Ring of Fire blockade planned

There is more First Nations unrest over the Ring of Fire chromite deposit in Northern Ontario.  This time the Marten Falls First Nation is planning to  blockade access to the area.  The blockade will be set up on Thursday.  They're upset because they have been left out of the discussions on the proposed development.

NWO concerns voiced at Queen's Park

The mayor is confident the energy concerns of Northwestern Ontario are now understood clearly at Queens Park. Keith Hobbs says after a meeting with Energy Minister Brad Duguid Monday there is an understanding that the priority here is the distribution, transmission and pricing of electricity. Duguid promised to come back with an answer. Hobbs says they also met with Health Minister Deb Matthews and discussed the transferring of non emergency patients and detox beds for the city.

City in court on environmental charge

The city is in court this week on an environmental charge. It stems from an occurance on the Current River. Lisa Brygidyr of the Ministry of the Environment says it took place in April of last year. She says during the spring smelt spawning run the water flow was suddenly reduced. It resulted in the small fish being stranded on land and many of them died. The hearing is taking place at the Metis Hall on May Street.

LU expert predicts Gadhafi's end is soon

With the world turning against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi a Lakehead University political expert says it's only a matter of time. Laure Paquette says when the end comes, he will not go voluntarily. In fact she believes that when he goes there will likely be violence involved and he'll be taking a lot of people with him. Paquette predicts the end will probably come within about two weeks.

Injured workers to discuss WSIB

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is currently having a formal review about their funding. The Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group will be hosting a meeting Thursday night at the Lakehead Labour Centre to discuss the issue, according to treasurer Steve Mantis. Mantis says the Insurance Board review may have a heavy impact on workers in Northwestern Ontario.

Inquest into 2 year old death underway

Ontario's Coroners Office is holding an inquest into a 2 year old death in Northwestern Ontario.  Levi Schaeffer of Peterborough died in June of 2009 after an altercation with the OPP in the Osnaburgh Lake area.  Its expected to last between one to two weeks and will hear from 12 witnesses.  Schaeffer was allegedly shot after he attacked officers with a knife.

Northern gas prices have Horwath steamed

Ontario's NDP leader has her eye on gas prices. Andrea Horwath is upset that not only are they up again, but in Northern Ontario we continue to be the Rodney Dangerfield's of the province...we get no respect. She says we in Thunder Bay and the rest of the north, are getting gouged when prices in Toronto are always lower than they are here. Horwath wants the government to investigate whether government control of gas pricing is required.

Hannam says agenda items moved

The Good Roads Conference in Toronto is having a domino effect at City Hall. Tonight's regular council meeting has been cancelled because most councillors will be away at the gathering. City Clerk John Hannam says it means some agenda items have to be moved. He says one zoning application will now be discussed at the March 21st meeting. Councillors get back on schedule next week.

Wasaya Airways adds new plane

Flying services to Northern Ontario will be getting a boost. Wasaya Airways is meeting increased demand for air service in the North by adding its second Bombardier Dash 8 since October. Vice President George Simon says the company also plans on adding a third Dash 8 as part of an expansion plan.  Simon says the new planes can carry 37 passengers which is a lot larger than the current planes in their fleet.

OPP rescue missing skiers

The OPP Emergency Response team had to pick up some skiers east of Thunder Bay.  The group of three and their dog got lost after dark on the Eagle Ridge Trail Saturday night.  Officials say officers used snowshoes to locate the group and found them early Sunday morning. They suffered minor frostbite.