Rickford Calling On Ont To Help Pay

Addressing the issue of funding for First Nations policing.  Kenora MP Rickford says the federal government has been doing their part, and they will be discussing it with the province.  Treaty Three Police Service will likley see massive cutbacks in wages, benefits and hours.

Policing Oliver Paipoonge

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in favour of renewing a policing contract with Oliver Paipoonge.  The contract sees the City Police force patrol the rural areas outside of Thunder Bay.  Mayor Keith Hobbs notes the policing model is beneficial even though it takes away officers patrolling in the City limits.

Less People On Welfare

The annual report from the District Social Services Board shows a drop in welfare clients in the region.   Board chair Bob Katajamaki says it could mean that more people are getting back on their feet again.  Meantime, Katajamaki says the goal is to provide more social housing by partnering with people in the private sector.

More Bike Lanes Proposed

More bike lanes are proposed for local streets.  Council will decide tonight on whether to approve lanes on High, Beverly, Leslie and Arundel Streets.  Active Transportation Manager Adam Krupper doesn't expect much of a public uproar over the routes.  Bike lanes on High Street will connect Current River lanes to Red River.

Anti-Domestic Violence Day

Domestic violence groups are gathering today to mark Thunder Bay's first "No One Gets Hurt Here Today" day.  The six local agencies hope having a day will raise awareness about the issue.  A t-shirt designed by a victim of domestic violence will be unveiled later today.

Fatal Accident Near Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout OPP are reporting 5 people are dead after an single vehicle collision near Slate Falls.  The SUV left the roadway Saturday and entered Brokenmouth River. Police say the vehicle was recovered the next morning and 5-bodies were located inside.  Dead are 23 year old Kimberly Whiskeyjack, 55 year old Gordon Carpenter, 23 year old John Bighead, 26 year old Samantha Loon and 20 year old Claudia Loon.  Post mortems are scheduled to take place in Kenora.

T.Bay Loves Boats

The online classified ad website Kijiji says Thunder Bay loves its boats.   The company's Toronto Public Relations firm says that as of Friday there were over 600 boats, or types of boating equipment from the city that were posted for sale on the site.  They say that the average price for selling a boat here is $5900, and it takes an average of 27 days to sell a boat locally from the time the ad is posted.

Torch Run Today

Police in Thunder Bay will be holding their major fundraising event today at Boulevard Lake. It's the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. It helps raise money for local Special Olympics athletes. The event starts at 11 o'clock.

Thunder Bay's First Pride Parade

The City's first Pride Parade is a hit. Over 200 people took part in the parade yesterday, followed by Pride in the Park at the waterfront. Pride week wraps up today with a church service and luncheon.
Pre-Pride Parade  on PhotoPeach

Ride For Dad Successful Again

The Bell Motorcycle Ride For Dad is a success again. The 13th annual fundraiser took place yesterday, bringing in nearly $76,000. All of the money raised in the event will go to prostate cancer research.

Thunder Bay Has Its First Pride Parade

The first ever Pride Parade in Thunder Bay is in the books.   Over 200  people took part today on the city's south side . 

New Forest Fires Reported

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 27 active fires in the Northwest Region. Thunderstorms in the forecast are expected to bring lightning strikes, which may result in new fires if there isn't a significant amount of rain. Since April 1st, there have been 146 fires burning over an area of nearly 6,000 hectares.

Toys R' Us Grand Opening Today

Thunder Bay's Toys R' Us store has its grand opening this morning.  The 36-thousand square foot facility in the Thunder Centre should be a welcome boost to the local retail economy according to company spokesperson Victoria Spada. Spada says the store will have about 20 to 30 employees.

SIJHL Setback

A possible major setback for the Superior International Junior Hockey League. Representatives from Duluth and the Minnesota Iron Rangers failed to show up at a recent Hockey U.S.A certification meeting. The SIJHL is hoping to move the Duluth membership to Spooner, WI., and re-certify the Iron Rangers. Hockey U.S.A is now wanting to schedule a special meeting to address the issue and the certification may now come with some resistance.

Annual Ride For Dad Today

The 12th annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad fundraiser is back. Today's event starts at 9:30 this morning at the Victoria Inn. Money raised goes towards prostate cancer research.

