Officials Keep Eye On Rising Water Levels

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and the City are keeping a close watch on rising water levels in area waterways.  50 to 60 millimeters of rain was recorded over the weekend with 70 millimeters more forecasted for last night.  City Infrastructure Manager Darrell Matson says they're on high alert and the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Plant is performing as they expected.  Roads in and around the City are experiencing ponding and flooding.  Any roads covered with water should be avoided and you should seek alternate routes.  Local roads that are closed include: Arundel Street near Toledo Street, and Melbourne Road near Hazelwood Drive intersection, Chippewa Road at the City Road intersection and at the Chippewa Park Wildlife Exhibit.  The recreation trail under the Edward Street Bridge is also closed.

OPP Say Only Some Back Roads Still Washed Out

OPP are reporting that all major highways remain open and previous washed out rural roads are now passable.  Police say only some small back roads are still treacherous.

FWFN State Of Emergency

Fort William First Nation is in a state of emergency.  170 members of the First Nation have been evacuated since yesterday. Chief Georjann Morriseau says they'll be meeting today to review the flood situation.  Homes were damaged and several roads are closed due to washouts in the community.

Leaf And Yard Waste Starts Today

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste starts this week. Spokesperson Brad Adams says the collections will take place on your regular recycling day, between today and the end of the month. Adams also says each bag has a weight limit of 40 pounds.

FWFN Residents Evacuated

There are about 170 residents of the Fort William First Nation who are spending the night away from home. They have been evacuated and are being put up in a local hotel due to flooding. Chief Georjann Morriseau says the situation will be reviewed in the morning after the overnight rain. She also says there are numerious road closures in the community due to washouts.

LRCA Issues Flood Warning

The city is now under a flood warning from the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. The warning also includes all the municipalities surrounding Thunder Bay. The Authority says 50 to 60 millimetres of rain has already fallen and another 40 millimetres is forecast to fall this evening and overnight. It says flooding is imminent or already occurring with the the Authority's area of responsibility

FWFN Declares Emergency

The Fort William First Nation is in a state of emergency.   Chief Georjann Morriseau says flooding of homes in the community and washed out roads forced her to sign today's declaration.

Road Washouts The Results Of Heavy Rain

The Ontario Provincial Police are warning of potential road washouts in the area, saying that Highway 527 about eight and a half kilometers from Highway 11/17 is washing out, but still passable. Elsewhere, Mountain Road at Tuxedo Drive is washed out, and no traffic is able to pass through.

City Infrastructure Running Properly

Following steady rain over the last day, and more rain coming,  city staff are monitoring city infrastructure. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations Darrell Matson, says that everything is running how it should be, and that the sewer system is running properly. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a ‘Flood Watch’, which indicates the potential for flooding.

City Residents Prepare For Flooding

Some Thunder Bay residents are preparing for flooding. Mary Street resident Rod Skirving says water is already making its way into his basement. Skirving says they still have some of their stuff in storage from the flood last year.

Kiptoo Wins Ten Mile....Again

Gilbert Kiptoo

Gilbert Kiptoo, of Kenya, is the winner of this year's Firefighter Ten Mile Road Race, running the race in just over 51 minutes. Dominique Aulagnon was the first local runner to cross the finish line in just over 53 minutes, and says the race was a bit grueling because of the weather. Aulagnon says the race was exciting, and is happy with his results.

Ontario Parks Reminds Campers Not To Drink

Ontario Parks is offering some much needed advice to campers this weekend. Bruce Van Staalduinen says there is an important drinking ban in place at most provincial parks. Van Staalduinen also recommends inspecting all your camping gear to prevent any problems once you get to the campsite.

Ten Mile Road Race Underway

Despite the rain and poor weather, the Firefighters Ten Mile Road Race is underway. The race started with a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston bombing. Over one thousand runners are taking part in this year's event.

