Bisson Stops In T.Bay

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is taking up the cause of the Thunder Bay's generating station.  Bisson is calling on the Provincial Government to get to work on converting the coal generating station to natural gas.  Bisson says he intends to bring up the coal plant conversion as soon as the Legislature resumes in September.  Bisson paid a visit to Thunder Bay yesterday to talk about the Liberal Government's inaction on the local coal plant.

Bisson In T.Bay Today

NDP Critic Gilles Bisson is taking up the cause of the Thunder Bay's generating station.  Bisson is calling on the Provincial Government to get to work on converting the coal generating station to natural gas.  Bisson says he intends to bring up the coal plant conversion as soon as the Legislature resumes in September.  Bisson is in Thunder Bay today to talk about the Province's failure to convert the local plant.  

Ontario Creates Fund For Energy Plans

The Provincial Government is out with a new funding program for small and medium-sized municipalities and Aboriginal communities.  The money will be used to create Municipal Energy Plans.  Eligable plans must focus on increasing conservation and identify the best energy options for that specific community.

Law School Almost Ready

Thunder Bay's Northern Ontario Law School is set to open its doors for the first time this September.  Dean Lee Steusser says the class of sixty will one day offer a free legal aid clinic and they're in discussions with Legal Aid Ontario. Steusser says the building is still under construction but they'll be ready by September 3rd.

Northern Mayors Speak Up To Ministers

Northern Ontario Mayors are giving the Provincial Government a piece of their mind.  They presented seven Ministers a document called Northern Priorities.  The Mayors hope the document will provide a more strategic relationship between Ontario and the five largest Northern Ontario cities. 

Unionized Workers Make More Dough

A report by the Canadian Labour Congress is touting the economic benefits of having unionized jobs in Thunder Bay.  CLC President Ken Georgetti says the average unionized worker in the City earns six dollars and five cents an hour more than non unionized employees.  Georgetti is calling for more unionized positions in the City.   He adds money made in Thunder Bay is spent within the City and will help local business.

Hydro Gets Safety Award

Thunder Bay Hydro is being recognized for its safety record.  A Health and Safety Association is giving them an award for achieving 250-thousand hours of work without an injury.  135 employees worked for over a year to set the record.

NOMA Back From AMO

Members of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association are back from Ottawa.  They took in two days of meetings with Provincial Cabinet Ministers.  They spoke with reps from the Ministry of Energy, Municipal Affairs and Housing and Finance.

Rickford Says Prorogation Is Good Idea

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is calling it a smart move.  His comment is in regards to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking the Governor General to prorogue the legislature until October. Rickford says he feels confident that their best interests will be right there as the government transitions into a new parliamentary agenda.

Swimming Advisory Lifted

Swimmers take note...The Health Unit is lifting the swimming advisory at Boulevard Lake's Sandy Cove Beach.  However, the advisory is remaining in place for Sunny Side Beach and Chippewa Park's Main Beach.  Swimming advisories do not close the beach or stop people from swimming. 

George Creek Rehab

The City and a local trout group are teaming up to work on restoring fish habitat at George Creek in Centennial Park.  Parks Spokesperson Werner Schwar says as work moves ahead the main trail to the logging camp will be temporarily closed from time to time.  The bridge over the Current River may be temporarily closed for a few minutes at a time to safely allow machinery and material to cross over to the work site.  Work in the park is expected to take a couple of weeks.

Superior Youth Festival Back

Poor Young Things and Scientists of Sound will be co-headlining the City's Superior Youth Festival tonight.  Organizer Jean Paul DeRoover says the free event is designed to create something strictly for young people that relates to them.   The concerts take place tonight at Marina Park from 6 until 10:30.

Hot Hot Heat

It might be the hottest day of the year, or at least its going to feel like it.  A humidex advisory has been issued for Thunder Bay.  Environment Canada Meterologist Trudy McCormack says you should avoid doing heavy exercising in the hot weather and stay indoors where it's cooler.  Today's high is expected to hit 32 degrees, but with the humidity it could feel like 37.

Missing Man Kenora

Provincial Police in Kenora are searching Lake of the Woods for a 52-year-old man.  OPP say the man was paddle boarding on the lake when he fell off the board and did not resurface.  The OPP Marine Unit and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit is combing the Pine Portage Bay area.  The identity of the man is not being released at this time pending the results of the search.

