Columbus making return visits next year

The city is continuing its efforts to make Thunder Bay a cruise ship destination on the Great Lakes.   Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says that next year the MV Columbus will be making two stops in the city. It will bring with it 900 passenger over the two visits.  The Columbus is no stranger to the city.  It has made several ports of call here over the last decade.  For the last two years the Clelia II has been making it's way here, but this will be it's final season.  Pictured:  MV Columbus

Social Services Building soon to be built

Thunder Bay's social services board is eagerly awaiting construction on its new building.  Work began over the weekend to prepare the site, with asbsestos being removed.  The main tender for the construction of the building will be issued in late August.

Gas is up

Thunder Bay motorists might have got a shock when they pulled into their local service station yesterday.  The price of gas at the pump took a big jump on July 1st. The Harmonized Sales Tax kicked in yesterday and resulted in an eight cent a liter increase in the price at the pump.  Gas now costs anywhere from 108.9 to 116.9 cents a liter.  Gasoline is just one of the projects that is subject to the new HST.

Coroner's investigation continues

The regional coroner's office says it will be several more months before they conclude an investigation into the death of Willow Scott Hannam.  Dr. Michael Wilson says once the investigation concludes they'll share the information with the family.  Wilson adds after the investigation concludes they will decide whether or not to launch an inquiry into the death.  The four year old died while on a school field trip to Fort William Historical Park May 31st.  

Re-Store is an HST free zone

There's a way to get around paying sales tax on home renovation items...and it's not illegal. Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store doesn't have to charge the HST according to Manager Keith MacMillan. He says because they sell used donated goods they don't have to charged the HST. MacMillan says previously they were charging the PST, but the new tax eliminates that. He believes his store is the only place in the city that doesn't charge sales tax.

Bobby wows 'em on Canada Day

Thunder Bay's own Bobby Curtola is celebrating Canada Day in the city. He entertained fans young and old in the parking lot of the OLG Casino. The casino is one of several sites in the city that is hosting Canada Day festivities. Marina Park is were the official ceremonies are taking place along with the fireworks at dusk.

Chamber sides with cab companies

Cab companies in the city have the Chamber of Commerce on their side. The Chamber wants the Police Services Board to reconsider a decision to disallow a rate increase the companies say they need to absorb the HST. President Harold Wilson says it's only fair. He says it will be the cab drivers who will end up suffering.

NWO Fire Update

The fire hazard is low to moderate across the region, including the far north which was at high hazard. A single fire was reported yesterday in the Greenstone District close to the community of Summer Beaver. The fire is small at 0.1 hectares. There are currently six fires burning in the West fire region.

HST...it's a gas, gas, gas

Many drivers in Thunder Bay are trying to beat the HST on gasoline.  They are lining up at gas stations to pay the lower price. The K & A Variety on City Road is getting lots of business today according to one employee.   He says it's been "nuts" all day.  The 13 per cent HST kicks in tomorrow.

Party of five found by OPP

Five young adults are safe after getting lost in the bush.  Thunder Bay OPP responded to a call on Sunday from a lost 20 year old.  The man and his four friends were lost on a bush road in the Adrian Lake road in Marks Township.  When officers arrived at the scene they activated their lights and sirens in the hopes that the group would see or hear where the police were located.  Officers walked into the bush for about 1.5 kilometers and located the group.  Everyone was safe.

Science North comes to Thunder Bay

Northwestern Ontario is getting a boost to its Science community. Science North has opened an office in Thunder Bay and C-E-O Jim Marchbank says the office will help promote science in the area by travelling throughout the region in the Cool Science Caravan. The office is located at the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Condo and hotel projects "moving forward"

The Condo and Hotel projects for Prince Arthur's Landing are alive and well. That's according to developer Gisele MacDonald who met with city officials this week to go over the building design. She says the waterfront project remains in gear. MacDonald says they hope to put the condos on the market in September and says there are 3 hotel companies interested in being a part of the waterfront plan.   The design plans and the selected hotel will be presented to City Council in later summer.

Wind farm decision delayed again

The City of Thunder Bay isn't making any decisions on the Big Thunder wind park.  Council has asked Horizon Wind to produce another report, but this time reflecting the concerns of citizens at last night's meeting.  Councillor Linda Rydholm says she's glad they are getting more information from the company.  One member of the public walked out during last night's meeting disgruntled and visibly upset after council asked Horizon Wind representatives a series of questions.  The second draft report will come back to council on July 26th.

Local residents voice their concerns on proposed wind park

The message from a special council meeting on the proposed Big Thunder Wind Park is for city council to hold off on making a decision on the location until all public hearings are finished.  A series of deputations were held and many delegates said there is no need to rush a decision. Delegates also asked council to ensure Horizon Wind holds the proper amount of consultation sessions with the public.  Horizon is holding an open house on August 4th at the Community Hall and August 5th at Lakehead Labour Centre.

Loch Lomond Ski area worried about proposed wind turbines

The owner of Loch Lomond ski area is worried the proposed wind farm will hurt his business.  Ward Bond says he's spoken with his insurance company and is worried he might not be able to get liability insurance with turbines located near his operation.  Bond says the turbines could vibrate the ground jeopardizing the safety of their ski lifts.  Bond adds he's not against the turbines he just wants them located in an area that is away from homes and businesses. Bond was part of many deputations on the turbines at a special council meeting Tuesday night.

Decision time for city councillors

There's big city council meeting taking place tonight. It's expected that administration may recommend to council whether to approve or turn down a proposed location for a wind farm on the Nor Wester Mountains.  Councillors will be meeting behind closed doors prior to the 6:30 start.  It's there they will get a chance to discuss the delicate legal issues surrounding any potential decision.

Phone book features Special Olympics

In the immortal words of Steve Martin in The Jerk..."The new phone book is here, the new phone book is here."  TBayTel is distributing the new version to all it's customers over the next week or so.   It features a tribute to the Special Olympics Ontario Games being held in the city in January.

Crime in the 'hood on a map now

City police are now using the internet to inform you about crime in your neighbourhood. Spokesperson Chris Adam says it's called crime mapping and its like a virtual Neighbourhood Watch. He says different types of crime are marked on a Google Map. He says those crimes are the ones they feel the public is most interested in knowing about. That includes crimes of violence, property crime and even traffic accidents. Adams says those crimes are now marked to show exactly where in the city they happened.  The site also allows you to get e-mail alerts about crime in your area.  Here is the link to the crime map.

Search fails to find new Prostate Man

The search for a new Prostate Man is over, and no one will fill the role. The Health Sciences Centre tried to recruit a new man for the volunteer position, but Alison McMullen says they couldn't find the right person. 
Instead health officials are starting a promotion to encourage all men over 50 to be Prostate Man and monitor their own health

No pulp fiction...Terrace Bay Pulp set to re-open

Thunder Bay's Buchanan Forest Products is basking in victory. Creditors have voted in favour of the company's plan for Terrace Bay Pulp paving the way for the mill to re-open in the north shore community. Yves Fricot has been the company pointman in the process and he couldn't be happier. He calls it a great vote of confidence by the creditors who have been affected by some really tough times. The mill could re-open sometime next month.