Monday, April 8, 2013

Fort William First Nations Election Results

We'll find out later today who the new Chief of Fort William First Nation is. Yesterday was Election Day in the community. Ballots will start to be counted at 9 am today and is expected to take several hours. 5 people were running for the top job, and 59 people are looking to win a Council seat.

City Could Award 18 Million In Contracts

City Council could dole out tons of cash tonight.  Several road repair projects are up for debate.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's a historical night for spending with 18 million dollars on the table.  Almost 7-million dollars is expected to be spent on the first phase of improving Golf Links Road.

OTF Gives Money To Nordic Trails

Thunder Bay's Nordic Trails is 37 thousand dollars richer.  The group is on the receiving end of an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.  The money will be used to provide better trails.

Spring MIA

We could get some relief from snow starting tomorrow afternoon.  Environment Canada Meterologist Geoff Coulson says we'll have to suffer through snowfall for the rest of today.  Coulson says we should have sunny days for the rest of the week starting Wednesday.

Slippery Roads Drive Slow

Thunder Bay Police are reminding the public to use common sense when driving this morning and slow down on slippery roads. Police say area roads are quite slippery today with the overnight snowfall.  Drivers are encouraged to drive carefully and to allow for extra time to get to work this morning.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Fort William First Nation Chief Election

Fort William First Nation residents go to the polls today. 5 people are vying for Chief, and 59 people are looking to win a Council seat. Electoral Officer Paula Hyslop says they saw a decrease in the number of people running for council this year. Voting is open from 9 am until 8 tonight.

Bombardier Introducing Healthy Choices

Bombardier employees will have more healthy options in their cafeteria. The local plant is taking part in the health unit's Eat Smart, Workplace Cafeteria Program. Employees will dine on more whole grains, lower fat milk choices, and at least 3 out of the 4 food groups.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Mary Rose And AJ Jump In The Lake

Our Mary Rose Jensen and AJ Leite took the plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Superior on Saturday. Here's the video: 

Polar Plunge 2013

This year's Polar Bear Plunge is today. Spokesperson Warren Giertuga encourages people to come out to Prince Arthur's Landing and watch if they're not comfortable with taking the plunge themselves. The event is in support of the Special Olympics.

Rotary House Ready

The Rotary Club is back with it's annual house lottery. Spokesperson Gordie Garriock says the 415-thousand dollar home is located at 242 Sunflower Drive and will be open to the public this weekend. Part of the money raised from the raffle will go towards the Regional Hospital.

Friday, April 5, 2013

No Foul Play In Kenora Death

Police in Kenora say it appears a recent death in the city was a tragic accident.  They found the man lying on the street under a broken forth floor window.   He was identified as a  construction worker from Toronto.  Police say a post mortem shows there was no evidence the death was the result of foul play

PSAC Ponders Legal Route


The Public Service Alliance of Canada is looking into legal action against the Treaty 3 Police Service. Judith Monteith-Farrell from PSAC, who represents officers in the service, says changes to employment conditions were made without consultation. Monteith says they had no options but to look at legal action. Monteith says the changes affect officers salaries, parental leave benefits, and include the laying off of 7 officers. However, Chief of Police Operations Terry Armstrong says the force was forced to take these actions, due to a lack of provincial and federal funding.

Elderly Man Struck By Car

An 83 year old man is recovering in hospital after police say he was hit by a car on the city's north side this morning.  They say the man was crossing on a green light at Balmoral and Beverly when he was struck by a car making a right turn.  The car driver, a 74 year old woman, is charged with careless driving.

It's Shoes And Champagne 2

A reality TV star in Canada is coming to Thunder Bay to help Habitat for Humanity raise money.   Jody Claman of the Real Housewives of Vancouver will be here on June 20th to take part in the second Shoes and Champagne event.   That's where designer shoes, signed by celebrities,  are auctioned off.

Readiness Strategy A Great Game Plan: Mason


The city's mining czar thinks our new mining readiness strategy puts Thunder Bay on the right track.   The strategy is a comprehensive blueprint of what needs to be done to prepare and promote the city for the anticipated mining boom.  John Mason says the report should make mining officials sit up and take notice calling it a great path forward and a great game plan. The report says 10 mining projects in the region will inject 1 billion dollars a year into the city's economy.

Sachigo Lake Teens Walking To T.Bay


Teens from Sachigo Lake First Nation are walking from their community to Thunder Bay starting today.  The youth are on a fundraising walk for the new Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School's residence.  They hope to be in Thunder Bay by April 27th by walking 60 km a day.

Bombardier Gets More Work

Southern Ontario will be getting another 28 Bi-Level Go Trains from Thunder Bay's Bombardier plant. Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says the purchase will boost the City's economy. Design of the cars is already underway, with production scheduled to begin this summer. The first delivery of the new fleet will arrive in 2014.

Greenstone Mayor Pleased With Mill Talk


The Mayor of Greenstone says nothing is a done deal yet when it comes to the reopening of Longlac's former Buchanan mill.  Ron Beaulieu says he's hopeful talks will go well between the parties involved in the deal. Beaulieu says Buchanan has already applied for a licence to open the mill.


Chief Collins Says Farewell

It's the last week in office for Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins. Fort William is holding it's election this weekend, with a new chief being crowned Monday afternoon. Collins fondly recalls his years as Chief. Collins will be saying goodbye to Thunder Bay city council Monday night.

Pick Up Truck Fire


City Police and Fire Crews are looking into a vehicle fire on South Algoma Street.  The pick up truck was parked behind an apartment complex and sustained extensive damage.  The call came in around 4:15 this morning and forced residents to vacate their apartments while the fire was put out.  Foul play is not being ruled out at this time.