Steel Pre-Fab Homes To Be Built

A contracting company, a Chinese business and Wasaya Group are teaming up to provide affordable housing for First Nations and Mining Companies.  Dowland Contracting Spokesperson Don Wing says the agreement means they'll build pre-fabricated homes.  A formal signing ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon at the Fort William Historical Park.

Canadian Council ELA Poll

A new poll shows that a large chunk of Canadians are in favour of keeping the Experimental Lakes area near Vermillion Bay open.  Conducted by the Council of Canadians, the poll shows that 60 percent of Conservative voters oppose the Harper government's decision to stop funding the ELA.  In general, 73 percent of Canadians want to see the research facility stay open, and 42 percent are strongly opposed to the cuts.  Earlier in the year, the Harper government decided it would stop funding 2 million dollars a year to the ELA.

Gravelle Open To Being Leader

Michael Gravelle says he is not ruling out a run for the top job of the Ontario Liberal Party. The Natural Resources Minister says he would first like to see who decides to take a run at replacing Dalton McGuinty. Gravelle says if no candidates show any passion for the north, he will consider his options.

Terrace Bay Pulp Charged

Terrace Bay Pulp is in trouble with the Ministry of Labour after last year's fatal accident at the mill. An employee from Schreiber died when a tank used to cook wood chips exploded.  Ministry spokesperson Matt Blajer says the company will be appearing in court next month.

Health Unit Says There's A Bed Bug Problem

The Health Unit calls a bed bug problem at the Royal Edward Arms an infestation. Public Health Inspector Abby Mackie says the pests have become a problem.  Mackie says tenants need to keep their apartments clean and the landlord needs to treat the infected area as soon as possible.  The Health Unit says the District Social Services Board has been taking care of any complaints they've received.

Tbay Tel Gives Cash To Catholic Board

The Catholic School Board is on the receiving end of a 100 thousand dollar partnership with Tbay Tel.  Director of Education Joan Powell says it's a 5 year funding program.  The money will be used to buy laptops, iPads, and other technology.

Police Honour Their Own At Awards Ceremony

A number of members of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service will be honored at their 5th "Honours and Awards Ceremony" tonight in Thunder Bay. They will be recognised by their peers and the Chief of Police, Claude Chum. Officer of the Year honours will go to Constable Robert McPhail, and a Diamond Jubilee medal will be presented to Constable Marc Beaparland for his work with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program. Retired Sgt. Bob Baxter will also receive a jubilee medal for his work with victims.

Joint Meeting Tonight

A joint meeting is being held between Fort William First Nation and City Council tonight.  The two communities will discuss how they can work better together.  Tonight's meeting starts at 5 and will be held at the Current River Recreation Association.

3 Dead After Plane Crash

OPP and the Transportation Safety Board are investigating a fatal plane crash last night near Pickle Lake. Police responded to a report that an aircraft went down in a densely wooded area east of the Pickle Lake airport. Three of the plane's occupants are dead, one survivor was airlifted to hospital in Winnipeg for treatment of minor injuries. The names of the dead won't be released until the next of kin is notified.

Mining Readiness Winning Awards

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission is celebrating two prestigious awards. A conference in Denver, Colorado has honoured The Ring of Fire and Northwestern Ontario with the Strategic Project of the Year award and also the Job Creation of the Year award. More than 500 executives from the public and private sector are in attendance at the 4th annual North American Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum.

Union To Talk With Quality Market Staff

The union representing workers at Thunder Bay's two Quality Market stores is speaking out.  United Food & Commercial Workers Rep Colby Flank says they were shocked to hear that the two stores will close.  Flank says the closure will impact 80 to 90 people.  A meeting between the union and its members will be held next Wednesday to discuss employment insurance and the possibility of finding work in other grocery stores in the City.  The owners of Quality Market have declined to comment on the closure notice.

Man Caught In Nipigon

A 50 year old man from Barrie, Ontario is now charged with fleeing from police, theft over $5,000 and breaking and entering. O.P.P. in Nipigon received a tip from an alert citizen and along with help from the Emergency Response Team and Canine unit, were able to arrest the man. He was the subject of a search following an incident on October 11th when police reported a vehicle had failed to stop for them and was later found abandoned in Nipigon. The man will make a video court appearance today.

Quality Market Closing

Quality Market is closing it's two locations. The family owned company has operated in Thunder Bay for 24 years and will be closing their doors soon. All stock is being marked down immediately.  The owners are declining to comment on how many people will be affected or why the stores are being closed.

Chamber Doesn't Like Golf Decision

The head of the Chamber of Commerce is upset the city has decided to keep Municipal Golf Course open for one more year. Council decided in the spring to close Municipal but at Monday night's meeting delayed the closure until the end of 2013. Chamber President Harold Wilson is concerned about the impact this decision will have on the development and delivery of the City's core business review.

OPP Looking For Suspect

The OPP are continuing to look for a man wanted in connection to a stolen vehicle investigation from last week.  Nipigon police tried to stop a stolen vehicle on Highway 17 when the driver fled.  Recently, officers were notified about a break and enter to a camp on Nipigon Bay Road. They believe it's the same person and are looking for a man between the ages of 30 and 50 years old with dark curly hair.

Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite

The Social Services Board is taking complaints of bed bugs at the Royal Edward Arms seriously. Spokesperson Terry Flaherty says they've dealt with five confirmed cases this month alone. Terry Flaherty says any future cases of bed bugs should be reported immediatly and they will deal with it as soon as possible.

A Cautious Response From Virdiramo

The chair of the city's Police Service's Board says he supports the mayor's decision to step down from the board. Keith Hobbs says he's too restricted in what he can say and do sitting as a board member. Chair Joe Virdiramo was cautious in his reaction to the news and would only add that he looks forward to working with the new member.  The new city council representative for the board is going to be chosen October 22nd.

Mauro Credits McGuinty For North's Progress

Premier McGuinty's decision to step down as liberal leader is a surprise to Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro who says McGuinty has been good to the north.  Mauro says we have made great strides in this part of the province, and it couldn't have happened without McGuinty.  Mauro says he respects McGuinty's decision and says he personally thanked the premier for the support he has shown to him and his riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan

Gravelle Saddened By Premier's Decision

Premier Dalton McGuinty's decision to resign is stirring up the passions in some of his most loyal supporters including Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle. He says McGuinty will be missed  and calls him an extraordinary supporter of Northern Ontario, a great man and the best premier the province has ever had. 

Hobbs Stepping Down From Police Board

Mayor Keith Hobbs is resigning from the city's Police Services Board.   Hobbs says his past policing career has frequently created situations where he's had to declare a conflict of interest.  He says the move will help him to freely comment on community safety issues.  A new city council representative will be chosen on October 22nd.