CEP Takes Aim At Rickford

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union is taking aim at Kenora MP Greg Rickford.  Local representative Stephen Boon says they are upset with Rickford for supporting Bill C-377.  Boon says the bill singles out unions as some of the only organizations in Canada that would be required to publicly disclose all details of every single purchase made over 5-thousand dollars.  Boon is hoping Rickford will stand-up for the local union movement at that time.

Art Gallery Gets Award

The Provincial Government is giving props to Thunder Bay's Definitely Superior Art Gallery.  The Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts was held last night with Definitely Superior taking home the Arts Organization Award.

S&P Give City Good Rating

A financial institution is giving the City a good credit ranking.  Standard & Poor’s has raised the City’s credit rating from A plus to double A.  City officials say it reflects that we have a healthy and sustainable community.

LU Researchers Report On Farmers Markets

A new report suggests a need for enhanced regional partnerships in northern Ontario's agri-food sector.  The report by two Lakehead University researchers was done as part of a greater effort looking at farmers’ markets, co-ops and other sustainable food systems province wide.  Co-author Mirella Stroink says greater collaboration would strengthen those groups.  The researchers found many groups now struggle with trying to access funding, marketing and administrative support.

Busy Weekend Expected At The Border

The Canada Border Services Agency expects a busy Canada Day long weekend at the Pigeon River border crossing.   Spokesperson Tracey Gagnon says it's good to be prepared when you come back from the States. She says you can speed up the process by having proper I.D. and all your shopping receipts handy. Gagnon adds the most traffic is expected Sunday between 4 and 7 pm and again on Monday between 11 am and 6 pm.

Mac's VP Defends Alcohol Request

A top official with Mac's Convenience Stores says Thunder Bay residents should not be concerned if alcohol is sold at its stores here. While the stores have been robbery prone, company vice president Tom Moher says alcohol sales would not increase the frequency of hold ups.  He says they have operated two LCBO outlet stores in the province and there has been no increase in robberies at either location.  The company is asking the province to allow alcohol sales at all its Mac's stores in the province.

New Cancer Screening Bus

The new Regional Cancer Centre screening bus hits the road in northwestern Ontario next month.  Spokesperson Allison McMullen says along with a flashy new one and a half million dollar coach,  is some new equipment as well.  She points to a new mammography unit.   The bus will be heading to Dryden, Ear Falls and Red Lake starting July 15th.

Mayor Wants Vacant Buildings Assessed

The mayor says it may be time to look at the status of vacant buildings in the city.  Following this week's wall collapse at the abandoned Empire Hotel Keith Hobbs is concerned there may be more danger lurking around other such buildings, so they should be assessed.   He calls it a concern that requires proactive measures.  The city will be demolishing the rest of the Empire this weekend.  

Fire Hazard Low To Moderate

The Far north continues to be the hot spot for forest fires.  The Ministry of Natural Resources is monitoring several lightning-caused fires burning in remote locations.  The MNR is also looking at possible new starts in the southern portion of the region due to recent lightning.  The fire hazard remains low to moderate across the region.

Fatality In Falcon Lake

One person is dead and another has been taken to hospital following a bizarre incident at the Falcon Lake Campground in eastern Manitoba.  The RCMP say a 45-year-old Quebec man was early this morning after a tree fell on a tent.  Corporal Miles Hiebert says severe weather is likely to blame.  The Mounties says a 44 year old woman has been taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.  The name of the person who was killed is not going to be released by police.

TBRRI New Board Chair

The Regional Research Institute is getting a new Board Chair.  Dr. Gary Polonsky was the founding director of the organization and will be back at the helm.  Polonsky is replacing Keith Jobbitt.

Empire Hotel Gets The Wrecking Ball

The City is hiring a contractor to demolish the Empire Hotel.  It's being torn down later this week after a wall collapsed on Tuesday night.  The cost of the demolition will be the building owner's responsibility.

Mac's Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in an early morning robbery of the Oliver Road Mac's Convenience Store. The man got away with cash and merchandise. No one was hurt. Police are describing the suspect as tall with a heavy build. He was wearing a red ball cap and a long sleeved green shirt. Police say he was last seen heading north bound on Oliver towards Ontario Street.

Shelter House Wants CPC Support

Shelter House is looking for the Crime Prevention Council's support in getting the City to sell them the old EMS building on Donald Street.  Executive Director Patty Hajdu says any support will help them with their cause.  Shelter House has asked the Crime Prevention Council to write a letter in support of the managed alcohol program.

Second Hospital VP Resigns

The president of the  Regional Health Sciences Centre is confirming a second senior executive has resigned   Andree Robichaud says that Lori Marshall is no longer working at the hospital.   She joins senior vice president Scott Potts who have both recently left under a cloud of community suspicion. .  Robichaud says she doesn't want to taint their legacy with rumours and allegations.   Robichaud says she is confident patient care will not be affected by the recent resignations of both senior staff and doctors.

