the forest floor.

Cats Back On Track

The Thunder Bay Border Cats got back on track last night at Subway field. They crushed St. Cloud 10-5. The Cats are now 5 and 1 on home field and 5-and-8 in the first half. The 2 game series concludes tonight.

T.Bay Looks To Be More Age Friendly

The City is getting ready to become more age friendly.  Over the years Council has taken a number of steps to become more senior accessible.  The next step will be at next week's council meeting where they will vote on whether to accept the Age Friendly Charter.

Council Learns About Contraband Tobacco

City Council is a little bit wiser when it comes to the pitfalls of contraband tobacco.  The C.E.O. of Ontario's Convenience Stores Association spoke to Council at Monday night's meeting.  Dave Bryans feels the sale of the illegal tobacco products harms business and youth.  Bryans asked council to support his organization's message against contraband tobacco.

Hillcourt Not Surplus

It appears Hillcourt Mobile Home Park is going to stay under City control.  Councillors voted Monday night to take the piece of property off their surplus property list.  Hillcourt Resident Eric Leat says he's upset over what he feels was a plan by the City to sell the park.  Residents of the park cheered during the meeting and were visibly relieved once the decision was made.

Flood Victims Get Money Off Water Bills

The City is going to give flood victims some relief when it comes to their water bills.  City lawmakers approved a billing program that would provide 207 dollars towards home owner's water bills if they are connected to the City sanitary sewer system.  Those homeowners who are not connected will receive 118 dollars off their water account.  Homeowners with flooding are also exempt from late payment penalties on their next water bill. The rebate program is being implemented because clean up has involved a high amount of water use.

Update On Sewage Treatment Plant

The City continues to assess the condition of its Atlantic Avenue Sewage Treatment Plant.  Officials still don't know what went wrong.  General Manager Darryl Matson says they want to paint a picture of what type of weather hit the Thunder Bay area last month.  Matson adds they also plan to conduct assessments of all of their sanitary, storm and combined sewers.  There is still no word on when the voluntary water restrictions will be lifted.

Peterson Sits On Disaster Relief Fund Committee

Former Mayor Lynn Peterson will sit on a new 8 person Disaster Relief Fund Committee. Council approved the appointments and the formation of the group at its Monday night meeting.  Peterson is joined by a number of other community stakeholders.  The Red Cross and Salvation Army will be non-voting members on the committee.  The group will be in charge of fundraising for the fund and allocating the money to those applicants who do not have insurance for their homes.

Bill 55 Protested

The new budget bill is causing concern for the Canadian Union of Public Employees, as the full extent of the bill is not known to the general public. CUPE's Jules Tupker says a section of bill 55 could allow for privatization of services that Ontario citizens rely on. CUPE held a protest today in front of Michael Gravelle's constituency office.

Tensions Boil Over In East End

Tempers are running high in the East End as residents try to cope with their flood damaged homes.  Police report that in one case two neighbours got into a verbal battle which escalated into a near violent incident when one of the neighbours went into his home and came out with a pick ax and chased the other man down Hargrave Street.  No one was hurt.  Police have a charged a 55 year old man and have him in custody.

T-Wolves Add Size

The Lakehead University men's basketball team have added some much needed size. They announced 6-foot-9 Centre David Kohler will be joining the team as a transfer from Medicine Hat. Kohler joins Dwayne Harvey and Joseph Hart as newcomers who are expected to step-in right away for the team that was ranked number-2 in Canada for much of last year. Head Coach Scott Morrison meanwhile is with Canada's Under-18 men's team as they prepare for a competition in Brazil.

Funnel Cloud Reported In Rainy River District

There are reports of a tornado touching down in the Rainy River district. Emergency officials say it happened last night in the Stratton area. There are no reports of any damages or any injuries. David Rogers of Environment Canada says a system passing through the area was prime for severe weather and prompting a number of warnings. Because of the funnel cloud report, much of the district was briefly placed on a tornado watch.

Naked Man Arouses Police Suspicion

Police are still looking into a South Brodie Street incident which they are calling "Bizarre." They were called to the 300 block of Brodie where they found a man naked and covered in blood on the porch roof of the residence. The man was reportedly yelling out obscenities. Police were forced to call in other emergency service personnel to help ensure the man's safety before transporting him to hospital. The 19 year old remains under observation at the Health Sciences Centre.

