TBPS Officer Charged With Assault

A Thunder Bay police officer is being charged by the Special Investigations Unit. In May, the OPP brought a man into Thunder Bay Police custody where the SIU says Constable Andrew Johnstone used subsequent force with him. Johnstone is facing one charge of Assault and will be in Ontario Court of Justice on August 20th. .Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Police say Johnstone is on desk duty and isn't suspended.  He's been with the Police force for 9 years.

Woman Dies After Tuesday Collision

One person is dead as the result of Tuesday afternoon's traffic accident at Brock and Ford.  City police say 80 year old Ellinor Christiansen was a passenger in one of the two vehicles involved in the mishap.  They say she died Thursday morning in hospital.  Police say so far no charges have been laid, but they haven't finished the investigation. 

MNR Crews Out Of Province

The Ministry of Natural Resources is sending some of its fire crews out of province.  Twenty firefighters, along with support staff, are being dispatched to lend a hand in the Northwest Territories and Quebec.  There are 41 active fires in northwestern Ontario, the largest being an 11-thousand hectare blaze, 50 kilometres northwest of Red Lake.

Winnipeg Man Victim Of Fatality

OPP are releasing the name of the man who died in a collision on Highway 17 west of Ignace. 53 year old Cordell Majcher of Winnipeg was the driver of the pick up truck that hit a transport. Police are continuing to investigate the collision.

Treaty Three Speaks Out

The Treaty Three Police Service board has finally broken its silence surrounding its decision to close down the aboriginal police department.  A week after announcing the closure, the board has issued a press release saying government underfunding and not financial mismanagement were responsible for the decision.  The board says a number of factors played into their decision, including an arbitration ruling which gave the Treaty Three officer wage parity with the OPP.

Paxton Out On Bail

A 46 year old Thunder Bay man is due back in court next month on numerous sex related charges involving young boys.  Jeff Paxton is now free after a bail hearing in court yesterday.   Police say the charges stem from incidents that took place between 1983 and 2004.

March At Dilico Today

There's a move on to get both sides back to the bargaining table to end the strike at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.  Tannis Smith runs an Aboriginal counselling agency in the city and says the strike is hurting families in the region.  Smith is organizing a protest in front of the Dilico offices on the Fort William First Nation at 10:30 this morning. 

Good & Bad News For Bombardier Workers

It's a mix of good and bad news for the local Bombardier plant.  Waterloo has decided to purchase 14 light rail transit vehicles from the company at the cost of 92.4 million dollars.  However, CAW Union President Dominic Pasqualino says they also found out the Company is laying off 130 workers starting at the end of next week.  50 of the 130 employees laid off will be called back in the fall.

Reeve Says Little About Dorion Decision

Shuniah Reeve Maria Harding  is saying very little on the decision by Dorion not to amalgamate with her community.   Harding says since her council hasn't even had a chance to even discuss it seriously, it wouldn't be right to express her opinions on the issue.  Dorion officials have decided they will be able to run the township after all,  since  a hiring crisis has been averted.

Cross Canada Bike Ride For Alzheimer Society

 

Two brothers are riding their bikes across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver in 30 days.  It's all in support of raising awareness and money for the Alzheimer Society.  They'll be stopping in Thunder Bay today.

E-Charts Used By Nurses

Nursing staff in Northwestern Ontario will now be using electronic charts.  It's part of the the Northwest Health Alliance's paperless medical record program. It involves 13 hospitals in the region including the Health Sciences Centre.

Energy Meeting In August

A chance for leaders across the northwest to bring concerns about a looming energy shortage forward.  The provincial government has started 2-months of consultations on a long-term energy plan.  Local leaders have been warning for months about an energy crisis and the potential for rolling blackouts.  Members of the public, aboriginal leaders and municipal reps are encouraged to chip in their opinions through information sessions or by submitting comments through the Ministry of Energy's website. The only information session in the north is August 7th in Thunder Bay.

Citizen Tries To Save Treaty 3 Force

It appears some communication channels have been opened with the Chief of the Treaty 3 Police Force.  It's all thanks to a concerned citizen who is leading an independent crusade on the issue.    Tania Cameron says she's working to make sure that there is transparency between all of the parties involved with the planned closure of the force. She says she's had one meeting with Chief Conrad Delaronde.  Cameron is on a campaign to have the public more involved in efforts to save the Treaty 3 Police Force.

Lyme Disease In NWO

A bug expert is warning Northwestern Ontario residents about the threat of lyme disease.  Dr. Curtis Russell says people should cover up bare skin if they’re walking through bush or tall grass, to avoid ticks that cause Lyme Disease.   Russell says while these blacklegged ticks are most common in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario, they make their way north as well. Russell adds the Lyme-carrying ticks are highly prevalent as well in the northeastern United States.   

Port Says Grain Shipments Are Down

Thunder Bay's Port Authority says they're experiencing a slower than normal shipping season.  Grain shipments are down so far this year and Spokesperson Time Heney says it could be due to the changes to the Wheat Board.    Heney says it could also be due to the cooler spring and a late planting season.

