Walsh street sidewalk to be discussed Monday

The controversial Walsh Street sidewalk might not be created after all.  Council already approved the contract for the project, and it's underway.  However, the city is considering backing out of the project because of trees being cut down.  A report will be brought back to council next Monday during a special meeting.

Traffic light removal approved

Thunder Bay City Council is approving the removal of the traffic signals at the intersection of Miles Street and Syndicate Avenue. A report found that the lights are no longer needed because the traffic conditions no longer warrant them. The removal of the lights will save the city a thousand dollars each year. Pedestrian activated signals will be installed 30 metres west of the intersection of Miles and Brodie streets. Council will ratify the traffic light removal at it's September 26th meeting.

Bus passes approved

Thunder Bay City Council is going to provide some bus passes to Lakehead University's Humanities program. However, they're also asking administration to create a policy that would deal with community groups asking for free bus passes.  Council will be providing 600 bus passes to the Humanities 101 students.

Shelter House makes request

Thunder Bay City Council is considering a request from Shelter House.  The group wants council to put just over 240-thousand dollars towards renovating their George Street building.  Shelter House wants to use the building to offer help to chronic alcoholics. The group wants to offer 15 beds to alcoholics that currently stay at the hospital or in jail cells. Council has asked for a report on the project.

Dawson Road residents speak out

A room packed full of people living around Dawson Road took in Monday night's City Council meeting.  15 hundred signatures were collected on a petition calling for transport truck traffic to be diverted from that stretch of road to the Shabaqua Highway.  Community members shared their driving experiences with council.  The group feels the road isn't safe because of the aggressive way the transports are driven.

Columbus to visit city

Thunder Bay is getting a visit from a cruise ship Tuesday morning. The MV Columbus is going to arrive with its 360 passengers at around 6:15  and leave at around 5:30 in the afternoon.    It will make a return trip to the city on September 23rd.

Smoke drifts into city

Smoke from a forest fire south of the border is causing problems in Thunder Bay.  The city fire service says the smoke drifted here from an 11 thousand acre fire near Ely, Minnesota . 

Severe thunderstorm watch in effect

Dark clouds are hovering over the city as Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the city. Environment Canada says a cold front is the cause of the storm.  Strong gusting winds and hail are expected.

50 thousand won on scratch ticket

A Thunder Bay resident is richer thanks to playing a crossword scratch ticket. Terry Nishibata won 50 thousand dollars from the Ontario Lottery Commission.

City looks to host international games

Thunder Bay is making a pitch to host the 2016 Can-Am Police and Fire Games. Bill Marylees is one of the games organizers who are in the city inspecting our sporting facilities and says we are one of three cities in the running. The other cities are Kingston and Ames, Iowa.

Green Party could have candidate by Thursday

Ontario's Green Party says news of their candidate dropping out is not a set back.  Spokesperson Rebecca Harrison says Russ Aegard dropped out for personal reasons.  The party hopes to have a new candidate in place by Thursday.

SIU investigating collision near Marathon

The Province's Special Investigations Unit is probing an accident Sunday near Marathon that seriously injured two teens. SIU spokesperson Frank Phillips says the investigation is necessary because the two were in a vehicle that the OPP tried to stop on highway 17.  He says the SIU has assigned three investigators to the case.  One officer is the subject of the investigation while twelve officers are witnesses.   Eleven civilian witnesses are also to be questioned. 

NAN calls for inquiry into student deaths

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is making a call for a commission of inquiry into the deaths of seven First Nations students in Thunder Bay. Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose says it will help the families of the students move on.  The call comes after a corner ruled an inquest into the death of one of the students could not take place because of jury roll concerns.

Local man is raising money for Cancer research

A local man is raising money for cancer after losing his mother.  Jay Tysoski says he's is raising money in his mother's name after she passed away last year.  Tysoski is also raising money in his wife's name after she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation. Tysoski will be heading to Chicago for this year's Men's Health Urbanathalon next month to help raise awareness.

24 year old drowns in Red Lake

OPP are investigating after a 24 year old man drowned in Red Lake.  The man went swimming Saturday evening and OPP divers located his body yesterday.  Officials say a post mortem will take place today.

Globe and Mail story predicting a tough fight for Gravelle

A recent story in the Globe and Mail is suggesting Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle could be in tough in his bid for re-election.  PC Candidate Anthony Leblanc says it's a sign of McGuinty's neglect of the North.  NDP candidate Steve Mantis says he thinks residents in the region want a bigger voice in Queen's Park.  Gravelle says every election is tough and he's going to do his best to meet the needs of his constituents.