FedNor Milestone

FedNor is celebrating a milestone this year.  The federal economic development agency is turning 25. Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is the minister responsible for FedNor and had a chance to speak to the agency's employees about their mandate.  Rickford adds that FedNor will have a significant presence at the Royal Agricultural Fair in Toronto this fall, with a focus on products from northwestern Ontario.

NWHU Looks To Follow In T.Bay's Footsteps

The Northwestern Health Unit wants to follow in the footsteps of their counterparts in Thunder Bay.  The Dryden based health unit is asking Council to consider implementing a smoke free outdoor spaces bylaw that will cover public spaces where kids frequent.  Dryden Council has asked for staff to come back with a report on the issue.

City Council Preview

City staff want to prepare a report looking into possible parking options for the residents of 720 McLaughlin Street.  A change to the location of a fire hydrant in the area has left the homeowners with no legal place to park.  Staff are asking Council to allow them to prepare a report looking into possible parking solutions.  Meanwhile,  A petition calling for more storm sewers to be installed on the City's south side is being presented to Council Monday night.  The 36 person petition is calling for storm sewers to be installed from Murray Avenue and Kingsway Avenue to Franklin Street.  The residents are concerned with possible spring flooding.

Fire on Balsam Street

A two storey building on Balsam Street had its kitchen and main floor severely damaged after a fire yesterday afternoon. Two children were treated for smoke inhalation, and then later released from hospital. Thunder Bay fire continues to investigate the cause.

Macaroni Salad Recalled

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning of a voluntary recall of Reser's Fine Foods Cheesy Macaroni Salad.  It's being recalled because of possible Listeria contamination.   The 454 gram and 1.25 kilogram containers are dated Oct. 20, 2013 with UPC codes 0 71117 18241 5 and 0 71117 61227 1, are being recalled.  The salad is sold at Wal-Mart stores in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as Canada wide in Loblaw stores.

Run for the Cure

Thunder Bay's Royal Legion Track will play host to the CIBC Run for the Cure this morning. The event takes place at the Delaney Arena starting with registration at 8:45 and the run at 10. Money raised goes towards breast cancer research.

Drainage Program Could Be Extended

City Council is considering opening up the Residential Drainage assistance program to all property owners City wide.   Staff are also recommending they operate the program longer into 2014.  The program was put in place after the 2012 spring flood and helps homeowners buy flood prevention devices. Council will vote on the matter Monday night which includes 76-thousand dollars in administration costs and another 674-thousand for drainage subsidies.

Fire Destroys Gazebo

An early morning fire on Paquette Road destroyed a gazebo.   There were no injuries involved and the fire does not seem to be suspicious.  It took three firetrucks to contain the fire.

Food Fundraiser Tonight

Investors Group is holding a fundraising campaign tonight for the Shelter House and the Kidney Foundation. In past years the comedy night event has raised 1 to 2 tonnes of food.  Over a thousand people are attending this year, and Investors Group is donating 500 dollars in cash to each charity.

KDSB Considers Managed Alcohol Program

A draft 10-year homelessness and housing plan has been unveiled by the Kenora District Services Board.  Manager of Integrated Social Services Dianne Apland says one recommendation is the creation of a Managed Alcohol program.  Kenora would act as the pilot for the proposal.

Leek Likes New Liberal Website

Area residents are being encouraged to get involved in sharing ideas with Ontario Liberals.  A new website has been set up to gather input.  President of the Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association Anthony Leek says the Premier is sincere when turning to the public.  Leek says the website is a good way for people who can't get to meetings to have a say.

Autism Ontario Walk Today

Autism Ontario's Thunder Bay office is holding it's second awareness walk. The walk starts at 11am at Boulavard Lake.  A variety of local organizations are taking part including staff and students from the Catholic School Board who are walking to support their peers living with autism.

T.Bay Man Will Serve Time

A Thunder Bay man will serve some jail time for distributing child pornography.  In a Thunder Bay courtroom recently, Justin Chabot was sentenced to spend 90 days behind bars and will also have to spend the next two years on probation.  Two other child pornography related charges were withdrawn.

NAN Comments After Fatal Collision

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Executive Council is showing support to Grand Chief Harvey Yesno after his son, Sheldon Yesno was charged in a fatal motor vehicle collision with a cyclist.  The Council is also expressing its condolences to the family of the deceased.  NAN calls the incident tragic and a personal matter.  They won't be commenting any further.

Rickford Wants Twinning Started By 2015

Twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora is weighing on the minds of Kenora Chamber of Commerce members.    Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford addressed the chamber Friday and says he's disappointed the project hasn't started yet.  Rickford is optimistic that the project will get underway before the start of 2015.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness month. Tarja Heiskanen is the manager of Screening and Assessment Services and says the hospital will be actively involved in raising awareness all month. In Northwestern Ontario, only half of eligible women take part in breast screening mammography.

Driver Charged After Car Lands On Roof

A 51 year old woman is being charged with careless driving after she lost control of her car causing it to crash into the west side ditch of Mapleward Road this morning.  The vehicle landed on it's roof and the driver crawled out.   Police say the accident occurred when the driver was searching for an item in her car.

Sisters In Spirit Vigil Held Today

A vigil was held earlier today to honour murdered and missing aboriginal women. Maryanne Matthews is the Communications Officer at the Ontario Native Womens Association, she feels the number of those missing may be misleading.  The goal of the Sisters in Spirit Vigil is to have October fourth recognized as a national day of remembrance for aboriginal women.

WSIB Hearings Today

Thunder Bay's Injured Workers group is hosting a series of public hearings today on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.  The meeting will focus on how far the WSIB has come since it was formed over a 100 years ago today.  The hearing is being held at the Lakehead Labour Centre from 2 until 5 and 7 until 9 tonight.

St. Anne Gets Money

Future Shop is giving almost 20-thousand dollars to St. Ann School today.  Teacher Peter Rzeszut applied for the funding from the tech company and says the money will be used to create a tech lab that includes smart boards, e-readers and digital cameras. Rzeszut says it's a great opportunity for the school and the community.