OPP Out With Weekend Warning

The Ontario Provincial Police want to make sure everyone stays safe this Victoria Day Weekend. Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest Region says this year's theme is "Take Charge Of Your Own Safety".   Garr says officers will be out looking for distracted and aggressive drivers, impaired drivers and those not wearing their seatbelts.

More Evacuees Arrive

The City of Thunder Bay is now hosting a total of 260  Attawapiskat First Nation evacuees. It follows the arrival of 105 evacuees transferred from Greenstone last night. Officials says the city has now reached its capacity to comfortably support an evacuation effort of this size.  If conditions continue to improve, it's hoped that evacuees will be able to return home later this week.

Courthouse Construction Site Open

Work is back underway at the new courthouse construction site after a crane tipped over yesterday.  Matt Blajer of the Ministry of Labour says the area around the crane accident is the only place work is not allowed.  Blajer says the ministry investigation into the incident continues.

Fire Cause Still Unknown

City Fire inspectors are not ruling out arson as the cause of last night's house fire on 129 South  Marks Street.   Bob Vander Ploeg looked over the site this morning and says he's handing it over to the Ontario Fire Marshall.   He says it's because they cannot totally rule out that the blaze was deliberately set.  Vander Ploeg says it was fortunate that a neighbour was able alert  the occupants of the house in time to escape the fire.

Resolute Celebrates Green Energy Plan

Resolute Forest Products is launching its new green energy project.  Spokesperson Pierre Choquette says they've started to use their new wood waste boiler and condensing turbine.  Company officials will also hold their annual general meeting in Thunder Bay on Thursday.

Sandy Lake First Nation Death

Provincial Police are assisting the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service regarding a death in Sandy Lake First Nation.  NAPS officers responded to a call for medical assistance, and took a man to the nursing station where he was pronounced dead.  The name of the deceased is not available at this time, and a post-mortem is being done in Kenora.

Transport Blocks Highway

City Police are confirming a transport is blocking Arthur Street at Santorelli's. An ambulance is on the way to the scene. The trailer fell off of the vehicle causing the road blockage.

Council Seeks Right To Speak At Inquest

The City wants to have the right to contribute at an upcoming coroner's inquest into the deaths of seven aboriginal youth who died while attending school in Thunder Bay. Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they're going to seek the right to speak at the upcoming inquest. The hearing on who will have the right to speak at the inquest is coming up in June.

Marks Street Fire Under Investigation

Thunder Bay Fire is investigating a two storey house fire on Marks Street late last night. When crews arrived they found flames coming from the back of the house around the back porch area. It took two hours for the fire department to bring the fire under control and save two cats living in the home. No one was injured.

Matawa FN Wants Verdict Appealed

The Matawa First Nations is upset with the justice system.   They are asking that prosecutors file an appeal of the recent not guilty verdict handed down in the case of a Geraldton OPP officer.   He was acquitted of assaulting a prisoner he had in his custody.   The Chief's Council says the verdict has damaged relationships between the OPP and the First Nation people in this region.

City Demands Energy Action

The city is taking its energy battle with the province to a new level. Mayor Keith Hobbs says it's time for the Wynne government to resume the natural gas conversion of the Mission Island Power plant.  He calls the whole thing a political football and says the city will tell the minister of energy to do the right thing and get the conversion done right now.  Mayor Hobbs says even the Ontario Power Authority admits it's calculated our energy needs wrong.

Marina Opens Wednesday

The marina is set to open tomorrow even though there is still ice in the harbour.  City spokesperson Paul Fayrick says while it may be a problem now, he doesn't anticipate it will be long before boaters begin docking their vessels.  He says the slips in Pier 3 are free of ice, the only problem is getting there.   Fayrick says staff will be ready to take in boats when they start arriving.

