Shelter House volunteer turns 93

A Shelter House volunteer is celebrating her 93rd birthday today by helping prepare and serve a meal for Thunder Bay's less fortunate. Marie Tracz has been volunteering at Shelter House since it first opened in Thunder Bay in 1984.  Tracz is also a long time volunteer of the First Church United.

NAN Grand Chief meets Queen

The leader of the Nishinawbe Aski Nation will be meeting the Queen today. The visit with Queen Elizabeth comes as area first nations mark the 100 year signing of Treaty number 5 with the British Crown. The Queen will wrap up the Canadian tour with a stop at the Ontario Legislature.

124 million dollar school board budget

The Lakehead Public School Board has passed a balanced 126 million dollar budget.  School officials feel their budget will lead to the success of all students.  The 2010-2011 budget will maintain current Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators and Social Workers.  The board also found some efficiencies in transportation costs due to the second year of blended routing and shared transportation costs with partner boards.

More illegal painkillers seized

There appears to be no end to the drug busts involving Oxycodone in the city. The latest arrests were made at two rooms at the Landmark Inn recently. The street value of the pills is estimated to be 96 thousand dollars. There was 60 thousand dollars in cash that was also seized.

City playgrounds staffed for the summer

Thunder Bay playgrounds are open for the summer. 17 Playgrounds throughout the city will have activities for kids from 5 to 12 years old. Supervisor A.J. Kresack says there are structured programs involved to keep children busy. The program runs from 9:30 to 4 Monday to Friday.

Make way for SuperArts

Kids can't complain there's nothing to do this summer. The City of Thunder Bay has kicked off it's SuperArts Program at Ogden Community Centre on McKenzie Street. The program keeps the children busy each afternoon according to supervisor Kirsten Fritsch.   The program includes activities like drama, cooking and scrapbooking. Pictured:  SuperArts participants Matthew Vidis and Rachael Morgan

New hospital prez comes with top credentials

The new president of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is from New Brunswick. Andree Robichaud takes over the position from Ron Saddington as of October first. Robichaud is a seasoned health executive. She is currently the CEO of the Region Health Authority in that province. She also held the position of Associate Deputy Minister of Health in the New Brunswick government.

Road washout closes Highway 11

A large sinkhole has closed Highway 11 west of Kashabowie.   Provincial Police says the sinkhole impacts both lanes of the highway, about 10 kilometres west of Burchell Lake Road.  Heavy rain is to blame. The highway is not expected to reopen until crews complete repairs sometime today. For people  travelling to Atikokan or Fort Frances fromThunder Bay , it means having to detour through Highway 502 and Dryden.

Warm weather will continue

Northwestern Ontario can expect to see warmer than normal temperatures this week.  The normal temperature for this time of year is 24 degrees, but Environment Canada is calling for highs of 26 or more.  Spokesperson Geoff Coulson adds the region will see scattered showers on Tuesday and Thursday.

Gas station robbery leaves attendant injured

A gas bar attendant has been injured after a morning robbery.  A man entered the service station at the corner of Wardrope Avenue and Balsam Street just after 7:30 this morning and attacked the clerk from behind.  The victim sustained a minor injury from what appeared to be a straight edged weapon.  Police have yet to locate the robbery suspect.

Local MPs have side jobs

Thunder Bay's two MPs are in the spotlight along with a number of their fellow parliamentarians. John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer are among the 150 MPs who have outside business interests that could suppliment their regular salary of 151 thousand a year. The information has been taken from the Office of the Ethics Commissioner. It shows that Rafferty owns a communications and media recording company while Bruce Hyer still owns Wild Waters Wilderness shop and Nature Tours.

Family fishing week in Ontario

Family fishing week is coming to Ontario.Starting July third Ontario residents will be permitted to fish without a lisence. Officials say the event allows for children and adults to experience the outdoor activity. Licence-free fishing will be allowed July 3rd to 11th. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is holding a family fishing day on July 11th at Hazelwood Lake.

Geraldton going gold

Premier Gold says it has discovered at least one million ounces of possible gold at the Hardrock deposit in Geraldton. This is good news for the company, because gold has been trading well this year, at more than one thousand two hundred US dollars per ounce. Premier Gold of Thunder Bay holds a 70% share in the company.

Stanley Cup here July 10th!

