Extra Waterfront Spending Approved

The city is dipping into the  reserves for an extra 600 thousand dollars to complete phase one of the waterfront project.  It wasn't without a fuss being made by some councillors, like Rebecca Johnson who says she was promised there wouldn't be any need to spend more money.
Johnson says she's upset that there is really no choice but for council to spend the extra money.

Katherine Dugmore Dies

Former city Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore is dead.   Her passing was announced before this evening's city council meeting by Councillor Mark Bentz who acknowledged her work on Prince Arthur's Landing.     Dugmore had been battling cancer for some time and took a leave of absence in 2011 to have it treated.   She returned to work for a short while about a year ago before taking time off again.

Anonymous?

Thunder Bay police say they have nothing to do with a new video which at first glance appears to be another offering by the Internet group Anonymous.  While the video references a sexual assault case in Edmonton, it attempts to draw attention to what is thought to be a pro police rally April first in the city and what is termed a "fake Anonymous" gathering April 5th and 6th.
 

LU Gets A New Research Chair

Lakehead University is getting another Canada Research Chair position. Pauline Sameshima is the new Research Chair for arts. She says its a great opportunity for herself and the University. Sameshima says she will be working with her counterparts nationally and the local arts community.

Disaster Relief Update Postponed

City Council is going to hear an update from the Disaster Relief Committee in two weeks.  It was originally supposed to take place tonight.    Chair Wayne Fletcher says it appears they'll be able to pay out all of the flood claims.  Fletcher says they still have to process another 60 claim forms but expects money to flow in a couple of weeks.

Collaboration Against Violence

Today, eight child welfare and violence against women agencies are coming together to sign an agreement to combine their efforts to end violence against women and children. The groups, including Dilico Anishinabek Family Care signed a similar agreement back in 2003, but it has been amended and changed significantly since then.

Grow Green Expo

Greenstone is in the city this week to talk up its role in the emerging mining industry.  The community is hosting "Grow Greenstone" expo at the Victoria Inn this week as away to attract skilled labourers to their community.  The expo will provide businesses from across Canada a chance to network with community and mining industry officials.

Feathers Of Hope Youth Forum

Thunder Bay is playing host to youth delegates from 91 First Nation communities.  The young people are taking part in the Feathers of Hope forum that talks about suicide prevention, first nation culture, and education.

Gravelle Pleased With Northern Consultation Session

Northwestern Ontario will have pre-budget consultations after all.  Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says Thunder Bay will host a session on April 3rd.  The Liberals say they are considering holding video or tele-conferences so that area communities can also take part.

Police Looking For Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a weekend robbery of a Mac's Convenience Store in the City's north end.  A man entered the store carrying a knife and demanded money.  Police say the suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of money.  Officers are looking for a man six feet tall with a heavy build.

NOSM Wants Men To Be Active

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is challenging local men to stay fit and active. Medical Student Hilary Bowler says they'll be offering events throughout the week including a healthy living lecture on Tuesday. Bowler says they'll be offering more programs into the Spring and Summer.

Second Times The Charm?

A group of parents in the city is trying again to set up an alternative school in the city.  After one failed attempt  going at it alone,  organizer Arlene Thorn says they hope to do it under the umbrella of the Lakehead Public School Board.  Thorn says the group is responding to a Board request for proposals on alternative schooling.

Alzheimer Society Offers New Safety Program

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario is introducing their new wandering safety program for people with dementia called "Finding Your Way". Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay Executive Director Alison Denton says the program is beneficial for the people of Thunder Bay because of the city's northern location. Denton says the Thunder Bay Alzheimer Society will be able to offer the program to those who need it.

Local Music Legend Passes Away

A local music legend has passed away. Roy Coran, the leader of the well known Big Band, and owner of the iconic Coran's music store died yesterday. Coran's daughter, Debbie Anderson says her father's life was music. He was 83 years old.

FWFN To Host Mining Conference

The Fort William First Nation is hosting their first mining conference on Monday and Tuesday at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre. The conference will focus on informing people about job requirements and job opportunities within the mining sector. Topics such as careers for women in mining and aboriginal mining will also be discussed.

Rickford Budget

The federal government is promising not to cut anymore services in northwestern Ontario with its latest budget.Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says even though finance minister Jim Flaherty is committed to balancing the budget within three years, services will be maintained. Last year's budget included the closure of the Experimental Lakes area east of Kenora, but it wasn't announced publicly for several months after the fiscal document was tabled in the House of Commons.

Earth Hour 2013

Tonight at 8:30, why not make a difference and leave a positive impact on the environment? Eco Superior spokesperson Raphael Shay says local residents are encouraged to take part in Earth Hour by turning off their lights for a full hour in order to reduce energy usage. Earth Hour will run from 8:30 to 9:30 across the globe.

CAS Boss Praises Adoption Tax Breaks

No complaints from Rob Richardson at the Children's Aid Society.   The Federal Budget is extending tax breaks for people who want to adopt a child, something Richardson is happy to hear about.  Richardson believes it will help to increase the number of children that are adopted and says it's good to see the federal government is thinking about the needs of families.

Slovak Legion Doing Fine

The Slovak Legion on Atlantic Avenue is doing well.   Officials say there are rumours flying that it is about to close which is not true.   They say such an urban legend only serves to have an negative impact on the organization at a time when legions are struggling to begin with. 

Community Auditorium Nominated For National Award

The Community Auditorium is nominated at the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards.  Manager of Marketing and Development Trevor Hurtig says it's the second year they're up for the Performing Arts Centre of the Year Award.  Hurtig says it's great to be recognized.