Crane Tips Over At Courthouse

The crane at the Consolidated Courthouse construction site has tipped over.  Construction worker Mike George says the crane did not make a loud noise, and came as a shock to the workers. No one was hurt. The Ministry of Labour is investigating, and says that the 90-tonne crane was moving a concrete wall panel up to the top level of the new courthouse when the crane fell.  Meanwhile, a witness at the scene, Frank Zawadzki says the workers scattered like mice when the crane came down.  He adds it looks like the crane's weight wasn't balanced and that could have lead to why it tipped over.  As a result of the incident, Brodie Street is closed from Miles Street to Victoria.

Local Liquor Workers Set To Strike

A strike by Liquor Control Board workers is still set for this weekend.  In Thunder Bay, unionized workers have set up strike headquarters at the Labour Centre.   Union spokesperson Robert Lorkowski says the dispute centers around the increased use of part time workers.  Lorkowski says out of the province's total LCBO workforce of 7 thousand about 4 thousand are part time.

Test Your Well Water

The Health Unit is encouraging well owners to test their water this spring.  Public Health Inspector Abbey Mackie says it's important to get your water tested.  Spring run off from melting snow can bring contaminants with it into local wells.

Tourism Slowed By Late Spring

A cool spring isn't doing Thunder Bay's Tourism market any favours. Manager Paul Pepe says it's been a slow start to the tourism season. Pepe expects their outdoor experience visitors to pick up in the warmer months.

Upass Renewal Plans

The City is looking to renew its deals with Confederation College and Lakehead University for student transportation. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says the Upass agreement provides students with yearly bus passes that are paid for through tuition fees. If council approves the three year term it will start this September.

Books Without Bounds In City Today

Two teenaged Oakville, Ontario sisters who collected books for kids living in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation are in Thunder Bay today. Emma and Julia Mogus bought books with their own money and accepted donations leading to over 18-thousand books being sent to NAN communities. They'll fly out to Fort Severn with Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy.

Crime Of The Week

Time now for our Crime of the Week. Sometime between May 3rd and 5th someone gained access to a Hydro One storage compound in Dryden. The suspects stole 17-thousand dollars in chainsaws and drills. Anyone with info is asked to call Crimestoppers.

CAW Elections Today

The local Canadian Autoworkers Union is holding its executive elections today. Voting takes place at the Lakehead Labour Centre from 10 until 8.

MNR Fire Deals With Blazes

Thunder Bay's MNR fire crews are finally seeing some action.  The first fire they dealt with was a lightning strike to a dead tree in the area south of Garden Lake.  The second blaze on Sunday was a human caused grass fire on Mountain Road at Fort William First Nation.

T.Bay Hydro Electricity Rate Increases

The Ontario Energy Board is giving Thunder Bay Hydro approval to increase their electricity rates.  The 6.35 percent increase means most residential hydro bills will go up almost 7 dollars a month.  For businesses that increase will look like almost 14 dollars a month.

OPP Launches Recruitment Campaign

The Ontario Provincial Police are launching a recruitment campaign in Thunder Bay. Constable Erin Huckell with the Dryden Detachment says it's a "Northern Policing Experience", and runs from May 25th to 26th. Huckell says travel and accommodations will be taken care of.

New Centre CEO Eyes Region

The new CEO of the George Jeffrey Children's Centre is Juliana Jason.   She says it's important for her to keep Centre's good reputation in Thunder Bay intact.   Jason says a priority for her will be reaching  out to special needs children in northern communities and looking at rural services.

More Evacuees Arrive

The city is hosting yet another set of evacuees from the James Bay area.   This time 120 First Nation residents from Attawapiskat are now in the city after being flown in last night and this morning.   As with the Kashechewan evacuees, who left yesterday, the current group is here because of the threat of flooding in their community.

South Side Grass Fire Controlled

Grass fire season is back again.   Firefighters on the city's south side now have a sprawling fire next to the Resolute paper mill complex under control.   At one point, just after the noon hour, white smoke was billowing over much of Westfort.   There are no injuries to report.  

