Distracted Driving Fines Going Up

Provincial Police in northwestern Ontario say distracted driving isn't acceptable and a new fine imposed by the province should make that perfectly clear.  Talking on your phone, looking at your computer screen or even grabbing a bite to eat while behind the wheel will soon cost you 280-dollars.  Sergeant Shelly Garr says that's up from 155-dollars.  The fines will not apply to GPS screens.

Irwin Is Back

Thunder Bay's Haley Irwin is being welcomed home by 100 of her fans. She arrived back from the Sochi Olympics Tuesday night.  Irwin says it's great to see so much local support waiting for her at the airport. Irwin says she wants to play in the next winter Olympics and will start training again soon.

Julius Remembers Norman LaVoie

Norman LaVoie is being remembered this week as the person who brought sports at Lakehead University to the forefront.   LaVoie, who used to head up the Kinesiology Department at LU, died on the weekend, he was 71.  Former women's basketball coach Stu Julius says LaVoie's death is affecting a lot of people having touched the lives of everyone from students to athletes.   Julius called LaVoie, a big man on a small campus.

Crews Digging Out Fire Hydrants

City crews are out on area streets trying to uncover buried fire hydrants after the recent heavy snowfall. Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says access to hydrants are vital for fire fighting operations. For those residents or businesses that have hydrants on their property they are asked to help out by removing the snow from them.

Parade Of Lights Doles Out The Cash

On the charity beat, four local organizations are reaping the benefits from the annual Parade of Lights.  The Therapeutic Riding Association, the George Jeffery Children's Centre and the Thunder Bay branches of Autism Ontario and Special Olympics Ontario are splitting the nearly 20 thousand dollars raised in last years parade.  

Counterfeit Items Concern RCMP

The RCMP are warning residents to be careful when buying what they believe to be legally registered products but then turn out to be counterfeit.  Thunder Bay Sgt. Normand Roy says the situation has already come to light here in the city where some counterfeit hockey and football jerseys were seized.     Roy says the bogus items range from T-shirts to extension cords which could post a risk to safety.

More Snow Clearing Improvements Coming

Transportation Minister Glen Murray continues to fight off criticism that snow clearing on northern highways is below standard.  In the legislature Murray said northern municipal leaders he has spoken to are happy with the 50 snowplows that have been added to the fleet and that more changes will be coming next season to improve highway snow clearing.  Murray says municipal leaders tell him winter road maintenance in the north is now "remarkable".

Snow On Roofs A "Concern"

It's a winter to remember for some homeowners.  Many have huge amounts of snow on the roofs of their houses which is cause for concern according to Ron Rost of Triad Roofing.   His advice is to use common sense and examine how much snow has accumulated and to act before a possible collapse.   Rost says the problem is more serious in some parts of the city.  He says his company has been answering up to 20 calls a day for snow removal services.  

Police Investigate Break Ins

Thunder Bay police are investigating two break ins to local businesses. Officers responded to an alarm call from The Wellness Centre in the 400 block of South Vickers at 1 am Tuesday morning, and then responded to a second alarm call shortly after 3 am at a dry cleaning business in the 400 block of South Syndicate. No suspects were present when officers arrived to both scenes, and nothing was taken.

Missing Man Found Safe

The Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to report that Paul Groulx has been safely located.  The 28-year old man had been reported missing over the weekend.  Police would like to thank the media and public who helped in the investigation.  

Bingo Hall Approved

City Council is giving the go ahead to a proposed bingo hall, lounge and gaming centre on Memorial Avenue. Planning Consultant Don Manahan told council that the hall will need less parking spaces than the former Roxy's Bar that once operated on the site. There were some concerns from neighbouring businesses about parking and a meeting will be held to resolve them.

City Council Round Up

City Council is giving by-law officers the right to give a ticket to people found breaking the rules smoking in public places.  Officers will now be able to provide a ticket up to 250 dollars if someone is caught smoking on hospital grounds, or too close to a place of employment.  Developmental Services Manager Mark Smith says they will put signs up in areas where people could be fined.  Meanwhile,  Thunder Bay's animal services are similar to those of other comparable cities.  Staff delivered a report to Council about what other communities are doing about the number of animals a person is allowed to own. The report states that in several cases they found pet limit laws are not that effective since it discourages people from licensing their pets and makes enforcement difficult.

