Waterfront Hotelier To Be Announced

The City and the developer of the waterfront hotel are expected to make an announcement on Wednesday.  They'll be making an announcement on Wednesday at 11.  Representatives from the Re Solve Group and senior representatives from the hotelier will be on hand.

Lakehead University Launches ESL Program

A new English Language Program is helping students attend Lakehead University.  LU International Director Leigh-Ellen Keating says the program will being hundreds of international students to both Thunder Bay and the Orillia campus.  Keating adds they'll also offer English conversation classes in the evening for members of the community who would like to improve their English speaking.

Firefighter Looks Back On 9-11 With Pride

The memories are still vivid of the day that changed the world.   Brant Kiessig of the Thunder Bay Fire Service says on  the 11th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks on the United States, he is remembering the firefighters who lost their lives at the Twin Towers that day..  He says he looks back on the day with pride knowing the men are still looked on as heroes. Kiessig says there will not be an official commemoration.

Pickle Lake Standoff Ends Peacefully

More Details are are now being released by Pickle Lake O.P.P. concerning a standoff over the weekend. Provincial police Constable Kenneth Stableford says they were called to a residence within the community on Saturday after a report of an assault.  It was then the man inside refused to give himself up to police and kept them at bay Saturday and Sunday.    Eventually a 35 year old man was arrested and taken into custody peacefully where he has been charged.

Officer's Trial Underway

The trial of veteran OPP officer Darryl Storey is underway in a Thunder Bay courtroom.  Storey is charged with criminal negligence in the 2008 traffic death of 18 year old Jasmine Veneruzzo.   About 20 witnesses are expected to be called by the prosecution in a trial that could take 3 weeks.   Storey is being tried by a judge alone.  Both, Jame Palangio, the crown lawyerand the judge, Cas Herold, are from out-of-town.  On the stand this morning was a courier driver who was one of the first people at the accident scene.

Pair of Men Found Safe & Sound

Two men are said to be safe and sound following an O.P.P. search in the Shebandowan area. They were reported overdue and a search team was sent to their location on Greenwater Conservation area. The pair were found just before 9:00 o'clock this morning, safe and sound and without incident.

Brookside Manor Evacuated

Residents at Brookside Manor are still talking about a scare they had on Saturday night. 50 to 60 people had to be evacuated for about an hour after a report of a mysterious odour was called in to Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Services. Tests for explosive material and carbon monoxide were conducted but nothing was found. Residents were then allowed back in.

O.P.P. Sarch For 2 Men Overdue

Provincial Police are in the midst of a manhunt. They say two men are overdue and were last seen in the Shebandowan area near the Greenwood Lake Conservation. O.P.P. have search teams out focussed on that area in hopes of bringing them back in.

Police Probe Pickle Lake Incident

O.P.P. have one man in custody following what they are calling an incident in Pickle Lake. Provincial police were occupied by the suspect at a residence in the community from Saturday into Sunday but the situation was resolved with the man being taken into custody. The Picle Lake detachment is in charge of the investigation but are releasing no further information at this time.

Caribou Charity Ride

Cyclists will be riding today to help beat Cancer. 400 cyclists will be taking part in the Caribou Charity ride starting at the Nor'Wester Best Western Hotel. The Ride has raised more than $38 000 dollars, surpassing their goal once again. Money raised from this event goes toward the Health Sciences Foundation's Northern Cancer Fund.

Doors Open in Thunder Bay

Doors Open is on in Thunder Bay today. The annual event allows people to tour historical buildings that are normally closed off to the general public. City Heritage Researcher Lee-Ann Chevrette says there will be plenty of activities for the whole family, including a photo contest. Sites this year include Hillcrest High School, the Finnish Labour Temple (shown in picture), and the Brodie Resource Library.

Province And Marten Falls Sign MOU

The provincial government and the Marten Falls First Nation are agreeing to continue talks on the Ring of Fire project.  Both sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.  . Under its terms the community and the province will work together to address employment, economic development and environmental impacts of the massive chromite mine.

