Power Plant Still Up In The Air

It's more of the same message from the Premier on the future of the conversion of the Mission Island power plant.  When asked about where the conversion of the local plant stands, Wynne says Thunder Bay's two MPPs have stressed to her how important the plant is.  Wynne made the comments at a news conference yesterday in Thunder Bay.  She also talked about the fate of the Ring of Fire project and money for the City's proposed event centre.

OPA Launches Energy Saving Program

Two Remote First Nations are participating in a new energy saving program through the Provincial Government.  Andrew Pride is the Vice President of Conservation with the Ontario Power Authority, and says Keewayin and Wunnimin Lake will have access to the resources they need to help save energy in their communities.  A total of 12-Aboriginal Communities will participate in the first year.

FASD Awareness Day Monday

The NorWest Community Health Centre is teaming up with the City's four LCBO stores to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  FASD Awareness Day is set for September 9th and reps from the health centre will be speaking to people shopping at the stores that day.  The group's message is that there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

Sousa & Wynne Talk Economy

Finance Minister Charles Sousa and Premier Kathleen Wynne are listening to local residents concerns about the economy.  They held a roundtable event at the Valhalla Inn this morning and Wynne says what she hears today will be used in the future.  City officials, members of the education sector, and business representatives took part in today's event.

Fire Hazard Back To Low

All the rain over the weekend, is helping fire fighting efforts in northwestern Ontario. No new forest fires were reported over the Labor Day long weekend, and Saturday's precipitation has reduced the fire hazard to low across most of the region. The number of active fires has dropped to just 17.

Missing Woman Found

The missing woman who was last seen in Geraldton is safe after being found in Thunder Bay.  Audrey Wright's daughter reported her missing and Police say she's ok and in the City.

TSB Looking Into Crash

Two people have walked away from a plane crash in the Kenora area.  The Cessna floatplane reportedly went down in the LacLu area Friday afternoon.  The pilot and a passenger sustained only minor injuries in the mishap.  Some anglers who were fishing nearby managed to rescue the occupants of the plane. Transportation Safety Board says it will be looking into the crash.

Police Seize Drugs In Longlac

Greenstone OPP are charging two people with trafficking cocaine as well as possession of other drugs after a search of a Longlac home.  On Friday, police searched the home and found cocaine, meth, and cannabis resin.

Police Deal With Man With Rifle

It was not a good wake-up call for a Tarbutt street man over the weekend.  Police say a resident in the 1300 block of Tarbutt noticed a man ransacking his vehicle early Monday morning.  When the resident went outside to approach the intruder, the thief pulled out a rifle.  The resident returned inside his home and called police.  The thief escaped and no one was injured.  Police are looking for a native-Canadian male in his early 20's, who was wearing a light blue hoodie.

Poverty Free T.Bay To Rally Tonight

Poverty Free Thunder Bay plans to rally at MPP Michael Gravelle's nomination meeting tonight.  Chair Terri Carter believes Premier Wynne will be in attendance and she wants to greet her with three demands.  Carter is looking for the Premier to demonstrate a commitment to reducing poverty.

School Board Ready For New Year

The Lakehead Public School Board is ready for the new school year.  Director of Education, Cathi Siemieiuk says they made major technology upgrades over the summer.  The board is also celebrating having full day kindergarten classes in each of their schools.  School starts tomorrow for public school kids.

Gravelle Nomination Meeting Tonight

Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle is holding his nomination meeting tonight for the Thunder Bay Superior North riding.   Gravelle says he feels good and wants to continue to represent the interests of his constituents.  The meeting will be held tonight at 6 at the Italian Cultural Centre.

Bay Street Film Festival Is Back

The Bay Street Film Festival is back for another year.  The 9th annual event kicks off Wednesday with a gala.  Organizer Zoe Gordon says they'll have 39 films this year. The movies will be shown above the Hoito with the exception of one movie being shown on the waterfront this Friday.

ATV Deaths Prompt Safety Reminder

OPP are reminding ATV users to follow the rules of the road or get off the trail.  Police are telling riders to wear a helmet, never drink and drive, and always let someone know your trip and where you plan to go. OPP are investigating two recent ATV related deaths.

CLE Possibly Losing A Member

The membership of the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition is getting set to possibly kick off a member of the board of directors.   Board president Reta Stoger refuses to identify the person involved but says it's the first time this has happened in the CLE's history.  In a letter to members Stoger says that the board member has demonstrated unbecoming conduct.   The vote is expected to take place Wednesday night.

Con College Welcomes Students

Orientation at Confederation College and Lakehead University is this week.  229 students moved into the Sibley Residence on the college campus over the weeekend.  Meanwhile, LU's experience Lakehead week starts on Thursday.

NDP Calls Premier Visit Photo-Op

The NDP is taking a shot at the premier claiming her trip to northwestern Ontario is nothing but a photo op.   MPP France Gelinas feels the premier has some nerve coming here when there are still promises to be kept. Wynne's northwestern Ontario visit brings her to Thunder Bay today and tomorrow.