It Takes Two To Help At Risk Youth

The CEO of a youth leadership institute is currently riding his bike across Canada in support of at risk youth. Derrick Shirley will be in the city today to promote his organization's signature "It Takes Two Program", that has police officers and at risk youth riding on tandem bikes. Shirley is scheduled to be in thunder bay from today until Wednesday.

MNR Fire Safety Tips

Man made forest fires are a huge concern for the Ministry of Natural Resources this long weekend. Heather Pridham with the MNR says there is on number to call if you see a forest fire. Pridham says some very important tips to prevent a forest fire is to keep fires small and shelter them from the wind.

Fire Dept. Cautions Cottage Owners

The fire department is reminding people to make sure their camps and cottages are properly prepared against fires. Spokesperson Anthony Stokaluk says that fire safety is just as important at camp as it is at home. Stokaluk also says that it's important to have a carbon monoxide alarm in working order.

Campbell Calls For WSIB Reform

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River claims injured workers are being treated like criminals. Sarah Campbell makes that assertion in calling for reforms to the Workers Compensation Board. Campbell says it's disappointing that too many workers often have to fight for years to receive even the basic benefits.

Police Looking Into Assault

Thunder Bay Police are looking into the assault of a 31-year-old man. Police say the assault happened on Field Street on Saturday Afternoon. Officials say the victim was taken to hospital with serious facial and head injuries.

Long Weekend Shooting

One man is charged with Attempted Murder and Careless Use of a Firearm following a shooting at a long weekend get together. Ontario Provincial Police say two men got into a fight Saturday night at a party at Pace Lake, when a third man stepped in and fired a gun, hitting one man. A 28-year-old Thunder Bay man was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Dew Drop Inn's Millionth Meal

Monday marks a very important day for the Dew Drop Inn. This Victoria Day weekend, the Dew Drop Inn will have served one million meals since it was formed in 1981. 32 years later, the Dew Drop Inn still provides a hearty mid afternoon meal for the needy between 2:30 and 4pm.

OPP Reminds Drivers To Keep Their Eyes On The Road

Just like every long weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police are increasing their presence on area roads and waterways. Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest Region says it's important for drivers to take it easy and keep their eyes on the road. Garr says the public is the first line of defense against any tragedy.

LRCA On The Watch

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is on alert.   Chair Bill Bartley says with a lot of rain predicted over the weekend there is the possibility that some isolated flooding could occur. Bartley says the Authority will be monitoring the situation all weekend.

Very Rainy Long Weekend In Store

Get ready for a potential soaking this long weekend.  Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says it's not far fetched to say we could get up to 100 millimetres of rain when all is said and done on Monday.   He says however, that for now the heavier amounts of rain are more likely to our west in places like Dryden and Fort Frances.  Coulson says most of the rain is expected to fall Sunday night into Monday.

Yesno Calls Elijah Harper A Role Model

Elijah Harper

Nishnawbe Aski Nation  Grand Chief Harvey Yesno  calls Elijah Harper  a friend, a confidant who was an inspiration and his role model.  Harper died this morning at the age of 64.  He became a symbol of power for Canadian aboriginals when he scuttled the Meech Lake constitutional accord.

Strong Support For Class Action Suit

There's huge support for an 800 million dollar class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Apotex which originated with a Thunder Bay lawyer. Sandy Zaitzeff started the action after the company recalled the birth control pill Alysena.   Zaitzeff says 3 women in northwestern Ontario are part of the action which is on behalf of all women who took the pill and could now be  facing an unwanted pregnancy or be fearing an unwanted pregnancy.

FWHP Continues To Promote In Grand Marais

The Fort William Historical Park continues to promote themselves in Grand Marais.  That's despite a contract with the Canada Gateway Centre expiring.  Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they hope to get their heritage items back soon.  Mascarin says they already have an existing presence in the community and are looking for new ways to continue to promote the park.

