TBRRI Gets Million Dollars For MRI

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute is getting a million dollars from the Provincial Government.  CEO Dr. Michael Wood says the money from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will go towards a new state of the art MRI which will be used to research brain diseases.  The MRI will replace an older model and will cost 5 million dollars in total.

Plowing To Resume Overnight

The city's road crews are going to be back at it overnight clearing up our unexpected dump of snow.   Roads manager Brad Adams says they'll be out in full force while you are sleeping. He says at 2 a.m. snowplowing will begin with the big graters hitting the main streets. Adams says they will also continue plowing the sidewalks at around 3 a.m.   At 7 o'clock they will make a decision on whether the side streets need to be plowed as well.

Habitat Looking For Volunteers

Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers for their demolition projects in April. They'll be tearing down three cabins. Spokesperson Keith MacMillan says they need six to eight volunteers per day. Recovered material from the projects will then be sold in the Habitat For Humanity ReStore.

City Mourns Elder

The City is mourning the loss of Elder Agnes Hardy.  Hardy was a member of the City's Elders Advisory Council.  A funeral will be held on Thursday at 1pm at the Harbourview Funeral Centre.

White-Out Conditions On Area Highways

Today's snowfall is creating hazardous road conditions in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon areas.  Traffic Staff Sergeant Ken Mantey says blowing snow has created white out conditions on area highways.  The Ministry of Transportation is sending snow removal crews but it may take some time to improve driving conditions on area highways.

Foul Play Ruled Out

OPP are ruling out foul play on a person found in the water at the Norman Dam in Kenora.  The post-mortem exam shows the body may have been in the water for a number of months.  Last Thursday workers found a body floating at the intake to the dam.  Police continue to work with the Coroner to confirm the identity of the deceased; they do not believe he is from the Kenora area.

More Mediation Requested

 No agreement yet.  A spokesperson for the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal is reporting the dispute between City Police and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation hasn't been resolved. The two parties have requested another mediation date, and the tribunal is considering it. The dispute stems from NAN's complaint a spoof Thunder Bay Police e-mail entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured" was made public. The matter will either be resolved through mediation or a human rights hearing.

Manpower Releases Optimistic Quarterly Report

Thunder Bay area employers expect a healthy hiring climate for the second quarter of 2013, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.  Survey data reveals more than a quarter of employers plan to hire in the next three months while very few anticipate cutbacks. About 70 percent of employers plan to maintain their current staffing levels.

Summer In The Parks Stays On Wednesday

Not a big surprise.  City Council is not going to move Summer In The Parks.  Councillor Aldo Roberto says he asked for comments on the issue on Facebook and not many were in favour of the move.  Councillor Larry Hebert suggested moving the night from Wednesday to Tuesday or Thursday nights but he just couldn't get enough support from his fellow Councillors  

City Council Round Up

City Council is going to spend 1.2 million dollars on a new Aerial Ladder Fire Truck.  The Fire Department will be getting the vehicle from Fort Garry Fire Trucks.  Meanwhile, City Hall is also approving the Superior North Emergency Medical Services Strategic Plan.  The 5 year plan sets out goals and key recommendations for local paramedics.

Domestic Violence Groups Want Awareness Day

Domestic Violence groups would like the City to keep violence against women on their agenda on a regular basis.  Faye Peterson House Spokesperson Debbie Zweep says they would also like June 17th to be deemed "Nobody gets hurt" day in Thunder Bay as a way to raise awareness about the issue.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson recommended they speak with the Crime Prevention Council.  Zweep doesn't believe the C.P.C is talking about domestic violence enough and they should be.

MNR Looking Into Lampricide

Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti says they continue to work with a variety of organizations when it comes to restoring fish populations on the Black Sturgeon River.  Orazietti says he's heard the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters concerns that removing a dam in the area would allow sea lamprey into the body of water.  Orazietti says they're also considering a lampricide that would target the invasive species larva.

SOS Coast Guard Radio Continues To Fight

Local Union representatives continue to fight to save Thunder Bay's Coast Guard Radio service.  The service is slated to close in March of next year and will be offered out of Sarnia.  Local CAW Spokesperson Marcie Lavoie says they continue to pressure the Federal Government to reverse their decision.  Last spring, the Federal Government announced the closure and plans to direct calls to the Sarnia Coast Guard.