ELA Saved

The Provincial government has formally announced funding to keep the Experimental Lake Area west of Vermilion Bay open.  Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement in Kenora.  Wynne says she's not sure why the federal government decided to pull out of the ELA, but her government is committed to the scientific research being done there.  Wynne says the provincial government is committing up to two million dollars per year to keep the ELA open.  The International Institute for Sustainable Development will be responsible for operating the freshwater research facility.

Shoreline Hotel Catches Fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to a blaze at the Shoreline Hotel yesterday. There was heavy smoke pouring out of the fifth floor of the building. Searches of the fourth and fifth floors confirmed everyone made it to safety.

Government Aiding ELA

The Ontario government is dedicated to keeping the Experimental Lakes Area open. Michael Gravelle says the provincial government is giving 2 million dollars a year to keep the facility running. Gravelle says premier Wynne was visiting the ELA area during her Kenora visit.

County Park Knife Attack

Officers were called to an address on Wentworth Crescent on Friday night, finding a man with a knife wound. He was taken to the hospital to get stitches. A 34 year old woman is in custody charged with assault with a weapon and will be attending court later this week.

Hospital Cracks Down On Smoking

The hospital is going to start better enforcing it's "Smoke Free Grounds Policy". The crackdown begins September 30th and comes after staff complained people were smoking near the doors to the hospital. CEO Andree Robichaud says they're also going to help their staff who want to quit. Robichaud says it makes sense for the hospital to promote a healthy lifestyle to the public.

Catholic School Board Anticipates Decline

Thunder Bay's Catholic School Board is expecting a decline in their enrollment this year. Spokesperson Tom Mustapic says they're not letting it get them down. School starts September 4th for Catholic Board students.

Ruberto Returns From Sister City

City Councillor Aldo Ruberto is still pumped after a recent visit to Jiaozuo, China. Ruberto believes Jiaozuo has the best opportunities for connections than any of our other sister cities. Ruberto believes the visit laid the groundwork for an economic relationship between the two cities.

Local Company Nominated For Innovation Award

A Thunder Bay company is vying for a Canada Post E-commerce Innovation Award. 3Ride BMX Bikes is up for the Best Multi-Channel Retailer. Winners gets a shipping contract with Canada Post up to 100-thousand dollars. The awards are handed out September 25th.

OPP Recovers Stolen Vehicle

Nipigon OPP have recovered a pickup truck stolen from Alberta. The vehicle was stopped by officers, who then realized it was stolen. The thief will be in court today.

Highway 17 Crash

A Honda civic and Mercedes crashed into one another on highway 17 last night. The highway was closed down for two hours, and the drivers were taken to hospital for their injuries. The driver of the civic is being charged with "failure to share roadway with meeting vehicle".

ATV Fatality Probed

The Ministry of Labour is investigating an industrial accident near Marathon Saturday. OPP say that an employee of Stillwater Mining was  riding an all terrain vehicle on a trail when he lost control and went down a hill.  Police say that 63 year old James Buckner of Ear Falls was thrown from the vehicle and was killed.   He was not wearing a helmet.

OPP Seizes Drugs In Traffic Stop

Nipigon OPP have arrested a man and seized his drugs near Lake Helen First Nation. The man was carrying several grams of cocaine and marijuana at the time he was pulled over. He is in police custody and is going to Court on September 3.

Forest Fire Update

There are 17 active fires in the Northwest Region. Of the 17 active fires, 16 fires are being monitored. There are no fires posing a threat or risk to human safety or property and these fires are showing minimal fire behaviour at this time. With the heavy rain that has fallen across the region lately, the forest fire hazard remains low for all of northwestern Ontario.

Marina Park Kidney Walk

Marina Park will be hosting the Kidney Foundation's fundraising walk today. The walk gets underway at 10 this morning with registration a half hour before. Money raised goes towards education, patient support programs and research.

Premier Pays Cities Visits

Ontario's Premier is in Kenora today/Sunday. It's the second time since being sworn-in that she's visited the City. She'll be in Fort Severn tomorrow and Thunder Bay Tuesday.

Runner Raising Money For Sick Kids

Thunder Bay is going to play host to a man running across Canada alone to raise money for Sick Kids in Toronto and two childrens' hosiptals in Britain. Jamie McDonald is expected to be in Thunder Bay at the Terry Fox Monument on Tuesday. To find out more about his journey and his stop in the City you can go to the Facebook page "Get Ready Tbay Jamie's On His Way".

St. John Ambulance Safety Tips

Kids of all ages are heading back to school this week. St. John Ambulance is calling for back to school prep to include safety tips. The organization wants parents to remind kids of the dangers of walking and riding to school as well as how to ride the bus safely.

