Christmas Cheer Stuff-A-Bus A Success

The Christmas Cheer Fund continues to provide for families in need during the holidays and yesterdays contributions promise to go a long way. The day long Stuff-A-Bus drive at the Real Canadian Superstore raised thirteen-thousand dollars and forty-thousand dollars worth of food. It took volunteers an hour and a half to unload the food.

Youth Services Plan Development

The City is moving forward on its Youth Service Plan that includes an increase in the amount of money provided to the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club. A final vote on the plan will be held in January. Councillor Joe Vidiramo says that he is excited to see how similar satellite programs have fared and what kind of impact they will have on the proposed youth centre on High Street. The plan also calls for extra funding for other city operated youth programs.

Renew Your Outdoors Card

Be sure to double check your Ontario Outdoors Card if you plan on doing any hunting or fishing soon. Renewals are being done across the region at Service Ontario Centres. It costs ten-dollars to renew your license, qualifying it for another three years. The Ministry of Natural Resources is reminding people that all profits are put towards wildlife and fisheries management.

Union Gas Contribution

Union Gas is providing the Fort William First Nation with three-thousand dollars to repair and upgrade their pow-wow grounds. The grounds were struck by vandals this past summer. The money was presented at a recent First Nations band meeting.

Food Recall

A food recall on Edelweiss Brand Fine Dark Chocolate is being issued by Health Canada. The chocolates are sold in Ontario and include unlisted milk ingredients. No illnesses have been reported.

Dryden Mayor Wants T.Bay Decision Reversed

The Mayor of Dryden is urging Canada Post to reverse a decision to move mail sorting services to Thunder Bay. Craig Nuttall has delivered a letter to Canada Post stating the area has seen a decline of service since the October move. Nuttall says they rely on the Dryden sorting service. Nuttall says he received a letter from in-town and it arrived three days after it was mailed.

NOMA Leader At Northern Conference

Provincial cabinet ministers, municipal, business and aboriginal leaders are heading to Timmins to share some ideas on the Northern Growth Plan.  Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Dave Canfield admits they are a little disappointed at how long its been taking to get the Growth Plan off the ground. The Northern Leader's Forum will be a day long brain-storming session.

Montreal Massacre Service Today

The 14 women killed in the Montreal Massacre are being remembered today at Lakehead University. The day will be marked with speakers, poetry, a candlelight vigil and moment of silence. The ceremony gets underway at noon.

Pedestrians Get The Ok From CN

You can now walk on the James Street swing bridge.  CN Rail Spokesperson James Feeney says they've cleared the structure for rail and pedestrian traffic.  It could be three more months before vehicles are allowed back on the bridge.

Two Co-Chairs Of New Justice Group

The Provincial Government is appointing two people as Co-chairs of the new Aboriginal Justice Advisory Group. The group will examine issues affecting first nation residents in the justice system. Co-Chair Warren White is the Grand Chief of Grand Council Treaty #3, he's joined by Murray Segal the former deputy attorney general of Ontario and former deputy minister responsible for aboriginal affairs.

Hyer Going Green?

Independent MP Bruce Hyer could be getting chummy with his seatmate in the House of Commons. Hyer sits beside Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. The Thunder Bay MP's staff are not confirming a report this morning that he is considering joining the environmental party. Hyer is not available for comment today but staff say he will speak at a news conference on Friday, December 13th at 11 at the Finlandia Club.

Bridge To Remain Closed Indefinitely

CN Rail officials
wait for meeting at FWFN

The James Street bridge is not opening anytime soon.   Following a meeting with CN Rail officials,  Fort William First Nations Chief Georjann Morriseau was told that it will take at least three months to get a detailed consultants report on the safety of the fire damaged bridge for vehicle traffic and when it will open after that is anyone's guess.    Morriseau says she will now have to make arrangements for increased transit and emergency services to the community

LU Signs Deal With Alberta University

Lakehead University, the University of Alberta and the Italian Studies Institute are banding together to make it easier to study in Italy. A campus in Cortona is allowing students and alumni from both schools to study there. LU President Brian Stevenson says its about getting in touch with the city's Italian Heritage. The Institute is offering scholarships to interested students.

