Marina Construction Begins

The marina is about to become a little busier. Katherine Dugmore, Waterfront Project Manager says construction has now begun on a new parking facility that will help service the new hotel and condominium. Dugmore could not say how long the parking project will take.

Marina Restaurant Name TBA

A new restaurant is about to set up shop at the Marina. Officials however, are keeping the name tightly sealed. Waterfront Project Manager, Katherine Dugmore says we're close to knowing the identity. Dugmore says the new restaurant will be located near the Water Garden Pavilion.

NAN Says No

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is panning the Premier. They sent him a curt response saying no to his invite to speak at the 7th annual First Nations meeting. NAN is declining the Premier's invite because they would only have 10 minutes to speak with Dalton McGuinty and they feel that's not enough time to properly air their grievances.

Forest Fire Hazard High To Extreme

Heading into the long weekend, the forest fire hazard remains high to extreme for the entire area of Northwestern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources is asking people to exercise caution when dealing with fires or outdoors activities that may cause fires.

Jury Softens Blow In Theft Case

Chris Watkins

Guilty, but Krystyna Dolasinski will not feel the full brunt of the law.  Dolasinski was charged after 90 to 100 thousand dollars went missing from the Port Arthur Polish Alliance Hall. Her lawyer Chris Watkins is satisfied with the outcome saying the jury understood at least part of the defence's position in the case.   Krystyna Dolasinski was found guilty of theft under 5-thousand dollars and falsifying records.   The sentencing submissions will be heard on September 13th.

International Day Against Homophobia

4 City High Schools are celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia today. Charlie Bishop, Education Officer with the Lakehead District School Board is giving a lot of credit to the Gay Straight Alliances that have been created in schools. Events are taking place at Superior C.V.I., Churchill, Westgate and Hammarskjold.

Alternative School Closes

Thunder Bay's first Alternative school was forced to close its doors in December. The Northern Lights Education Initiative just opened in the fall and had six students but unfortunately couldn't stay open. Spokesperson Michelle Uvanile says they hope to see an alternative school be operated under the Public School Board system.

Gravelle Responds To Canfield

The Minister of Natural Resources is listening to the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Associations concerns over the changes being made to the Bear Wise program. Vice President of NOMA Dave Canfield has said the cuts to the program are just another service being downloaded onto the backs of municipalities. Gravelle says that's not so.

NAN Says No

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is panning the Premier.  They sent him a curt response saying no to his invite to speak at the 7th annual First Nations meeting.  NAN is declining the Premier's invite because they would only have seven minutes to speak with Dalton McGuinty and they feel that's not enough time to properly air their grievances.

Lipinski Returns As Metis Prez

A Fort Frances area man has been given another mandate to head the Metis Nation of Ontario.  Gary Lipinski has received over 87-percent of the vote to return as President.  The Metis Nation says there was a record voter turnout in the recent elections.  Lipinski says it's a strong mandate to continue to push forward on their Métis rights agenda.

Plasma Centre Rally Tonight

Former employees of Canadian Blood Services' Plasma Centre are not giving up the fight over the loss of their jobs.  They are rallying tonight at the Lakehead Labour Centre from four until six.  The plasma centre closed last month.

A Minus

Officials at Cancer Care Northwest are patting themselves on the back for a positive showing in the latest government report card.   Former Vice President Michael Power says the Thunder Bay cancer centre came out high on the scale.   Power says the report shows the centre met provincial targets in several main areas and ranks the report card at an A minus.

Health Unit Investigates After 61 People Fall Sick

61 people are said to have fallen ill after eating or drinking at "This Old Barn" restaurant in Murillo this past weekend. Emergency officials at the Health Sciences Centre first alerted the Health Unit about a potential problem after recurring cases were reported. Manager of Environmental Health, Christopher Beveridge says the owner of This Old barn is working cooperatively and that preliminary results point to water being contaminated with E. Coli but they are looking into it further.

Company Facing Charges In Workers Death

Teranorth Construction of Sudbury is facing seven charges in connection with the fatal industrial accident at the McKenzie River Bridge in June of last year. Matt Blajer of the Ministry of Labour says the charges are under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and relate to the platform lift that tipped over killing a 24 year old employee. The company will make a first court appearance on June 22nd

Anglers & Hunters Will Have Personal Info Stored In States

A Tennessee-based company now operates an automated licensing system for Ontario for hunters and fishers, and stores the personal data it collects in the United States. Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says Active Outdoors signed a contract with very specific terms to abide by Ontario law to protect personal information. The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says its 100,000 members are ``deeply concerned'' Homeland Security will use the Patriot Act to access the personal data of Ontario residents.

Free Dental Service For Local Youngsters

If you're a young teen and you don't have access to a dentist, the local health unit wants to help. The health unit will be providing free check ups, fillings, x-rays and cleanings to youth under the age of 17 who come from low income families. The Provincial Government is providing the Thunder Bay Health Unit with funding to offer the program. To apply call 625-5900.

Police Report Fewer Insecure Loads

City Police say we are getting better.  Last week they conducted spot checks of the vehicles taking loads to the Mapleward Road city landfill site.   They say out of a total of almost six  thousand vehicles checked, close to thirty drivers were given tickets for having an insecure load.   That compares with the almost 40 tickets handed out last year.

Six Con College Grads Get Employment

The first six graduates from Confederation College's Firefighter program are now employed.  Confederation College President Jim Madder says they've been hired by Thunder Bay's Fire Department.  Fire Chief John Hay says the program helps the students compete for tough to get jobs within his department and nationally.

Anti Poverty Guru Likes Local Strategy

Anti poverty crusader Mark Chamberlain is visiting the city today teaching local activists what he learned trying to reduce poverty in Hamilton. Chamberlain believes we are heading in the right direction with our Poverty Reduction Strategy.  He says without a strategy you don't have the advantage of listening to the ideas of many people with innovative solutions.

            Chamberlain Interview

Bombardier Employees Help Charities

Bombardier employees in Thunder Bay continue to give back. Employees contributed more than 60-thousand-dollars to 25 charities in 2011. George Gasbarrino, Director of Human Resources says "The Employee Fund is making a significant difference in the lives of thousands of families in Thunder Bay."