Summer In The Parks Stays On Wednesday

Not a big surprise.  City Council is not going to move Summer In The Parks.  Councillor Aldo Roberto says he asked for comments on the issue on Facebook and not many were in favour of the move.  Councillor Larry Hebert suggested moving the night from Wednesday to Tuesday or Thursday nights but he just couldn't get enough support from his fellow Councillors  

Domestic Violence Group Wants Awareness Day

Domestic Violence groups would like the City to keep violence against women on their agenda on a regular basis.  Faye Peterson House Spokesperson Debbie Zweep says they would also like June 17th to be deemed "Nobody gets hurt" day in Thunder Bay as away to raise awareness about the issue.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson recommended they speak with the Crime Prevention Council.  Zweep doesn't believe the C.P.C is talking about domestic violence and they should be.

Macher House Fire Considered Arson

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the house fire on Macher last week as arson.  The Fire Marshall's Office determined that it was deliberately set.  Anyone with information about the incident or information about any suspicious activity in the Macher Street area on the evening of March 6th is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police.

CA's Offering Tax Service For Free

Once again chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free.  Organizer Jennifer Whelan says Tuesday and Wednesday they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes.    The number to call to sign up is 345-0551.

Dryden Isn't Getting A Break From MPAC

Dryden isn't going to get a break from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation in its ongoing battle to reverse the recent assessment of the Domtar Mill.  MPAC says they have reviewed the Assessment Review Board decision with their legal team and determined they don't have enough to go on for an appeal.  President Antoni Wisniowski says they aren't leaving Dryden's side.  He says the ARB came up with the 14-million dollar value after hearing extensive evidence from both MPAC and Domtar.

Bob Rae In Thunder Bay

Federal interim Liberal leader Bob Rae is in Thunder Bay today.  He spoke with members of the Chamber of Commerce during the lunch hour about the Ring of Fire and First Nation involvement.  Rae says he's looking at how he can legally represent Matawa Chiefs with their dealings in the chromite mining development.  He will step down as interim leader April 15th. The one time Ontario Premier is touring the Bombardier facility this afternoon and speaking at a party faithful fundraising event.

Police Crack Down On Commercial Vehicles

Thunder Bay Police are cracking down on commercial vehicles.  They held an inspection over the weekend at the Mapleward Road landfill.  Police noted that some drivers had made absolutely no effort to secure the loads that they were hauling, and as a result five drivers received a ticket.  The set fine for this offence is $160.00.

Sled Dog Race Begins

A musher from Ray, Minnesota, leads the pack at the John Beargrease sled dog race from Grand Marais to Duluth. Keith Aili was first on the trail after a taking a break in Finland this morning. Andy Heerschap of Kakabeka Falls and Paul Amano of Kaministiquia are competing in the half-marathon which got underway from Finland this morning.

Local Connection To Brier Winners

The Northern Ontario win at the Brier has a Thunder Bay connection. Local Curler Joe Scharf served as the team's fifth member at last year's Brier. Scharf says the Brad Jacobs' win hits close to home. Scharf says the team works harder off the ice at being the most physically and mentally ready team in the country.

Armstrong Jersey To Remain On Display

The jersey of disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong is going to remain on display at the regional cancer centre.   Officials say the decision to keep the autographed yellow jersey where it is, was based on discussions with local and regional cancer patients, community members and the staff.  

Fort Frances Teachers Elected President Of O.S.S.T.F.

The new leader of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is from Fort Frances. Paul Elliott was voted to lead the 60 thousand member union in Toronto yesterday. Elliott, a teacher from Fort Frances High School, was first elected to the Provincial Executive as Executive Officer in 2005, and is a former Vice-President three times. Sue Doughty-Smith, an Educational Assistant from Thunder Bay, will serve as Executive Officer for the upcoming term.

Thunderwolves Lose In National Final

The dream run is over for the Lakehead University Men's basketball team. They lost 92-42 to the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens in the championship final on Sunday. It was the last ride for six players who were in their last year of eligibility. The team is expected to return from Ottawa today after pulling off upsets over Cape Breton and Ottawa at Nationals.