Cops For Cancer

Cops for Cancer is happening today. The event will see local police and regular folks shave their heads to show support for those who are fighting cancer. The event will be going on from 11-3 at Intercity Mall.

Fire Fighter Recruitment Tests Begin

Are you interested in becoming a firefighter? The Preliminary Firefighter Recruitment tests are being held today at Lakehead University. Fire Chief John Hay says anyone interested in joining the department is encouraged to take the test.

Crime Stoppers Drug Drop Off

Thunder Bay Crimestoppers are holding a prescription drug drop off this weekend. Constable Jason Disher says it's a great way to reduce drug abuse. The drop off will be located near the Dove building at the Farmer's Market Saturday from 8 until 2.

Angus Disputes Mayor's Comments

The Mayor's comments that the Royal Edward Arms is a cesspool continues to get reaction.   Councillor Iain Angus sits on the District Social Services Board and doesn't believe the comment is accurate.  He does admit there are problems and safety concerns, but says it plays a vital role in the city.  Angus is only one of four board members who voted to renew the apartment's social housing lease with the city when it expires in 2015.

Angus Disputes Mayor's Comment

The Mayor's comments that the Royal Edward Arms is a cesspool continues to get reaction.   Councillor Iain Angus sits on the District Social Services Board and doesn't believe the comment is accurate.  He does admit there are problems and safety concerns, but says it plays a vital role in the city.  Angus is only one of four board members who voted to renew the apartment's social housing lease with the city when it expires in 2015.

Oliver Paipoonge Road Closed

Harstone Road is closed from 8-6 today. The rural road is closed to allow an inspection of the Kaministiquia River Bridge. Officials apologize for any inconvenience this may pose to motorists.

Rae Confirmed As ROF Negotiator

It's now official.   Former Ontario Premier Bob Rae  is  the chief negotiator for the Matawa First Nations in Ring of Fire negotiations with the province.  Rae is expected to tour all nine  of the regional First Nations communities in the next few months.

Inquest One Step Closer

A coroners inquest into the tragic deaths of 7 First Nations teens in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality.  The regional coroner has now set the date for a hearing on who will have the legal right to take part in the inquest proceedings.   That hearing takes place at the Red River Road government building starting June 11th.

Minor Injuries In Morning Mishap

Morning accident victim

Three people are recovering from injuries sustained following a 3 vehicle mishap on the city's north side.   Two people were taken to hospital following the collision at Cumberland and River just before 8:30 this morning.  Police say the injuries are minor.  One person was treated at the scene.  The 40 year old driver of one of the vehicles is charged with careless driving.

Serious Injury In Hilldale Rd Crash

City police say  two motorcycles crashed on Hilldale Road last night at around 10:15 and sent two men in their 20's  to hospital. The driver of one of the motorcycles suffered a serious injury and remains in hospital. The other man was treated for minor injuries.  

Mayor's "Cesspool" Comment Disputed

The head of city's Heritage Advisory Committee doesn't agree with the mayor's comments that the Royal Edward Arms is a cesspool.   Andrew Cotter believes the May Street building is worth keeping after its social housing lease expires. He admits he hasn't seen the inside of the May Street building but doesn't believe "cesspool" is an accurate description.  The mayor says it would take 10 million dollars to make renovations to the building

Evacuees Head Home

Kashechewan First Nation evacuees are returning home today.  They've been in Thunder Bay for over a week and flights will be scheduled throughout the day to transfer the remaining 150 evacuees.  The City notes they still are on alert as a host community for other evacuations should the need arise.

Johnson To Bring Up REA At Council

Word the Royal Edward Arms will no longer be a social service board run housing unit is making the rounds of City Council. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she's going to ask City staff on Monday about the DSSAB's decision to not renew their lease for the rental unit. Johnson notes its a balancing act saying they need affordable housing in the City but it should be in better condition than the Royal Edward Arms.

