Train & Transport Collide

OPP are investigating a collision between a train and a transport.  The incident happened this morning on the Crib Road north east of Longlac.  Witnesses describe that there was heavy fog at the time of the collision.  The train had some damage to one car and currently all train traffic has been stopped in this area.  No injuries are reported and charges are pending for the transport driver.

Current River Lookout Unveiled

The City's Centennial Park has a new lookout.  Hydro One and the City unveiled the Current River lookout at a special ceremony this morning.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says it's a welcome addition to the park.  The lookout's plaque also honour's the City's title of Forest Capital of Canada 2000.

FWFN Open For Business

The Fort William First Nation is open for business.  The community is holding an open house at the Valhalla Inn tonight.  New Chief Georjann Morriseau and Fort William's Economic Development team will be discussing business opportunities.

Property Issues Up For Debate

City Council will be dealing with some property issues at tonight's meeting.  The owners of an apartment building on Melon Street want the City to allow more apartments or townhouses on the land.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are people who are against the proposition.  Also up for discussion is a request from a Community Hall Road home owner who wants to build and sell cabinets out of his garage. Council will make a decision on those matters this evening.

Rickford Calling On Ont To Help Pay

Addressing the issue of funding for First Nations policing.  Kenora MP Rickford says the federal government has been doing their part, and they will be discussing it with the province.  Treaty Three Police Service will likley see massive cutbacks in wages, benefits and hours.

Policing Oliver Paipoonge

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in favour of renewing a policing contract with Oliver Paipoonge.  The contract sees the City Police force patrol the rural areas outside of Thunder Bay.  Mayor Keith Hobbs notes the policing model is beneficial even though it takes away officers patrolling in the City limits.

Less People On Welfare

The annual report from the District Social Services Board shows a drop in welfare clients in the region.   Board chair Bob Katajamaki says it could mean that more people are getting back on their feet again.  Meantime, Katajamaki says the goal is to provide more social housing by partnering with people in the private sector.

More Bike Lanes Proposed

More bike lanes are proposed for local streets.  Council will decide tonight on whether to approve lanes on High, Beverly, Leslie and Arundel Streets.  Active Transportation Manager Adam Krupper doesn't expect much of a public uproar over the routes.  Bike lanes on High Street will connect Current River lanes to Red River.

Anti-Domestic Violence Day

Domestic violence groups are gathering today to mark Thunder Bay's first "No One Gets Hurt Here Today" day.  The six local agencies hope having a day will raise awareness about the issue.  A t-shirt designed by a victim of domestic violence will be unveiled later today.

Fatal Accident Near Sioux Lookout

Sioux Lookout OPP are reporting 5 people are dead after an single vehicle collision near Slate Falls.  The SUV left the roadway Saturday and entered Brokenmouth River. Police say the vehicle was recovered the next morning and 5-bodies were located inside.  Dead are 23 year old Kimberly Whiskeyjack, 55 year old Gordon Carpenter, 23 year old John Bighead, 26 year old Samantha Loon and 20 year old Claudia Loon.  Post mortems are scheduled to take place in Kenora.

T.Bay Loves Boats

The online classified ad website Kijiji says Thunder Bay loves its boats.   The company's Toronto Public Relations firm says that as of Friday there were over 600 boats, or types of boating equipment from the city that were posted for sale on the site.  They say that the average price for selling a boat here is $5900, and it takes an average of 27 days to sell a boat locally from the time the ad is posted.

Torch Run Today

Police in Thunder Bay will be holding their major fundraising event today at Boulevard Lake. It's the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. It helps raise money for local Special Olympics athletes. The event starts at 11 o'clock.

Thunder Bay's First Pride Parade

The City's first Pride Parade is a hit. Over 200 people took part in the parade yesterday, followed by Pride in the Park at the waterfront. Pride week wraps up today with a church service and luncheon.
Pre-Pride Parade  on PhotoPeach

Ride For Dad Successful Again

The Bell Motorcycle Ride For Dad is a success again. The 13th annual fundraiser took place yesterday, bringing in nearly $76,000. All of the money raised in the event will go to prostate cancer research.

Thunder Bay Has Its First Pride Parade

The first ever Pride Parade in Thunder Bay is in the books.   Over 200  people took part today on the city's south side . 

New Forest Fires Reported

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting 27 active fires in the Northwest Region. Thunderstorms in the forecast are expected to bring lightning strikes, which may result in new fires if there isn't a significant amount of rain. Since April 1st, there have been 146 fires burning over an area of nearly 6,000 hectares.

Toys R' Us Grand Opening Today

Thunder Bay's Toys R' Us store has its grand opening this morning.  The 36-thousand square foot facility in the Thunder Centre should be a welcome boost to the local retail economy according to company spokesperson Victoria Spada. Spada says the store will have about 20 to 30 employees.

SIJHL Setback

A possible major setback for the Superior International Junior Hockey League. Representatives from Duluth and the Minnesota Iron Rangers failed to show up at a recent Hockey U.S.A certification meeting. The SIJHL is hoping to move the Duluth membership to Spooner, WI., and re-certify the Iron Rangers. Hockey U.S.A is now wanting to schedule a special meeting to address the issue and the certification may now come with some resistance.

Annual Ride For Dad Today

The 12th annual Bell Motorcycle Ride for Dad fundraiser is back. Today's event starts at 9:30 this morning at the Victoria Inn. Money raised goes towards prostate cancer research.

NAN Satisfied With Court Decision

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is applauding a court decision on Aboriginal jury rolls. NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, says the Court of Appeal threw out a conviction on the basis that not enough Aboriginals were represented in the man's jury. Fiddler agrees that now is the time for the province to work with NAN on solutions to the jury roll problem.