Diabetes DVD released on Friday

The Dilico Anishinabek Family Care group wants to help put an end to diabetes. The group created an educational video that aims to prevent the disease from overtaking Northern Superior First Nations. The dvd provides information about Type 2 Diabetes and will be made public on Friday. 94 percent of first nations people living in the Robinson-Superior Treaty area have type 2 diabetes, which is preventable.

Rural broadband expanded

Rural communities around Thunder Bay will see improvements made to their high speed internet connections. The money was set aside by large telecommunication companies after the CRTC made them allocate some of their money to rural broadband services.  Dorion, Pass Lake, MacDiarmid, Armstrong, Nakina and Marathon are slated for upgrades this year.

NAPS seizes drugs

Nishnawbe Aski Police executed a search warrant of the Fort Hope First Nation. Police seized a street value of approximately 14-thousand dollars worth of OxyContin prescription drugs. 32 year old Linda Josephine Wabano and 32 year old Normand Sidney Shawinimash have each been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. Wabano and Shawinimash have both been released on conditions and will appear in court on November 4th.

It's coffee break month

Thunder Bay's Alzheimer Society is celebrating 15 years of "coffee breaks". The fundraiser is being held throughout the month of September. Spokesperson Jason Paul Rasevych says anyone interested in holding a coffee break can pick up a kit from the Alzheimer Society office.

Global Sticks targetting an October start up

Global Sticks is now targeting October for its grand opening. The wooden stick manufacturing factory was originally slated to start up in July but spokesperson Hans-Erik Aamand says there were some issues that slowed up work but the facility should be up and running sometime next month.  The company will build sticks for ice cream bars, popsicles and paint stirring.  When in full operation the facility will employ around 80 people.

Summer Company comes to an end

Thunder Bay's entrepreneur centre is heralding the benefits of the Summer Company program.  Director of the Community Economic Development Commisssion Rebecca Johnson says youth that take part in the program could help guide the city's future.  Johnson notes if they can run a successful business in Thunder Bay now, they'll be more likely to do it again when they've completed their schooling.  A wrap up ceremony was held on Thursday for the local students who took part in this summer's program.

Federal funding rolled out

The Federal Government is helping employ disabled people in the Thunder Bay area. Parliamentry Secretary for Official Languages Greg Rickford was in town yesterday and announced over 200 thousand dollars for the Independent Living Resource Centre. The organization will use the money to provide their program to an additional 90 people. The program helps people living with disabilities gain the skills they need to obtain jobs, prepare for self-employment or return to school.

Get ready for some rain

Get out your rain gear! Its going to get wet in Thunder Bay. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says a low pressure system is moving into the area that could bring 20 to 30 millimetres of rain. Coulson says if there is any thunderstorm activity there could be even more rain and some areas could see rainfall warnings. The weather will turn around for the weekend, with sunshine and temperatures nearing the 20 degree mark for Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Thunder Bay Votes 2010

Thunder Bay's returning officer is gearing up for the upcoming municipal election.  John Hannam says the city is the first in the country to offer a mobile polling station.  Hannam says they'll be driving the voting van around the city during advance polls.  The van will be parked for a full day at both Confederation College and Lakehead University as a way to promote the youth vote.  If you're not sure if you're registered to vote in the upcoming municipal election; you can find out by checking the voter's list at City Hall or any of Thunder Bay's libraries.  More information on the upcoming 2010 municipal election is available at http://www.thunderbay.ca/

Industry Minister vists Northwest

It was a campaign-style visit to Northwestern Ontario this week for Industry Minister Tony Clement. Clement spoke to a group of area leaders asking for their help in electing Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman. Clement is backing Stehman who is carrying the Conservative banner in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding. Clement criticized MP John Rafferty for the decisions he's made in Ottawa, suggesting they're not consistant with the values and principals of the riding. Meanwhile, seven groups around the Thunder Bay area are receiving FEDNOR dollars to hire youth interns. Clement says the organizations are taking advantage of a program that helps give young people some much needed work experience.

Focus North Forum comes to end

Canada's Northern Development Ministers are leaving Thunder Bay with a better sense of how they can help the north. Ontario's Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says they're going to tackle the north's infrastructure deficit.  Gravelle says many communities have a hard time coming up with their share of funding for infrastructure projects.  Each provincial minister had the opportunity to speak with Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan earlier in the day.  Gravelle used his time with the Minister to discuss the Northern Growth Plan.

Rogers and TBayTel are making strides on a Northwestern 3G network

TBayTel and Rogers are making progress on their joint project that will see a 3G network cover the region. Starting this month Rogers customers will start their transition into TBayTel coverage. TBayTel President Don Campbell says work on turning over the 3G network is on target and should be operational in Thunder Bay and other bigger centres in the region by November. Campbell says the partnership will also give customers a greater selection of hand held devices and services.

The Waterfront Project is facing cost overruns

The Prince Arthur landing project has seen a few ups and down recently on the financial front. A number of tenders have come in over budget forcing some alterations and postponements. Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says costs overruns are being dealt with by removing portions of the tenders or putting off  work to later dates. Dugmore says if council adds to the budget, 50 percent of the additional costs would come from taxpayers.

Terry Fox's parents remember

Today marks the day Terry Fox was forced to put an end to his cross Canada Marathon for Hope.  It was 30 years ago when Fox stopped in Thunder Bay.  His parents say today is bittersweet, and they'll be using the anniversary to pay tribute to him.  No official ceremony is planned in Thunder Bay.

Harvey wins conservative nomination

Richard Harvey needed two tries but he was finally chosen as the conservative representative for Thunder Bay Superior North at yesterday's party nomination meeting. Harvey lost last year to Michael Auld but had another chance after Auld bowed out due to health problems. Harvey defeated Richard Longtin for the federal nomination.