Campbell Cautious About ELA Deal

Kenora-Rainy-River MPP Sarah Campbell isn't convinced with the latest announcement about the Experimental Lakes Area. Sarah Campbell says the Memorandum of Understanding really only means that negotiations will continue. Campbell adds she doesn't know why the government hasn't made any financial commitments or time frames during the 7 months of negotiations.

Missing Teen Found

Thunder Bay Police are reporting they've found the 15 year old boy who was reported missing earlier this week. Police say he has been returned to his parents.

Ash Tree Owners Being Warned

City Hall is trying to educate homeowners with ash trees about a dangerous insect.  City Forester Shelley Vescio says there will be an information session this weekend to warn residents about what could happen with the potential arrival of the emerald ash borer.  The session takes place at 1 o'clock Saturday in the Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur's Landing.

ELA Saved For The Summer

The immediate future of the Experimental Lakes Area, west of Vermilion Bay looks brighter today. The Harper government and the International Institute for Sustainable Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says it's a great step forward. Rickford says the provincial government will continue talks with the ISSD.

Mayor Calls Royal Edward Arms A Cesspool

The days are numbered for the Royal Edward Arms apartments on May Street.   Mayor Keith Hobbs says the District Social Services Board will not renew the lease with the city when it expires, and you aren't hearing any complaints from the mayor who calls it a cesspool which will cost 10 million dollars to fix up.   Hobbs says there will be other housing found for the current tenants when in closes by 2015.

Local 10 Mile Runners To Remember Boston

Organizers of the annual 10 Mile Road Race on Victoria Day will pay respects to the Boston Marathon tragedy.   Ralph Hibbert says what form that tribute will take isn't known, and that it's still in the planning stages.   Hibbert says about 1 thousand runners are expected to participate.

Wunnumin Lake Fire Kills Three

Nishnawbe Aski Police are confirming a fatal fire in Wunnumin Lake First Nation 360 km northeast of Sioux Lookout. Sergeant Jackie George says three people are dead following a house fire early yesterday morning. All three are reported to be girls and aged 1, 6 and a 21 year old woman. Officials say the community of roughly 600-people is devastated.

CBSA Releases Border Stats

Canada Border Service Agents are being kept busy at the Pigeon River border crossing.  Last month a US resident tried to enter Canada and was referred to immigration where they discovered the traveler had been convicted for delivering LSD in the States.  She was turned away and returned to the US.  Meanwhile, in the Spring, two US residents crossing the border claimed they didn't have any firearms or weapons in their vehicle. Upon further examination it turned out they had a .38 calibre handgun in the centre console of the vehicle.  The driver was charged for failing to report his handgun to agents and paid fines over 3-thousand dollars.

Highway 593 Open

The Ministry of Transportation has crews working on Highway 593 today after water flooded the highway near the Highway 588 intersection.  The water has receded.  Highway 593, 7.8 km south of Highway 588 has now been re-opened to traffic in both directions.

Campbell Raises ELA Issue

The government may have said it will save the Experimental Lakes Area but the fight is continuing.  Speaking in the Legislature, Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell said that the Ontario government has failed to re-open the facility.  In response, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Laurel Broten says the ELA remains in control of the federal government and work on a deal is continuing to re-open the facility.

Treaty Three Vote To Be In PSAC

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is looking after the Treaty Three Police Service.  PSAC Regional Vice President Sharon DeSousa says majority of employees have voted YES to union protection.  DeSousa says the service still wants to fall under Provincial Jurisdiction, instead of Federal and number of issues will be resolved once the jurisdictional challenge has been rolled on.

Careful With That Axe...

A Dryden man's quest has resulted in some trouble with the law.  City Police were contacted on Monday regarding a man, who appeared to be drunk, wandering around Wilson's Trailer Park carrying a long handled axe.  Police arrived, and say that the man told officers he was looking for someone and was " going to chop them up into little bits".  As a result, police have charged 24-year-old Richard Halverson with uttering threats to cause bodily harm.