Rickford Doles Out FedNor $

There's federal government cash coming to the area.   MP Greg Rickford says half a million dollars from FedNor is going to fund two projects.  The first is 360 thousand dollars for the expansion of the Rubin Business Park in Murillo.   Rickford also announced 150 thousand dollars for the Northwestern Immigration Portal run through the city of Thunder Bay. 

Great Lakes Deal

Thunder Bay's Mayor is among the supporters of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Canada and the US signed the deal today. Keith Hobbs says the new agreement addresses the issue of climate change preparedness which is important to communities in the basin.

Books With No Bounds

Two teenaged Oakville, Ontario sisters are collecting books for kids living in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.  Emma and Julia Morgus bought books with their own money and accepted donations leading to over 3-thousand books being collected.  Emma says they are now looking to raise money for shipping the books north.  To follow the Books with no Bounds cause you can look them up on Facebook or Twitter.

Medal Recipients Announced

Add nine more Thunder Bay residents to the list of locals being honoured during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year. The latest list of  Jubilee medal recipients shows a cross section of city residents, from a former city councillor to a church minister. Here's the rundown of the recipients...Kay Geravelis who established the Vale Community Centre, Sandra Guthrie, businessman Larry Joy Senior, Anglican Minister Deborah Kraft, Jolene Kemp, Pauline Krupa, Jack Remus, Fay Steadwell and Lawrence Timko who, at 30 years,  holds the record for the longest serving city councillor in Thunder Bay. 

T.Bay Jobless Rate

A slight change in our jobless rate.   There were more people looking for work in Thunder Bay last month than the month before.  Government figures from Statistics Canada show the rate went up slightly in August to 6.3 per cent from 6.1 per cent in July.  Across Canada the rate in August was 7.3 per cent.

Campbell on MNR Offices

The Provincial government is being challenged to hold consultations before deciding to close any Ministry of Natural Resources office in this region. In the Ontario legislature, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell stated the government needs to learn from its mistakes. Campbell is in Thunder Bay today. Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci is promising the government will be consulting local communities before any cuts are made. 

Construction Season Slowing

The construction season in Thunder bay is slowly coming to an end. The major inconvenience for traffic is still happening on Montreal Street and Neebing Avenue affecting mostly residence in the area and workers at Bowater. City Engineer Rick Harms says projects are still on the horizon until the end of October but so far they are on budget. One more major project is set to start next week on Algoma Street between John and Bay Street.

Main Arteries Closed Saturday

The City of Thunder Bay is warning motorists about road closures Saturday for the Fort William Fall Street Fair. Victoria Avenue is shut down between Brodie and Simpson Street. May Street is also closed to vehicles from Mile Street to Donald Street. Those main arteries are closed until 6:00 o'clock tonight.

United Way Sets New Goal



The United Way has set its new fundraising goal of just over 2.6 million dollars.  Chair Carol Busch says they had a hard time reaching their goal last year but they're not going to let that discourage them this year.  The United Way financially helps support 28 local agencies.

Sharing The Healing

The healing continues for residential school survivors in Northwestern Ontario. This week in Thunder Bay many are gathering like Albert James from McDowell Lake First Nation, who says it's good to hear a lot of victims are coming to terms with their trauma. He says healing has taken place in their lives now. Walking Together, Sharing our Journey continues at the Airlane Hotel until Sunday.

Crime Prevention Through Design Training

Thunder Bay Police are taking part in a training program that looks at why crimes occur at convenience stores, public parks, and housing complexes.  Barry Horrobin of the Windsor Police Service will be teaching Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design to local officers.  Horrobin says convenience stores are tricky.  Horrobin suggests convenience stores change their layout inside the store so cashiers have better visibility.  Horrobin says housing complexes need to have shrubs cleared away to make it more visible, as well as good lighting to make people feel safe.

Fire At Loch Lomond Water Treatment Plant

Thunder Bay Fire Crews are on the scene of a fire at the Loch Lomond Water Treatment Plant. The fire department got the call just after 2:30 about the blaze. Captain Kelly Patterson says fire fighters are on the scene. Patterson says there's paper filters burning in one of the tanks and it's causing a lot of black smoke.

