Council Doesn't Meet Small Business Needs: Survey

The latest survey from Thunder Bay Ventures should be a concern to city councillors.    Manager Royden Potvin says the study indicates the city should pay attention to the needs of small business and that city council has an image problem. The survey indicates council is not meeting the needs of business. On a positive note half the  businesses questioned expect to hire more employees in the next year and that overall, there are more positive responses to questions this year than in some previous years.  

Greenstone Finalizes Budget

Greenstone is finalizing its 2013 budget.  There won't be an increase in the total taxes raised from 2012 to this year.  Officials say it was hard to keep the taxes down with the increased costs in utilities, policing, & water and sewer.

Shuniah Looks Into Merger

Shuniah Town Council is getting their staff to look into the possibility of merging with Dorion.  CAO Eric Collingwood says they've asked staff to report back with the feasibility at a future meeting.

City Hall Says No To Internet Voting

City Council is saying no to offering internet voting in the next municipal election.  It was quashed in a late night meeting that ended at 1:30 in the morning.  Some Councillors were concerned about the security of the new system.

Art Gallery Location Undecided

The future location of the art gallery is still up in the air.  Art Gallery reps asked City Council for 25 million dollars to help build a new building on the waterfront.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they have some time to mull the proposal over before it comes back in the fall.  The art gallery is currently housed on the Confederation College campus.

CMHC Releases Resale Report

Canada Mortgage and Housing is out with their resale market report.  The outlook says the price of a house in the City will rise 6.4 percent.  The report also shows that the amount of homes for resale are on the decline.

Enough Is Enough Ride In Town

A mental illness cross Canada bike tour is stopping in Thunder Bay today.  The Enough is Enough ride will be at the Memorial Avenue Walmart around the lunch hour today.
Money raised goes toward the Kelty Foundation.

Police Looking For Suspects

Thunder Bay Police are looking for two men in their 20s who they believe tried to rob a woman as she walked home on the path behind Walmart on Dawson Road.  Two men dressed in dark clothes pushed a 22 year old woman to the ground and demanded money or her iPhone.  She was able to get up, run away and call police.  If anyone has information contact Police or Crimestoppers.

Councillors Approve New Bike Lanes

The person responsible for the bike lane system in Thunder Bay says statistics prove they are safe.   In his presentation to city councillors Active Transportation Coordinator Adam Krupper said  the numbers show that streets are safer where bike lanes exist.  He says there's been a 70 per cent decrease in bike collisions and a 22 per cent decrease in motorist collisions after the lanes have been introduced. The latest changes will see 120 kilometres of new bike and pedestrian routes to the city.

Bay Street Area Residents Complain

Not everyone is in favour of an added system of bike lanes for the city.  Speaking at City Hall last night,  Bay Street resident Robert Brown  said  the stop sign changes in that area, to accommodate bike travel,  is a dangerous idea.  Brown was one of several people who presented their concerns and support for the bike lanes to city councillors.

Financial Position Strong: Commisso

Several city councillors are getting props from City Manager Tim Commisso.   It comes following the city's latest Report to the Community which Commisso says shows our financial position is strong and improving.  He sites Councillors Mark Bentz and Linda Rydholm for their committee work which he says has guided the city to an "enveable position."   Commisso says we've made great strides in updating our roads and sewer systems.            

City Involved In Human Rights Training

The City is getting involved in human rights training.    A two day session is planned for September on a variety of themes including Aboriginal issues, housing, disability and gender identity.   Sandy Boucher of the city's Anti-Racism task force says it's all about educating anyone who's interested including the business community, municipal officials and human resource professionals.  The event will include presentations and discussions.

Divers End Search For Local Man

The active search for 26 year old Larry Larivee of Thunder Bay is over for the moment.  Police say OPP divers were unable to find any sign of Larivee at the McKenzie River falls location where witnesses say he disappeared last week after he dove in off a cliff.  Police say some areas of the river are just too dangerous to search and will be reassessed once water levels are lower.

Dorion Requests Merger

Dorion Township is asking Shuniah to amalgamate with them.  Shuniah municipal  councillors will be discussing the request at their meeting this evening.

Toromont & CAW Ink Deal

The local Canadian Auto Workers is deeming a recent deal for Toromont Caterpillar workers a victory. 70 skilled trades and production workers ratified the new agreement recently. President Kari Jefford says there are a number of benefits in the new deal. Jefford says its a 17 percent increase in pay over the next three years.

Egging Reports Investigated

Thunder Bay Police are looking into social media reports saying people were egged at Paterson Park over the weekend.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says they are following up on the postings and will be conducting interviews today.

Police Plead For Grad Safety

Thunder Bay high school students are graduating this week and OPP are ready to deal with the parties that go along with finishing high school. Staff Sgt. Jim Graham says they've got their ears to the ground and will monitor the rural areas to watch for out of control parties.  Graham says they want high school students to consider the public's safety when they celebrate their grad.

Shelter House To Receive 10K Donation

Copperfin Credit Union is giving 10 thousand dollars to Shelter House. The money will be used to buy food for the residents who use the organization.  The official presentation takes place tomorrow.

Feedback Deadline Next Week

You have until the end of the month to give the City a piece of your mind on the way they handle your garbage and recycling. The City's developed to surveys that can be found online at their website or at your local branch of the Library.  The deadline for feedback is June 30th.

Sergerie Signs Pro Deal With German Team

Former Lakehead hockey captain Adam Sergerie has signed a contract to play professional hockey in Germany. The Thunder Bay player graduated from LU with a degree in Education but will put his teaching plans on hold while he plays for the Black Dragons.   He's leaving for Germany in early September.