Event Centre Parking May Be Nixed

Parking at the proposed event centre remains to be a hot topic for city councillors.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says potentially removing the parkade,  at the proposed event centre, as recommended by administration, would help the city financially and help to leverage funding from other levels of government.   Foulds adds that keeping the project under 100-million dollars is the goal to making sure  provincial and federal funding is available.

Shipping Season Delayed

Normally by now the shipping season is underway, however due to a colder than normal winter, it will not begin until possibly later this week.   That would make it the latest start to the season on record.  The ice on Lake Superior has  made it difficult for ships to get through causing the delay

Commitment Award Given To Thunder Bay Woman

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is announcing this years Community Celebration Volunteer Award winners. Thunder Bay's Michelle Blackburn is receiving the CIBC Run for the Cure Commitment Award. Blackburn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and says the Run for the Cure is how her and her family let people know that they are not backing down from the disease. Blackburn says her fundraising team, The Leopard Pack, have already begun brainstorming fundraising ideas for Octobers Run for the Cure event. Anyone with questions are urged by Blackburn to contact: Bonnie Tittaferante at 807-333-4428.

Local Reservists Earn Recognition

Three Thunder Bay Army Reservists are being recognized at Monday nights Jays, Twins game in Minneapolis. Captain George Romick says the three will each be involved in pre-game ceremonies during the three game stand. Those being recognized are: Warrant Officer Craig Loverin, Master Corporal Taylor Crozier and Corporal Tucker Arnold.

Peppercorn Recall

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is expanding a recall made April 5th, to include Pusateri's Fine Foods Organic Whole Black Peppercorns. The peppercorns are being recalled due to a possible salmonella contamination and were sold in Ontario. Consumers are being asked to throw the product out or return it to the grocer they purchased it from.

Reminder To Stay Off The Ice

Thunder Bay residents are being asked to remain off all frozen bodies of water due to recent spikes in temperature. Fire Chief John Hay says its nearly impossible to tell how thick ice may be because of water currents. Hay adds that a fall through the ice could result in hypothermia, and ultimately be fatal.

Help Line For Aboriginal Women

Help is just a phone call away for Aboriginal women facing violence at home. Talk-4-Healing is a 24-hour hotline that's available to Aboriginal women living across northern Ontario. Coordinator Robin Haliuk say women get services they need in the language they need, as their services are offered in Objibway, Oji-Cree and Cree as well as in English. Haliuk says phone line was set up over a year ago.

Province Provides Help To Young Entrepreneurs

Ontario is looking to help young people succeed in today's economy. The province is announcing a new program called the Starter Company program, which provides youth with training and business skills development from local business leaders. The program is part of Ontario's Youth Jobs Strategy, and will support 18 to 29-year-old entrepreneurs across the province.

Funding For Northern First Nation

A remote First Nation community in northwestern Ontario has received 125-thousand dollars in Ontario Trillium Foundation funding. The money will be used to renovate the Wapekeka First Nation recreation and cultural facility, as well as to purchase equipment. The centre and equipment will be used by community groups to offer traditional land-based recreation, culture, and healing programs.

New Councillor For Conmee

The Township of Conmee is announcing that Cathy Woodbeck has been sworn in as councillor. Woodbeck fills the seat of the late Robert Rydholm, who passed away in February. Conmee mayor Kevin Holland says Woodbeck brings vast knowledge and experience to the position. 

Hammarskjold High School Evacuation

Crews are investigating the cause of a gas smell at Hammarskjold High School this afternoon. The school had to be evacuated after the odour was reported on the second floor. Staff and students have since been allowed back inside.

Kloosterhuis Excited For Museum's Next Chapter

Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis is excited Oliver Paipoonge is going to take over the Founders' Museum and Pioneer Village.  The Founders Museum Incorporation has decided to split up their organization. She says they've hired a liquidator who will be looking for people who are owed money.  Kloosterhuis hopes to have the museum back open for Canada Day.