NAN Satisfied With Court Decision

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is applauding a court decision on Aboriginal jury rolls. NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, says the Court of Appeal threw out a conviction on the basis that not enough Aboriginals were represented in the man's jury. Fiddler agrees that now is the time for the province to work with NAN on solutions to the jury roll problem. 

Hudak Says TBGS Must Stay Open

The province's opposition leader is taking aim at the Liberal government over the possible closure of Thunder Bay Generating Station.  PC leader Tim Hudak says the Mission Island facility needs to stay open to play an economic role in getting clean energy to the region. Hudak suggests  it's a mistake for the Wynne government to keep local officials guessing on the matter and conversion of the plant to natural gas should resume.

Former NAN Grand Chief Dies

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is mourning the death of a former NAN Grand Chief.   Frank Beardy died yesterday following a lengthy illness.    He was the Grand Chief in the 1980's and also served as the chief of the Muskrat Dam First Nation.   Frank Beardy, dead at the age of 63.  

Recool Truck Catches Fire

A recool recycling collection truck is being inspected after catching fire at the Chronicle Journal loading dock. Around 9am, onlookers noticed smoke rising out of the back of the truck. Steve Ree, the truck's driver, says this was the first time something like this had happened to him. Ree managed to escape completely unharmed.

Big Trout Lake Welcomes Visitors Monday

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is heading to Big Trout Lake First Nation Monday.  Hyer and 24 Canadians from all walks of life will be living in KI for a week.  The remote First Nation wants people to see their living conditions.

Kenora Murder Case Sentencing Today

Three-and-a-half months after being found guilty of second degree murder, Kenneth Ivall will finally find out how much longer he'll have to spend in jail.  Ivall will be sentenced this morning in Kenora Superior Court in the death of Ed Wilson the early morning hours of March 21st, 2009.  Ivall's co-accused, Angela Duchese is already spending three years in a federal penitentiary.  She plead guilty to manslaughter charges midway through the eight week long
trial.

Rafferty Wants More Protection For Bus Drivers

A northwestern Ontario MP wants better protection for transit bus drivers in Canada.  Thunder Bay-Rainy River's John Rafferty says his private members bill stems from recent incidents against drivers in Thunder Bay.  Rafferty proposes an amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada that would give greater sentences if an assault is against a transit driver.

Rickford Supports Welfare Plan

Helping Aboriginal people in Northwestern Ontario get off welfare.  That's the focus of a new plan being pushed by Canada's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt.  Kenora MP Greg Rickford says 241-million dollars will go to help youth achieve the same job opportunities as other Canadians.  First Nations who choose to participate in the program will have those under the Income Assistance Program undergo personalized case management.

Policing Issue Heading To NOMA

Concerns about policing costs are being raised.  Fort Frances has drafted a resolution it's forwarding to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association that seeks more financial support from the province.  Councillor Andrew Hallikas says the current funding formula is inadequate.  In its resolution, the town cites economic and financial challenges, as well as a pending wage increase for OPP officers next year.

ER Losing Doctors

The emergency room at the Health Sciences is losing 6 doctors later this year.  However Dr. David Wood says there is enough time to find some replacements, but failing that there's always temporary doctors to choose from.  Wood says it's not a problem the ER is unfamiliar with.

Probe Into 24 Year Old's Death

An inquest into the death of a 24 year old man is going to be held in Thunder Bay on July 29th.  Gustavo Argueta died from injuries received during the course of his employment inspecting the under-surface of a new bridge in the Thunder Bay area. The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding his death.  It's expected to last five days to hear from 15 witnesses.

Collision On South Side

No injuries to report following a two vehicle collision at the corner of Arthur and James Streets just before 5 o'clock this afternoon.  One person was shaken up and police say that person was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Elementary Teachers Ink Tentative Pact

The province now has labour peace with the union representing public elementary teachers after protests that saw teachers withdraw from extra-curricular activities last fall.   Ellen Chambers of the local Elementary Teachers Federation says it's a testament to the determination of the membership. Teachers will vote on the new tentative agreement with the government later this month.

