Businesses Hurt Over Bridge Loss

Fort William First Nation businesses are losing money every day the James Street Swing Bridge remains closed.  A public meeting on how the closure is impacting both the City and First Nation brought out around 100 people Monday night.  Jessie Bannon is the owner of Bannon's Gas Bar and says they've lost about 50 percent of their customers.  Bannon says no one wants to travel the extra distance to the community and notes many feel the road isn't very safe.  Chief Georjann Morriseau says they've waited long enough and they want the bridge open now.  The concerns collected from Monday night's meeting will be sent to both levels of government and CN Rail.

Two Morning Fires

City fire crews are on the scene of a major fire at Frankie and Johnny's Auto Body shop at 830 North Vickers Street.  Fire units arrived at the blaze at 6:40 this morning and a second alarm was called in immediately.  No injuries have been reported and North Vickers Street is closed between Forest Avenue and Northern Avenue.  Meanwhile, there was extensive damage to an upholstery store in the 400 block of North May Street following an early morning fire.  Four pumpers and an aerial platform truck were called to the scene around 3:40 this morning and battled the blaze for close to two hours. Fire investigators will be on the scene today to determine the cause.  There were no injuries.

HMCS Griffon sent to Winnipeg

Thunder Bay's HMCS Griffon is sending 5 members and two inflatable boats to help with flood relief efforts in Manitoba.  Lieutenant Commander John Bell says they'll be helping to evacuate residents and bring in supplies.  The group left today but more personnel are expected to be sent within the next 24 to 48 hours.  The Thunder Bay group will be dispatched to HMCS Chippewa in Winnipeg before receiving further orders.

Burned toast results in fire call

Burned toast resulted in Fire and Emergency vehicles swarming a south end condo Friday A.M.   The apartment building across from City Hall had a false alarm triggering crews to respond.

New Councillors sworn in

Former Mayor Ken Boshcoff is ready to work with Keith Hobbs. The new city councilor says he liked Hobb's inaugral address. Boshcoff says his goals echo the mayors; job creation and taxation. Meanwhile, Newcomer to City Council Paul Pugh is eager to work with the Mayor. Pugh says his priorities are housing, and substance abuse. Pugh was sworn in as the McKellar ward councillor.

Hobbs makes inaugral speech

Keith Hobbs wants to eliminate poverty and crime during his term as Mayor. The two issues were coupled in his inaugral address Monday night. Hobbs says they need to let criminals know that they are not wanted here. He set himself a goal of lowering crime in the City and notes if it isn't reduced in four years time he'll consider it a failure. The new Mayor also touched on the City's tax rate and says he understands that people feel over taxed. Finally, job creation was also brought up with the mining sector playing a large role in new jobs in Thunder Bay. The swearing in of the 42nd council lasted just one hour, and Hobbs notes he hopes all meetings last that long.

42nd council sworn in

It was a night of pomp and circumstance for the newest members of Thunder Bay City council. Mayor Keith Hobbs was sworn Monday night as was newcomer Paul Pugh and former Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The Ceremony including First Nation smudging, colour party and greetings from former Mayors. This is Thunder Bay's fourty second council.

Wasaya deal postponed

Wasaya Group is delaying the launch of its new Helicopter Charter Company.  An announcement was to be made Friday morning, but officials put it off until January stating that they are finalizing some legal details.  The multi million dollar deal was to be signed with V. Kelner Aviation but Spokesperson Joe Moses says it's unclear who the major parter will be. President Tom Kamenawatemin says he can't confirm or deny it's because they are finalizing partnerships.  The company would provide helicopter services for the mining, construction, geophysical, environmental, and tourism industries in Northern Ontario.

Christmas Cheer Campaign Underway

If you want to keep up to date on Thunder Bay's Christmas Cheer Campaign you can go online.   Chair Linda Gambee says the site will be a big help.  Last year the group fed over 5-thousand people.  Gambee says they've noticed more and more need at Christmas time with people still being out of work. This year's fundraising goal is 165-thousand dollars.  The charity group has a new site at http://www.thunderbaychristmascheer.com/

Jimi the dog's court date postponed

 Jimi the dog will get to have Christmas with his family.  His fate will be decided in court in two months time on January 26th.  Lawyer Francis Thatcher says Jimi's owners purchased him from the Thunder Bay Humane Society in 2007 and are now facing accusations that he's a pitbull. Fletcher adds the court will look into whether or not an attack took place between the two dogs and if Jimi's DNA shows he's a pitbull. Jimi supporters gathered outside the court house this morning.  Lawrence Hurd says they're pleased with today's decision.  Jimi's owners have been ordered to keep him muzzled.

