Transit strike looms

A transit strike could be a reality in Thunder Bay before the summer is over. A strike vote by bus drivers and maintenance workers will be held on August 29th. Meantime both the City and the Amalgamated Transit Union will be holding conciliated talks Thursday. The Union says the major issue in the talks is the City's request for concessions, which Union boss Charlie Brown calls detrimental.

Watermain break on south side

There's a watermain break on the south side of the city. City Works official Mike McLeod says it's affecting an area around South Edward and Begin. He says a contractor struck a water pipe with a drill.
McLeod says the work to restore water service to the area near the Tim Hortons and Burger King may also cause traffic disruptions.

MS Society warns of scam

Officials with the MS Society of Thunder Bay are warning of a phone scam.   Thunder Bay police say three residents have received phone calls from somone claiming to be soliciting on behalf of the organization.  The MS Society says it is not conducting a phone fundraising campaign.

Warnings posted at Boulevard Lake

If you're planning to swim at Boulevard Lake you do so at your own risk. The Health Unit has placed the three beaches under a swimming advisory. Officials say that water quality tests at the main beach, Sandycove and Sunnyside, show higher than acceptable bacteria levels. Warning signs are now posted.

Westfort Community Centre could close

Thunder Bay City Council is considering shutting down the Westfort Community Centre. A report from administration will be presented to council on Monday night. A five year structural review of the centre was recently completed that states its reaached the end of its life cycle. Administration is recommending the centre be demolished before the winter snow season.

Warmer water in Lake Superior

A warmer winter and spring means Lake Superior's water temperature is warmer as well.  Environment Canada Climatologist David Phillips says anyone who went swimming this summer felt the temperature difference.  Lake Superior's water temperature went up 8 degrees this summer and sits at 21 degrees.

Mountain bike bandit caught

A 48 year old parolee is now charged thanks to a sharp eyed plain clothes police officer. After receiving tips about a man with a mountain bike breaking into homes in Westfort, the officer spotted a suspect entering a home. He later confronted the man and chased him down and made the arrest. The suspect was apparently on parole at the time for previous break and enters.

Tuchenhagen wants Shaw black out

City Councillor Robert Tuchenhagen wants Shaw to black out city council meetings in September and October. The move is being proposed for the city council meetings leading up to the 2010 municipal election.Tuchenhagen feels incumbant councillors will have an unfair advantage being on tv on a regular basis while there competition won't have that opportunity. Council will be discussing the matter at their Monday meeting.

SUV burned in Hillcrest park

Thunder Bay police are investigating after an SUV was set on fire this morning in Hillcrest park. Spokesperson Chris Adams says it appears to be arson and the people involved first used the SUV to drive though some park benches. No arrests have been made and there appears to be no injuries.

City police deal with overnight stabbing

One man is in serious condition after being stabbed multiple times this morning. Police responded the call just after 3 o'clock on Jean Street and the Victim was taken to the Health Sciences Centre.  Officers also dealt with a separate assault in the Brodie Victoria Avenue area where three people were sprayed with mace just after 3 o'clock as well. Meanwhile police took two young boys into custody in the Huron and Balsam area after they were caught breaking into vehicles in the area.

Waterfront work continues

Work continues on the Prince Arthur landing. Waterfront Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says they awarded four tenders including electrical, sewage and landscaping contracts. The foundation for the water garden pavilion, skating rink/splash pad and water feature has been installed .

Lac De Illes' future is bright

North American Palladium feels the Lac De Illes Mine has a bright future.  A study on the Thunder Bay area mine was presented to its shareholders on Tuesday.  President Bill Biggar says the mine could be producing 250-thousand ounces of Palladium by 2012.  The company says it has 150 million dollars in cash for future projects and has no long term debt.

Municipal election weeks away

Tick tock, the municipal election is just under three weeks away. Thunder Bay Returning Officer John Hannam says the deadline to register is 2pm on Friday, September the 10th. A list of registered candidates can be found on the Thunder Bay votes website.

Airport passengers up in July

Thunder Bay's Airport has recorded record breaking July traffic volumes. Last month saw an 8.8 percent increase with over 63 thousand passengers flying in and out of the local airport.  President Scott McFadden says the addition of Porter Airlines played a part in bringing more passengers into the airport.

OPP lay charges in 80's cold cases

An Ignace man is charged with 19 offences in connection with sexual assaults in the Thunder Bay area dating back to the 1980's. 62 year old Donald Milani was originally charged back in 1987, but those were discharged. But according to Sgt. Shelley Garr the cases were resurrected because of new evidence. Milani has been released from custody and will appear in court in Thunder Bay on August 30th.

City buses won't cross picket line

City buses will not cross the Northern Ontario School of Medicine strike picket lines. The City Transit Department has set up a temporary stop on Oliver Road across from the Agora entrance. Anyone wanting to enter Lakehead University will have to cross the picket line by walking or in their own vehicle.

Murder prelim underway

The preliminary court hearing is underway in connection to the murder of a 36 year old man last year. The hearing in Thunder Bay is expected to last two weeks. It will determine if there's enough evidence to send Christopher Gregorchuck and Eric Lindstrom to trial on second degree murder charges. The charges followed the death of 36 year old Richard Quimet in March of last year.

Ready, set...vote

Voting for the World Fishing Network's ultimate fishing town contest starts today.Thunder Bay closed the day yesterday with 118 submissions promoting itself. The top 10 communities will be based on how many votes each community garners.

Fishing survey out in January

Anglers are being asked to keep track of their fishing experiences this year.  The Ministry of Natural Resources will be sending out a survey in January asking a variety of questions relating to fishing. The survey is conducted every five years and is mailed out to 15 hundred anglers.

Police charge teen after accident

Thunder Bay Police have charged an 18 year old man from Oliver Paipoonge after Police received a tip that a pick up had been involved in a collision and rolled in a field in Neebing Township and had not been reported. Police then discovered there were several passengers in the truck, and an 18 year old had been thrown out. The passenger in the back sustained serious injuries.