More Politicians Admit To Past Pot Use

Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle is weighing in on the recent announcement by various politicians that they partook in smoking pot. Gravelle is reacting to Premier Kathleen Wynne's admission that she last smoked weed over 35 years ago. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford have also come out saying they've smoked marijuana in the past.

MNR Trains Teen Trappers

A new program in Northwestern Ontario targeting youth with an interest in trapping. It was introduced by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and will be available to those age 12 to 15-years old. Shannon Gutoskie is a spokesperson with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and says it's great news for the region. Gutoskie says there's a course youth must take, and they also need their parents or guardians consent.

Unifor President Elected

Jerry Dias is the first president of Unifor in the merger of the Canadian Auto Workers and Communications, Energy and Paperworkers into the country's biggest private sector union. He was chosen at the founding convention in Toronto,   The new superunion has at least 9 thousand members in Thunder Bay and across northwestern Ontario.

No Winning Ticket In Thunder Bay

There is no 30 million dollar winner in Thunder Bay this time around.  The Ontario Lottery Corporation says someone in the Hamilton area is the winner of this weeks big prize.

OPP Gives Safety Advice For Long Weekend

People boating irresponsibly is one of the many things Provincial Police will be on the lookout for this long-weekend. Sergeant Shelley Garr is also reminding motorists to slow down and not drive distracted. OPP will also be cracking down on impaired drivers across the region.

Cross Canada Rollerblader Visits Thunder Bay

A cross Canada rollerblader is stopping in Thunder Bay this weekend. Kevin Ebra is following the footsteps of Terry Fox and is determined to travel from Toronto to Vancouver in 120 days. Ebra leaves our city on Sunday with his next stops being Kaministiquia, English River, Dryden, Vermillion Bay, and Kenora.

Blind Man Bikes For Charity

Thunder Bay is going to be a popular stop for people on cross Canada fundraisers. Craig Aucoin is doing a back to back bicycle tour across the nation in support of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Aucoin is blind and will be riding his bike through Ontario this weekend.

Pigeon River Border Backup

You can expect long line ups at the Pigeon River Border Crossing this weekend. Canada Border Service Agents say the peak traffic times are Sunday from 4 pm to 7 pm and Monday from 11 am to 7 pm. To help move the process faster your asked to bring your travel documents and receipts.

LU Looks For Homestay Hosts

Lakehead University is looking for people in the City who want to host an international student coming to Canada to learn English. It's part of the Homestay program which last 15 weeks at a time from September to December, January to April or May to August. Homestay hosts receive 700 dollars per month when they provide a room and meals or 475 dollars a month when just providing the room

Coast Guard Rescues Boaters

Two people are safe and sound after a water rescue on Lake Superior Friday.  The rescue coordination centre in Trenton says that the Canadian Coast Guard in Thunder Bay brought the two back to shore after their 26 foot boat took on water about a mile south of the city.

Forest Fire Update

There were no new fires reported in the Northwest Region August 30. The forecast is calling for more rain for the next several days and the forest fire hazard is expected to be low across the region. The rain will help with lightning strikes that have started fires. The Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services program has a lightning-locator system that helps track strikes of lightning that have potential to start new wildfires.

Water Rescue On Superior

A water rescue on Lake Superior.    A spokesperson at the rescue coordination centre in Trenton says that a 26 foot Bayliner boat started taking on water Friday about a mile south of the city and the two people in there called for help.   A rescue unit from Thunder Bay picked them up and brought them to the yacht club unharmed.

Poverty Free T.Bay To Rally

Poverty Free Thunder Bay plans to rally at MPP Michael Gravelle's nomination meeting Tuesday night. Chair Terri Carter believes Premier Wynne will be in attendance and she wants to greet her with three demands.  Carter is looking for the Premier to demonstrate a commitment to reducing poverty.

NOHFC Programs Under Review

The Provincial Government is conducting a review of the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.  It means new programs will be created and launched at the end of October.  Applications for funding through the old program will be accepted up until September 30th.  The changes are being made to reflect the priorities set out in the Northern Ontario Growth Plan.

Hospital Family Rooms To Become Patient Rooms

The overcrowding problem at the Health Sciences Centre is at a new level.  The hospital is now renovating family lounges to make more room for patients.  The fire department told the hospital they could no longer house patients in hallways which spurred the decision.  CEO Andree Robichaud says the rooms only need a little tinkering.  The decision will mean 14 patient spots, which is two more than what the hallways were providing.  Robichaud hopes to have the new patient rooms ready by mid-October.

Baby Boomers Not Ready For Retirement

More and more seniors in Northwestern Ontario are digging deep to make ends meet.  Recent studies show that debt levels are on the rise across the country, especially for the elderly.  Frank Fabiano is a local trustee in bankruptcy, and says many seniors depend on their old age security or pension plans.  At the same time, Fabiano says baby-boomers are also feeling the crunch, as many of those born between 1945 and 1964 say they haven't saved enough for retirement.