Provincial Election June 12th

We are heading to the polls June 12th. Premier Kathleen Wynne has confirmed that she will call an election for that date.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro thinks the Liberals are in good shape heading into the election.  Mauro will face the NDP's Mary Kozorys and the PCs Harold Wilson.  Meanwhile,  Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says he's eager and ready to go. Gravelle will face the NDP's Andrew Foulds, and the PC's Derek Parks.

Mauro & Gravelle React To Horwath

Local MPPs are reacting to the defeat of the provincial budget by the NDP.   Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the rejection of the budget hurts northern Ontario. Gravelle says he's prepared for a summer election. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says he wasn't surprised Horwath didn't support the budget he's just disappointed.

Chamber Reacts To Budget Rejection

Now that the NDP have rejected the new Ontario budget, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson is talking Ring of Fire.  She is hoping that during the election campaign all parties commit to infrastructure funding for the giant mining project.  In the budget, the Liberals promised 1 billion dollars toward's the Ring of Fire

Budget Rejected

Andrea Horwath

The provincial budget has been shot down by the  NDP. The budget was tabled yesterday at Queen's Park, but needed NDP support in order to pass. Speaking in Toronto today, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the budget is not a solid plan for the future. It is now likely that an election will be held in the province.

Thunder Bay Counts

Rebecca Johnson

The United Way and the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre are teaming up for a new project. Thunder Bay Counts is a new resource that will determine and act on what is important for residents well being. Rebecca Johnson will Chair the new initiative means various community groups will be able to work together on improving the City.  The Ontario Trillium Foundation provided 149-thousand dollars towards the two year project.

Kinghorn Trail Closer To Reality

The local Kinghorn Project is seeing progress. The proposal to keep the abandoned Canadian National Railway Line as a recreational trail is closer to development after its governing group received 25 thousand dollars towards the project. The township of Nipigon has been discussing the possible trail since March 2007.

Blessings In A Backpack

A new program is providing food for over a 100 kids at three local schools.  It's the Blessings in a backpack program and local organizer Amina Abu Bakare says she would like to expand it to another two schools on the City's north side. Currently kids at Ogden, McKellar and Sherbrooke receive backpacks full of food every Friday for the weekend.

Hydro Bills Going Down

Thunder Bay Hydro is going to lower their bills. They will charge slightly less for local delivery of electricity used, with the residential customer charge going down by 1.5 percent or about 36 cents on a monthly bill.Small business customer charges from Thunder Bay Hydro will decrease by just over 15-percent which amounts to about 9 dollars and 72 cents on a typical bill.

Harbour Is Hopping

Tim Heney

Its a busy time of year for the Thunder Bay Harbour. Chief Executive Officer Tim Heney says the break of ice has created a larger amount of ships in the harbour than usual. Heney says they will see another group of ships in on the weekend.

Beardy Calls For National Meeting

Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy is calling on the Assembly of First Nations to hold an emergency meeting on the Federal Government's first nation education bill. Beardy feels the issue warrants a national discussion. Beardy wants the meeting to be held as soon as possible this month.

Cycling Tool Kit Launched

Thunder Bay is launching a National Cycling Education Toolkit. It's a partnership between the Ontario Trillium Foundation, City, Health Unit, and Eco Superior.  Active Transportation Coodrinator Adam Krupper says it's a chance for other communities to learn from Thunder Bay. The tool kit took in 4 years of information collected in Thunder Bay as they developed bike lanes and cycling program.

86-K Raised

A local fundraiser is donating 86-thousand dollars to the Regional Health Sciences Centre.  The 40 in 40 fundraiser set out to raise 40-thousand dollars in 40 days, to fight head and neck cancer.  Fundraising coordinator Michael Muia says so far, there are no plans for an event next year.  All money will be donated to the Regional Health Sciences Centre Exceptional Cancer Care campaign.

Drug Drop Off Launched

Ontario Provincial Police are holding a prescription drug collection service this weekend. Prescription Drug Drop Off Day will allow people across the province to safely dispose of old or unused medications.They can be dropped off at any of the 60-plus detachment locations across Ontario on Saturday, May 10th.