Thunder Bay is getting another visit from Lord Stanley's legacy. The Stanley Cup is being brought here Saturday, July 10th by Chicago Blackhawk star Patrick Sharp. It will be on display at the Fort William Gardens from 11 am until 1 pm. Last year Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins, brought the cup here and thousands of hockey fans came to catch a glimpse and get their picture taken with hockey's holy grail

Thousands attend celebrations

Another successful Canada Day at Marina Park. Co-ordinator Melissa Wnuk says all event and activities took place without a hitch. She says over 20 thousand attended the festivities on Water Street and at Marina Park. Wnuk says there were a few minor incidents, but nothing serious and the weather cooperated.

Columbus making return visits next year

The city is continuing its efforts to make Thunder Bay a cruise ship destination on the Great Lakes.   Tourism Manager Paul Pepe says that next year the MV Columbus will be making two stops in the city. It will bring with it 900 passenger over the two visits.  The Columbus is no stranger to the city.  It has made several ports of call here over the last decade.  For the last two years the Clelia II has been making it's way here, but this will be it's final season.  Pictured:  MV Columbus

Social Services Building soon to be built

Thunder Bay's social services board is eagerly awaiting construction on its new building.  Work began over the weekend to prepare the site, with asbsestos being removed.  The main tender for the construction of the building will be issued in late August.

Gas is up

Thunder Bay motorists might have got a shock when they pulled into their local service station yesterday.  The price of gas at the pump took a big jump on July 1st. The Harmonized Sales Tax kicked in yesterday and resulted in an eight cent a liter increase in the price at the pump.  Gas now costs anywhere from 108.9 to 116.9 cents a liter.  Gasoline is just one of the projects that is subject to the new HST.

Coroner's investigation continues

The regional coroner's office says it will be several more months before they conclude an investigation into the death of Willow Scott Hannam.  Dr. Michael Wilson says once the investigation concludes they'll share the information with the family.  Wilson adds after the investigation concludes they will decide whether or not to launch an inquiry into the death.  The four year old died while on a school field trip to Fort William Historical Park May 31st.  

Re-Store is an HST free zone

There's a way to get around paying sales tax on home renovation items...and it's not illegal. Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store doesn't have to charge the HST according to Manager Keith MacMillan. He says because they sell used donated goods they don't have to charged the HST. MacMillan says previously they were charging the PST, but the new tax eliminates that. He believes his store is the only place in the city that doesn't charge sales tax.

Bobby wows 'em on Canada Day

Thunder Bay's own Bobby Curtola is celebrating Canada Day in the city. He entertained fans young and old in the parking lot of the OLG Casino. The casino is one of several sites in the city that is hosting Canada Day festivities. Marina Park is were the official ceremonies are taking place along with the fireworks at dusk.

Chamber sides with cab companies

Cab companies in the city have the Chamber of Commerce on their side. The Chamber wants the Police Services Board to reconsider a decision to disallow a rate increase the companies say they need to absorb the HST. President Harold Wilson says it's only fair. He says it will be the cab drivers who will end up suffering.

NWO Fire Update

The fire hazard is low to moderate across the region, including the far north which was at high hazard. A single fire was reported yesterday in the Greenstone District close to the community of Summer Beaver. The fire is small at 0.1 hectares. There are currently six fires burning in the West fire region.

HST...it's a gas, gas, gas

Many drivers in Thunder Bay are trying to beat the HST on gasoline.  They are lining up at gas stations to pay the lower price. The K & A Variety on City Road is getting lots of business today according to one employee.   He says it's been "nuts" all day.  The 13 per cent HST kicks in tomorrow.

Party of five found by OPP

Five young adults are safe after getting lost in the bush.  Thunder Bay OPP responded to a call on Sunday from a lost 20 year old.  The man and his four friends were lost on a bush road in the Adrian Lake road in Marks Township.  When officers arrived at the scene they activated their lights and sirens in the hopes that the group would see or hear where the police were located.  Officers walked into the bush for about 1.5 kilometers and located the group.  Everyone was safe.

Science North comes to Thunder Bay

Northwestern Ontario is getting a boost to its Science community. Science North has opened an office in Thunder Bay and C-E-O Jim Marchbank says the office will help promote science in the area by travelling throughout the region in the Cool Science Caravan. The office is located at the Thunder Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Condo and hotel projects "moving forward"

The Condo and Hotel projects for Prince Arthur's Landing are alive and well. That's according to developer Gisele MacDonald who met with city officials this week to go over the building design. She says the waterfront project remains in gear. MacDonald says they hope to put the condos on the market in September and says there are 3 hotel companies interested in being a part of the waterfront plan.   The design plans and the selected hotel will be presented to City Council in later summer.