Liberal's Commitment To Mining Questioned

The Progressive Conservatives are questioning the Liberal government's commitment to mining in the province.   In the legislature Vic Fedeli said after the Victor diamond mine was developed, the province imposed a mining tax and he wonders if history could repeat itself in the Ring of Fire with a new chromite tax.   Fedeli says in 2003 Ontario was ranked number one in mining, now we are number 16.  He notes that the Far North Act has cut off half of  northern Ontario from being explored,  causing many companies to move out of the province.

Police Release Footage

City Police are releasing security camera footage of three young men they would like to talk with. Spokesperson Chris Adams says the footage comes after a vehicle was parked outside of the Target store on February 16th and was spray painted.  It is unknown if this occurrence is linked to recent vehicle spray painting incidents in the area.

High Snow Banks Cause Worry

City Police are warning motorists about kids playing on top of high snow banks on area streets.  The banks are almost covering up stop signs around the City and Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says there's a real concern about kids playing on the hills. He adds it only takes a few seconds for a child to slide out in front of your vehicle.  Porter says it's also a good idea for parents to talk to their kids about the safety issues surrounding making tunnels in area snow banks.

Prof Predicts Continued Unrest In Ukraine

Don't expect an early end to the political turmoil in Ukraine.  At the moment their ousted president, Viktor  Yanukovych,  is on the run.  Lakehead University political science professor Laure Paquette says it's anyone guess about what might happen adding, the country is in uncharted waters. She believes there will be more unrest but with different people in charge.  Paquette says the risk is that the tensions will increase between the Russian speaking and Ukrainian speaking people leading to both political and economic problems.

PCs Stay Mum On Johnson

A spokesperson for the Ontario Progressive Conservative party isn't saying much about Tamara Johnson.  Johnson was removed as the PC candidate in Thunder Bay Superior North for the next provincial election.   PC spokesperson Alan Sakach won't comment on the reasons.  He says it's an internal party matter and he will not comment on someone who is no longer a candidate.  Johnson's outster comes a week and a half after she posted controversial comments on Facebook about businesses on the Fort William First Nation.

Power Outage At South Side School

All is back to normal at  St. Martin's School on Mary Street after some excitement this morning.  Omar Belisle of the Catholic School Board says the building was evacuated because of an electrical problem which caused a power outage.  Students were taken to St. Agnes Church  while officials tried to restore power.  Once that was complete the students were let back into school. There were no injuries.

Report Urges Partnerships

Ontario's Advocate for Children and Youth is urging local, provincial, federal and First Nations leadership to partner with them in order to create safer and healthier First Nations communities. In a report released today, 3 recommendations are made, including the joining of provincial, federal, First Nations Leadership and other interested organizations to take immediate action to meet the needs of First Nations youth.

Walkers Complete Spiritual Journey

A group of First Nations adults and youth are set to arrive in Ottawa this morning, completing their 49-day spiritual journey from Attawapiskat First Nation, located at James Bay. The group of 25 individuals made the journey to draw attention to concerns with broken treaties, land and water protection, and human rights issues. The 1700 km trek will conclude today at 12:30 pm at Parliament Hill, where they will share a message of their journey.

Bingo Hall Request

Council will listen to a proposal tonight that would see the currently closed Roxy's Bar on Memorial Avenue turned into a Bingo and Night Club. The building is currently vacant and is adjacent to the Super 8 Motel. There has been some initial negative feedback towards the proposal from neighbours who are concerned with parking accessibility.

Council Learns About By-Law Officers

Council is also going to learn more about what their by-law officers are in charge of.  A report coming to Council tonight shows that each by-law officer carried a case load of 334 complaint files in 2013. Last year, over a thousand complaints came in including noise infractions, fence issues, business licensing and yard maintenance. 90 percent of those infractions were resolved.

By-Law Officers Want Fines

City By-law officers are asking the City to give them the power to write tickets for a number of offences including smoking on hospital grounds.
Manager Ron Bourret thinks fines will help stop bad behaviour. The hospital is asking for a 150 dollar fine for smoking on their grounds, by-law officers are also looking for a set fine of 250 dollars for smoking in a workplace or 10 meters from the edge of a beach.

Johnson Out As PC Candidate

A PC source in Toronto is confirming that Provincial Conservative Tamara Johnson is out as candidate for Thunder Bay Superior North. The announcement comes following statements Johnson made on Facebook, regarding businesses in the Fort William First Nation. A nomination meeting will be held at a later date.

