PCs Have Plan For Skilled Trades

Tim Hudak, Jane McKenna

The Progressive Conservatives in Ontario are proposing to give high school students hands on experience.  PC economic critic Jane McKenna says as part of the party platform on big cities, they would make sure skills training was included in the curriculum for at risk youth.  The plan would see local high schools would be partnered with provincially funded construction projects.    The PCs believe their idea would ease the current high demand for skilled trades.

Meeting To Discuss Youth Centre

It should be an interesting evening  at the Moose Hall on Fort William Road.   Opponents of a proposed Indian Friendship Youth Centre at the former Prosvita Hall on High Street are gathering to explain the strategy for next month's city hall meeting.  Organizer Michael Lemesani says he's coming with new information.   The meeting starts at 6:30.

Hyer Goes National With Rail Concerns

Thunder Bay independant MP Bruce Hyer is grabbing attention with his views on rail safety.   Speaking on the CTV News Channel, Hyer says this weekend's fiery derailment in Alberta is reason enough to take a serious look at how much money is spent on making sure rail transportation is safe.  He says there needs to be regulation that works and a stop to cutting funds and people.  Hyer also believes there should be more money spent on rail infrastructure in the country.

Great Dane Causes Commotion

It was a dog day afternoon at Prince Arthur's Landing on Monday afternoon.  That's when a black and white great dane got away from his master and starting running about.    Witnesses first saw the big dog running loose on  Park Avenue and then down Water street and then to the marina.  Eventually the owner retrieved the pet by coaxing it into a vehicle.

Condo-Hotel Preparations Begin

There's activity on the waterfront.  Construction crews are preparing the site of the new waterfront hotel and condos.Manshield Construction President Peter Belluz says they're just prepping before construction starts in about six weeks time.

Gravelle probes Shag controversy

MPP Michael Gravelle says it would be a shame to see an end to Shags in Thunder Bay.   The popular wedding fundraiser is being threatened because of provincial laws regulating raffles.   Gravelle is investigating exactly what the rules are to see if something can be done

Underground gym needs cash

The Underground Gym is looking for operating funds from the City of Thunder Bay.  The group provides a place for needy kids and teens to work out, play and learn to box free of charge.  Representatives from the gym will be making a deputation and funding request at Monday night's council meeting.

Council tackles LRCA levy

Thunder Bay could be paying more money to the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. Administration is recommending council provide almost 113-thousand dollars extra to their 2010 levy. The extra cash is for the recovery of professional fees associated with the failed facility on Fort William Road. The remaining funds are to be used for maintenance and capital expenditures for the old facility.

High School students meet with Kenyan Runners

A Thunder Bay high school is learning from the winner and runner up of the Miles with the Giant Marathon.  Members of the Westgate Tigers Cross-Country Team will meet with Kenyan Runners Philip Kipchumba and Gilbert Kiptoo.  The duo will be speaking to a library full of students and runners today.

Transit talks ongoing

The City and Amalgamated Transit Union officials are still locked in talks trying to hammer out a deal.  City administration has said talks are in a critical state.  Manager Tim Commisso says some progress was made in terms of non-monetary and language issues.  The earliest transit workers could walk off the job is Friday morning.

Transit Negotiations continue

The Amalgamated Transit Union says negotiations are plugging along with the City.  President Charlie Brown says the city spent yesterday looking over their counter offer.  Both sides have provided each other with proposals, and another full day of negotiations is scheduled. If negotiations fail transit workers could strike as early as Friday morning.

Chamber and NAN to protest together

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be shoulder to shoulder this week. Chamber President Harold Wilson says they'll be protesting at Queens Park together against the Far North Act. Wilson says joining forces with NAN shows the north is united against a piece of legislation that is detrimental to the region.   The protest will take place on Thursday.

Hotel-condo land size reduced

The waterfront land that is being sold for a condo and hotel development is now smaller. Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore says the 2.65 acre parcel has been reduced by about half an acre because the larger area wasn't required for the projects. Dugmore says the financial hit will be minimal and that the loss could be recovered during site preparation.

OCP in favour of Long Gun Registry

The Ontario Chiefs of Police are supporting the long gun registry. President Bob Herman says he hopes the legislation aimed at scrapping the long gun registry is defeated. Herman says he understands that the issues is a touchy one in Northwestern Ontario but notes its for police officers safety.

Horizon Wind holds last open house

Horizon Wind has filled its responsibilities to consult area residents about their proposed wind park.  The last open house was held Tuesday night, and Project Co-ordinator Nhung Nguyen says they're now readying their application to the Ministry of Environment. Nguyen says they're not sure when they'll be ready to send in the renewable energy approval application.

Family health team announced for Tbay

The provincial government is green lighting the creation of another family health team in Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro announced the funding yesterday. Mauro says it's a joint project between the hospital and an already existing clinic. It could take three to four years before the family health team is up and running. There are already four family health teams working in the Thunder Bay area.

Parking rate increases proposed

Parking rates could be on the rise...but relax, it won't be right away. Parking Authority Manager James Coady says a report to council Monday, recommends it, but says it won't happen until there can be discussions with the businesses that would be affected. That includes the Harbour B.I.A., the Victoria Ave. B.I.A., the Simpson St. B.I.A., the Westfort Merchant Association, and the Bay/Secord Merchant Association. It would then be brought before councillors at budget time. As well councillors will hear that it'll cost about 2.2 million dollars to aquire lands around the new courthouse building in the south core to accommodate parking demand.

Waterfront work continues

Work continues on the Prince Arthur landing. Waterfront Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says they awarded four tenders including electrical, sewage and landscaping contracts. The foundation for the water garden pavilion, skating rink/splash pad and water feature has been installed .

City buses won't cross picket line

City buses will not cross the Northern Ontario School of Medicine strike picket lines. The City Transit Department has set up a temporary stop on Oliver Road across from the Agora entrance. Anyone wanting to enter Lakehead University will have to cross the picket line by walking or in their own vehicle.

Terrace Bay Pulp close to starting up again

Terrace Bay Pulp could be out of creditor protection by next Tuesday. That's the day the company will have a hearing on the matter. Lawyer Yves Fricot says they've been allowed to prepare the mill for restart. The company is also purchasing material that is needed for the start up of the mill.