Wind farm decision delayed again

The City of Thunder Bay isn't making any decisions on the Big Thunder wind park.  Council has asked Horizon Wind to produce another report, but this time reflecting the concerns of citizens at last night's meeting.  Councillor Linda Rydholm says she's glad they are getting more information from the company.  One member of the public walked out during last night's meeting disgruntled and visibly upset after council asked Horizon Wind representatives a series of questions.  The second draft report will come back to council on July 26th.

Local residents voice their concerns on proposed wind park

The message from a special council meeting on the proposed Big Thunder Wind Park is for city council to hold off on making a decision on the location until all public hearings are finished.  A series of deputations were held and many delegates said there is no need to rush a decision. Delegates also asked council to ensure Horizon Wind holds the proper amount of consultation sessions with the public.  Horizon is holding an open house on August 4th at the Community Hall and August 5th at Lakehead Labour Centre.

Loch Lomond Ski area worried about proposed wind turbines

The owner of Loch Lomond ski area is worried the proposed wind farm will hurt his business.  Ward Bond says he's spoken with his insurance company and is worried he might not be able to get liability insurance with turbines located near his operation.  Bond says the turbines could vibrate the ground jeopardizing the safety of their ski lifts.  Bond adds he's not against the turbines he just wants them located in an area that is away from homes and businesses. Bond was part of many deputations on the turbines at a special council meeting Tuesday night.

Decision time for city councillors

There's big city council meeting taking place tonight. It's expected that administration may recommend to council whether to approve or turn down a proposed location for a wind farm on the Nor Wester Mountains.  Councillors will be meeting behind closed doors prior to the 6:30 start.  It's there they will get a chance to discuss the delicate legal issues surrounding any potential decision.

Phone book features Special Olympics

In the immortal words of Steve Martin in The Jerk..."The new phone book is here, the new phone book is here."  TBayTel is distributing the new version to all it's customers over the next week or so.   It features a tribute to the Special Olympics Ontario Games being held in the city in January.

Crime in the 'hood on a map now

City police are now using the internet to inform you about crime in your neighbourhood. Spokesperson Chris Adam says it's called crime mapping and its like a virtual Neighbourhood Watch. He says different types of crime are marked on a Google Map. He says those crimes are the ones they feel the public is most interested in knowing about. That includes crimes of violence, property crime and even traffic accidents. Adams says those crimes are now marked to show exactly where in the city they happened.  The site also allows you to get e-mail alerts about crime in your area.  Here is the link to the crime map.

Search fails to find new Prostate Man

The search for a new Prostate Man is over, and no one will fill the role. The Health Sciences Centre tried to recruit a new man for the volunteer position, but Alison McMullen says they couldn't find the right person. 
Instead health officials are starting a promotion to encourage all men over 50 to be Prostate Man and monitor their own health

No pulp fiction...Terrace Bay Pulp set to re-open

Thunder Bay's Buchanan Forest Products is basking in victory. Creditors have voted in favour of the company's plan for Terrace Bay Pulp paving the way for the mill to re-open in the north shore community. Yves Fricot has been the company pointman in the process and he couldn't be happier. He calls it a great vote of confidence by the creditors who have been affected by some really tough times. The mill could re-open sometime next month.

Former PC MPP Leo Bernier died Monday

Former Tory Cabinet minister Leo Bernier died in Sioux Lookout yesterday. He was first elected to the provincial legistlature in 1966 and spent 21 years in office. The man known as the Emperor of the North was 81.

Two suspicious fires are being investigated

Thunder Bay Firefighters had a busy morning. They first had to deal with a garage fire on Summit Avenue just before 4 o'clock this morning. Then crews also responded to a vehicle fire on Crown Street a short time later. Both fires are under investigation.

Councillors trying out pilot project limiting questions

Council has approved a pilot project for two months limiting the number of questions a city councilor can ask the public and administration.  Most councillors were in favour of the change, but Councillor Rebecca Johnson was not.  Johnson says she asks questions that she knows the answers to for the benefit of the public.  Meanwhile, council voted down a resolution limiting how long a council meeting can run.   Many felt most meetings should go past 11:30 if it warrants it.