Highway 11 Closure

OPP have closed Highway 11 near Reflection Lake, just prior to the community of Macdiarmid. Crews are working on removing a tractor-trailer unit. The closure is expected to last another hour.

Additional Charges For Sioux Lookout Man

OPP in Sioux Lookout are laying additional charges on 39-year old Armand Cummings in relation to an incident that happened on Friday. Police say they observed Cummings while he bought liquor from an LCBO, and then sold it behind the store. They add that when they approached him he claimed he was robbed. Cummings is facing charges of unlawfully selling liquor and public mischief. Cummings was also charged with unlawfully selling liquor ten days prior to the incident.

Cultural Sector Recognizes Contributers

The city's cultural sector is recognizing several individuals who have made contributions to its development. An awards evening was held Thursday at the Prince Arthur Hotel and included awards for performing and media arts, visual arts and cultural heritage. Awards include cash prizes of either 5-hundred or 1-thousand dollars.

Sexual Charges Laid

City Police are charging a 27 year old man with a variety of sexual related offences.  It came after someone reported a Kijiji ad that called for young boy models between 6 and 13 years of age.  The investigation led detectives to communicate with the suspect via text messages. The man is charged with invitation to sexual touching, luring a child, breach of probation, and failing to comply with undertaking.

Highway Closures Updated

OPP are asking motorists travelling to call 5-11 for updated highway road conditions.  Highway 11 has been totally reopened at the Hwy 11/17 Junction in Nipigon to Hearst.  Meanwhile, west of Thunder Bay, Kenora OPP have reopened Highway 17 near the junction of Highway 71.  It was closed this morning because of a jack-knifed tractor trailer unit.

HWY 17 Open To One Lane

Highway 17  is now open to one lane at Tower Hill.  It was closed just east of Ignace due to a five vehicle motor vehicle collision involving two tractor trailer units, one snow plow and two passenger vehicles. The eastbound lane of Highway 17 is open near Tower Hill.

Gas Leak Investigated At Victoriaville

Union Gas is confirming that they have not found anything out of the ordinary following a suspected gas leak at the Victoriaville Mall. District Manager Dave Sword says they did a thorough search but didn't find anything. Emergency Operations have ceased at the building however the Victoriaville mall will remain closed for the day.

Ride Check Nabs No One

The Canadian Women's hockey teams gold medal win at the Olympics yesterday caused celebrations across Canada.  As a result, Thunder Bay Police took precautions and held a RIDE check last night to ensure no one was drinking and driving from any celebrations. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says thankfully they didn't nab anyone with drinking and driving, and no one was in the penalty box.  Porter says with the cruddy weather today people should stay home if they can and watch the men's hockey team play the US.

Hwy 17 Open Near Upsala

Highway 17 is now open at Upsala.  It was closed after a transport pulling out of the gas station got stuck in the ditch.

Snowfall Makes Travel Hard

City Parks Manager Werner Schwar decided to utilize the winter weather this morning and ski to work.  The dump of snow made it difficult for many residents to make it to work.

All Schools Closed

It is a full snow day for all students across the Thunder Bay area.  All Lakehead Public, and Thunder Bay Catholic Schools are closed as well as the education centres.  Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed.
City Transit buses are running this morning.  All City of Thunder Bay run Day Care Centres are also closed today.  

Cancer Care Consultant Speaks In Thunder Bay

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy may be reducing the effectiveness of their treatments by smoking. This comes from Cancer Care Consultant Dr. Bill Evans who spoke in Thunder Bay yesterday. Evans adds that even some doctors need to be updated on the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

United Way Campaign Falls Short

The United Ways 2013 fundraising campaign fell just short of their goal set at 2.7-million dollars. Chair Walter Flasza says they are not disappointed with this years total of 2.5-million dollars. Flasza adds that they will analyse this years campaign to see where they can improve and why they couldn't raise the extra money.

Report Predicts Huge Economic Impact From ROF

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is out with a report that suggests the Ring of Fire mining project will generate benefits far beyond mining and the north. Charla Robinson of the Thunder Bay Chamber says the study will help sell the project to the provinces broader business community. The study shows that the Ring of Fire will create up to 9.4-billion dollars in economic activity in its first 10-years.

Charges Laid In Accident

The OPP are charging a 51 year old man with several traffic offences after a collision Wednesday at the intersection of Highway 61 and Chippewa Road.  The man is charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident, driving without insurance and following too close.

