MPAC Meeting Today

Northern Mayors are in Toronto today to meet with the Province's Deputy Finance Minister.  It's a bid to convince the government to intervene in the on-going dispute with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.  The Northern Mayors Coalition says MPAC assessments on mill properties are killing area communities.  The president of MPAC stated Friday that they would not alter the assessments and will continue to hand out bills and payment notices to northern municipalities.

 

Hospital Shows Off New MRI

The Regional Hospital is showing off its newest medical resonance imaging machine.  It's unique in Canada according to imaging expert Matthew Fox who says with this new piece of equipment they can more detailed pictures of the lung. He says it will prove effective for exploring diseases like asthma and cystic fibrosis.  Fox says they hope to begin clinical trials in the near future.

Kenora MPP Not Happy With Province

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is calling on the premier to address the social conditions in First Nation communities. Speaking at Queens Park, Sarah Campbell says it's unfair that these communities have to declare a state of emergency to get some attention from the government. A remote Northern First Nation declared a state of emergency last week due to recent suicides and the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Police Probe Potentially Lethal Incident

Thunder Bay Police are looking into what could have been a dangerous incident. Police say someone placed fishing line across the walking path at Boulevard Lake. Officials say the line was placed five to six feet off the ground at various locations around Boulevard.

PC's Pick Their Candidate

Tamara Johnson will be the Progressive Conservative candidate for Thunder Bay - Superior North in the next provincial election. She was acclaimed at a gathering earlier today at the Italian Hall.

CAW and CEP To Form Union

Representatives from the CAW and CEP unions are promoting their upcoming merger. CAW Spokesperson Andy Savela says its good news for Thunder Bay workers.The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada and Canadian Auto Workers will officially be Canada's biggest union starting Labour Day.

Night Out Site Launched

A Thunder Bay woman is up and running a website dedicated to helping people find things to do around town. Cheryl Merlo created thunderbaynightout.com as a way for people to find events and bars around the city. The site can be found HERE.

Kenora MPP Against Border Fee

Keep the borders free of charge. The thoughts of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell, who is opposed to border fees in order to enter the United States. Campbell says this region needs a more open concept. Campbell says politicians on both sides of the border are speaking out against the border fee and she doesn't think it will pass.

PC's To Choose Candidate

The Progressive Conservatives in Thunder Bay-Superior North are choosing their candidate to run in the next provincial election.   Tamara Johnson will be acclaimed at a party nomination meeting  taking place at the Italian Hall on Algoma today.

Anti Wind Farm Activists Protest

Anti wind farm activists in the city can't let an opportunity go by.  Spokesperson Irene Bond and dozens of other protesters picketed against the Big Thunder Wind Park in front of the Victoria Inn Friday as 8 cabinet ministers huddled inside for the municipal leaders conference.  The protest was spurred by an environmental victory by the company planning to build the wind turbines on the Norwester Escarpment

Howarth Takes Credit

The provincial NDP leader is accusing the Wynne government of being reactionary when it comes to the needs of Thunder Bay.  Andrea Horwath is reacting to the news that the province is going back to the table to negotiate more disaster relief funding for those affected by the May 28th flood. Horwath credits pressure by her party for the government's change of heart.

Hudak Outlines Plan For The North

Tim Hudak has an economic vision for Northern Ontario going into the next election.  In Thunder Bay today the Progressive Conservative leader outlined his plan which includes lower taxes, affordable energy and a plan for the Ring of Fire mining development.

Water Safety Warning Issued

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is warning about water safety in the area.   The Authority says recent heavy snowfall along with expected warm temperatures will result in some fast melting.  It could in turn cause a rapid rise in water levels for rivers and streams making for potentially dangerous conditions especially for children.

Jeffrey Sheds More Light On Flood Claims

Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Linda Jeffrey is re-affirming the Province's commitment to Thunder Bay and its flood relief.  Jeffrey announced they would help reimburse the City's four million dollars in costs under the Safe Homes Program.  She also told the Disaster Relief Committee they will continue to work with them to review their estimates of eligible flood damage claims.

NOMA Welcomes Canfield Back

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is welcoming back Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield as President.  Canfield was last President in 1998 and says he looks forward to carrying NOMA's goals forward.  Canfield is taking over for O'Connor Mayor Ron Nelson.

Orazietti In T.Bay Today

Natural Resources Minister David Orazietti is one of eight provincial cabinet ministers in the city for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal leaders conference. Orazietti says since he was only recently appointed as minister today's session is part of the learning curve.  Orazietti says the will also be looking for ways the ministry can support economic development and jobs in the region.

Bear Pit Session Welcomes 8 Cabinet Ministers

Eight cabinet ministers are in the city today for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.   Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle is among them. He says it's a chance for him to update area leaders.  Gravelle says he worked hard to get as many cabinet minister to attend as possible.