Repair Work Will Force Power Outage

Some businesses and residents in the central part of the city should prepare for a power outage.   Thunder Bay Hydro says an excavation crew damaged an underground electrical cable today.   Repair work is going to take place starting at 6 o'clock so utility officials say power will be out in that area until midnight. The section affected is John Street, High Street and Fort William Road.

Tsekouras Faces New Charges

City police say new accusations are facing  a city man who's already going through the court system on major drug charges.   Thirty nine year old John Tsekouras is now looking at more drug charges as well as conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to kidnap. That means he's back in custody and is due to appear in court June 17th.  

Premier Not Pressured By Cliffs Decision

Premier Kathleen Wynne says she wants to get it right.   Wynne says the decision by Cliffs Natural Resources to put their Ring of Fire project on hold is simply part of the process to making sure all the sensitive issues are settled up front, especially those involving First Nations.   Wynne doesn't see it as a pressure tactic by the mining giant. Wynne says the government remains willing to talk to Cliff's about its concerns.

City Hires Aboriginal Liaison

The  City has a new Aboriginal Liaison.  It's Ann Magiskan who is currently the chair of the city's anti racism Advisory committee.  She comes from the catholic school board where she was an aboriginal outreach worker.

Bluefin Fire Thought To Be Accidental

A preliminary investigation is focusing on a wood-burning fireplace and chimney as the possible cause of a weekend fire at a popular resort along Lake Superior on Highway 61 in Minnesota.  Saturday's fire at the Bluefin Bay resort damaged five of the resort's 70 vacation rental units. No one was hurt.  The resort is hoping to repair the fire damage by the end of summer.

Sobeys Buys Safeway

The parent company of Sobeys is buying the Canadian assets of Safeway. The 5.8-billion-dollar deal involves 213 Safeway stores from Thunder Bay to British Columbia. Some local shoppers said they were stunned and were loyal Safeway shoppers. Sobey's hasn't decided if the Safeway name will disappear.  

  
  

   

Boor Defends Decision

A top executive at Cliff's Natural Resources is defending a controversial company decision. Bill Boor says the move to suspend work on environmental assessments on the Ring of Fire chromite project is necessary because of government and court delays in the process.  Boor can't say if the move will end up delaying the start up of the mine, but hopes the issues can be resolved soon.

Horizon Wind Saga Continues

As the proposed wind farm project on the Nor' Wester Escarpment makes its way through the provincial approval process City Hall is getting involved. Development Services Manager Mark Smith says the city has hired a consultant to go over Horizon Wind's renewal energy submission to the provincial government. Smith says the consultant will make sure the city's interest are being met.

Treaty Three Labour Problems

More labour troubles at the Treaty Three Police Service. Union rep Judith Monteith-Farrell says it's unfair that management is imposing harsh cutbacks to save a service not being supported by the Federal Government.  Monteith-Farrell says before the union goes to court she's hoping there can be talks to resolve the problems.

Mauro Slams Mayor's Comment

 Mayor Keith Hobbs is taking a broadside at Thunder Bay's two MPPs, but one of them has issued a stinging reply.    Hobbs says he's concerned they haven't taken a stronger stand against scrapping the natural gas conversion of the Thunder Bay generating station.  He says Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro have remained silent on the issue.  Mauro calls the mayor's comment absurd adding if he, Bill Mauro, is successful in saving the plant conversion it will be inspite of the City of Thunder Bay, not because of it. 
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Police Nab Speeder

City police are  reporting yet another stunt driving incident.  This person, they say, was clocked at 5:30 this morning travelling at 150 kilometres an hour on the Thunder Bay Expressway between Highway 61 and Arthur Street.   The driver says he was late for work and did not want to miss his ride.  His pickup truck has been taken away from him for seven days and his licence is suspended.

Converting TBGS Cheapest Option: Report

Efforts continue to try to convince the province to resume conversion of the Thunder Bay Generating Station to natural gas.  A new report from the lobby group Common Voice Northwest indicates that the conversion is the cheapest option to provide power to the northwest.  The Energy Task Force report says the cost to operate it would be cheaper than paying for wind and solar power projects.