3 Teens Charged With Mischief

Three teenage boys are facing thirteen counts of mischief. City police responded to a number of weekend reports of spray paintings to buildings, fences and vehicles. A 15, 17 and 18 year old were all taken into custody and charged with 13 counts of Mischief. The 15 year old also faces and additional charge of breaching probation.

Water Consumption Down 10 Per Cent

City officials are crossing their fingers today for the water treatment plant.  Two more pumps are being tested and if they pass, the city's Atlantic Avenue treatment plant will be back operating with four out of the five pumps.  Mayor Keith Hobbs is commending residents who are conserving water.  He says water consumption during the crisis period has gone down about 10 per cent.  We could know later today at the earliest if the voluntary water restrictions have been lifted. In other flood news, two public meetings have been added for June 23rd at the Slovak Legion and the Moose Hall.

Emergency Operations News Conference June 11, 2012 10 AM

Streaming video by Ustream

Pumps And Pools Coming Back

Two additional pump motors will run through a battery of tests and could be operational today at the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Control Plant. If all goes well with the re-commissioning of those pumps, the City could re-open the Canada Games Complex, Churchill Pool and Volunteer Pool tomorrow, which would mark two weeks that the pools have been closed.

City Says Water Treatment Plant Held Up

The Water Treatment plant is doing just fine after the weekend rain. City Manager of Infrastructure and Facilities, Darrell Matson says the beleaguered Water Treatment Plant held up nicely with the rain that fell on Friday and overnight. Matson will be on hand today at the Emergency Control Organization's daily meeting.

Flood Relief Fund Committee Forming

City Council will spend its meeting tonight creating a "Flood Relief Fund Committee." Councillor Joe Virdiramo says the commitee will deal with applications for money to replace items deemed as essential. Virdiramo says they'll be formalizing the committee at tonight's meeting.

Almost 1300 Hectares Burned In The Northwest

Four new fires are now on the Ministry of Natural Resources watch list. One started in the Nipigon District, another in the Red Lake District and two more in the Sioux Lookout area. So far there have been 192 fires that have burnt almost 1,300 hectares in the Northwest region.

Oranges To Be Delivered To Michael Gravelle's Office

Labour and community groups will deliver oranges to Minister of Natural Resources Mike Gravelle's constituency office today, in protest to a proposed law that the Provincial Liberals are trying to pass through the budget. The groups are calling on M.P.P.'s to avoid repeats of the ORNGE air ambulance scandal by removing Schedule 28 from the provincial budget. Schedule 28 is an act in the Liberals' budget bill that will transfer authority from the legislature to a Minister or private corporation. Concerned Community member, Jules Tupker, says "The Liberals should be making government more open, more transparent and more accountable. Instead they're giving us legislation that goes the other way."

Cats Lose First Game At Home

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are no longer undefeated at home. They lost 14-2 yesterday to the Willmar Stingers, dropping their record to 4 and 8 on the season. Tonight their 5 game home stand continues with the St. Cloud Rox rolling in for the first of 2 games.

Rain a Problem for Water Control Plant

The Water Pollution Control Plant is saying yesterday's rain and this weekends damp weather could cause some problems. General Manager Darrell Matson says any extra precipitation adds strain on the normal daily flow and residents are reminded to continue conserving water. Matson adds that the Solid Waste and Recycling Facility on Mapleward Road has taken more than double the amount of garbage delivered last year around the same time.

70th Anniversary of the 84 Squadron

The 84 Astra Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron is celebrating their 70th Anniversary today. The squadron is one of the oldest Air Cadet Squadrons in Canada. The event will show several displays including a timeline dating back to 1942. A flight simulator will also be on display for the public to practice their flight skills. The event starts at 1:00 PM today at the Thunder Bay Armoury.

Clement Dismisses First Nations Concerns

Chief Roger Wesley of Constance Lake First Nation is raising his voice to condemn the government's dismissal of the need for a Review Panel Environmental Assessment for the Ring of Fire. FedNor Minister Tony Clement was in Thunder Bay this week and suggested that the review panel would only bring up irrelevant issues. Wesley says this shows a lack of concern not only for First Nations people but also for the Canadian constitution itself.