Red Lake Becoming Smokey

Smoke from an 11-thousand hectare forest fire continues to blow into Red Lake. The fire poses no threat to the community but the Ministry of Natural Resources states that the smoke isn't expected to leave anytime soon. Information Officer Heather Pridham says this fire is their number one priority. Reports from Minnesota indicate that smoke from the fire is also blowing into several communities in that state.

Metis Nation Signs Mining Deal

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Metis Nation of Ontario and Rainy River Resources. The deal will result in a close working relationship between the two parties in the development of a proposed gold mine near Barwick.  The agreement allows for ongoing consultation and addresses potential impacts on Metis rights and interests.

Highway Open After Fatal Collision

Highway 17 is now open between Dryden and Ignace.  The Trans-Canada was closed yesterday due to a fatal collision, about 15-kilometres west of Ignace.  Provincial Police are confirming one fatality.  Witnesses say the collision involved a half ton truck and a transport.

Charity Golf Tournament Today

34 hockey players will be taking part in this year's Freedom 55 Hockey Celebrity Golf Classic at the Whitewater Golf Course today.  Spokesperson Tom Mihaljevic says one hockey celebrity will join each team of four golfers.  Money raised through the event goes to the Northern Cancer Fund.

Dilico Management Speaks Out

Both sides remain far apart in the labour dispute involving workers at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care .  Acting Executive Director Darcia Borg says they are still willing to get back to the bargaining table, but not at any cost.   Meantime Borg is rejecting any reported union claims that management got 4 thousand dollar bonuses last year.

Swimming Advisory At Boulevard Lake

You are swimming at your own risk if you go to Boulevard Lake.   The Health Unit has issued an advisory for the main beach, Sandy Cove and Sunny Side.   It's because of high e-coli bacteria levels.

Condolence Book Set Up At City Hall

A book of condolences for the people of Lac Magentic, Quebec is now open at City Hall for you to sign.   Deputy City Clerk Sheelagh Hendrick says it will be on display until July 19th.  Hendrick says it's an opportunity to extend our sympathies to the residents in that community.

Fatal Accident Closes Highway

Highway 17 is closed between Dryden and Ignace. The Trans-Canada is closed due to a fatal collision, about 15-kilometres west of Ignace.. Provincial Police are confirming one fatality. Witnesses say the collision involves a half ton truck and a transport. No other details are known at this time There is no word on when the highway will reopen.

City Offering Free Compost Again

The City is offering free compost at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility. The pick up area is located just east of the old landfill entrance on John Street Road. Quantities are on a first come first serve basis and is limited to a maximum of one half ton load per resident.

Local Musician Honoured

Local musician David Smyth (Smy-the) now has a Life Membership in the Canadian Federation of Musicians.  He was awarded the honour at an anniversary event held in Thunder Bay recently.  Smyth says he's happy to get the support from the organization and notes it's nice to have your peers honour you.  Smyth joined the Thunder Bay local back in 1968.

OLG Casino Gets RG Accreditation

Thunder Bay's Ontario Lottery and Gaming Casino is getting it's Responsible Gambling accreditation.  According to the company the accreditation program is one of the most rigorous in the world.

Big Fire In Red Lake

A large forest fire near Red Lake has become a priority for the Ministry of Natural Resources.  The lightning-caused blaze has scorched more than 11-thousand hectares and is listed as not under control.  The fire is 50km northwest of Red Lake and 30 kilometres northeast of Pikangikum First Nation, but neither community is currently at risk.

Schreiber Man Charged With Mischief

A 23 year old man is in police custody after OPP charged him with mischief, possession of a weapon and breach of probation.  Police say Schreiber residents heard loud shots and noticed damaged property in the residential area.  Officers eliminated the possibility that firearms were used in the incident and charged the Schreiber man who will appear in court today.

Party City Coming To T.Bay

A party supply and costume discount store is looking to set up shop in Thunder Bay at the Thunder Centre next to Toys R Us.   City Spokesperson Alan Bygate says Party City Canada recently took out a building permit that's worth a million dollars.  

Nipigon Bridge Construction Starting

It's going to be the first of its kind in Ontario.    The provincial government has announced the work on the new Nipigon River Bridge will start this month and be completed in 2017.   The 106 million dollar contract is going to Bot Construction.  The bridge will be unique on the provincial highway system because of its cable supports.

Teddy Is The Star

Another successful Teddy Bears Picnic.   Hundreds of children and their parents enjoyed an afternoon of music, games and food at Vicker's Park.   The annual children's event is put on by the city.

Man Seriously Injured

Thunder Bay Police say a 47 year old man is in hospital after being seriously injured last night on Fort William Road.  He was assaulted in an outdoor area which is known for the use of intoxicating substances by transients.  Police are trying to determine the cause of the man's injuries.

Boshcoff Wants T.Bay Included In Report Card

City Councillor Ken Boshcoff feels the City will ace the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's Municipal Report Card if the City is included next year.  The CTF left the Thunder Bay off this year's report on Municipal finances.  Boshcoff says that doesn't surprise him since most organizations have a big city mentality when they compile lists.  Boshcoff says the City's finances are in good shape thanks to the City Lean program.