Parks Open For The Season

The May long weekend means provincial parks will be opening for the first time this season. Bruce Van Staalduinen (Stall-Din-in) from Ontario Parks says you can get great information on campsites from their website. Van Staalduinen says the majority of parks in northern Ontario will be open as of tomorrow.

Movie Nights In The Park Returns

Movie Nights in the Park is back for another year. Organizer of the city event Sophie Best says they'll be putting up their movie selections for future shows on Facebook. Tonight's movie selection at Prince Arthur's Landing is E.T. and show time is just after sunset once it's dark around 9:30.

Firefighters Arbitration Begins

Thunder Bay firefighters are  one step closer to getting a new contract, but the head of the union is reluctant to talk  about it.    Dennis Brescacin is going into today's arbitration hearing knowing that it has the potential for controversy.     City firefighters haven't had a new contract since the end of 2010,  which brings with it talk of retroactive pay.  Brescacin says the issue is so sensitive he will not comment on it.    

Students Get Social Media Warning

A Canadian Social Media guru is taking his message to elementary school children this morning.  Chris Vollum is speaking to students at Kakabeka Falls Public School about how to safely use Facebook, Twitter and other Internet social sites.  Vollum says he also plans to alert the students to recent events in the news regarding the use of Facebook.

The Future Of Garbage Collection

The city is  about to look at the way it collects your garbage.   Roads Division manager Brad Adams says its part of developing a detailed plan to handle solid waste which may even include changing the way it's collected from your home. An open house is planned next month at the Italian Cultural Centre to get your feedback.

Eric Staal Injured

Bad news for Thunder Bay hockey fans. Eric Staal suffered a knee injury at the World Hockey Championship in Sweden today.   The captain of the Canadian squad was helped off the ice wincing in pain after a knee on knee collision with a Swedish player.  There is no immediate word on the extent of his injury.

Plan Your Return

Getting across the border into Canada this Victoria Day weekend could be a long process.   Tracey Gagnon of Canada Border Services says to expect long waits on your return and recommends arriving outside of peak times. She says the start of the fishing season in Ontario normally attracts a lot of Americans on Friday night and all day Saturday. Long lines are also expected Sunday and Monday afternoons because of returning Canadians.

More Upgrading At Thunder Bay Hydro

Fresh off the annual general meeting,  Thunder Bay Hydro boss Robert Mace says the utility is poised for renewal.   Mace says they will continue to modernize and upgrade any aging equipment or property in 2013. He says since 2007 they have more than doubled the amount of money spent on fixing aging infrastructure.

Hydro AGM Posts Good Results

Thunder Bay Hydro is finishing the year off in the black.  That's according to figures released at their annual general meeting last night.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff took in the AGM and says they've been able to finish in the positive due to cost saving measures and new revenue streams.  Boshcoff says of the 70 municipally owned hydro companies Thunder Bay is in the top third finishing in the black.

Resolute Reacts To Greenpeace

Resolute Forest Products is reacting to allegations made by Greenpeace. Spokesperson Seth Kursman says in the past the group has twisted the truth about them. Kursman is reacting to Greenpeace speaking about their company's environmental practices at the annual general meeting today.

Rickford Speaks With Resolute

Celebrating the work Resolute Forest Products has done in Northwestern Ontario. Kenora MP Greg Rickford attended the company's Annual General Meeting this week, where he offered comments on how important their developments play in this district. Rickford says while the forest industry has taken a hit, the towns and communities in the Kenora riding are benefiting from developments that Resolute is making, such as the mill in Ignace that's set to open.

CAA Asks What Roads Are The Worst

Representatives of the Canadian Automobile Association are promoting voting for their Ontario Worst Road Campaign. Spokesperson Korey Kennedy is asking residents to vote on local roads. Kennedy points out that 90% of the roads that make the Top 20 Province-wide, have either been repaired or are slated to be repaired.