Gas Is Up

Gas prices are going up in the City.  They jumped last night and today according to Gasbuddy.com are anywhere from 146.9 and at their cheapest 114.5 on the First Nation. The average price of gas in the province is coming in at 133.

29 Year Old Charged

City Police are charging a 29 year old man in relation to two robberies last week.  Officers say they spotted the man near the corner of Franklin Street and East Arthur Street on Wednesday at 8:30 in the evening. Police believe he is connected to a robbery at two local businesses on April 3rd.  Blake Kowalchuk is charged with two counts of robbery, uttering threats and breach of probation and recognizance.

Gravelle Doles Out NOHFC Cash

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is in the City today and he's doling out Northern Ontario Heritage Fund cash.   Gravelle says Sencia Canada will get 500 thousand dollars. Another 500-thousand dollars is going to KBM Forestry Consultants, and a 100 thousand to XLV Diagnostics.

College Receives Funding For Biomass Study

Confederation College is receiving 100-thousand dollars from TD Bank Group today for their biomass heating research study. College President Jim Madder says they have at least one remote First Nations community involved in the study and are looking to expand. Madder adds that one of the projects goals is to see similar communities eventually transition from diesel as a primary source of power. Phase one of the project is expected to wrap up by next Spring and is being done in conjunction with the biomass research centre at Nipissing University.

No One Hurt After Apartment Fire

No serious injuries are reported following a kitchen fire at a 52 Walkover Street apartment this morning. Fire crews responded to the blaze after receiving reports of smoke on the 3rd floor of the building. Platoon Chief Brant Kiessig says crews continue to clear up the apartment. The cause of the fire is suspected to be a pot on the stove.

Provincial Investment For Local Project

The provincial government is investing $21,800 into a shop local coupon project in Nipigon. The support comes from the Rural Economic Development Project and will go towards the Top of the Lake Chamber of Commerce and other local Chambers involved. Three full-time positions will either be retained or created.

Police Car Involved In Accident

Four people were sent to hospital including two children following a collision between a police cruiser and a car at the intersection of Arthur and Franklin Street last night. The accident occurred just after 7:30 while the cruiser was responding to a call. Those sent to hospital had only minor injuries. The Police Traffic Unit continues to investigate with more details expected to be released next week.

Send A Kid To Camp

Thunder Bay's Safeway Stores continue to raise awareness and money for Easter Seals.   Easter Seals Spokesperson Rhonda Harrison says they'll be using the money to send kids to camp.  Starting today and running until April 25th, local Safeway stores will be asking customers to donate two dollars towards the charities in return you'll receive 5 bonus air miles points.

Teen Recovering After Heart Surgery

Thunder Bay's Bronwyn Huffman and her family will be back in the City this summer after the teenager received a heart transplant in Toronto on Wednesday. Her Mom, Kellie says she was elated to get the call from the doctor.  Kellie says the surgery went great and they'll spend the next three months at the Sick Kids Hospital.

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Rickford Remembers Flaherty

Heavy hearts across the province today as those mourn the loss of former finance minister Jim Flaherty. Minister of Natural Resources Greg Rickford shares just of many things he will be remembered for.  Flaherty was 64.

Flaherty Touched A Lot Of People

Former Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has passed away at the age of 64. Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says Flaherty's career touched a lot of people.  Rafferty adds that although they didn't always see eye to eye politically, they always maintained a high level of respect for one another.

Hyer Reacts To Flaherty's Passing

Thunder Bay Green Party MP Bruce Hyer says it was sad to see Jim Flaherty's health deteriorate.  Hyer says that Flaherty had profound and long-lasting impacts on Ontario and Canada, albeit in different directions than he would have preferred.  Hyer calls Flaherty a one-man institution.

Campbell Brings Winter Roads Up For Debate

A proposal to have a legislative committee review winter road maintenance in Ontario will be voted on at Queen's Park next week.   Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell's proposal was postponed until April 17th.  Campbell says her concern stems from how unsafe the roads were in northwestern Ontario this winter. Campbell is critical of Transportation Minister Glen Murray whom she says has failed to take any meaningful action.

