Flood Watch In Effect

A flood "watch" is now in effect for the entire area that the Lakehead Conservation Authority looks after. 35 to 60 millimetres of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours and the Kaministiquia River is rising. L.R.C.A. Chairman Bill Bartley is warning people to stay away from waterways, especially with up to 100 millimetres of rain in the forecast. Bartley says localised flooding is already happening in areas west of the city.

College Inks Deal Helping Reservists

Confederation College was the scene of a unique military ceremony today in which the College formally adopted new military leave policies. Confederation College President Jim Madder and Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, met for a brief ceremony in which commemorative certificates were signed and presented to the College. New policies now set out in detail the leave provisions for Reservists who are on staff and attending the college.

L.U. Partners With Parks Canada

Parks Canada and Lakehead University signed an agreement today that will partner the two in collaborating on research efforts aimed at better understanding Lake Superior’s coastal environment and its watershed. L.U. is hoping the partnership will attract international researchers and increase enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs, while Parks Canada is looking to identify research opportunities and the sharing of scientific knowledge to better understand Lake Superior and its effect on the communities along the shores.

Huge Drug Bust Worth $934,000

A 22 year old from Weagamow First Nation has been arrested following a massive drug bust here in the city. A hotel room raid was conducted and police found more than 1400 oxycodone pills worth an estimated street value of $841,000. Police also seized a large sum of cash, which needed to be examined. The total currency seized was $93,905. Police believe the pills were on their way to a remote First Nation community. They also seized 427 pills of unknown origin and have sent them away for examination. The woman will next appear in court on May 29th.

Teleperformance Workers Headed Back

Nearly 100 laid off workers at Teleperformance here in Thunder Bay are going back to work this Summer. Employees with the contact centre have been notified to return during the first week of August. C.E.O. of Teleperformance Canada, Charlotte Gummeson also announced that 100 to 150 new jobs will be available thanks to a new contract. The Teleperformance workers have been laid off for a couple of months.

IBC Upset With Private Members Bill

The Insurance Bureau of Canada is speaking out against an NDP private members bill on auto insurance. Vice President Ralph Palumbo says if the bill is passed it would mean Northern Ontario drivers would subsidize the insurance rates of GTA drivers. The bill comes back to the Ontario legislature for a second reading June 7th.

OPSEU Worried About MNR Cuts

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is sounding the alarm over the Province's plans for the Ministry of Natural Resources.  President Smokey Thomas says the government has already cut back the MNR so much that any more cuts will jeopardize our ability to respond to emergency situations like forest fires.  Thomas says the Provincial Government has left fire fighters alone but they've continued to cut their support staff.

Premier Pays T.Bay A Visit

Thunder Bay's Bombardier Plant is getting some more work.
The Premier toured the facility this morning and announced the purchase of 60 new Go Train Passenger Cars. Work has already begun and the cars will be delivered to Southern Ontario in the Spring of 2015.

Roads Washed Out

Heavy rain is wreaking havoc with area rural roads. Thunder Bay Police are reporting Harstone Drive in Oliver Paipoonge is closed due to being washed out. It's washed out just west of Luckens Road. The Oliver Paipooge Board of Works is working on repairing the road.

Kolody Faces Extra Charges

Thunder Bay Police are adding extra charges to the 20 year old man who is already charged with criminal negligence causing death and possession of stolen property.  Police are painting a picture of a weekend crime spree that includes stealing a truck, gas, breaking into another vehicle, and ending in a fatal motor vehicle collision on Northern Avenue Sunday.  On top of his previous charges; Shane Kolody faces several additional charges including resisting arrest.  Kolody's bail hearing is set for Monday.