Hobbs Talks Energy With Wynne

Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's confident Premier Kathleen Wynne gets it.   After speaking to the premier,  Hobbs says she understands our belief that scrapping the natural gas conversion of the Mission Island generating station will have dire consequences.  In a half hour phone conversation,  Hobbs says he asked the premier to make our energy concerns a top priority.   He explained closing the plant would increase the potential for future rolling blackouts and brownouts.

Gravelle Responds To Cliffs Decision

Cliffs Natural Resources decision to temporarily suspend its environmental assessment activities in the Ring of Fire doesn't appear to be troubling Mines Minister Michael Gravelle.  Gravelle says talks will continue between the mining company and the Ontario government.  He notes delays happen in major mining projects like this one.  The mining company cited delays and uncertainty affecting both the provincial and federal environmental assessments as reasons why they made their decision.

Hyer Doesn't Give Up On Via Rail

Thunder Bay Independent MP Bruce Hyer isn't giving up his fight to restore Via Rail service to the North Shore area.  Hyer commissioned a 90 page report on the issue and will be unveilling it in Toronto, Ottawa and Thunder Bay today.  Hyer hopes he can pursuade the Federal Government to invest in Via Rail.  Hyer feels Via Rail service is feasible in the Northwest.

Inquest Hearing Wraps Up

It could take several weeks to make a decision on who will be able to legally take part in an inquest into the deaths of seven aboriginal youth in Thunder Bay.  North Region Coroner Dr. Micahel Wilson says his boss Dr. David Eden will be reviewing each party's reasons for wanting to be involved in the process.  The hearing to see who will take part wrapped up yesterday.

Hustle For The Heart In T.Bay

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is the latest charity to be on the receiving end of a fundraising bike ride.  Brian Cameron left Vancouver on May 10th and is spending some downtime in Thunder Bay while on his Hustle For The Heart ride.  Cameron says he got involved in the ride after losing both his Father and Grandfather to heart disease.  Cameron will be repairing his bike in the City today before he resumes his journey through Northern Ontario.

OPP Charge Man In Fatal Crash

Provincial Police have charged a man who was found responsible for a fatal car crash in Ignace.  Police say 80-year-old Albert Pautsch of Hawkstone, Ontario was driving a F350 Ford back in December, which hit the vehicle 32-year-old Blake Cheslock of Thunder Bay was driving.  Police say Pautsch will appear in court on July 10th and is facing a charge of careless driving.

Ontario Budget Passes, No Summer Election

The New Democrats kept their promise and voted to support the Liberal government's budget, averting a summer election. That's something Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle is happy to hear since several initiatives in the fiscal document will help northerners. Gravelle cites infrastructure funding, and money for the Northern Heritage Fund. The budget passed by a vote of 64 to 36 yesterday.

Cliffs Suspends EA Work

Cliffs Natural Resources is temporarily suspending its environmental assessment activities for its Ring of Fire project.  The reasons for the move include delays and uncertainty affecting both the provincial and federal E.A. assessments.  They also cite unresolved issues related to land surface rights and unfinished agreements with the Ontario Government.  Cliffs also says they'll continue to work with the government to restart the work.

Vehicle Pedestrian Collision

Thunder Bay Police are confirming a vehicle pedestrian accident in the area of the Arthur Street and Leland intersection. The accident involves a 12 year old girl and the ambulance was on the scene. It occurred just after 4 o'clock Tuesday. There's no word yet on injuries.

NAN Wants To Take Part In Inquest

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is one of several groups who want to take part in an inquest into the deaths of seven aboriginal youth in Thunder Bay.  Grand Chief Harvey Yesno says NAN's participation in the inquest is critical.  Other groups looking for permission today to participate are the City of Thunder Bay and the Police Services Board.

Standoff End On The FWFN

Life is back to normal on the Fort William First Nation after yesterday's police standoff.   OPP say a 40 year old man barricaded himself in a house in the community Monday afternoon.  After a brief period police say he gave up peacefully and is in custody awaiting a court appearance facing a weapons charge and uttering threats.

Float Planes Training Upsets Cottagers

Cottagers at Eva Lake near Atikokan are fuming and it's Confederation College they are angry at.  They say since the College moved its float plane training program from Lake Shabandowan it's been nothing but take offs and landings  over an over again on their lake.  They counted 40 in one day.  Cottagers say it's making it extremely hard to use or enjoy the lake.