Domestic Violence Issues Come To Council

Local women's groups are going to speak with City Council tonight about a recent report saying Thunder Bay has the highest rate of domestic violence in all of Ontario.  The groups including the Faye Peterson House will be asking each Ward Councillor to have a meeting to talk about violence against women and create ward specific strategies.  They're also asking for more domestic violence training for police and better communication between law enforcement and their organizations.

Crime Of The Week

Thunder Bay District Crime Stoppers is asking the public for help in solving the following crime. On January 8th police responded to CRC Communications on Dunlop Street to find the front window of the building smashed. Video surveillance shows an early 2000 Pontiac mini van with large black stripes across the doors pulling up to the building and a man exiting with a hammer. He is described as 5' 10" with a slender build and was wearing possibly a white painter's suit. The man made off with a number of company cell phones. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at  623-TIPS, that's 623-8477.

EMS Plan Up For Debate

City Council is going to be asked to approve the Superior North EMS Strategic Plan Monday night.  Chief Norm Gale says they want Councillors to give them the go ahead so they can start implementing the plan.

Biathlon Back In The City

Biathlon is making comeback in the city, at least that's the hope of a local club. Lake Superior Biathlon hosted the first biathlon race in Thunder Bay in over twenty years yesterday at Kamview. LSB spokesperson Dan Duckert says they are optimistic about the future of biathlon in the city. Duckert says it was great to give all race participants the exposure to the sport.

Lakehead In Finals

They're off to the finals. Lakehead University Men's Basketball team punched their ticket to the finals of the CIS National Championship with a 66-62 win over the Ottawa Gee Gees last night. The Thunderwolves will be taking on eight-time champion Carleton Ravens this afternoon at 3:30. You can watch the game on The Score.

NTAB Worried About Lack Of Workers

A new report on employment needs in the Kenora District is being welcomed by the Northwest Adjustment and Training Board. The document calls for the need of 32-hundred workers in the mining sector, 17-hundred alone in the skills trades industry. NTAB Executive Director Sonja Wainio says this report will pay off in the long run. Wainio stresses it's important to work with area schools to promote the opportunities facing the area.

Bicycles For Humanity

Bicycles for Humanity is looking for donations. The local chapter of the organization gives Bicycles and other important items to people who can't afford them both locally and overseas. Spokesperson Gareth Pritchard says they need a variety of items. If you want to help, please leave any donations at Bicycles for Humanity's Simpson Street drop-off point.

Nordmin Engineering Prepares To Move

Residents living near the old Sir John A. MacDonald school in the North corps are preparing to welcome a new business to their neighborhood. Nordmin Engineering is hoping to move in at the end of April according to Operations Manager Melissa Kusznier. The City approved the renovations at the old school to the tune of $1.8 million.

Money Pledged For Alzheimer's Research

Premier Kathleen Wynne's government will give 100-million dollars over five years to the Ontario Brain Institute. She says the money will be used for neuroscience research. That includes research on Alzheimer's disease. Executive Director of Thunder Bay's Alzheimer's Society, Alison Denton says it will keep Ontario as a world leader in research. The money will also be used for research on depression, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy.

Lakehead Strategic Plan Over

A two year journey for the Lakehead University Board of Governors is over. The board has approved its new Strategic plan which runs for five years. The goals include economic development and new plans for attracting more international, Aboriginal and graduate students to the institution.

Campbell Wants Hold On Property Assessments

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Sarah Campbell is demanding the government hold off on property assessment changes. In the Ontario Legislature recently, she says communities across the north are facing hardship as a result of the decisions being made by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. Finance minister Charles Sousa confirmed that his department is reviewing the situation.

OPP Student Position

Are you a student or recent Graduate looking for work? Then you may want to apply for the position of OPP Marine Assistant. Students will work alongside a qualified OPP Marine Operator on a police vessel, helping conduct checks on regular boaters. You must be 18 years old to apply.