Stabbing At Shelter House

A 21 year old man is charged in an assault in the City's south core.  Police were called to the Shelter House on George Street to investigate the stabbing of a 27 year old man.   The victim told police he was approached around 11 o'clock last night by three men and was chased into the Shelter House entrance way where he was stabbed.  Police are charging a 21 year old with assault with a weapon.

Greenpeace To Speak At Resolute AGM

The environmental group Greenpeace will be in Thunder Bay today taking in the Resolute Forest Products annual general meeting.  Greenpeace says the forest company's logging operations aren't as sustainable as they claim to be.  Spokesperson Shane Moffatt says their promises fall flat.  Moffatt will tell shareholders today about the company's logging practices that endanger caribou habitat.

Volunteers To Be Honoured

Over 200 people from Thunder Bay and the region are being honoured by the province tonight for their volunteer work.  The Volunteer Service Award will be given to those with anywhere from 5 to 50 years of service.   The ceremony is taking place at the Valhalla Inn starting at 7 o'clock.

Local Praise For Angelina Jolie

There's praise for Angelina Jolie from one health professional in Thunder Bay. The famous actress admitted to having both her breasts removed to prevent cancer.    Dr. Heather McLean works with the regional cancer program and believes the revelation can make more woman take a serious look at their health. McLean believes Jolie will make a good role model for the cause.

Collision Leads To Charge

One person is charged in connection with a traffic mishap on the city's south side last night.  Police say that an SUV collided with a parked truck on South Edward Street causing the SUV to flip.   The driver of  the SUV, a 38 year old woman,  is now charged with careless driving.

Grass Fire Close By

A city fire crew didn't have far to go to put out a grass fire this last half hour.  It was right in front of the fire hall on Water Street and Pearl next to the train tracks.    They had it out in minutes.

Hyer Wants Senators Charged

A Thunder Bay MP is upset two Conservative senators aren't being treated harshly enough for their financial faux pas's.    A Senate committee has ordered Patrick Brazeau and Mac Harb to pay back the housing allowance they had been claiming because they weren't eligible. Bruce Hyer says that's not enough, he believes the senators should face criminal charges.

Cancer Report Card Out

The Regional Cancer Care Northwest Program is working on improving their patient services.  Regional Cancer Care Director Joanne Lacourciere says the Province's annual cancer score card gives them poor marks for integrating their cancer services.  The report card also shows the Northwest has higher incidence of prostate, colon, lung and breast cancer than the rest of the Province.

Evacuees Heading Back

Flood concerns are easing up North and that is allowing some residents to return home.  Emergency Management Ontario says 90-Attawapiskat First Nation residents currently staying in Greenstone will return today, and another 260 will be flown back from the city tomorrow. Sixty evacuees who were moved to Fort Frances will have to stay there awhile longer until their homes are cleaned and repaired.  Altogether in Northwestern Ontario nearly 400 members of the Kashechewan and Pic Mobert First Nations remain evacuated.

Youth Corps 20th Anniversary

The teens of the Thunder Bay police youth corps. are hanging up their uniforms for the year. Today is the final parade of the year for the teens, some of whom will be receiving awards tonight. Tonight also marks the 20th anniversary of the Youth Corps, who have invited past members to the event as well.

City Officer FBI Trained

FBI Director Robert Mueller
and Sgt. Neil Herman

Thunder Bay city police are hyping up one of their own.   Sergeant Neil Herman has completed the FBI National Academy Program.   It was an intensive  10 week course that took place in the United States.   Herman is only one of 8 Canadian officers who are accepted into the program every year.   Herman is an 18 year veteran of the Thunder Bay Police Service.

Thunder Bay Asked To Join Lobby Effort

Dryden and Thunder Bay are listed in a resolution adopted by Kenora Council to try to tackle the problem of the urban deer population. Kenora Councillor Sharon Smith says the three will lobby the Ministry of Natural Resources to reduce the cost of deer hunting permits within city limits. Smith suggests if they can convince the MNR to reduce the cost of deer hunting permits to 10 dollars, more people might be willing to take part in the annual fall hunt.