Local MPPs Pleased With Budget

The new provincial budget will benefit people in northwestern Ontario, according to a local MPP. The NDP need to support the budget in order for it to pass, something Mauro says he isn't getting into. Mauro says that he will continue to tell people in northwestern Ontario how great the budget really is. Mauro adds that funding into transportation infrastructure will greatly benefit the region. Meanwhile, Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is also content with the budget. He notes that the 1-billion dollar funding for the Ring of Fire, as well as projects to four lane the highway between Thunder Bay and Nipigon are perks for northerners.

May Is MS Month

This month the local MS Society is looking for your help to raise money for their programs. Spokesperson Margaret Jurcic says in addition to their Mother's Day carnation campaign and Walk for MS they'll have a new fundraiser at Beaux Daddy's restaurant called "one day in May".  A flag raising ceremony was held at City Hall this afternoon.

Innovation Award Winners

The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre and RBC are paying tribute to those individuals who helped improve the business sector in 2014.  The 6th annual RBC Innovation Awards were handed out Thursday afternoon.  Auto Flex Air Ride Suspensions picked up company of the year, T.Bay's Nicole Reid of Yuleys Hex Armor is the hero of the year and the advisor award went to Marv Detweiler of Ambassadors Northwest.   Innovator of the year Catherine Leonard for her Eco-Bus.  Project of the year went to DST Engineering and Ecosuperior Environmental Programs.

Bike Lanes Open

The City's 27 kilometres of bike lanes are open starting today.  After a harsh winter Thunder Bay is holding a celebration at the Fort William Gardens for the start of the cycling season. Meanwhile, the City released a set of new education videos about the proper use of bike lanes. The videos can be seen on the City's youtube channel.

Hwy 527 Still Closed

The Ministry of Transportation says Highway 527 remains closed today because of a washout. Repairs are underway to replace the existing culvert at the site of the highway washout.  The highway is expected to reopen late Friday evening, depending on water levels and weather conditions.

Complex Adds New Safety Procedures

The Canada Games Complex is introducing a new safety protocol following an incident last Saturday. The building was evacuated April 26th after javex bleach had risen to the surface of the hot tub following a mechanical failure. Team Manager Franco Marchese says precautions have been made to prevent further problems. Marchese says additional safety devices have been installed as well.

Spring Up To Clean Up

The first day of May brings area businesses cleaning up litter around their offices today. It's part of Eco Superior's annual Spring Up to Clean Up program. Over 60 businesses and offices took part in Thunder Bay’s 7th annual  20-Minute Makeover event today at 10 am.

Long Way To Go For Health Care

A National Index of Wellbeing report shows that Ontario has a long way to go when it comes to improving the health of its residents. Wendy Talbot is the CEO of the Northwest Community Care Access Centre and says the report suggests we do things differently when it comes to health care. The report calls on the Ontario Government to expand its Community Health Centres Network.

Resolute Eliminates Shift Lays Off Workers

25 to 30 people are being temporarily laid off at the local Resolute Forest Products mill.  Mill Spokesperson Xavier Van Chau says they have too much lumber inventory.  One shift will be eliminated for a period of four months.   Van Chau adds no students will be hired at the sawmill this summer because of the layoffs.

NOMA Wants Highway Twinning

Five years and counting. That's how long ago the federal and provincial government's announced 100-million dollars to twin the Trans-Canada Highway between Kenora and the Manitoba boundary. Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Dave Canfield says they have passed a resolution urging the government to finally start construction on the project.

Man Charged For Illegal Moose Hunt

A southern Ontario man is being fined $3000  for illegally hunting moose. Wayne Riley pleaded guilty to firing his gun out of his truck and lying to a conservation officer. The incident happened near Hidden Lake, southeast of Upsala.

City Man Faces Weapons Charges

A Thunder Bay man is facing weapons charges relating to an incident from September of 2012. 53-year-old James Hinter was arrested after police seized 23 firearms from a North Edward Street home. Hinter was released and will appear in court on May 27th.

Inquest Taking More Time

The coroner's inquest into the tragic deaths of 7 First Nations teens is taking more time than officials originally expected.  Dr. Michael Wilson, Regional Supervising Coroner says they are having internal discussions between their stakeholders on timing and aboriginal representation on jury rolls.  Wilson says the recent decision to put Sheldon Wabason's murder trial on hold for a year could be potentially relevant to their inquest.  He adds the basis for their inquest is done but they need to deal with those issues before they can move forward.