USW Reaches A Deal

Employees at the Lac des Illes mine won't be going on strike afterall. Their union, the United Steelworkers reached a deal with the company early Thursday morning according to union rep Herb Daniher.  The union won't release the deals details until a vote is held at the mine site on September 10th and the 14th.  Meanwhile, the union also ratified it's deal with the grain handlers who operate on the waterfront.

Doors Open 2012 Thunder Bay

The doors will be open to heritage homes and buildings in Thunder Bay once again this Saturday. City Heritage Researcher Lee-Ann Chevrette says it's a great opportunity for residents to see inside buildings that are normally not open to the public. This year's sites include the Museum, Prince Arthur Hotel, St. John's Anglican Church, Hillcrest High School, the Finnish Labour Temple, and the Brodie Resource Library. Doors open is free and being held at locations across the City on Saturday from 10 until 4 pm.

Fort William Streetfest Saturday

Fort William will be busy Saturday as the fifth annual Streetfest gets underway.  Fort William Business District Spokesperson Tina Huk says downtown Fort William is thriving. Huk says many people don't realize the amount of stores the south core has.  Just down the road from Streetfest the City's Riverfest along the Kam River will be held.

Horizon Wind Submits REA

Horizon Wind is submitting it's request for environmental approval for their proposed Big Thunder Wind Park.  The company has included feedback from public input sessions, as well as studies on the Loch Lomond watershed, and area wildlife and plants.  The Provincial Government's approval of the REA is one of the steps towards construction of the wind park.

First Week Of School At Con College

The first week of the new school year at Confederation College is going smoothly. President Jim Madder says they've been welcoming about 23 hundred new students this year and expects total enrollment to hit about 8 thousand.

Moving Day At LU

It's moving day at Lakehead University. Hundreds of out-of-town students are moving into the University residence, many for the first time. The University's orientation program continues into next week.

NOIC Pats Itself On Back

The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre is patting itself on the back by bragging about how much of a positive effect it's had on the local economy.  Spokesperson Judy Sander says it's important to let the public know about the organization's successes.

Police Nab Naughty Drivers On First Day Of School

Thunder Bay Police nabbed a few speeders on the first day of school.  Traffic enforcement resulted in more than 60 tickets being issued to drivers. Tickets were handed out for everything from speeding to improper seat belt and child restraint use, cell phone use, and traffic light violations.

NW LHIN Online Survey

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network says more than 700 people have filled out an on-line survey about health services in the region.  Laura Kokochinski is the executive director of the LHIN's and says they want feedback on four key issues.  Kokochinski says the survey will be up on their website for another 10 days. September 15th is the deadline.

Dryden Council Has A Vacant Seat

Dryden Council is going to have a big decision to make regarding a vacant council seat.  Mel Fisher announced his resignation last week.  Acting Clerk Debra Kincaid says the process to replace Fisher will begin next week.  One option is going back to the results of the May by election and selecting the runner-up to Sid Wintle.  Former Police Chief Shayne MacKinnon finished second and already has expressed an interest in replacing Fisher.The City has 60-days after September 17th to find a replacement.

Fire and Rescue False Alarm

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Service are saying it was a false alarm.  Three crews, ambulance and police were all called to the Kam River after a passer-by saw a dingy floating in the water with no one in it. District Chief Bill Kruse says the owner was on shore doing work in preparation for Riverfest.

Missing Boy Back With His Mother

A missing boy is now back with his Mother. A 3 year old boy went missing in Fort Frances yesterday after he managed to leave the backyard, even though the gate was locked. Provincial Police were called and officers were able to pick up the youngster just three minutes after the call came in. The boy was found at a nearby park playing in the sandbox.

3 People Sent To Hospital After Collision

Ontario Provincial Police are still looking into a 2 vehicle collision that happened last night on Highway 61. O.P.P. say three people were sent to hospital following a collision between a passenger van and a pick-up truck near Hocquoil Road. There is no word on the severity of their injuries but police say charges are pending. Police say the call came in at 7:20 p.m.

City's First Bike Racks For Business Installed

Thunder Bay's first bike rack has been installed in front of the restaurant "Made Fresh."  It's one of almost 30 that the Clean Green and Beautiful Committee paid for.  Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper says they'll be telling the committee how well their project went.  All of the bike racks should be installed by the end of October.

