Serious Sex Charges Face City Man

A former bible camp counsellor and babysitter in the city is facing some serious sex charges that involve minors. Police say the charges against Jeff Paxton  date back to between 1983 and 2004.   They say they involve boys between the ages of 7 and 14.   Paxton faces four counts each of gross indecency and sexual assault and two counts of invitation to sexual touching.  He is currently in custody and will be in court for a bail hearing on Friday.

Four "Worst Roads" In Thunder Bay

Four roads in Thunder Bay are on the latest worst roads list from the Canadian Automobile Association.   Adelaide Street, Hutton Park Drive, South Water Street  and Onion Lake Road made the top fifty worst roads in the province.    None of them made the top twenty however Adelaide Street was ranked at number 33 in the online vote by the association.  

Summer In The Parks Is Back

It's another season for Summer In The Parks.   The city sponsored program takes place Wednesday nights at Marina Park starting June 26th with the Mark Potvin Blues Band.   It will run until August 14th.

Commissioner Defends OPP Salaries

The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police is defending the cost of his police service. Speaking in Kenora, Chris Lewis admitted that municipalities are concerned about a pending 8.5-percent increase in officer salaries next year. He adds that despite that, the OPP remains a competitive alternative for a number of municipalities.  Lewis says the OPP ranks 32nd in Canada right now in terms of the cost of providing police service.

Taxi Admin Concerns At Police Board

The Police Services Board is asking the city to examine the possibility of taking over the responsibility of governing area taxi companies. The directive comes as the result of a report on improving taxi service. Police Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says the City and the Police Services Board need to work together. Virdiramo wants a decision to be made on the matter by September.

Apologies Over Bike Lane Debate

Some City Councillors are saying sorry to the people who attended last night's meeting to hear about the active transportation corridor.   Council voted to put off discussing the new bike lanes and that didn't sit well with Councillor Rebecca Johnson. Councillor Aldo Roberto also apologized and the bike lane debate will now take place next week.

HAGI E.D. Steps Down

Hagi Transit has a new Executive Director.  David Shannon is stepping into the role after Cal Rankin resigned from the position.

Citizens Pack Council Chamber

A developer's proposal for new apartment or townhouse units on Melon Street  is causing a big stir.   Area residents packed the city council chamber so they could have their say.  One supporter commended the developer's extensive consultation, while others were critical of how close the apartments will be to their properties. The developer says the proposal is designed to be low key with only 12 units and will help to ease the rental housing shortage in the city.  In the end councillors voted to approve the apartments at a reduced height.  

Neighbours Opposed To Cabinet Shop

A Thunder Bay resident's plans for a home based cabinet making shop isn't going over well with some neighbours on Community Hall Road.   At City Hall last night  Paul Tremblay said he and his wife Anneli are vehemently opposed to the proposal because of noise, odour and property concerns   They are miffed as to why it was recommended by city staff.  In the end councillors voted in favour of the plan.

NOHF Grants Announced

Eleven Thunder Bay businesses and organizations are the recipients of over a quarter million dollars in provincial grant money.   The top grant getter, receiving over 90 thousand dollars,  is Robin Bureyko of Made Fresh cafe and bakery.  He says he and his partner couldn't have done it without the taxpayer support. The money is coming from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Local Runner Gets Hit By Truck, Finishes Race

A Thunder Bay runner who finished second in the Manitoba Half
Marathon on the weekend isn't taking it for granted.  Trevor Zimak  was hit by a truck while running, shook it off and still placed near the top. Zimak says he wasn't hurt, so he made the decision to finish the race, which was held in Winnipeg.

Train & Transport Collide

OPP are investigating a collision between a train and a transport.  The incident happened this morning on the Crib Road north east of Longlac.  Witnesses describe that there was heavy fog at the time of the collision.  The train had some damage to one car and currently all train traffic has been stopped in this area.  No injuries are reported and charges are pending for the transport driver.

Current River Lookout Unveiled

The City's Centennial Park has a new lookout.  Hydro One and the City unveiled the Current River lookout at a special ceremony this morning.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says it's a welcome addition to the park.  The lookout's plaque also honour's the City's title of Forest Capital of Canada 2000.

FWFN Open For Business

The Fort William First Nation is open for business.  The community is holding an open house at the Valhalla Inn tonight.  New Chief Georjann Morriseau and Fort William's Economic Development team will be discussing business opportunities.

Property Issues Up For Debate

City Council will be dealing with some property issues at tonight's meeting.  The owners of an apartment building on Melon Street want the City to allow more apartments or townhouses on the land.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are people who are against the proposition.  Also up for discussion is a request from a Community Hall Road home owner who wants to build and sell cabinets out of his garage. Council will make a decision on those matters this evening.

Rickford Calling On Ont To Help Pay

Addressing the issue of funding for First Nations policing.  Kenora MP Rickford says the federal government has been doing their part, and they will be discussing it with the province.  Treaty Three Police Service will likley see massive cutbacks in wages, benefits and hours.

Policing Oliver Paipoonge

Mayor Keith Hobbs is in favour of renewing a policing contract with Oliver Paipoonge.  The contract sees the City Police force patrol the rural areas outside of Thunder Bay.  Mayor Keith Hobbs notes the policing model is beneficial even though it takes away officers patrolling in the City limits.

Less People On Welfare

The annual report from the District Social Services Board shows a drop in welfare clients in the region.   Board chair Bob Katajamaki says it could mean that more people are getting back on their feet again.  Meantime, Katajamaki says the goal is to provide more social housing by partnering with people in the private sector.

More Bike Lanes Proposed

More bike lanes are proposed for local streets.  Council will decide tonight on whether to approve lanes on High, Beverly, Leslie and Arundel Streets.  Active Transportation Manager Adam Krupper doesn't expect much of a public uproar over the routes.  Bike lanes on High Street will connect Current River lanes to Red River.

Anti-Domestic Violence Day

Domestic violence groups are gathering today to mark Thunder Bay's first "No One Gets Hurt Here Today" day.  The six local agencies hope having a day will raise awareness about the issue.  A t-shirt designed by a victim of domestic violence will be unveiled later today.