Ontario Increases Cancer Coverage For Firefighters

The provincial government is extending the support for firefighters and their families.  Six cancers are now added to the list of those presumed to be related to their work. Breast cancer, multiple myeloma and testicular cancer will be added to the list immediately. Prostate cancer, lung cancer and skin cancer will be phased in by 2017.   Eric Nordlund, the local spokesperson for the Ontario Firefighters Association calls it great news and hopes it brings closure to some of the families of firefighters in the city who have died from these cancers.

Salvation Army Fundraiser Today

The Salvation Army is set to hold their fundraising dinner tonight.  The Shelter from the Storm dinner will feature Toronto's Gateway Shelter founder Dion Oxford. He says he wants to break down barriers. Oxford has worked with the shelter for over 24 years.

DSSAB Launches Website

The District Social Services Board is pretty excited about the launch of its new website.   Chair Bob Katajamaki says it will allow clients to apply online for services like housing, Ontario Works and child care.   He says it could also cut down on the frequency of office visits.   The board is hoping for user feedback on the new site.  The new DSSAB web page can be found by following this LINK

EcoSuperior Launches Cycling Programs

Safe Cycling Thunder Bay is offering new cycling education programs.Spokesperson Raphael Shay says one of them is a series of discovery rides in area neighbourhoods. They will also offer an online education course that you can tailor to your questions and concerns about cycling.

NOMA Approves Of Energy East

Despite some opposition, the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is endorsing the Energy East pipeline project. A resolution supporting Energy East has been approved.  President Dave Canfield says it comes down to protecting our water resources and the environment. Canfield says we aren't going to stop burning oil any time soon and notes the project makes sense.

Fatal On Highway 527

OPP say a man is dead after an early morning collision on Highway 527 this morning.  The road washed out as a driver was driving past the area.  A second vehicle following close by drove into the wash out and the vehicle caught fire.  The man in the second vehicle succumbed to his injuries. Police say they believe he is from the area and are withholding his name until his family is contacted.  Highway 527 remains closed 20 kms south of Gull Bay First Nation, as well as closed at Highway 811 approximately 160 kms north of Highway 11/17.

Section Of Onion Lake Road Closed

Onion Lake Road 15 kilometres from Wardrope Avenue is closed because of a washout.  Work is underway to fix about a 20 metre  section  of the gravel road that has been worn away by running water.   It's not known how long it will be before the road is completely repaired.

Road Closure In Shuniah

Shuniah is letting drivers know that Lakeshore Drive is shut down just west of Charles Road between 634 and 636 Lakeshore Drive.  The closure was caused by a culvert that damaged the roadway and crews will continue to work to repair it. The road isn't passable and will be closed for eight hours starting at 2 today.

Washout Closes 527

The Ministry of Transportation is warning residents about a washout on Highway 527. They say the roadway is closed south of Armstrong.  Conditions are currently being assessed and additional details on estimated time for opening of the highway will be provided when they become available.

Owen Sound Move Complete

It's official! The Dryden Police Service has finally received approval to transfer dispatch service to the Owen Sound Police Service. The Board has been waiting roughly 6-weeks for the O.K. from the Ontario Civilian Police Commission. The Dryden dispatch centre will close May 27th. The decision was made last October due to costs and the current financial situation in the community. The move will result in the loss of 9 full time and 4 part time positions.

Battle Of The Atlantic

Elymer Auld and Tal Morgan  

The local naval community are paying tribute to those who fought in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Thunder Bay Naval Association Spokesperson Rob Cutbush says it's important to remember those who served. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II.  A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon Sunday at 2.

First Saltie In Port

Another landmark day for the new shipping season in the port.   The first ocean going ship, or saltie, is in port now taking a load of grain from the Richardson elevator in Current River. The captain of the Federal Elbe will be presented with a top hat at a ceremony taking place this afternoon.  After that he will be taking the ship and its cargo to Casablanca, Morocco.