Jeffery In Town Today

Ontario's Municipal Affairs Minister meets with members of Thunder Bay's disaster relief committee today. It's Linda Jeffery's first visit to the city since it was revealed the government rules means the committee will only be getting 20 cents for every dollar raised for May 28th flood victims. Jeffery tells our newsroom, the process continues.  Jeffery hopes to get an update on the claims process.

Fire Hall Tenders About To Go Out

The City's Fire Chief is preparing the paperwork needed to get two new fire halls built. John Hay hopes to get the tenders out for construction shortly. One fire hall is to be built at Frederica and Neebing and one on the 20th Sideroad. In addition there will be modifications made to two other stations.

Weather Seminar Coming

Calling all storm watchers!  A program is being offered in  Thunder Bay by Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson, and he says it gives folks the chance to learn more about   specific weather patterns and possibly even become a spotter for Environment Canada.  The free session is taking place in Thunder Bay June 3rd.

Summer Sentencing In Murder Case

On the court beat this week, 23 year old Leif Hobson of Thunder Bay is going to be sentenced July 5th on charges relating to the murder of 65 year old Edgar Marion in 2009. Hobson plead guilty this week to all charges including second degree murder and committing an indignity to human remains. Meantime a former treasurer for the Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union in Nipigon has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for stealing 178 thousand dollars from union coffers.

Mauro Remains Opposed To Horizon Project

MPP Bill Mauro isn't giving up the fight. Mauro says even though Horizon Wind has passed a crucial environment hurdle from the government there is still time for those opposed to the building of wind turbines on the Norwester Mountains to voice their views. Mauro stopped short of saying the this weeks decision is a setback for opponents.

MPAC Fails To Appease NOMA Crowd

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation is failing to win any friends at the regional municipal conference.  MPAC President Antoni Wisniowski spoke this morning and told angry mayors in the audience that MPAC understands their concerns about the changes to mill assessment rates.  Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall called Wisniowski's speech a standard prepared presentation and says they'll continue to withhold their assessment payment.

New CEO At NOMA

Kristen Oliver is taking over as Executive Director of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.  She replaces Charla Robinson. Oliver said she was extremely happy to have been given the position, and is looking forward to the challenges it presents. Oliver will be officially starting May 1st.

CEDC Has Interim CEO

A veteran senior administrator at City Hall is taking on some new duties on a temporary basis. Karen Lewis has been appointed to take over as the Interim CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission.

Police "Maced" By Man

A 28 year old man is to make a court appearance tomorrow after police say their officers were allegedly sprayed with bear mace.  They say it happened early this morning on McIntyre Street when they tried to take a man into custody who was carrying around a machete. Police say they drew their guns to make the arrest.

Jared Staal To Make NHL Debut

The Carolina Hurricanes now have three Staal brothers on the roster after Jared Staal was called up from their AHL affiliate in Charlotte. He will join brothers Eric and Jordan Staal.    Jared will make his NHL debut Thursday night against the New York Rangers.

Campbell Tries To Spur Gov't Action

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is calling on the premier to address the social conditions in First Nation communities.Speaking at Queens Park, Sarah Campbell says it's unfair that these communities have to declare a state of emergency to get some attention from the government. A remote Northern First Nation declared a state of emergency last week due to recent suicides and the issue of prescription drug abuse.

Gravelle Says He Lobbied For ELA Decision

MPP Michael Gravelle is taking some of the credit for helping to save the Experimental Lakes Area . The province has agreed to keep the scientific research in the area near Vermillion Bay going. Gravelle says he has been lobbying on behalf of provincial control over the area.

Gravelle says it's important also find a way to keep the ELA open for the longer term saying the research conducted there is invaluable.

Ontario Replacing Bridge On Hwy 11

The Provincial Government is hiring Dalcon Enterprises to replace the Blackwater River Bridge near the Highway 580 junction. The 4.4 million dollar project will create 40 jobs near Beardmore.

Fire Called To Hospital

Thunder Bay Fire Crews spent a short time at the Health Sciences Centre today.  There wasn't a fire but crews found a little bit of smoke in the area and closed the case.

NOMA AGM In T.Bay

Municipal leaders from across the region are in Thunder Bay for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Annual General meeting.  The highlight of the 3 day conference, which starts today, is a forum with 8 Ontario Ministers.  Conservative Leader Tim Hudak and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath will also address delegates.  There will also be an appointment of a new President.  Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield is widely expected to replace Ron Nelson who has indicated he won't seek another term.

Resolute Gives Money To Cancer Fund

Thunder Bay's Resolute Forest Products Woodlands workers are celebrating being injury free for a year.  The company is marking the achievement with a 5-thousand dollar cheque to the Northern Cancer Fund at the hospital.

Police Launch Senior Abuse Video

Thunder Bay Police are tackling the issue of crimes against seniors. They're launching a special video today that will speak to First Nation residents about the growing concern about senior abuse.  Constable Diane MacLaurin says the video was greatly needed. The video is narrated by a local elder who speaks in her native language and English.