More Flood Talk Monday Night

City Council will be creating a "Flood Relief Fund Committee" at its weekly meeting Monday night. Councillor Joe Virdiramo says they'll be formalizing the committee and what it will look like. Virdiramo says the flood relief committee will be in charge of accepting applications from people requesting funds.

12-hundred Confederation College Students Graduate

Over 12 hundred Confederation College Students are now ready for the working world. They graduated from the school today during ceremonies at the Community Auditorium. One of them is Anna Krezminski who graduated as a personal support worker.  Krezminski is from Poland and has been living in Thunder Bay for 18 years.  Kreziminski already has a job to go to at Hogarth Riverview Manor.

NDP Leader Vows To Promote T.Bay's Needs

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says she will hold the Premier's feet to the fire when it comes to rolling out relief for the City's flood victims.  Horwath says now that the City is deemed a disaster area she will still be readily available to Mayor Keith Hobbs.  Horwath toured the flood area this afternoon.

Thunder Bay Declared A Disaster Area

It is official! Minister of Municipal Affairs Kathleen Wynne has declared the City of Thunder Bay, the township of Conmee as well as the municipality of Oliver-Paipoonge Disaster Areas for the purpose of receiving funds from the Provincial Disaster Relief Assistance Fund. Minister Wynne says up to 16 million dollars from Provincial funds is coming to our area. Homeowners are eligible to have their homes, food, and major appliances replaced or restored.

Highway 11/17 Open

The Ontario Provincial Police have cancelled their Highway advisory for the Northwest region. Highway 11/17 is now open at Vibert Road and also at Hume Road. Washouts from the flood forced sections of the highway to be closed but it is now open.

Housing Starts In May

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is forecasting a strong year for Thunder Bay. Analyst Warren Philp says only one thing concerns him about 2012 and it's the high demand for contractors after the recent flooding. The latest figures show there were 22 single-detached starts in May, which is even with the same amount last year.

Kathleen Wynne News Conference June 8, 2012 11 AM

Live broadcasting by Ustream

Jobless Rate On The Rise

The rate of unemployment in Thunder Bay is on the rise according to Statistics Canada.  Our rate went from 5.2 percent in April to 5.7 in May.  Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate was 7.3 per cent last month.

N.D.P. Leader To Visit Thunder Bay Today

N.D.P. Leader Andrea Horwath is also in the city today. Her agenda includes visiting an East End home which was devastated by the flood, a meeting with Mayor Hobbs and a tour of the Atlantic Avenue Water Treatment Plant. Horwath has been peppering Premier Dalton McGuinty during question period this week as to why it has taken so long to declare Thunder Bay a disaster area.

3 Forest Fires Started Thursday

There are 20 active forest fires in Northwestern Ontario but none in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon Districts. The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting three new fires which started yesterday. The Sioux Lookout District has the most fires with 9, there are 5 in the Red Lake area and one each burning in the districts of Dryden, Fort Frances and Kenora. Information Officer Debbie McLean says if the rain in the forecast holds true, the fire hazard rating will drop to low for the South and Central portions of the region, but remain high to extreme in the North.

Cats Lose Again On Road

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are looking forward to a return home to Subway Field this weekend. They lost 5-3 to Mankato last night, dropping their record to 3 and 6 on the season. The Border Cats have just 1 win in 7 tries on the road this season. They also have a depleted line-up with 10 players involved in college baseball playoffs.

Standard & Poor's Rating for T.Bay

Standard and Poor's is boosting the City's credit outlook from stable to positive. Treasurer Carol Busch says the costs associated with clean up of the flood will not impact their outlook. Busch adds their credit rating stays at A plus.

Wynne Expected To Make Disaster Announcement

Premier Dalton McGuinty's promise of financial assistance to Thunder Bay is music to the ears of Mayor Keith Hobbs.   The pledge comes in a letter to our mayor today which also indicated that Municipal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne will be here Friday and Mayor Hobbs hopes she brings the news we've been waiting to hear that the city is a disaster area.  An announcement by the Minister is being made at 11 o'clock at St. Peter's Church and will be carried live  on this news web page

RBC Gives 10-Thousand To Flood Relief

Yet another bank is putting their money where their mouth is.  The Royal Bank's RBC Foundation is putting 10-thousand dollars toward Thunder Bay flood efforts.  The money will be used by the Canadian Red Cross.