Train Death In Hudson

A 47 year old Sioux Lookout man is dead after being run over by a train in the community of Hudson.  The OPP say the incident took place last night around 10:00.  The deceased has been identified as Arnold Derouin.

Paxton Facing More Charges

A former bible camp counsellor and babysitter in the city is facing some more serious sex charges that involve minors. Thunder Bay Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says Jeff Paxton is charged with an additional 13 charges bringing the total to 23.  Police say the charges against Paxton date back to between 1983 and 2004 and 11 victims have been identified.  Paxton is back in court Wednesday.

New Agreement In Place

A collaboration agreement has been signed between the Lac Seul First Nation and Goldcorp.  Chief Clifford Bull says there are a lot of things in the agreement with respect to revenue sharing, job opportunities and contracting provisions.  Bull says the agreement will define the long-term benefits for the First Nation, as well as the future of mining developments in the Red Lake area.

Cyclotron Public Meeting Tonight

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute wants you to have your say when it comes to their new cyclotron facility.  A public information session is being held tonight at 4:30 at the Hospital's Auditorium A.  Spokesperson Michael Campbell says so far they haven't heard too many concerns.  Another open house on the medical machinery will be held at Lakehead University in September.

Deadly Weekend On Area Waters

It was a deadly weekend on the water in Thunder Bay.  Two people are dead after a cliff diving accident in Shuniah Township near the Silver Harbour boat launch.  OPP divers recovered the body of 32-year old Sioux Lookout resident Kevin Spade yesterday in Lake Superior.  26-year old Marlene Fox of K-I First Nation, who had been rescued from the waters, died Sunday night at the Health Sciences Centre from the injuries she sustained in the accident.  Meantime, OPP divers have also found the body of a man they believe to be Jordan DesFosses, who went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday in the Kam River.  The 31-year old, who had just moved to Thunder Bay from Peace River, AB, had been canoeing with another man and two children when it tipped over.  The three others made it to shore safely.  Police say DesFosses was not wearing a life jacket.

Missing Truck Found

Habitat For Humanity Thunder Bay is rolling once again.  A truck that was stolen from their Restore on Friday night was found yesterday in a parking lot in the East End.  The groups primary work vehicle is in good shape with no apparent damage.

New Job Training Program

A unique employment service is now up and running in northwestern Ontario.  Shooniya Job Connect has been matching up aboriginal job seekers with employment opportunities for a couple of months now.  Dana Bridgeman-Cross says the web-site offers a wide range of services.  Bridgeman-Cross says they also work with employers across the region to help place aboriginal employees.  

Police Officer In Court Today

A Thunder Bay Police officer charged with assault is set to be before the Ontario Court of Justice today.  The charge against Constable Andrew Johnstone stems from a Special Investigations Unit inquest into how he treated a man that was brought into his custody.  The incident dates back to May of this year.

Three Dead In T.Bay

Two people are dead after a cliff diving accident in Shuniah near the Silver Harbour boat launch. The body of 32 year old Kevin Spade was found just before noon today, while 26 year old Marlene Fox died from her injuries last night in hospital.  Meantime, OPP divers have found the body of a man they believe to be Jordan Desfosses who went missing after the canoe he was in capsized on Saturday in the Kam River.

New Job Program For First Nations

An employment service for aboriginal job seekers is now up and running.  Dana Bridgeman-Cross says Shooniyaa Job Connect says they offer services to both employers and employees. Bridgeman-Cross says they also help job seekers out with resumes, writing cover letters and with job interviews.  The new initiative has been matching up aboriginal job seekers with employment opportunities for a couple of months now.

Police Confirm Scooter Incident

Thunder Bay Police are confirming the theft of a scooter Friday night at Marina Park.  A 12 year old boy's scooter was stolen and he got hurt after he went up to people he thought were responsible for the crime.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says it's rare to see an incident at the Skate Park.