LU Braun Building Welcomes Back Native Nursing

Lakehead University's Braun Building is welcoming back programs. A fire in 2008 caused the Native Nursing Program to move out of their workspace on the second floor.  The program is now back in their familiar building as of today.  Spokesperson Sandra Cornell says they're happy to be back.  Around 25 students are enrolled in this year's course.

Mayor Makes A Splash For Tourism

Mayor Keith Hobbs and the Marina's Splash Pad are going to be featured in the 2013 Thunder Bay Experience Magazine.  Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says it was fun to get the Mayor to roll up his trousers and take a dip in the splash pad.

14 Year Old Boy Reportedly Propositioned At Mall

A 14 year old boy says he was propositioned at the Grandview Mall recently. The boy told City Police at around 5 o'clock on Sunday he entered the mall's washroom where he was approached by an older man. Police say the boy was able to get himself out of the washroom and ran into the mall corridor. Officers are looking for a 50 year old man, 5'9 with an average build. The suspect is described as having salt and pepper hair, stubble on his face and wearing round glasses. He was seen leaving westbound from the mall on a mountain bike.

RNAO's Grinspun In Fort Hope Today

The head of the Registered Nurses' Association is in Fort Hope today.  Doris Grinspun wants to see firsthand how the community's nursing station is dealing with the healthcare needs of Fort Hope.  Grinspun wants to find ways her organization can help recruit and retain nurses for remote Northern communities.

Public Input On Paterson Park

The City wants to hear your thoughts on what to do with Paterson Park.  A town hall meeting is being put on Thursday by the non-profit group 8-80 Cities.  City Spokesperson Werner Schwar says they'll be collecting input at Thursday night's meeting at City Hall.  The goal of the project is to make the park more user friendly for users of all ages.  The meeting will be held at 6:30 Thursday night.  A second meeting will be held on Saturday at Paterson Park from 10 til 2. 

Scholars Education Centre Takes On Sylvan Clients

Parents and guardians have one less educational option for kids returning to school.  Sylvan Learning Centre has closed its doors and clients are now being referred to Scholars Education Centre.  Jaimie Jorgenson of Scholars says they're more than willing to accommodate students after the surprising news.

Bartolucci Defends NPI

The provincial Liberals are defending their decision to set up a Northern Policy Institute that will provide input to government.   Northern Development Minister Rick Bartolucci says they have the support from northerners.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell feels an all-northern Ontario legislative committee would be a better and cheaper approach.

Lakehead Schools Sorting Out Class Rooms

The Lakehead Public School Board is responding to some complaints from parents who want to transfer their children into their schools this fall.  Superintendent of Education Ian MacRae says the schools aren't full they just can't accept students until after they sort out how many students they have at each school. MacRae says they made their enrollment projections in the Spring and now they need to see how many of those students are actually attending their schools.

New Law School Accepting Applications Soon

The deadline to apply for the first school year at the Northern Ontario Law School is quickly approaching.  Founding Dean Lee Stuesser says would-be students have until November 1st.  The school will open in the fall of 2013.

Racial Discrimination in Thunder Bay

An aboriginal issues educator is calling on Thunder Bay area groups to get the word out about racial discrimination.  Bonnie Couchie spoke at the Learning Cafe Tuesday night and says there's still discrimination in Thunder Bay. Couchie launched a human rights application after she was fired as an Aboriginal Educator for the Government of Ontario.  The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal found she received heightened scrutiny and blame when compared to her non-aboriginal co-educator.

Hobbs Blasts Reporting On Email Incident

Mayor Keith Hobbs is blaming the media for blowing a news release story way out of proportion. Hobbs says a weekend police email entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured" that was emailed to news outlets in the city, is not racist and says to suggest otherwise is irresponsible. City Police say the incident is under investigation.

OPP Find Body Of Missing Angler

The search is over for a missing Thunder Bay angler on a lake near Armstrong.  The 76 year old man and his 21-year-old grandson had been fishing when their small boat flipped over after hitting a buoy located upstream of a dam at the south end of the lake. The Under Water Search and Recovery Unit recovered the body of Matthew Dawd below the dam.  A post mortem exam will be conducted in Thunder Bay tomorrow.