Mauro Appeal Denied

It appears to be the end of the line for Jim Mauro.   The city police sergeant's appeal of his demotion to constable for one year has been turned down by the provinces Civilian Police commission.   Mauro had been found guilty of discreditable conduct in connection to a letter he presented at a labour hearing.  No reason was given for the dismissal.

Empire Hotel Wall Collapses

The City will be investigating the collapse of a wall at the Empire Hotel on Simpson Street.   The wall came down last night and Licensing and Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says they've had their eye on the vacant building for sometime.  Bourret says they'll be getting an engineers report on the structure of the building.

OPP Report Body Found

OPP say they have found the body of 26 year old cliff diver Larry Larivee.  Police were called to the McKenzie River last night after someone said they found a body.  The cause of death at this time is unknown and a post mortem has been ordered.

Outlive Yourself Campaign Coming To T.Bay

Now that summer is here, more and more people are either biking or running across the country for a cause. Cayse Ruiter cycled into Kenora recently as part of his Outlive yourself campaign to raise awareness about organ donation.  Ruiter is continuing his journey and hopes to be in Thunder Bay today.

Provincial Education Awards

A provincial school association is honouring two Thunder Bay residents.  Laura Sylvestre and Carolos Santander-Maturana received the Ontario Public School Board Association's achievement awards at last night's school board meeting.  The awards recognize their outstanding efforts in public education.

Public School Board Budget Passes

The Lakehead Public School Board's 132 million dollar budget is in the books.  The 2013-2014 budget puts money towards full day Kindergarten and information technology.  Other spending highlights include a mental health and addictions strategy and a promise to provide social workers in schools.  The school board now has to present their budget to the Provincial Government's Ministry of Education.

C of C Prez Like Report

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce appears encouraged by the latest economic report from Lakehead University.   Charla Robinson says the study results will be useful in helping move forward and is encouraged by its recommendations. Among the recommendations Robinson is happy with is the establishment of a mining supply association and is impressed that the report shows the Aboriginal population is critical to the city's economic future and requires more study.

Study Makes Economic Recommendations

A Lakehead University study  is making several recommendations to help the city's economy move forward.  It was done for Thunder Bay Ventures and manager Royden Potvin says it lays out a blueprint which he hopes is taken seriously by the movers and shakers in the community.  He says strategies are needed to attract private business.  Among the recommendations is one which says we should increase the availability of professionals and skilled labour and another calling for more study into the economic contributions of the Aboriginal population.

Hobbs Not Down With Potvin Comment

 The mayor isn't liking recent comments by the manager of Thunder Bay Ventures.  Royden Potvin says the latest Small Business Survey shows almost 60 per cent of those questioned say city council is not doing a good job representing their business.  Potvin says that city council has an image problem.  But Mayor Keith Hobbs says he doesn't know what image problem Potvin is talking about. Hobbs is especially miffed at Potvin' s comments since the latest report to the community shows the city running efficiently on all cylinders saying " maybe he needs to come and talk to us".

City Ready To Host Canada Day Party

 Canada Day is quickly approaching and the city is ready to throw another party at Marina Park.   City Events Coordinator Doug Henry says it will again be the biggest mass gathering of people in the city all year, with up to 20 thousand people expected to attend.  The parade will be returning, but it will be held within the friendly confines of Prince Arthur's Landing at Marina Park.   As always, a fireworks display will wrap up the day's  festivities.  

Council Doesn't Meet Small Business Needs: Survey

The latest survey from Thunder Bay Ventures should be a concern to city councillors.    Manager Royden Potvin says the study indicates the city should pay attention to the needs of small business and that city council has an image problem. The survey indicates council is not meeting the needs of business. On a positive note half the  businesses questioned expect to hire more employees in the next year and that overall, there are more positive responses to questions this year than in some previous years.  

Greenstone Finalizes Budget

Greenstone is finalizing its 2013 budget.  There won't be an increase in the total taxes raised from 2012 to this year.  Officials say it was hard to keep the taxes down with the increased costs in utilities, policing, & water and sewer.

Shuniah Looks Into Merger

Shuniah Town Council is getting their staff to look into the possibility of merging with Dorion.  CAO Eric Collingwood says they've asked staff to report back with the feasibility at a future meeting.

City Hall Says No To Internet Voting

City Council is saying no to offering internet voting in the next municipal election.  It was quashed in a late night meeting that ended at 1:30 in the morning.  Some Councillors were concerned about the security of the new system.

Art Gallery Location Undecided

The future location of the art gallery is still up in the air.  Art Gallery reps asked City Council for 25 million dollars to help build a new building on the waterfront.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they have some time to mull the proposal over before it comes back in the fall.  The art gallery is currently housed on the Confederation College campus.

CMHC Releases Resale Report

Canada Mortgage and Housing is out with their resale market report.  The outlook says the price of a house in the City will rise 6.4 percent.  The report also shows that the amount of homes for resale are on the decline.

Enough Is Enough Ride In Town

A mental illness cross Canada bike tour is stopping in Thunder Bay today.  The Enough is Enough ride will be at the Memorial Avenue Walmart around the lunch hour today.
Money raised goes toward the Kelty Foundation.