CCAC Launches Telehomecare

People living with chronic heart disease and other health related conditions can now get health care services from their home.  It's part of the Northwest Community Care Access Centre's Telehomecare program.  Spokesperson Marg Milani says they're looking for interested patients. Milani says patient information is logged every day on a tablet like device and a nurse monitors to see that everything is going well

Children's Aid Needs Help

A late start to fundraising is putting the Children Aid Society's Christmas Wishes Gift Tree campaign behind.  They've so far only raised 60 gifts, with 250 being this year's goal.  Executive Director Rob Richardson says they have gift trees at all three Walmart locations in the City.  Richardson says they'll be collecting gifts right up until Christmas Eve.

Rae Talks Positive About ROF

According to the First Nations negotiator for the Ring of Fire, the giant mining development will live on.   Speaking in Thunder Bay this morning Bob Rae said despite the decision by Cliffs Natural Resources to halt all work on the project, the valuable minerals aren't going away. Meantime,  Rae says negotiations are continuing on getting the best deal possible for First Nations from the development.   He says the mistakes of past mining deals cannot be repeated.

Highway 11 Open

OPP are opening several highways around the region.  Hwy 11 from Hearst to Longlac is now open. They've also re-opened a stretch of Highway 11 between Kapuskasing and Hearst.  There are no road closures west of Thunder Bay.

No School Buses Today

The overnight snow has forced the cancellation of all city and rural school buses this morning and this afternoon.  All school buses will not run today.  All city schools are open today, however all rural schools are closed.  So it is a snow day for all students who attend rural schools.  

South Side Stabbing

A 19-year old man is in hospital with non-life threatening injuries following a stabbing on the south side.  The victim was stabbed twice in the chest and suffered a punctured lung.  The incident took place outside a residence on North Vickers Street just before 2:30 this morning. Police have a 23-year old female in custody and she'll appear in court today on a charge of aggravated assault.    

Overnight Fire

There were no injuries following a two-alarm fire at a home in the 200 block of Rowand Street on the south side.  Fire crews were called to the scene around one o'clock this morning and over 20 firefighters battled the blaze for nearly four hours.  Five pumpers and an aerial platform also managed to keep nearby homes safe from the flames.  No one was in the home at the time and fire officials say it appears the house may have been vacant.

Chiarelli Says T.Bay Plant Has Potential

Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli is reiterating the message that Thunder Bay and the region will have enough electricity through the local power plant. Chiarelli held a teleconference for media Wednesday and said it's possible that the local plant will operate at full capacity. Chiarelli disagrees with statements from the Common Voice Northwest group that says we won't have enough electricity with the current planned conversion of the local power plant.

Chief Will Ask For Answers From CN

Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau meets with officials of CN Rail today on the future of the James Street bridge.  Morriseau will be demanding a timeline on when the fire damaged bridge will reopen to pedestrian and vehicle traffic and says she'll reiterate the inconvenience of having the bridge closed.  Morriseau says if the closure is extended she has to make arrangements for transit and emergency services for her community.  The meeting takes place this afternoon on the First Nation.

LU Hosting Mining Conference

Lakehead University is hosting a mining conference over the next two days. Organizer Pete Hollings says officials have high hopes for the gathering.
The conference kicks off this morning with a speech from First Nations Ring of Fire negotiator Bob Rae. Hollings says topics include learning from past mining projects, looking to the future, and exploring current projects on the go.

Foundation To Dole Out Grants

Forty local charities are getting an early holiday gift from the Thunder Bay Community Foundation tonight.  The foundation is handing out a quarter million dollars in grants to those organizations.  The amount of the grants range from 600 to 25 thousand dollars.  The cheques will be given out starting at 6 o'clock at Wayne Toyota at Balmoral and Central.

Chiarelli Promotes Plan

Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli is busy promoting the government's Long Term Energy Plan and deflecting criticism over the high cost of electricity in the North. In a media teleconference, Chiarelli deflected a question asking if the Province would entertain a seperate electricity rate for Northerners since generating electricity in the region is done fairly cheaply. Chiarelli said no that there will continue to be only one rate for the whole of the province. We face a 33 percent hike in our electricity rates over the next three years according to the new plan. Other issues discussed included the local power plant which Chiarelli feels will provide the region's electricity needs.

Charges Laid In Ambrose St. Fire

Thunder Bay's Fire Service is fining an Ambrose Street property owner for failing to maintain smoke alarms. The total cost of the three tickets is over 700 dollars. Spokesperson Anthony Stokaluk says the home's occupant was hurt in last week's fire. The Fire Service is again stressing the importance of having working smoke alarms on each floor of a residence.