Fontaine speaks to high school students

The former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is hoping to inspire aboriginal students.  Phil Fontaine is part of the Royal Bank and Lakehead University's Aboriginal Outreach Program.  Fontaine says students are the future leaders of their communities. He stressed the importance of educaction and stresses students should set a goal of completing high school.  Fontaine says first nation students should look forward to attending post secondary school as it's key to succeeding in life. Fontaine spoke to St. Patrick High School students Thursday morning. 

Man hurt on the job

The Ministry of Labour is investigating an industrial accident at a construction site on Court Street.  A construction worker was hurt on the job at 920 Court Street. Police says a machine was working on a retainer wall behind the building when it tilted unexpectedly and hit an observer in the chest.   District Chief Allan Grey says he was taken to hospital with unknown injuries.  Sgt. Shawn Mulligan says they're containing the scene and awaiting the investigators from the Ministry of Labour. 

Hobbs wins mayor's race

Thunder Bay is going to get a new mayor. Keith Hobbs pulled off an upset over incumbent Mayor Lynn Peterson. Around 200 people attended his celebration at the Da Vinci Centre. Hobbs says he's looking forward to working with administration and the rest of council. He notes there shouldn't be any hard feelings from the election campaign. In the At Large Race it's Ken Boshcoff, Larry Hebert, Iain Angus and Aldo Ruberto. Other winners, Trevor Giertuga , Andrew Foulds, Joe Virdiramo, Paul Pugh, Mark Bentz, Brian McKinnon and Linda Rydholm. Complete election results available at this link.

At Large Councillor Election Round Up

Most of Thunder Bay's at large councillors will be on the job for another term.  Ian Angus, Larry Hebert, Rebecca Johnson, and Aldo Roberto appear to have won their seats back according to unofficial election results.  Hebert says he's going to work towards making council more transparent.  Meanwhile, Angus he's ready to tackle job creation.  Former Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff rounds out the at large council members.   Boshcoff says he's happy to return to municipal politics.  The new council and Mayor will be sworn in December 1st.

West Hotel Slated for Demolition

A fire at the West Hotel won't change the City's plans for the building. The vacant hotel was recently acquired by the City because the owners didn't pay the taxes. Taranis Contracting group has been awarded the demolition contract for the building and work will start next week. The building's neighbour the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Hall is also set to be demolished. The city acquired the buildings as part as their plan to improve the appearance of neglected properties. The West Hotel building was under security watch at the time, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

YPN Debate tackles doctor recruitment and youth out-migration

Keeping doctors working in the city was one of the questions posed last night at the Young Professional Network's Mayoral debate.  Colin Burridge feels if we improve our tourism industry we'll retain more doctors.  Meanwhile, Frank Pullia says the answer lies in quality of life. Another topic of discussion included how the city can stop youth out migration.  Lynn Peterson, Keith Hobbs and Jeff Irwin also took part in the debate.

Norwester Protection group protests

The Norwester Escarpment Protection group picketed in front of City Hall Monday night.  Around 20 people rallied before the start of council's weekly meeting.  The group is concerned about the information being provided by Dillon consulting.  Spokesperson Irene Bond says they wanted to see more information in the report and calls it a waste of money. Administration will bring more recommendations to council on Tuesday on their wind farm options.

McGuinty speaks at NOMA Conferece

Premier Dalton McGuinty spent his time in Thunder Bay promoting the Ring of Fire. McGuinty says there's great potential in the region's far north. The Premier also announced that Dr. Christine Kaszycki is the new Coordinator for the chromite deposit initiative. Meanwhile, Progressive Conservative Critic Randy Hillier is surprised by the appointment saying he thought they were going to hire someone from the outside and fresh. Hillier is critical of the fact that Kaszycki was an Assistant Deputy Minister in the Ministery of Northern Development and Mines.

Crime Prevention Council started

Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council is starting to recruit members.  The City held a launch for the council today and Dr. Irvin Waller was the key speaker. Waller addressed the recent murders in the city and says the council needs to review the incidents and look for specific areas where the City could have done a better job.  Waller notes the audit will show areas where there could have been intervention by police, schools, family, or other service provider.  A program coordinator will be hired this fall, and the council's first meeting will be held in mid-December.  Mayor Lynn Peterson says they've set a goal of reducing the City's crime rate by fifty percent over the next ten years. Peterson adds they'll most likely need 100 thousand dollars in funding for crime prevention programs and the council.

Harbourfront condo design unveilled

Thunder Bay City Council got its first look at the design plans for the proposed condo and hotel planned for the Prince Arthur waterfront. Two seven story condos housing 51 suites are to be built, all boasting lake views. Re Solve Spokesperson Giselle Mac Donald says they don't have a hard price attached to the units, but they could cost around 300 dollars per square foot.  The hotel will be four star and offer a heated parking garage. The name of the hotel chain will be finalized in the near future. Hotel Developer Jo Bova says the hotel once it is built will provide 300 jobs. Meanwhile, City Council voted in favour of changes to the waterfront development agreement.