Rally Planned For Treaty Three Police

First Nation communities are rallying around the Treaty 3 Police Service.  The force has announced it will cease August 19 because of financial issues.  Public Service Alliance of Canada's Sharon DeSousa says they were shocked by the decision.  Petitions to keep the force alive are now circulating among communities effected with a rally planned in Kenora July 23.

More Info Collected At Border

Some of the information gathered from travelers at Northwestern Ontario's border crossings is now being shared.  It's part of an initiative between the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Program director Andrew Lawrence says it expands on a pilot program.  Lawrence says data collected is already contained in documents such as a passport.

Day Of Peace

Today Thunder Bay is celebrating peace around the world by ringing the bell at City Hall.  City councillor Aldo Ruberto says the peace bell concept originated with the government of  Japan and as such, our sister city relationship with Gifu, Japan plays an important role in the ceremony.  The bell ringing takes place at 11:40 this morning.

Transit Gets Gas Tax Money

The Provincial Government is doling out 2 million dollars to the City in the latest installment of money collected from the gas tax.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says the City needs that cash to keep transit up to date.  To date 16 million dollars has been provided to the City through the Provincial Gas Tax fund.

CMHC June Housing Starts

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is out with its housing start figures for the month of June.  Thunder Bay saw 44 starts last month up from 41 the year before.  In total 128 new starts are being reported so far this year which is a jump from 87 at this time last year.

City Hears Options

City Council is preparing for it's upcoming battle with Resolute Forest Products over the company's decision to appeal their property tax assessment with the Municipal Property Corporation.  A special closed door session meeting of Council was held last night to discuss the City's options going forward.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they're getting a game plan together.  Resolute wants to have their assessment dramatically lowered from 72 million.

City "Entrepreneur" Dies At 53

Thunder bay businessman Don Wing is dead.   His wife Gwen Dubois Wing confirms that he died suddenly this morning.   Funeral arrangements are pending.    Dubois Wing says while her husband was well involved in the construction industry, he was also part of the city hospital foundation and airport authority boards and was an all around entrepreneur.  Don Wing, dead at the age of 53.

Bear Spray Sprayed In Hotel Room

The suspect had his face covered and fled the scene.  No one was seriously injured.  Anyone with information should contact police or Crime Stoppers.  City Police are reporting a strange incident that happened at the Shoreline Motor Hotel Sunday.  A man entered a hotel room and sprayed bear spray.  4 men and one woman was in the room at the time.

Bluesfest A Success

The organizers of Bluesfest are deeming the three day music festival a success.  Organizer Trevor Hurtig says they don't have final attendance numbers but says it looks good.  Hurtig says they're already starting to plan for next year's event.

CLE Returns

The organizers of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition are again expecting big crowds for the annual fair.  Chair Ralph Scharf  says for entertainment they have everything from Shy-Anne Hovorka to Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute bands.   On the midway there's a new ride for the adventurous called Typhoon.  He says attendance normally hovers around the 60 thousand for the five day event which begins August 7th.

Teddy Bear Picnic Back

Thunder Bay's Teddy Bear Picnic is going into its 30th year.  The afternoon event is taking place from noon until 3 at Vickers Park tomorrow.  This year's entertainment includes Rodney Brown and the Grumpy Grampas.

Con College Enrollment Looking Good

Confederation College is looking forward to higher enrollment numbers this fall.  President Jim Madder says early enrollment confirmation numbers are up 5 percent.  He adds there are a number of courses that could see an increase in applications.  Madder notes the health care courses are also very popular with some already full.

Assault At Campground

A man and a woman will be in bail court today after a weekend incident at Trowbridge Falls Campground.  Police say two sisters in their 20s were assaulted while camping on the weekend.  The man faces an assault charge while the woman was charged with two counts of assault.

Dilico Workers Striking

350 Dilico Anishinabek Family Care workers are on strike.  They walked off the job just after 8 this morning and are picketing the Dilico office on Anemki Drive.  Marvin Pupeza of Canadian Energy and Paperworkers Union says they have a number of issues with the employer.  The workers have been without a new contract for over a year.

Taxi Meeting Up In The Air

Thunder Bay's Police Services Board, the City and local Police are hoping to sit down soon and work out a solution to who will govern the taxi service.  Police Chief JP Levesque says meetings will be held but he's not sure when since summer is keeping people busy.  Police Board Chair Joe Virdiramo wants a decision to be made on the taxi matter by September.

Treasure Hunt Across NWO

Parks Canada wants to make the best out of your road trip across Northwestern Ontario.  They have launched their "Heritage Hide'n'Seek Geotour", which guides folks to various locations to learn more about the people and events that helped shape this country.  Communications Officer Nancy Saunders says it covers a wide area from Algonquin Park all the way to the Manitoba border.  All you need to to take part is a GPS or smart phone!

Dryer Fire Dealt With

Fire officials responded to a dryer fire on County Boulevard around 4am yesterday. The fire was extinguished with no issues. The only damage caused by the fire was to the dryer, with minor smoke damage elsewhere in the house.