Chemo And Smoking Don't Mix

A Cancer Care consultant is travelling the province with a warning about smoking during cancer treatment.  Dr. Bill Evans says that studies show clearly that smoking helps to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.  He says that even some doctors need to be taught about the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

Benny Birch Retiring

Benny Birch is calling it a day.  The St. Joseph's Foundation is retiring the mascot.  This year will be his 33rd and final birthday party that helps raise money for St. Joseph's.  The event has raised over a million dollars.

E.C. Funding Creates Buzz

The city's proposed event centre is now into the next phase with both the federal and  provincial governments providing 1.1 million dollars for a design study.  Minister of State Greg Rickford says it's a project that's worth funding because it will have a benefit for the entire region, not just Thunder Bay. Rickford says the centre will provide an important economic opportunity for northwestern Ontario.  Mayor Keith  Hobbs says he's pleased to see both levels of government coming together to help the city and  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the design phase is a positive step forward in getting the project off the ground adding, the city is taking the right steps in guiding the project along.

Tbaytel Sponsors Golf Tournament

Tbaytel is presenting the upcoming PGA Thunder Bay Classic golf tournament.  The company is providing 150 thousand dollars over the next three years.  Organizer Scott Smith says it's win-win for both parties involved. The tournament will be held for the first time this summer.

Dryden Worries About MPAC

The provincial Government has alerted local leaders of a plan to implement 26-recommendations to improve the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.  The move will change the way MPAC does business and will allow for more transparency, Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says recent mill assessments have handcuffed several communities including Thunder Bay.  A letter released by the government states they are confident that implementing the recommendations and working with area communities will result in a fair, accurate and predictable system.

Northern Look At Wireless Auction

Tbaytel was shut out in the recent sell-off of wireless services in Canada. The regional company participated in the auction but failed to win any bids. Bell, Rogers, Telus and Bragg Communications received the winning bids for licenses in northern Ontario. A total of 97-licenses were awarded to 8 companies. The auction netted the federal government more than 5.2-billion dollars.

Osisko Ramps Up Attack On Goldcorp

Opposition to an unsolicited take-over bid from Goldcorp continues from Osisko Mining. Chief Executive Officer Sean Roosen says the bid is preventing shareholders from getting a dividend on their investment. Roosen says Osisko planned for a significant dividend policy, but claims that some of the money is now being spent on lawyers and bankers dealing with the legal challenge against Goldcorp. A Quebec court is to hear the matter March 3rd. Roosen is again urging shareholders to reject the bid.

OPP Warn Drivers

OPP are cautioning motorists to drive with extra care in preparation for a winter storm that is expected to hit our city. Police are asking people to postpone all non-essential travel until conditions improve, and asks for motorists to slow down.

Hospital Addresses Fire Code Violations

Hospital CEO Andree Robichaud admits they violated the fire code by treating patients in alcoves. Staff had to treat patients in the alcoves during times when the facility was overcrowded. At a news conference Thursday, Robichaud says while they were looking for alternatives to the alcoves they were fined. Robichaud says they did the best they could with the decisions they had to make.

1.1 Million For Events Centre

The Provincial Government and FedNor are giving the City 1.1 million dollars for the proposed Event and Convention Centre. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the funding will help take the heat off the City. Both levels will pony up their share of the funding which will allow Thunder Bay to complete a detailed design of the centre.

College Gives Out Cash

Confederation College President Jim Madder says its a chance to recognize top students and local donors. Over 250 students were given a total of 120 thousand dollars yesterday to help them continue learning at the college. Madder says the donors are made up of former students and others in the community who believe in what the college is doing

Winter Storm Warning For Tbay

Old man winter just won't go away as a winter storm warning is in effect.  Environment Canada Meteorologist Marie-Eve Giguere says two systems one from Alberta and one coming up from the Southern U.S. will hook up and dump 25-30 centimetres of snow on us. The heavy snow will likely start tonight and last well into Friday night.

More Vandalism At Silver City

Another night of vandalism at Silver City.  Two more vehicles were spray painted in the parking lot between 7:00 and 9:30 last night.  The vandals are also going through vehicles, stealing valuables and then spray painting them.  Police have adjusted the total and are now saying that is seven incidents in the past two nights.  Anyone with any information is asked to call Thunder Bay Police or Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS.