Thunder Bay cyclists hit the pavement

The City of Thunder Bay loves it's bike lanes. That's the message from Active Transportation Manager Adam Krupper.  Bike lanes were painted on Court street this past spring and in May alone 124 cyclists used the freshly painted lanes. In July, 709 cyclists took to the streets.  That's a 67 percent increase.  Krupper notes 74 percent of cyclists are men and only 26 percent are women.

Library use up since 2002

Thunder Bay's library branches are seeing an increase in usage. Chief Libarian Gina La Force provided a report on library use for 2009 at city council last night. La Force says online and in person visits are on a steady rise. Since 2002 library use has risen seventy percent. La Force says their libarians and staff have answered almost 94 thousand reference questions.

Roberto learns how to save a life

City council learned first hand how to save a life last night.  Councillor Aldo Roberto took part in a CPR and public defibrillator demonstration.  It's part of Superior North EMS coalition project to increase survival rates from sudden cardiac death.  Chief Norm Gale says they want to train the public in CPR and public access defibrillators. Gale says if bystanders can help with CPR and public access defibrillators they could save an extra six lives each year.

Council's 2009 report released

The City of Thunder Bay is reviewing its key accomplishments from 2009. City Manager Tim Commisso provided council with the 2009 annual report at Monday night's meeting. Some of the highlights include how the city improved its economy, lifestyle, enviornment and governance. The city generated almost 437 million dollars which is 7 million dollars less than 2008's revenue. Meanwhile, the city spent 427 million dollars which was a 2 percent increase in 2008's expenditures.

Marlborough Street parking discussed

A Marlborough Street resident spoke his mind at City council last night.  Paul Belluz is concerned about the parking on the street and the crowding around the Corpus Christi School.  Belluz wants a three way stop added, and sidewalks built along both sides of the road.  Belluz adds the school's "Kiss and Ride" system doesn't accomodate the 300 students attending Corpus Christi.  City administration has said council could put the sidewalks on a wish list for future construction upgrades.  Administration will study the area and report back to council at a future date.

Candidates list certified

Thunder Bay's returning officer is busy at work getting ready for the upcoming municipal election.  The candidates list for council, mayor and school boards has been certified.  John Hannam says they're getting their voting sites ready.  Hannam says there are fifty candidates running in the municipal election for mayor and council.

Culture Plan Open House

The City of Thunder Bay is still working on its culture plan. A series of open houses were held earlier in the year and another is set for September 23rd. Spokesperson Leah Bailey says the plan is taking shape and is set to be completed in the new year. Bailey adds they're going to showcase their work during "culture days" which will be held the weekend of the 24th to 26th.

OPP pulling missing man's body from lake

The body of a Duluth man has been pulled from the waters of McAree Lake in Quetico Provincial Park.  Rainy River OPP had been searching for Darrell Cellers who had gone missing in the area since September 9th.  Investigation revealed that Cellers had been travelling through the park when hs canoe overtuned during windy conditions.  A post mortem exam proved Cellers drowned.

Thunderwolves finalize 10-11 roster

The LU Thunderwolves hockey team has finalized its roster for the upcoming season. The T-Wolves will carry 24 players including 14 forwards, 7 defence men and 3 goalies. 13 players are from Northern Ontario, 9 of those are from Thunder Bay. The home opener is set for October first when the University of Ottawa Gee Gees visit for a two game series.

Only one acclamation in Shuniah

The election list is official in the Township of Shuniah. The community has certified it's list of 7 candidates. That includes two candidates for Reeve and 5 ward candidates. Alana Bishop will get to represent Ward 2 because she is the only candidate to register and is therefore acclaimed.

Gillies council all acclaimed

Residents of Gillies Township won't have to worry about going to the polls on October 25th. The certified election list shows all council candidates, including Reeve Rick Kieri have been acclaimed.

Chamber and NAN to protest together

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be shoulder to shoulder this week. Chamber President Harold Wilson says they'll be protesting at Queens Park together against the Far North Act. Wilson says joining forces with NAN shows the north is united against a piece of legislation that is detrimental to the region.   The protest will take place on Thursday.

Four survive plane crash

4-people from Red Lake walked away from a plane crash about 27-miles east of Pickle Lake. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre reported that the aircraft went down in the bush last Friday afternoon. OPP say the plane stopped at the Pickle Lake Airport to fuel before heading to Kashchewan. However, shortly after take-off the pilot experienced engine trouble and was forced to put the aircraft down. Two of the four occupants of the Northern Water Works Sales and Consulting plane were treated for minor injuries.

PC's take on the Libs over Far North Act

The provincial Conservatives are bashing the McGuinty Liberals for the way they are handling the Far North Act. The act is expected to be passed this week. PC Northern Development Critic Randy Hillier says the fact the government cancelled public hearings shows they aren't listening. He says the Liberals are ramming the new law through.

Police are investigating sudden death in Cat Lake

The OPP are investigating after a man died in police custody in Cat Lake. Officers were called to the community nursing station Thursday night and were confronted by Romeo Wesley. The officers got into a struggle with the man before arresting him. Shortly after he was arrested Wesley was pronounced dead.

Hotel-condo land size reduced

The waterfront land that is being sold for a condo and hotel development is now smaller. Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore says the 2.65 acre parcel has been reduced by about half an acre because the larger area wasn't required for the projects. Dugmore says the financial hit will be minimal and that the loss could be recovered during site preparation.

Police kill black bear in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay police were forced to kill a bear Saturday night at a Ridgeway Street address. The bear was found in the back yard of a residence. Police had to shoot the bear when it became dangerous.