Price of Policing Worries Some

Municipalities across northwestern Ontario continue lobby the provincial government for lower policing costs. Speaking at Kenora's Police Services Board meeting this week, mayor Dave Canfield says Kenora continues to pay twice as much as the provincial average for OPP service. Canfield says protective services also takes up the majority of the city's budget at about 38 percent and he'd like to see that number lowered.

Kamview Classic Today

Thunder Bay's Nordic Trails is hosting the Kamview Classic today.  Participants can take part in a 1.5 km, 5 km or 10 km distance.  The Classic is the last of four events on the group's nordic calendar.

Woman Remains In Custody

A Thunder Bay woman charged in connection with a 2009 murder case will not know until next week if she will be allowed out on bail.  23 year old Samantha Drake is charged as being an accessory to murder after the fact in the 2009 death of Edgar Marion.  Her case will be dealt with in Superior Court on Tuesday.

Nipigon River Bridge Tenders Out

The Provincial Government is looking to make traveling easier in Northern Ontario.  The Northern Highway Project will include a new four-lane bridge along Highway 11-17, in Nipigon. It will be the first of its kind in Ontario, and will include a walkway for pedestrians.  Tenders for the project went out today.  Construction is set to begin this summer.

Gravelle Hears Mining Concerns

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is getting an earful from the junior mining exploration companies in the northwest.   They say government policies are stopping them from exploring for minerals or driving them out of the country.  Gravelle doesn't see the doom and gloom.  Gravelle believes the industry runs in cycles and that the companies realize the opportunities remain here.

Morrisson Happy With LU Win

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's basketball team beat Cape Breton today in a national tournament game 74 to 61. The Thunderwolves will play Ottawa tomorrow at 5:30 pm ET. Coach Scott Morrisson says it feels great to move onto the next round of play and notes normally at this time of year he'd be drowning his sorrows.

Revera Employees Join CEP

25 Revera employees are joining the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union.  CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says in a vote today, 60 percent of the staff from Thunder Bay and Kenora voted in favour of joining the union.  Revera home health care provides service across Northwestern Ontario and the CEP already represents 40 personal support workers in the Dryden area.

NDP Nomination Race Now Has 2

City Councillor Andrew Foulds will have some competition for the N.D.P. nomination in Thunder Bay Superior North.  Lise Vaugeois is throwing her hat in the ring.  The Lakehead University educator and musician says she has great respect for Foulds and looks forward to discussing issues with him at the nomination meeting.  The nomination meeting is scheduled for Thursday March 14th.

CMHC Looks Ahead To Spring

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation feels housing starts will pick up again once the weather gets warmer.  In February there were no new starts reported in Thunder Bay.  Analyst Warren Philp expects the Spring to bring more single family starts.  Philp says people are using the colder months to plan their future builds.

Stats Can Releases New Job Numbers

The jobless rate in Thunder Bay is on the rise.   Statistics Canada released new information today indicating the city's jobless rate rose by almost a full percentage point, up to 5-point-9 percent from 5 percent last month. Canada's unemployment rate is unchanged at 7 percent.

Wynne Vows To Work With First Nations

Premier Kathleen Wynne is keeping to her promise of working with First Nations on developing the Ring of Fire.  Wynne met with Matawa Chiefs in Toronto alongside Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer.   Wynne feels the meeting was productive and says she wants to work with First Nations to ensure future economic growth and job creation for generations to come.

Thunderwolves Begin National Tourney At Noon

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's basketball team takes on Cape Breton today at noon to begin the national tournament. Head Coach Scott Morrison says there is a bit of history between the two teams as they played against each other at nationals in 2010. The Thunderwolves are ranked 7th at the tournament in Ottawa while the Capers are ranked 2nd. You can watch the game starting at noon by clicking here: http://www.cis-sic.tv/

New MNR Minister Says All Ministries Face Financial Pressures

The new Minister of Natural Resources is weighing in on jobs cuts within his Ministry.  The Province talked in September of 2012 of possibly closing the Ignace MNR office, as well as cutting positions at several area Provincial Parks.  In an exclusive interview with our newsroom, David Orazietti says he'll try to balance providing first line MNR service with cost efficiencies.  Orazietti says all Ministries are facing financial pressures.