Police Looking For Suspects

Thunder Bay Police are looking for two men in their 20s who they believe tried to rob a woman as she walked home on the path behind Walmart on Dawson Road.  Two men dressed in dark clothes pushed a 22 year old woman to the ground and demanded money or her iPhone.  She was able to get up, run away and call police.  If anyone has information contact Police or Crimestoppers.

Councillors Approve New Bike Lanes

The person responsible for the bike lane system in Thunder Bay says statistics prove they are safe.   In his presentation to city councillors Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper said  the numbers show that streets are safer where bike lanes exist.  He says there's been a 70 per cent decrease in bike collisions and a 22 per cent decrease in motorist collisions after the lanes have been introduced. The latest changes will see 120 kilometres of new bike and pedestrian routes to the city.

Bay Street Area Residents Complain

Not everyone is in favour of an added system of bike lanes for the city.  Speaking at City Hall last night,  Bay Street resident Robert Brown  said  the stop sign changes in that area, to accommodate bike travel,  is a dangerous idea.  Brown was one of several people who presented their concerns and support for the bike lanes to city councillors.

Financial Position Strong: Commisso

Several city councillors are getting props from City Manager Tim Commisso.   It comes following the city's latest Report to the Community which Commisso says shows our financial position is strong and improving.  He sites Councillors Mark Bentz and Linda Rydholm for their committee work which he says has guided the city to an "enveable position."   Commisso says we've made great strides in updating our roads and sewer systems.            

City Involved In Human Rights Training

The City is getting involved in human rights training.    A two day session is planned for September on a variety of themes including Aboriginal issues, housing, disability and gender identity.   Sandy Boucher of the city's Anti-Racism task force says it's all about educating anyone who's interested including the business community, municipal officials and human resource professionals.  The event will include presentations and discussions.

Divers End Search For Local Man

The active search for 26 year old Larry Larivee of Thunder Bay is over for the moment.  Police say OPP divers were unable to find any sign of Larivee at the McKenzie River falls location where witnesses say he disappeared last week after he dove in off a cliff.  Police say some areas of the river are just too dangerous to search and will be reassessed once water levels are lower.

Dorion Requests Merger

Dorion Township is asking Shuniah to amalgamate with them.  Shuniah municipal  councillors will be discussing the request at their meeting this evening.

Toromont & CAW Ink Deal

The local Canadian Auto Workers is deeming a recent deal for Toromont Caterpillar workers a victory. 70 skilled trades and production workers ratified the new agreement recently. President Kari Jefford says there are a number of benefits in the new deal. Jefford says its a 17 percent increase in pay over the next three years.

Egging Reports Investigated

Thunder Bay Police are looking into social media reports saying people were egged at Paterson Park over the weekend.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says they are following up on the postings and will be conducting interviews today.

Police Plead For Grad Safety

Thunder Bay high school students are graduating this week and OPP are ready to deal with the parties that go along with finishing high school. Staff Sgt. Jim Graham says they've got their ears to the ground and will monitor the rural areas to watch for out of control parties.  Graham says they want high school students to consider the public's safety when they celebrate their grad.

Shelter House To Receive 10K Donation

Copperfin Credit Union is giving 10 thousand dollars to Shelter House. The money will be used to buy food for the residents who use the organization.  The official presentation takes place tomorrow.

Feedback Deadline Next Week

You have until the end of the month to give the City a piece of your mind on the way they handle your garbage and recycling. The City's developed to surveys that can be found online at their website or at your local branch of the Library.  The deadline for feedback is June 30th.

Sergerie Signs Pro Deal With German Team

Former Lakehead hockey captain Adam Sergerie has signed a contract to play professional hockey in Germany. The Thunder Bay player graduated from LU with a degree in Education but will put his teaching plans on hold while he plays for the Black Dragons.   He's leaving for Germany in early September.

Highway 11 Open

Highway 11 is now fully open after a chip truck caught fire last night.  The roadway south of Highway 11/17 was closed for much of the evening.  No one was hurt.

City Council Tonight

City council will finally hear from residents regarding bike lanes tonight.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says the city needs to follow the international trends.  Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery wants to move to the Waterfront from Confederation College.  Council will also hear about internet voting tonight.

Police Stop Impaired Driver

No one is hurt after a potentially dangerous incident this morning. Thunder Bay Police received numerous 911 calls about a vehicle driving the wrong way on the Thunder Bay Expressway. Police stopped the vehicle and charged the 30-year-old man with impaired driving.

Car Strikes Pedestrian

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a collision between a car and pedestrian last night. A man was struck by a vehicle in the area of Cameron and May Street, and suffered serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Foul Play Not Suspected In City Death

City police have a dead body to deal with but they say foul play is not suspected. Officials say a man's body was found in the Legion Track Drive area, near the friendship gardens early this morning. Police initially didn't give out a great deal of information,  but about 9 hours later issued the release that there was nothing criminal about the man's death.