Easter Seals Celebrates 90 Years

Easter Seals is celebrating 90 years of helping out physically disabled kids in Thunder Bay. Erika Maki attended an Easter Seals Summer Camp in 2010 and says it was a memorable experience. Maki says meeting other kids with similar disabilities made her feel normal. Easter Seals is currently looking for volunteers for their upcoming summer events.

Premier Tells Hobbs Help Is On The Way

Premier Dalton McGuinty is responding to Mayor Keith Hobbs' pleas for disaster relief funding. McGuinty sent out a letter to Hobbs today saying several officials from provincial ministries and agencies are on the ground working with city staff on assessing damages. McGuinty pledges there will be financial assistance from Ontario. The letter ends saying the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing will be in the City Friday.

Grassy Narrows Man Murdered

A 22 year old Grassy Narrows man is dead and one man is in custody. Treaty Three Police say they were called to an incident at the First Nation Community near Kenora on Monday. Currently in custody is a 19 year old who has the same last name as the victim. He was arrested Monday and has been charged with Second Degree Murder and Assault with a Weapon. He will appear in a Kenora court tomorrow.

L.U. Athletes Help Flood Victims

Lakehead University basketball teams are going back to volunteer with flood relief efforts in the East End. Firefighter's Association President Eric Nordlund says he was really impressed with the women's team in their first clean-up effort. Plans are in place for a large group of L.U. men's and women's players to help residents in the East End again today.

President's Breakfast A Success

The President of Confederation College is a more than happy with the turnout. Jim Madder hosted the first annual President's breakfast this morning and had an audience of 340. He spoke for half an hour about the college and its role within the community and how the institution is adapting to its needs with a specific focus on the mining sector.

Water Restrictions Could Be Lifted Monday

There may be an end in sight to the voluntary water restrictions in the city. Spokesperson Darrell Matson says they'll wait to see how much rain falls on the weekend then reassess the situation on Monday.  Matson says that water conservation efforts by the public have helped.

Bending Lake Has High Hopes For Mine

A $900 million mining development is in the works for Northwestern Ontario. The construction of the iron mine near Ignace is expected to begin in 2015, where close to 1-thousand workers will be needed to complete the project. Thunder Bay's Bending Lake Iron hopes to have the mine in full production in 2017.

Emergency Operations News Conference June 7, 2012 10 AM

Streaming video by Ustream

Assault With A Weapon Charges Laid

A 28 year old man is to appear in court this morning facing two counts of assault with a weapon. Police say a 23 year old was cut several times in a South ward apartment, over what is believed to be a dispute over drugs. The man was sent to hospital and later released.

In a separate incident, police have a 30 year in custody and is to appear in court this morning facing an assault with a weapon charge. He allegedly refused to pay cab fare and sent the 52 year old driver to hospital, where he was later released.  

Roads Opening Again

O.P.P. say Forbes River Road is open again. The road was closed after the flood and has since been reopened in both directions. Provincial Police are also saying Silver Falls road is back open. It too was closed because of the flooding.

7 New Forest Fires

It's a sign the forest fire hazard is on the rise. Seven new fires started in Northwestern Ontario yesterday. One started in the Fort Frances District and Six started in the Sioux Lookout District. The fire hazard is listed as "Extreme" in the Southwest portion of the region and "Moderate" in most other sectors.

Cats Streak Snapped

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are having a tough time on the road. They lost 6-2 in Mankato to the Moondogs last night. They are 3 and 5 on the year, but have only 1 win away from Subway field.

OPP Say Forbes River Road Is Open

OPP say Forbes River Road is open again.  The road was closed after the flood and has since been reopened in both directions.

Still No End To Water Restrictions

City officials appear no closer to announcing an end to volunteer water restrictions than they were when the flood crisis started. Following a media tour of the sewage treatment plant spokesperson Darrell Matson said that there is no way to tell when the plant will be fixed to the point where the state of emergency can be lifted and residents can resume their normal water usage. Meantime
Matson is looking at the forecast which predicts five days of rain starting on Friday.
Video:  Looking down you can see the underground portion of the plant which was entirely submerged almost right up to the opening.  Also note the two empty locations where the engines were flooded out.

LRCA Ends Flood Watch

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has ended the flood warning for Thunder Bay, Oliver Paipoonge and Conmee.  Staff are continuing to monitor conditions on the Kam River as part of its flood forecasting program.