First Nations Education Act Rally

A rally was held at the Fort William First Nation today against the Federal Governments proposed First Nations Education Act. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Goyce Kakegamic says he hopes that today's protest will show the government that their proposed act is opposed by all members in the community and not just elders. Kakegamic adds that one of the main areas of concern is a lack of attention given to preschool and post-secondary education. Rallies were also held in Toronto, Ottawa and Sudbury.

Home Care Workers Could Strike

Personal Support Workers with Red Cross Home Care could be soon be carrying pickets.  Members of the Service Employees International Union, including 21 in Thunder Bay, rejected a tentative contract on the weekend. Union president Sharleen Stewart says they are in a legal strike position to back demands.  Stewart says a desire for better wages and benefits are at the heart of the dispute for workers now earning 15-dollars an hour.

Numerous Camp Break In & Thefts

Members of the OPP are warning area camp owners about numerous break, enter and thefts that occurred to cottages located on Max Lake, Decourcey Lake and others in the Boreal Road area. All of the incidents occurred sometime during the week of November 24 to November 30th. Some of the items reported stolen include, firearms, generators, chainsaws, and alcohol.

Angus Pans Plan

The Co-chair of the Northwest Energy Task Force is putting some reality to the long term energy plan.  Ian Angus says although the cost wont be as high as initially projected, it's still not going to be cheap.  Angus also disagrees with plans to conserve energy in the Northwest.  Something he says will have little impact once the proposed mines for the region begin operation.

Snowfall Warning Still In Effect

The Thunder Bay area is bracing for its first major snowfall of the season. A large low pressure system from Colorado is tracking northeast and Meteorologist Dayshanelle Matthews with Environment Canada says snowfall amounts will be significant. Calendar parking also takes effect throughout the City today.

Chiefs Support 60s Scoop Lawsuit

A landmark lawsuit against the Federal Government is taking place today. A hearing is scheduled for today and will see Beaver House Chief Marcia Brown Martel take on Canada over the system in the 1960s that saw First Nation children apprehended by the government and placed with non-first nation families. The Chiefs of Ontario are supporting the lawsuit calling the government's actions cultural genocide.

New Canadian Citizens Sworn In

Over thirty people in Thunder Bay and northwestern Ontario are now Canadian citizens. They took the oath this morning at a special ceremony at Confederation College. Long time Thunder Bay resident Heli Putkuri says she decided to apply for her citizenship because she thought it was time. The 32 new Canadians originally hailed from over 18 different countries.

No Change At The Public School Board

It's status quo at the Lakehead District School Board with trustee Deborah Massaro being acclaimed for a seventh consecutive term as Board Chair.  Trustee Karen Wilson was also acclaimed for a fifth term as Vice Chair.

Kettle Campaign Suffering

The Salvation Army is saying a lack of volunteers is the reason its Christmas kettle fundraiser in Thunder Bay is running behind this year.  Major Rob Kerr says they haven't been able to find enough people who want to staff the kettles.  Kerr says they are down about 13 thousand dollars from the same time last year.

White Cedar Clinic Gets New Deal

The First Nation White Cedar Health Care Centre is teaming up with the Ontario Addiction Treatment Centres.  The two will offer services out of the Thunder Bay South Clinic starting in January 2014.  According to the two agencies the new agreement will enhance the current model of service and care for clients.

Company Fined

D & L Estates Limited is being forced to pay 25-thousand dollars after being sentenced in Ontario Provincial Court in Thunder Bay for an offence under the Environmental Protection Act. The offence involving PCBs took place at the former NORAD radar station in Armstrong, Ontario near the North Shore of Lake Nipigon. The company has since removed all of the PCB contaminated equipment from the property and had the PCBs destroyed.

Snowfall Warning In Effect

A snowfall warning is in effect for the city of Thunder Bay.  Environment Canada says we are in the path of a Colorado Low.  Snow is expected to start falling tonight and that could result in 5 to 10 centimetres.  The forecast says an additional 10 centimetres could fall tomorrow during the day and another 10 at night.

Reform Act Introduced

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is fully supporting Conservative MP Michael Chong's proposed Reform Act. The Private Member's bill aims to restore the power for candidate nomination to a party’s electoral district association, rather than leaving it up to the party leader. Speaking in Question Period,   Hyer said he wants a free vote on the proposed legislation.

