Accessibility Open House

The City's Accessibility Advisory Committee is holding two open houses this week to promote barrier-free recreation and leisure. Municipal Accessibility Specialist Scott Garner says they're trying to make recreation more accessible for everyone.  One open house is being held today at the Italian Cultural Centre at 1:30, the other is on Thursday at 6:30 at the Victoria Inn.

Free WiFi At Airport

No more paying for WiFi at the Thunder Bay International Airport. The Airport is joining tbaytel's WiFi hotspots, providing free internet to travellers. President and CEO Scott McFadden says positive customer experience remains a high priority for the airport.

No One Asks For It

Two local groups are partnering to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  The Centr'elles and the Thunder Bay Sexual Assault Centre are holding informational sessions around the city throughout the month of May to raise awareness about sexual assault. The "No one asks for it" campaign kicks off today.

McCormack New Chair Of Ontario Chamber

Thunder Bay’s Ian McCormack is the new Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.  He was elected at the organization's AGM this past weekend in Sault Ste. Marie.  McCormack is Registered Professional Forester and Director for Tetra Tech.

Oster Trial On This Week

City Police Constable Steven Oster is pleading not guilty in his assault trial. Sudbury Police charged Oster after a young boy alleged he was shoved by the off duty police officer at the Neebing Arena in January of 2013. On Monday, the Crown showed a video of the young man being interviewed by an investigator. In it he says he was pushed by Oster three times and he was warned to watch out. He said he wasn't hurt and didn't have any bruises from the incident but it made him sad. Testimony also revealed the young man and Oster's son went to the same school the year before and played hockey against each other.  Six witnesses are expected to be called this week.  

Overnight Fire

No one was injured following an overnight fire on the north side. City Firefighters were called to a fire in the basement of a home on Blucher Avenue around 2 o'clock this morning.  Crews were able to extinguish the blaze quickly, but not before half of the duplex structure suffered extensive fire and smoke damage.  All residents were able to escape thanks to smoke alarms in the home.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.    

Musselwhite Donates To College

Musselwhite Mines is making a donation to Confederation College. Students in the Motive Power Techniques - Heavy Equipment program are receiving equipment from the mine. The equipment will allow students to receive enhanced training in their field of study.

Highway 527 Open

The Ministry of Transportation says Highway 527 is now open to both lanes of traffic.  The highway was closed on Thursday to replace a culvert on the roadway.  One man was killed after an accident last week that was caused when a portion of the highway washed out about one kilometre south of the Kab River Bridge.  Gull Bay First Nation Chief Wilfred King Chief had declared a state of emergency in that community due to the highway closure.

Tbaytel Going Green

Tbaytel is going green and they need your help.  They are looking for ideas on how to improve the environment and the winning one will receive 15-thousand dollars to help create a healthier planet. Spokesperson Laura Foulds says you can vote for your favourite idea.  People can vote on the tbaytel for good website.

By-Law Officer Retires

The city is now without a full time by-law enforcement manager.   Ron Bourret retired on Friday and says it's possible that with the financial worries at city hall, his position may not be filled.  For the timing being, however, Parking Authority Manager James Coady will take over Bourret's job.

Sexual Assault Task Force Hard At Work

Lakehead University's Sexual Assault Taskforce is six months into its mandate. Chair Dr. Lori Chambers says they've got a long way to go before they unveil a draft sexual misconduct policy at the end of May. Chambers provided an update to the school's board of governors on Friday.

No Measles Reported

If you're concerned about coming into contact with someone who has, or might have the measles in Thunder Bay you can rest easy. Janet Demille of the District Health Unit says it's not here. In fact, Demille says in northern Ontario, there's only been one reported case of the measles and that was in Sudbury.

Kijiji Sale Leads To Fraud

The Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people to be extra cautious when making online purchases. This comes after a reported fraud in Sioux Lookout. Officials say a Sioux Lookout resident purchased tickets for a Winnipeg Jets hockey game from a seller on Kijiji, but didn't receive the tickets.

Leaf Collection Starting Soon

Curbside collection of leaves and yard waste has been delayed for several weeks. City officials say the extended winter weather is to blame for the delay in pick ups. The city says collection will now take place between May 27th and June 6th.

Battle of the Atlantic Remembered

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy will pay tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. That battle was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II. Thunder Bay Naval Association Spokesperson Rob Cutbush says they have a number of officials on hand to commemorate the battle. A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon at 2 today.

Promoting Safe Neighbourhoods

The Crime Prevention Council is encouraging residents to explore area neighbourhoods this weekend. Several walks detailing the interesting histories of East End, Academy Heights and the Simpson/Ogden area among others will be held today. They're called Jane's Walks, and organizer Lee-Ann Chevrette says they'll tackle the North End on Sunday. Chevrette says exploring neighbourhoods is a way to prove to residents their streets are safe.

PC Candidates Gear Up For Election

With the provincial election slated for June 12th, local provincial candidates are preparing to campaign. Thunder Bay-Superior North PC candidate Derek Parks believes his experience in the mining industry will benefit his constituents. Parks says his campaign will start today. Parks will be up against the NDP's Andrew Foulds, and incumbent Mines Minister Michael Gravelle. Harold Wilson is the candidate for the Progressive Conservatives in Thunder Bay-Atikokan. He says he's been waiting more than a year to start spreading his message of the importance of job creation in the province. Wilson is in the race against the NDP's Mary Kozorys and incumbent Housing Minister Bill Mauro.

MPPs Ready For Election

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro thinks the Liberals are in good shape heading into the election. Mauro says the Liberal government has had a great track record since 2003, and is excited for the upcoming election. Mauro will face the NDP's Mary Kozorys and the PCs Harold Wilson. In Thunder Bay-Superior North, Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says he's eager and ready to go. Gravelle adds that he's won five previous elections in the riding, and is prepared for a summer election.

Provincial NDP Candidates Weigh In On Election

Thunder Bay-Atikokan provincial NDP candidate Mary Kozorys is ready for the upcoming provincial election. Kozorys says she wants to give Ontarians a voice. Kozorys will face incumbent MPP Bill Mauro and the PC's Harold Wilson. The NDP candidate in Thunder Bay-Superior North, Andrew Foulds says the province is ready for change. Foulds adds that there is a lot of work to be done, but says he's ready for the challenge. The election is slated for June 12th.

NOHFC Hands Out Cash

The province is announcing nearly 500-thousand dollars in funding for area businesses. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is dolling out the cash to create internship and co-op positions. The John Howard Society, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Thunder Bay are all receiving cash. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is receiving 63-thousand dollars for two positions. The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph's Care Group, and the Lakehead District School Board are also receiving cash.

OPP Seize Cash

A Thunder Bay man is facing charges after a large cash seizure by the OPP. Officials say the 38-year-old man was stopped outside of Sioux Lookout on Tuesday, where the OPP seized 18-thousand dollars in cash. The OPP says the money was related to the sale of illegal drugs.

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