Canada's Worst Driver In The Lakehead

The producers of Canada's Worst Driver will be making a visit to the Lakehead for the show's tenth season. Casting Director Meredith Veats says they have never had a candidate from the area in the shows history. If you would like to nominate someone visit canadasworstdriver.com.

Water Leak Downtown P.A

Police are currently directing traffic following a water leak from a building on Park and Cumberland. High water levels were reported on Park Street, South Cumberland and parts of South Water Street this morning. The leak has been stopped but roads remain in slick conditions. City crews are also on scene.

House Fire On Walkover Street

Thunder Bay Fire Services are investigating the cause of an early morning house fire on Walkover Street. Crews responded to the blaze around 3 o'clock and quickly contained it, however there was extensive damage to the home. The fire started in the basement and burned through the main floor. No one was home and two family cats were saved.

Open House For Conmee Skate Park

A proposed skate boarding park in Conmee is one step closer to becoming a reality. New Line Skateparks is holding a workshop at the Conmee Community Centre February 20th. Costs for the park are expected to be in the neighbourhood of 200-thousand dollars. The visit is considered a big step, New Line Skateparks is the country's longest serving municipal skate park designer.

Thank A Healthcare Provider

The city wants to see the public show their support of health care professionals. Spokesperson Cheryl Armstrong says they want to hear how local health care providers have gone out of their way to help their patients. You can send a thank you note by logging on to sendthanks.ca

LCBO Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are searching for a man and woman they believe to be involved in an LCBO robbery. Shortly after 2:30 Saturday afternoon the two entered the LCBO on Cumberland Street and tried to leave with stolen goods. A security officer was sprayed by a chemical agent when he approached the two. Police say the suspects are known to them. They are wanted for assault of a peace officer with a weapon and robbery.

Text To Increase Wage's

The Ontario Federation of Labour is encouraging people to speak up about the current minimum wage and make a push to see it raised to 14 dollars an hour. People can now text "14now" to 807-788-1784, the text will automatically have their name added to a petition list. It is also sent as an e-mail to the three provincial party leaders.

Red Lake Woman Faces Six Charges

OPP are laying charges six charges on a Red Lake woman following an incident on February 8th. That evening police responded to two noise complaints from the woman's home. Police were refused entry but forced their way in when they discovered the woman was on an unknown amount of medication out of concern for her safety. An altercation then took place and an officer fired their weapon. The woman is being charged with two counts of assault of an officer with a weapon, two counts of carrying a weapon, one count of assault and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon.

Chippewa Park Winter Viewing

The City is opening up it's Chippewa Park Wildlife Exhibit for the first ever winter viewing. The park is open from 11-3pm Saturday and Sunday. Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says it's something they have wanted to do for a long time. He adds that visitors will have the unique opportunity of viewing the animals with their full winter coat.

Three Hurt In Collision

Three people are recovering in hospital after a three vehicle mishap on the city's south side.   The collision took place at Edward and Redwood around 5:30 pm on Friday.    It was just one of dozens of  traffic accidents since the Thursday's snowstorm.

Missing Women March Held In T.Bay

The Chiefs of Ontario are calling on the Federal Government to address the issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women through a vigil and march held today at city hall. Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy says its an issue that has gone addressed for too long. Marches took place across the province today including Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie and Orillia.

Neknomination Charges Pending In Atikokan

The OPP are warning about a potentially deadly drinking game called Neknomination.  The game involves drinking a large quantity of alcohol at once while doing a risky activity then a video is posted on-line with a challenge to someone else.  Constable Ann McCoy says police believe one video involves young people from the Atikokan area.   Police say the game has been known to cause serious injury and even death.

OFAH Reacts To The Fed Budget

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is reacting positively to the recent Federal budget. The organization is pleased with an additional 15-million dollars over two years for a recreational fisheries conservation partnership program.  The initiative was formed last year to help support local projects that benefit the conservation of fisheries habitats. The OFAH says the new money will allow for dozens of new projects to proceed.

Four Dead In Northern House Fire

Four people are dead at the result of a house fire this week on the Mishkeegogamang  First Nation south of Pickle Lake.   The Assembly of First Nations revealed the death toll in a news release which National Shawn Atleo expresses condolences to the community following the tragic blaze.  The Ontario Fire Marshall is expected to begin its investigation today.

Deloitte LLP Joins ROF Mix

The provincial government is solidifying the establishment of  the development corporation for the Ring of Fire mining project. The professional services network Deloitte LLP is now in charge of making sure goals and timelines are set for the project.   In addition the government says  Deloitte will act as a neutral, third-party resource for key partners, including First Nations, the provincial and federal governments and industry.

Rural Schools Closed

The large dumping of snow has led to the cancellation of all rural school buses today.  As well, there are rural school closures.  The following schools are closed today.  Crestview, Five Mile, Gorham and Ware, Kakabeka Falls, McKenzie, Nor'wester View, Valley Central and Whitefish Valley.  Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed today. All city schools for both school boards are open and city school buses are running, although there could be delays due to the weather. For more information call the Snow Closure Hotline at 625-1661.

LU Official Praises Budget Dollars

The Harper government's promise of 1 and a half billion dollars for university research over the next 10 years is making Lakehead University officials ecstatic.   LU Provost and Vice President of Academic  Dr. Rod Hanley calls this week's budget announcement welcome news.  He calls it an acknowledgement of the roll research plays in the Canadian economy.  Hanley believes it will ultimately mean an increase in grant dollars for Lakehead.

Hwy 61 Reopened

Highway 61 is now open after being closed when several motor vehicles were  involved in an accident near the train track overpass between Airport Road and Broadway Avenue. One person was injured, but police say not enough to be life threatening   Meanwhile, City Police are warning motorists about the slippery conditions on our roadways.  They are asking drivers to stay off the roads if you don't have to drive.  Police have dealt with 15 collisions since just after 7:30 a.m. this morning.

NAPS Investigating Possible Fatal Fire

Nishnawbe-Aski Police are investigating what is believed to be a fatal house fire in New Osnaburgh First Nation. Sergeant Jackie George says the blaze was reported around 3 o'clock this morning. George says the Ontario Fire Marshall is scheduled to arrive in the community tomorrow and at that time more information will be released.  Police can't confirm fatalities but George says officers are currently searching for the residents.

Rotary Club Launches House Lottery

The Rotary Club of Thunder Bay is launching its 28th Annual House Lottery today. The club is also announcing a five year five-hundred thousand dollar commitment to the hospitals cancer care campaign. Club President Dr. Richard Khoury says they expect ticket sales to increase this year to ten-thousand. This years grand prize is a new home valued at over four hundred-thousand dollars. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Canada Day celebrations at the Marina Park.