MNR Crews Deal With Fires

There are currently 15 forest fires burning in Northwestern Ontario, however none of them are posing a risk to people or property.  There were 3 new fires reported over the weekend...one each in the Thunder Bay, Dryden and Sioux Lookout districts.  With the chance of storms over the region today, there is a possibility a few lightning-caused fires could occur in areas where little rain has fallen.       

Roots To Harvest Carrying On

A Thunder Bay group is going to keep bringing fresh food to lower income residents despite having five of their bikes stolen.   The incident happened last week at their greenhouse on South Algoma Street.  Roots To Harvest Organizer Erin Beagle says so far the stolen bikes haven't been returned but they have received numerous offers of replacement bikes.  Beagle says they're going to find a way to bring the fresh produce no matter what to their weekly markets at the City's bus terminals.

Road Closure Wednesday

Drivers take note...A portion of Pacific Avenue at Simpson Street is going to be closed on Wednesday.  Thunder Bay Hydro Spokesperson Eileen Dias says it's because crews are working on upgrading the electrical system in the area. The closure will impact traffic travelling east-west between Simpson Street and May Street south of the Neebing River.  The road will be closed from 7 am until 5 pm.

AMO Conference Continues

The annual provincial municipalities conference is underway in Ottawa.   Ron Nelson is the past president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says tomorrow  is when the local delegates will meet with provincial cabinet ministers for one hour.  Nelson says the Northern Growth Plan, Ring of Fire and the Thunder Bay Generating station are on the list of topics for that meeting.

Pet Limit Still Has A Pulse

He refuses to give up.  City councillor Aldo Ruberto says he is hoping to revive his request for a limit on the number of pets you can own. Before he left on his trip to China, Ruberto told our newsroom he has one more chance to make his case because his proposal still requires a final vote to make it official. Ruberto says there's been a lot of support for his idea since it came up at City Hall last week.

Bridal Boutique Closing

After almost 3 decades in business Eva's Bridal Boutique on Algoma is closing.   Owner Eva Tucci say she's retiring.  She says no date has been set for the closure saying she will stay open until stock runs out.  Tucci says it's also possible someone may buy the company from her.

Local Drownings

Police say that a 32 year old man is missing and thought to have drowned in Lake Superior. They say  the incident took place early Saturday evening at Silver Harbour in Shuniah township and that a woman was taken to the Health Sciences Centre but her condition is not known.  Police say the two were cliff diving at the time.  Meantime police are searching the Kam River, also for a 32 year old man after the canoe he and three others were in flipped over at Silver Falls.  The others made it to shore safely, they say the man did not.

AMO Conference Starts Today

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is gearing up for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference starting today in Ottawa. Association President Dave Canfield says he's looking at issues affecting communities throughout Northwestern Ontario like infrastructure funding and tourism.  Canfield says another issue is the rising cost of policing.

Film Hopes To Bridge Culture Gap

The city is teaming up with a local filmmaker to produce  four short films about the Aboriginal people of the city and who they are. City Clerk John Hannam says it's to help bridge a cultural gap with First Nations residents.  He says they're looking for financial help from local businesses and organizations to offset the 45 thousand dollar budget.  Hannam says the documentary will be shown to employees in all city departments.

Mike Richards donates 17K

Another huge success at the Mike Richards Charity Golf Tournament in Kenora. A cheque presentation was held where the NHL star donated over 17 thousand dollars to the community foundation. Richards says giving back is a key goal of his no matter how big or small. Richards charity events have raised over 100 thousand dollars overall for the community foundation.

MPP Calls For Hike In Minimum Wage

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says people can't survive on minimum wage. Demonstrations were held across the province earlier this week, calling on the government to bump it up from $10.25 to 14-dollars per hour.  She says people are finding increasingly challenging to put food on the  table and adds, raising the minimum wage is the best way to combat poverty.

Visitor Safety Not An Issue At FWHP

The head of Fort William Historical Park says there's no danger to visitors even though they haven't found what predator could be responsible for the summertime death of some fort animals. Sergio Buonocore is confident the safety of tourists is not being compromised.  He says the animal deaths took place overnight and are not likely to be repeated during the day.  Over the last two months several sheep and chickens were killed.

Gas Line Leak Stopped Quickly

A gas line leak on the 300 block of Lark Street caused a bit of commotion this afternoon.   It appears that someone hit a gas line while doing some work just before 2 o'clock.  A Fire and Rescue official says there was no real danger but homes in the immediate area of the leak were evacuated as a precaution.