Child Porn Charges

City police say a 41-year old Thunder Bay man has turned himself in, in relation to a child pornography investigation that began in January.  On April 2nd police searched a Bernard Street home and seized a computer, flash drives and DVD's. Jason Repay is charged with possession of child pornography and appeared in court this morning. His next court date is set for May 9th.

NAN Doesn't Like Education Act

There's no question about where the Nishnawbe Aski Nation stands on the Harper government's new First Nation education legislation.   NAN is flatly rejecting it saying, among other things, it doesn't respect First Nations inherent and treaty rights nor does it respect its jurisdiction over education.  Ultimately NAN is upset that the Aboriginal Affairs minister will have total control over their education while taking none of the blame for any liability.

Students Join TBSO

Roughly 1400 local students from grades 3-6 contributed to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra's education concert Wednesday. Students sang and played their recorders from the seats of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. Two concerts were held and are part of a year long Link Up program. Orchestra's in Calgary, Spain, Japan and the U.S took part.

School Board Looks At Native Language

The Ministry of Education is funding the Regional Native Language Conference in Thunder Bay.  The conference began this morning and will wrap up Friday, Spokesperson Jojo Guillet says the theme is Land, Language, Culture and Community.  The conference is being held at the Nor'Western Hotel.

T.Bay Woman Honoured

A Thunder Bay women is being recognized today for her victim services work spanning over 25-years. Roseanna Hudson of the Indian Friendship Centre is being presented the Attorney General's Victim Services Award today at Queen's Park.

Horwath Says Northerners Like Northern Reps

NDP leader Andrea Horwath believes northerners prefer to have northerners as their MPP at Queens Park.  Derek Parks, the new provincial PC candidate in Thunder Bay-Superior North, lives in Cambridge. Horwath note both NDP candidates in Thunder Bay are lifelong residents of the city. Horwath says northerners would like to have someone in the legislature who can understand their voice from a position of experience.

Crime Walk At City Hall Tonight

A group of community agencies are staging a crime awareness walk tonight starting at City Hall. It's part of the National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.  Organizers of the walk are also hoping that it will bring attention to the services available to local victims.

Bachelor Auction Tonight

The Elekta Hope Charity Auction will be auctioning off Thunder Bay's most eligible bachelors tonight in support of breast cancer research.   All money raised in the auction will be donated to the Northern Cancer Fund.  Last year the event brought in over 101 thousand dollars.

Ring Of Fire Panel Discussion Tonight

A variety of Ring of Fire stakeholders will be discussing the project at a special meeting tonight.  The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business is hosting a panel discussion that will include the President of Noront Resources, Mayor Keith Hobbs, Bob Rae with the Matawa Tribal Council and Frank Iacoubucci representing the Province.  Council CEO JP Gladu says they hope to hash out a number of issues.  The discussion is taking place from 5 until 9 tonight at the Valhalla Inn.

Lifefest Postponed

The Chamber of Commerce's Lifefest Expo that was to take place at the end of the month is now being put off until 2015.  The Chamber had to postpone the event because of unforeseen circumstances with the renovations at the Sportsdome.

NOACC Meeting In Geraldton

The Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce are holding their annual general meeting in Geraldton for the next three days. Chamber representatives from across the region will also vote on a number of resolutions that if passed will become NOACC policy for the next two years.  This year's speakers list includes Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell, a spokesman from the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation, Premier Gold Mines, and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

More Pipeline Talks

The Council of Canadians are holding public consultations throughout the province on the proposed Energy East Pipeline.  Council Chair Maude Barlow spoke at last night's meeting at the Lakehead Labour Centre and had some choice words for the Harper Government.  Barlow says that most of the oil being transported will be exported, and that it won't have a direct benefit to Canadians.  Public consultations will be held across Ontario, ending in Cornwall April 16th.