ELA To Stay Open In 2013

The Provincial Government is coming to the rescue of the Experimental Lakes Area.  Ontario is teaming up with the Manitoba Government and Feds to keep the ELA open in 2013.  The province will provide operating support and work toward an agreement to keep the facility open well into the future.

TBRRI Looking For New CEO

The Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute is looking for a new CEO.   It comes with the sudden departure of Michael Wood. Board Chair Keith Jobbitt will not discuss the details surrounding Wood's exit but says Roxanne Deslauriers is going to take over on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found.

Horizon Wind Clears Another Hurdle

Horizon Wind is one step further towards building its wind energy park in Thunder Bay.  The Ministry of Environment has determined the Big Thunder Wind Park's Renewable Energy Approval application meets the requirements of the Green Energy Act.  The company's REA still needs to be approved before Horizon can commence construction on the first phase of their project on the Nor'Wester escarpment.

Highway 17 Fully Open

Ontario Provincial Police say Highway17 on the north shore is open. It was closed most of the day between Nipigon and Marathon because of weather related issues.

Meeting Set For Northern Mayors

Lobby efforts for a one-on-one meeting to discuss property assessments in northern Ontario have finally paid off.  The Northern Mayors Coalition has secured a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Finance in Toronto on Monday morning. Mayor Craig Nuttall says several communities withholding payment to the province's assessment office may have been the turning point

LU Clinic Has Full Time Dr.

The Sports Medicine Clinic at Lakehead University now has a full time doctor. Dave McKee says he's happy to take on a position that he's always had a fleeting interest in having worked with alpine and world cup skiiers.   Dr. McKee comes to LU from the Emergency Department at the Regional Hospital.

Prostate Cancer Fundraiser Back For Another Year

Organizers are gearing up for the 13th annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad this June.  Spokesperson Ted Ciotucha says the event not only raises money for the Northern Cancer Fund but also awareness about Prostate Cancer.  The ride will take place at the Victoria Inn Saturday, June 15th.

Big Coke Bust In Kenora

Police in Kenora are sitting on a sizable seizure of cocaine.  They say 7 kilos of the contraband, worth an estimated 750 thousand dollars, was discovered after they stopped a speeding vehicle on the Trans Canada Highway in the community yesterday.    A 26 year old man from Pickering is charged.

AK-47 Seized At Bearskin Lake FN

A resident of Bearskin Lake First Nation is facing police questions after a prohibited assault weapon was found in his home.  Police say the discovery of the AK-47 and two high capacity magazines was made after a raid on the house yesterday.   So far police have not charged the 57 year old man.

Highway 17 Closed At Terrace Bay & Marathon

Highway 17 is closed near Marathon this hour as several transports are stuck on Angler's Hill.  OPP say sanders are en route to assist the vehicles that are unable to move due to slippery road conditions.  The highway is closed eastbound at Terrace Bay and westbound at Marathon while police try to get the transports moving again.

Atikokan General Gets $

Some provincial dollars for the Atikokan General Hospital.MPP Bill Mauro has announced 606-thousand-dollars that will go to fund a Regional Chief Information Officer for two years. This project supports the creation of hospital eHealth plans that align with regional plans. It's part of a 20-million-dollar commitment to help small and rural hospitals in Northwestern Ontario.

Leon Free & Clear In Canada

Former Confederation College student Adam Leon is free and clear.  An Ontario Superior Court judge granted Leon an absolute discharge in relation to an incident where a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States. 

Council Round Up

The corner of Mountdale and Gore is going to be home to a pet store and apartment units.   City lawmakers are allowing the new developments.   Planning consultant Don Manahan is representing the developer and says the proposal shouldn't have any negative affects on the area.  There is no one in the neighbourhood who is objecting to the plan.  Meanwhile, City Councillors are giving thumbs up to a new upscale 6 unit apartment complex on High Street.   One of the developers, Esther Seargeant says they believe they have answered all the neighbours concerns.

Golfing Fee Idea Shot Down

Golfing fees are not being reduced at Municipal Golf Course this year.   Councillors have turned down a proposal to bring down fees to 2007 levels, an idea which Councillor Trevor Giertuga thinks it's a guaranteed money loser.  Giertuga called the proposal asinine.

Two Week Shutdown At Resolute FP

Resolute Forest Products is shutting down its newsprint mill in Thunder Bay for two weeks starting this week.  Marvin Pupeza of the Paperworkers Union calls it an inventory shutdown due to a glut of paper on the market and says it has nothing to do with a vote by members last week who rejected a company bid to contract out some mill jobs.

Laundry List Of Charges In Sunday Incident

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 35 year old man with impaired operation of a vehicle, mischief and breaking and entering.  The laundry list of charges stem from an incident yesterday that saw a man repeatedly try to enter a home.  Police say the man threw a snow shovel at the front door of the home breaking the glass.  He then left the area in a vehicle when police pulled him over for drinking and driving at the corner of Court and River Street.