Funding Benefits Six Businesses

The province's northern development fund is granting money to local six businesses.   The six are sharing in over 200 thousand dollars of funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.   Dental Hygiene Smiles of Thunder Bay is receiving 125 thousand dollars of that to help it open a dental clinic.   The rest will be split up among Kuhl  Lighting, The Dog Classroom, Confederation College, Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and a Chiropractic Clinic.

George Jeffrey Gets Added $

The George Jeffrey Children's Centre is once again on the receiving end of a government cheque.   This time it's almost 140 thousand provincial tax dollars.    MPP Bill Mauro says the money is going to be used to provide children and youth with improved access to treatment services.

Movie Nights Are Back

It's movie night again at Marina Park.  The city is presenting a series of outdoor movies starting tonight at dusk with "Back To The Future 2".   There will be four more weeks of movies shown including a Bay Street Film Festival night where a local flick will be screened.

City Delegation Heads To China

A delegation from Thunder Bay is heading to China as part of the sister cities program.   Councillor Aldo Ruberto says the trip is designed to cement a friendship pact with the city of Jiaozuo  which started when the Chinese delegation came here.   The group includes Ruberto along with City Clerk John Hannam , Development Services Manager Mark Smith and city mining guru John Mason.  They left today and are due back home August 26th.  

Fire Hazard Increases

As anticipated the forest fire hazard is on the rise across northwestern Ontario. Warmer and dryer conditions sparked 4 new fires yesterday. One fire, 25-kilometres northeast of Dryden, was set by forest industry equipment according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. The other fires were reported in the Hudson, Sioux Lookout and Kenora districts.
Two of the fires aren't under control but pose no threats.

Car Lands In Churchyard After Mishap

No one is hurt following a two vehicle collision at Van Norman Street and Rockwood Avenue this morning.   The two cars collided just after 9 o'clock sending one of them careening through a metal fence and it narrowly missed striking the New Apostolic Church.  There's no word on any charges.

A Suspicious Blaze

There were no injuries following a fire in the 500 block of Pacific Avenue late Thursday evening.  Crews responded to a report of furniture on fire outside of a building and when they arrived the flames had spread to the siding of the structure.  The fire was contained to the exterior wall of the building, although some heat and smoke damage was caused inside.  The fire is considered suspicious.

New NAPS Chief

There's a new chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.  Terry Armstrong takes over the position as of September third.   Former Thunder Bay Police Chief Bob Herman had been holding down the fort on a temporary basis until the board could find someone permanent.

More Traffic Changes In Store

Golf Links Road and the Harbour Expressway is open again as a three-way  controlled intersection.  The city says temporary traffic signals will remain in place until the double left turn lanes at this intersection are ready.   The traffic headaches will continue on Monday when the Central Avenue and Golf Links Road intersection will be closed to traffic as the construction continues.

Four More Years For St. Joe's

More bragging rights for St. Joseph's Care Group.   Accreditation Canada, the independent organization that oversees health care standards, has given St. Joe's a 4 year stamp of approval. President and CEO Tracy  Buckler calls it an amazing accomplishment.   St. Joseph's Care Group  runs a number of health care facilities in the city ranging from acute care to addiction treatment .

Campbell Slams MNR Layoffs

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is slamming the Minister of Natural Resources over the recent announcement of layoffs across northwestern Ontario and the province.Campbell says there's nothing but confusion on how many jobs will be lost. The NDP member says the public has the right to know how these cuts will impact them.

New Bike Lanes Being Painted

The city is finally getting around to painting the new bikes lanes.    Spokesperson Adam Krupper admits it's a bit late in the season but he blames City Hall red tape. Krupper says when the new lanes are complete in the next couple of days, there will be 9 new streets painted which will complete  a continuous biking route from Current River to Bay Street.

City Reverses Childhood Cancer Decision

A change of heart.  City Hall will be proclaiming September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month after all.   City Clerk John Hannam says officials decided to review the original decision after a public outcry and not necessarily because of the mayor's complaint.
Hannam says the request does meet the criteria for being in the public interest.