Serious Sex Charges Face City Man

A former bible camp counsellor and babysitter in the city is facing some serious sex charges that involve minors. Police say the charges against Jeff Paxton  date back to between 1983 and 2004.   They say they involve boys between the ages of 7 and 14.   Paxton faces four counts each of gross indecency and sexual assault and two counts of invitation to sexual touching.  He is currently in custody and will be in court for a bail hearing on Friday.

Four "Worst Roads" In Thunder Bay

Four roads in Thunder Bay are on the latest worst roads list from the Canadian Automobile Association.   Adelaide Street, Hutton Park Drive, South Water Street  and Onion Lake Road made the top fifty worst roads in the province.    None of them made the top twenty however Adelaide Street was ranked at number 33 in the online vote by the association.  

Summer In The Parks Is Back

It's another season for Summer In The Parks.   The city sponsored program takes place Wednesday nights at Marina Park starting June 26th with the Mark Potvin Blues Band.   It will run until August 14th.

Commissioner Defends OPP Salaries

The Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police is defending the cost of his police service. Speaking in Kenora, Chris Lewis admitted that municipalities are concerned about a pending 8.5-percent increase in officer salaries next year. He adds that despite that, the OPP remains a competitive alternative for a number of municipalities.  Lewis says the OPP ranks 32nd in Canada right now in terms of the cost of providing police service.

Taxi Admin Concerns At Police Board

The Police Services Board is asking the city to examine the possibility of taking over the responsibility of governing area taxi companies. The directive comes as the result of a report on improving taxi service. Police Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says the City and the Police Services Board need to work together. Virdiramo wants a decision to be made on the matter by September.

Apologies Over Bike Lane Debate

Some City Councillors are saying sorry to the people who attended last night's meeting to hear about the active transportation corridor.   Council voted to put off discussing the new bike lanes and that didn't sit well with Councillor Rebecca Johnson. Councillor Aldo Roberto also apologized and the bike lane debate will now take place next week.

HAGI E.D. Steps Down

Hagi Transit has a new Executive Director.  David Shannon is stepping into the role after Cal Rankin resigned from the position.

Citizens Pack Council Chamber

A developer's proposal for new apartment or townhouse units on Melon Street  is causing a big stir.   Area residents packed the city council chamber so they could have their say.  One supporter commended the developer's extensive consultation, while others were critical of how close the apartments will be to their properties. The developer says the proposal is designed to be low key with only 12 units and will help to ease the rental housing shortage in the city.  In the end councillors voted to approve the apartments at a reduced height.  

Neighbours Opposed To Cabinet Shop

A Thunder Bay resident's plans for a home based cabinet making shop isn't going over well with some neighbours on Community Hall Road.   At City Hall last night  Paul Tremblay said he and his wife Anneli are vehemently opposed to the proposal because of noise, odour and property concerns   They are miffed as to why it was recommended by city staff.  In the end councillors voted in favour of the plan.

NOHF Grants Announced

Eleven Thunder Bay businesses and organizations are the recipients of over a quarter million dollars in provincial grant money.   The top grant getter, receiving over 90 thousand dollars,  is Robin Bureyko of Made Fresh cafe and bakery.  He says he and his partner couldn't have done it without the taxpayer support. The money is coming from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.