Increase In Airport Fees

New Years Day means prices at the Thunder Bay airport are going up for aircraft using the terminal. The increases include aircraft landing and parking fees. Airport Manager Scott McFadden says the increase will be three per cent across the board and is mainly to keep up with inflation.

Cover All Exposed Skin

The Health Unit is warning people to take precautions before going outside during the recent deep freeze that has struck the region. Recent wind chills have seen temperatures plummet to minus forty and below, the Unit is reminding the public that in such temperatures exposed skin can freeze within a matter of minutes. They are also warning of frostbite and hypothermia for not only people but their animals as well and to prevent pets from staying outside for extended periods of time.

CTF Spreads Tax Change Info

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is spreading the word about changes to the employment insurance and Canadian Pension Plan taxes in Ontario. Spokesperson Candice Malcolm says it means taxpayers will keep less of their pay cheques after New Years Day. Malcolm adds the maximum employee share of EI taxes will go up 23 dollars in 2014, while the employer's share will go up to 31 dollars.

Health Unit Urges Immunization

The Health Unit is urging people to get a flu shot if they haven't already.    It comes in the wake of reports that a second person in the district has now died due to the H1N1 virus.   The Health Unit reported the first death a week and a half ago and says it was a person under the age of 65, the same as this latest reported death.

Record Breaking Cold Hits City

The cold weather is breaking records.   In Thunder Bay this morning a record low of minus 33 from 1946 and 1967 was shattered  when the low hit minus 39.   It's the second morning in a row the city  broke a record low temperature.  Yesterday the city broke a record from 1982 when the temperature hit minus 36.7

Siemieniuk Looks In Crystal Ball

The Lakehead Public School Board is looking forward to taking on new initiatives in the New Year.  Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says they'll be reviewing some of their programs.  That includes a parent engagement initiative that will see two way digital communication with all stakeholders.  Siemieniuk says they also will tackle creating a new Strategic Action Plan.

Gravelle Rings In New Year

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle wants to see some movement on the Ring of Fire in the New Year. Gravelle says they've made a good start with the establishment of the development corporation but notes more needs to be done. 2013 saw Cliffs' Natural Resources pull out of their mining project in the Ring of Fire.

FWHP Family Frolic Back

Fort William Historical Park is back for another New Years Eve with it's Family Frolic tonight. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they expect a great turnout despite the cold weather. Mascarin says they'll have plenty of warm up areas set up around the park.

Chief Wants Pot Laws Repealed

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is reiterating his stance on decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.  J-P Levesque says handing out tickets rather than charges would help clear up the back log of cases in the local court system. Levesque says the backlog of court cases is a national police issue and hopes the Federal Government will consider allowing police to ticket people for small offences rather than charge them.

SUV Driver Collides Into Bus

City Police are charging the driver of an SUV that collided into a City bus this morning. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says the incident happened in the area of Squier Street around 10:30. The driver of the SUV slided into the bus. A man on the bus was transported to the hospital to be treated for a seizure that was triggered by the collision. Porter says the cold weather has created slippery driving conditions and notes they've dealt with several fender benders as a result.

Wesley Sentenced

A Cat Lake First Nation man is being sentenced to eight years plus time served in relation to the death of 65 year old Adam Yellowhead.  Joseph Wesley's lawyer Christopher Watkins is pleased with the judge's sentencing. Wesley will also be prohibited for lifefrom owning any weapons.

Chamber Looks Forward To Election Season

2014 brings with it an upcoming municipal election. Chamber of Commerce President Charla Robinson says they'll actively seek out candidates and talk to them about where they stand on business issues. Robinson feels infrastructure will be the top municipal election concern.

Police Warn Snowmobilers

Police say this pic of the Kam
River was taken Saturday

Police say despite the frigid temperatures there are still patches of open water on the Kam River.   They say that special care should be taken by snowmobilers who are travelling on or near the river noting that fast moving currents are preventing the formation of ice on all parts of the Kam.

Shelter House Cold Program Running

Shelter House's cold weather program is now in operation. Executive Director Patty Hajdu says they've been touring the streets at night looking for individuals that may need their help. Hajdu says they always welcome help from the community whether it be donations of hats, mittens and scarves or cash to help run the program.

Local Woman Vies For Miss Universe Canada

2014 promises to be an exciting year for Thunder Bay's Nerissa McRury.    She's the Thunder Bay national finalist for Miss Universe Canada.   McRury says, as part of the contest, she is trying to raise 20 thousand dollars  through a calendar she has produced  for Operation Smile a charity that helps children with facial deformities.  McRury will be competing in May in Toronto and the winner there will go to Russia to for the Miss Universe contest. She says she's excited to be taking part.

Rae To Continue ROF Work In 2014

The Ring of Fire mining development won't be anywhere close to up and running in the New Year but several key initiatives could be wrapped up in 2014.  That's according to Bob Rae the Matawa First Nations Chief Negotiator with the province.  Rae says they're are several areas he'll be focusing on getting a framework in place on construction, broadband services and infrastructure for First Nation communities. Rae also wants to see the environmental practices in place in respect to any mining activity in the Ring.

Back In The Deep Freeze

Extreme cold temperatures are going to ring in the new year in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.   Environment Canada's Desjanelle Matthews says we are currently in the grip of a deep freeze which will see wind chill values in the minus 40 range much of the week. She say we may get a break by Friday.  Matthews says the extreme cold is spread over a wide area of the province from the Manitoba border up to James Bay and into the lower Great Lakes.

Sudden Death In Vermillion Bay

A Christmas day death in Vermillion Bay is being investigated by the police.   They say it was a sudden death and that it was not due to foul play, however further information isn't being released, such as the sex of the victim or the the results of Friday's post mortem.

Hobbs Set To Run For Re-Election

Mayor Keith Hobbs is running for re-election in the 2014 municipal election.  Hobbs says he's not done leading at the city level and would like to try one more term.    He believes this term of council has gone very well and he wants to keep the momentum going.   Thursday is the first day candidates can complete the municipal election nomination process.

Tennis Coming Back

Tennis enthusiasts won't have to wait until the snow clears away to enjoy some local action.  Robert Casavamp is President with the Neebing Fire and Rescue Association and says there will be matches for the public to watch and take part in at the tennis courts across from the Valhalla, after some maintenance. Casavamp says the public is welcome to come play.