Spring Bear Hunt A Go

No delays now that a judge has sided with the provincial government on the spring bear hunt.    A request to have the hunt delayed pending a judicial review has been thrown out of court.   The hunt will now go ahead as scheduled starting tomorrow.  The Ontario Federation Of Anglers and Hunters says it's pleased the court application by Zoocheck Canada and Animal Alliance of Canada has been dismissed and the federation looks forward to a safe and successful hunt.

LRCA Monitors Potential For Flood

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority continues to monitor area waterways for potential flooding. They are urging caution to local home owners saying that 9 to 17 millimetres of rain has been recorded and more is expected.  The Neebing-McIntyre Floodway which provides flood protection to the lower Neebing River and the Intercity area has begun diverting water and will continue to do so over the next few days.

Grain Cars Derail

The CN tracks on Maureen Street on the city's north side are operational again after a minor train derailment.   A spokesperson says that two grain cars slipped off the tracks at around 10:30 Tuesday morning.  No one was injured and crews managed to put the cars back on track.   They remained upright the entire time.

City Unveils Bike Repair Station

A new community bicycle repair station is now available on at the Mary J-L Black Library.   City spokesperson Adam Krupper  says it allows people to fix up their bike and have the tools available to do so.   Krupper hopes more will can be constructed at other city locations.  The repair station cost 1 thousand dollars build.

Rickford Responds?

The federal Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire says the Harper government remains committed to the massive mining project. Premier Kathleen Wynne and Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle are both challenging the feds to match the province's 1 billion dollar promise for infrastructure needs. But Greg Rickford refused to say if the government would come up with any extra funding saying  they've always been at the table. Rickford says he has a good working relationship with Gravelle and looks forward to further talks to move the Ring of Fire forward.

Pilot ProjectHailed A Success

The executive director of the city's homeless shelter can hardly contain her enthusiasm over the success of their cold weather pilot project.   That's where the shelter teamed up with the Salvation Army to drive around on cold nights and get homeless people off the street.  Patty Hajdu of Shelter House hopes the program can be revived with the community coming forward to pay the 225 thousand dollar cost to run the project. Hajdu says businesses, the hospital and police were all very supportive of the program.

Hike For Hospice Sunday

Hospice Northwest is holding its annual fundraiser at Boulevard Lake on Sunday.  About 250 people are expected to take part in Hike For Hospice.  Organizer Kathleen Buso says many hikers have had friends or family stay at the facility and will be there to support it.  When they cross the Black Bay Bridge, they will throw a flower into the river to commemorate their loved ones.  The event begins at 9:30 in the morning and runs until 1 pm.

Local Man Finds Lost Ring In Maine

Paul Marshall 

A city man will be getting his ring back after it ended up in York, Maine. Paul Marshall says he lost the ring while at work, but learned that it was found by contractors in Maine after they purchased a box of screws from Marshall's workplace, GRK Fasteners. Marshall says he thought the ring was gone forever. Marshall adds that the ring is in the mail on its way back to Thunder Bay.

Eco-Friendly Transit Hub Open

EcoSuperior and Thunder Bay Transit have officially opened their eco-friendly and cyclist-friendly transit hub. The new transit shelter has a covered area with benches and lighting for city transit passengers, and another shelter for cyclists who want to lock up their bikes, or pump air into their tires. The eco-friendly hub is the first of its kind in the city.

Conference Costs 30K

The City needs to spend 30-thousand dollars to host an upcoming conference.  Thunder Bay is holding the upcoming Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities meeting in June.  Council decided to apply to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund for 15-thousand dollars to offset their expenses.

Condo Project Still Viable

Developmental Services Manager Mark Smith feels the Thunder Bay Country Club's condo project is still viable. Smith made the remarks at last night's Council meeting and says they haven't heard anything to suggest the 109 condo units won't go through.  The discussion stemmed from a report looking at the City's residential lot inventory and housing development report.

Council Round Up

Here's a look at the various decisions made at Monday night's City Council meeting.   The City is approving 900-thousand dollars to repair the Whalen Building's parapet.  The money will be used to rebuild the old parapet and replace it with a new one that reflects the historical significance of the building.  Meanwhile, The City is spending 1.2 million dollars to upgrade the Churchill Pool's mechanical system. City lawmakers are also giving permission to the local police force to upgrade their current 911 provider.  Over 178-thousand dollars will be used to upgrade the tech that dispatchers use to take calls from the public.