Library costs run over budget

The Mary J L Black Branch Library continues to run over budget.  The City of Thunder Bay approved 990-thousand dollars in extra costs associated with the library last night.  The latest tender for the project came in at over 4.2 million dollars and was awarded to Aurora Construction.  The additional cost is attributed to the construction market and the redevelopment of the preffered site at the West Thunder Community Centre.

Council approves purchase of new buses

There will be some new buses on city streets.  Council has approved the purchase of six new low floor 40 foot transit coaches from Nova Bus.  The buses will cost the city over 1.2 million dollars.

Canada Day brings the implementation of new long term care rules

The new long term care homes act comes into effect Canada Day and Thunder Bay's nursing homes are preparing for its implementation. Pioneer Ridge Administrator Cindy Jarvela says both the ministry of long term care and area homes are scrambling to implement the new rules. Jarvela says the homes will keep up the status quo and will have fully implemented the new act by years end. Jarvela says inspection teams will be coming into homes and conducting one on one interviews with residents and provide positive and negative feedback to the homes. The new act will ensure home infrastructure is kept up to date, and will also look at how residents are treated. 

City waiting for Hydro Board report

The City of Thunder Bay is going to wait to see what the Hydro board has to say about its size and structure.  Council was considering reducing the size of municipal representation on the board, but has since decided to wait for a report from the board itself.  The proposed make up of the board, if approved, would have only one member of city council on it. The city manager would also have a non voting position on the board.  Council is asking the board to review some of the proposed changes and provide a report on what they would like to see in their organization's makeup.

Police locate lost group

A group of five young adults are safe and sound after being lost in the bush over the weekend. OPP say that they went for a walk on a road in in the area of Adrian Lake Road in Marks Township and couldn't find their way back. Police walked into the bush for about a kilometre and half before the group was found.

Habs re-sign Pyatt

Tom Pyatt is officially with the Montreal Canadiens again. He signed a one year half a million dollar contract. For Pyatt it's a relief to get it done early and it gives him a chance to enjoy the summer worry free. He says he's happy to be back with the Habs. Pyatt says he hopes to use the contract as a springboard for something more longer term in the future.

NAN supports reading program.

The Lieutenant Governor's Summer Reading camp is getting the stamp of approval from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.  The First Nations organization is helping to promote it. David Onley says the future of the program looks solid.   He says they're getting longer term committments from sponsors.    There are 100 youth counsellors in the program.

L-U hosts 11th Shad Valley

Some of the smartest teenage minds in Canada are at Lakehead University for the annual Shad Valley program . This year there are 65 participants. Local organizer Sultan Siddiqui says it's important to host the program in Thunder Bay. He says it exposes the city to future leaders of Canada. The students will be in the city for a month. This year they're being asked to develop a product that will help to fill a need for the aging population of Canada.

Shelter House Food Drive a success

The Thunder Bay Fire Department's food drive for Shelter House was a huge success. Food was collected at the City's Safeway locations and all but one Metro locations Friday night. Shelter House Executive Director Cal Rankin says the public donated over a tonne and a half of food and over a thousand dollars in cash and gift cards. Rankin says this should get them through the next month or two.

Purse snatcher caught by police

A purse snatcher was arrest by Thunder Bay police over the weekend. The 18 year boy old nabbed the purse from an elderly woman Saturday Evening, and will appear in court today. Police are still looking for a second man involved in the robbery.

Fire Department deals with shed fire

A house on McPherson Street saw their shed get torched yesterday. Just before 6:30 crews responded to the call and when they arrived they found the shed completely engulfed in flames. Officials are calling the fire susupicious.

Time saving measures coming to Council.

The move is on to shorten long winded city council meetings. Councillors will be considering two possible solutions at tonight's meeting. One is a proposal to have all Monday night council meetings end at 11:30 pm. Any further business would be settled the next evening. The other proposal would be to restrict councillors questions during presentations by the public and to administraiton.  Also at council several major contracts are being considered by city councillors tonight. One is for the new Mary J. L. Black Library, another is for the re-roofing of the Canada Games Complex. There is no cost associated with those two projects in the council agenda. Meantime councillors will also vote on the purchase of 6 new transit buses at a cost of 1.2 million dollars.