Pot Seized Near Kenora

A B.C. man has been charged after he was caught transporting more than his scheduled load on Highway 17 west of Kenora. Provincial Police stopped an eastbound tractor trailer for a traffic violation Monday afternoon. Officers found 180-pounds of marihuana in the vehicle, worth an estimated 450-thousand dollars. Police seized the transport truck and 1-thousand dollars cash as part of the investigation. The 43-year-old Mission residents faces three charges and he remains in custody.

Murray Defends Highway Safety Record

In spite of a recent string of  traffic fatalities and highway closures in the north, the province's transportation minister is saying our roads are safe. In the legislature, Glen Murray touted Ontario's highway safety record.   He says we have fewer fatalities and accidents along with the safest roads in all of North America, better than in dryer and warmer places like Kansas and California.  Murray says his ministry will be monitoring how the new MTO crews are deployed and how well they're performing.

Calendar Parking Back On

Calendar Parking rules are coming into effect as of Wednesday.   The city says with the latest snowfall, it means that parking will be restricted to certain sides of the street depending on the calendar date.   Signs are posted on the streets which fall under the by-law.   Unless the city lifts it earlier,  Calendar Parking will remain in effect until the end of March.

Women In Politics Launched

Women politicians from across Northwestern Ontario are rallying to support future female leaders.  The new organization "Women In Politics" is holding a special forum on January 22nd to promote women getting involved in all levels of government.  Shuniah Councillor Wendy Landry says some women might find the process of running foreign. The forum will welcome former Ontario Liberal Party Leader Lyn McLeod as the guest speaker.

"Road Rage" In NWO

Residents in the Vermillion Bay area west of Dryden say they aren't going to take it anymore. A rally is scheduled for Saturday to protest the condition of area roads. Ear Falls resident Steve Smith is leading the charge and hopes to get as many people from the region to the rally.   Smith has also set up a Facebook page to help increase support for the cause.

Sudden Death In Machin

The death of a Machin man is being investigated by Provincial Police. OPP were contacted Monday afternoon around 4:50 after a body was found off Heilman Road. Police say the body was found in a remote location. The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Randal Lichty of Machin. A post mortem examination is being held in Kenora and anyone with information on this case is asked to contact OPP.

UN Flag Raised At City Hall

The United Nations flag is flying at City Hall today. It's to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Persons with disabilities.  City Hall raised the UN flag at a ceremony this morning.  It also recognizes work being done by the municipal accessibility advisory committee .  There are several information displays posted through the day focusing on the multi year accessibility plans as well as the city's emergency preparedness plan.

Two Dead In Highway 11 Crash

The cause of a fatal two vehicle collision  in northwestern Ontario is under investigation. An elderly couple died when their westbound Chrysler struck an eastbound transport about 15 kilometres east of Fort Frances yesterday afternoon on Highway 11. The driver of the tractor-trailer unit wasn't injured. The driver of the car has been identified as 82-year-old David Chambers and the passenger has been identified as 75-year-old Louise Chambers, both of Fort Frances.

Hospital Foundation Needs $

The never ending job of raising money for hospital equipment is continuing this holiday season.   Glenn Craig, the chair of the Regional Health Science's Centre Foundation ,  says that they have set an ambitious objective this year for the Exceptional Care Campaign of 100 thousand dollars   Craig says the money will be used to buy chemotherapy equipment.

Hupka Back As Board Chair

Bob Hupka

Trustees with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board don't appear to like change. Bob Hupka has been re-elected as the board chair.  Hupka is no stranger to the position, he as been at the helm for the last 7 years.   The board has also returned Tony Romeo as vice-chair.

All Schools Open

Despite the overnight snowfall, all area schools are open and all school buses are running this morning as scheduled.  Student Transportation Services of Thunder Bay says there could be some bus delays due to road conditions.  

Council Round Up

The City is spending almost a million dollars to purchase defibrillators.  The expenditure is to replace the existing medical machines for both the Superior North EMS and Fire and Rescue Service.  The existing defibrillators have reached the end of their use.  Meanwhile, The social services board is providing 70-thousand dollars to two child care facilities in the City.  50-thousand dollars will go towards the Algoma Child Care Centre to provide a review of their facility.  Grace Remus will use 20-thousand dollars towards upgrading a special needs room.  An update on the projects were provided to City Council last night.