City unveils new voting machine

A new voting machine will make it easier for people with disabilities to cast their ballot during the municipal election. The City unveiled the unit at city hall yesterday. The machines cost between 35 and 40 thousand dollars to lease and support services for the machines will cost around 80 thousand.

NAN still against far north act

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation plans to voice their concern about the far north act at Queen's Park this fall.  Grand Chief Stan Beardy says they'll be holding a rally once the legislature resumes.  Beardy notes they want to work these issues out with the Provincial Government.

Yogi Bear in Dryden

They say Yogi is smarter then the average bear but he may now have some competition.  A bear was seen this morning camped out near the Welcome to Dryden sign, on the east end of Town.  The Ministry of Natural Resources responded and set up a trap.  The curious bear decided to park himself by the trap and stare at it for roughly 45-mintues.  Apparently he was plotting a strategy.  The bear got up, circled the trap and then ran in and out while grabbing the food inside.  The proud bruin then walked into the bush, with food in mouth.

Michael Chan visits Thunder Bay

The Minister of Tourism says the naysayers who were against the province's new regional tourism zones are now on board. Michael Chan says he had a chance to dispell their fears during a recent visit to Thunder Bay. The funding is expected to be rolled out for the zones this fall.

Focus North held in Thunder Bay

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers are meeting in Thunder Bay today.  The Focus North forum will tackle the region's social, economic and fiscal issues.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle will be holding a wrap up session tomorrow at the Bestwestern Nor'Wester Hotel.

Small business community is unhappy with council

The small business community is apparently not happy with city council. A new survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says businesses in Thunder Bay feel council isn't meeting their needs. Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson says he feels the survey isn't completely accurate but it is a very important issue.  Wilson says many of the questions in the statement were very open ended and could have been taken from a provincial or federal standpoint instead of municipal.

PC's attack Ontario Government's LHINS

The Progressive Conservatives are not a fan of the Ontario government's local health integration networks.  PC Democratic Reform Critic Steve Clark says so much money was wasted by the Northwest LHIN.  The Northwest LHIN spent 4.8 million dollars on administration costs and 1.5 million on consultants.  Clark feels the money could have been better spent providing front line medical care.

Waterfront project hits a snag

There are more pricing issues for the city's waterfront development project. The tenders for two landscaping projects came in over budget. The work on Pier three will be put off to next year after tenders came in over double the estimated cost. Work on the spirit garden will take place this year but a portion of Pier one was also dropped for this year.

Veterans honoured with new memorial in Thunder Bay

Second World War naval veterans were honoured yesterday with the reintroduction of Paterson park. The Paterson Sailors Memorial monument was unveiled at 1918 Yonge Street and honours 6 Paterson shipping vessels that were sunk during the second world war.

Public comment on comprehensive zoning by-law

Just one person made a deputation in favour of the city's comprehensive zoning by-law, while many were against it.  Peter Kuzak spoke against the proposed legislation that he calls a moving target.  Kuzak notes people need time to read the document and see how it will impact their land.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she's not ready to vote in favour of the comprehensive zoning by law and is worried they haven't consulted enough with the public.  Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern reassured council they have spoke many times with the public.

Zoning by law has many sticking points

There seems to be one major sticking point in the proposed comprehensive zoning by-law. Councillor Larry Hebert says many people are concerned about the new enivronmental protection and overlay zones where people are not permitted to build. Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern says the new zones point out where the city allows construction; but the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority does not. McEachern says the environmental protection zones identify boundaries of flood areas, wetlands and hazardous slopes. Some councillors were also concerned about a lack of legislation which would allow four plexes to be built on corner lots in areas with character homes. McEachern adds fourplexes will only be allowed in areas such as the east end.

Zoning by-law under construction

The City of Thunder Bay's new zoning by-law continues to be under construction. Administration provided an update to council on Monday night on the legislation in process. The new comprehensive zoning by-law offers simpler maps and less zones. The city has already held a number of public meetings on the proposed legislation.  The comprehensive zoning by law was approved in principal last night and will be sent back to council at a later meeting. The document will also be posted on the city's website for public consultation for four weeks.

Paterson Sailors Park

Thunder Bay has honored its sailing history. The former Paterson shipping company site has been renamed the Paterson Sailors Memorial Park. A monument was placed at the Yonge street site on Monday night.

Council allows day nursery on Glengary Dr.

City council tackled a number of zoning issues at Monday night's meeting.  The owner of a home based day care centre wants to expand her business.  The day care on Glengary Drive currently holds five kids, but the owner would like to expand that to 12.   Councillor Mark Bentz was concerned about the possibility of noise from children playing in the yard.  The business currently looks after toddlers and pre-schoolers.  Plenty of people came out to argue in support and against the daycare.  Despite the divide between councillors, the day care will be allowed to hold 12 kids.

More parking on the way

The City of Thunder Bay is rezoning a piece of property in the downtown area to allow for more parking. The property owners want to knock down a house on Marks Street South to expand the commercial parking lot that serves West Arthur Place. 15 percent of the lot must be used as a green space. Some area residents expressed concern over the rezoning, stating West Arthur Place doesn't need any more parking spaces.

Ice Edge meets with ECHL commissioner in Thunder Bay

Ice Edge Holdings is taking another step in their dream of bringing a professional hockey team to Thunder Bay. The groups top dogs were in the city to meet with City officials and the commissioner of the ECHL. CEO Keith McCullough says him and Anthony Leblanc both being from Thunder Bay, want to see a team come to the city and believe as long as a new arena is built, a team could be successful. Leblanc says a new arena needs to happen before a team could come to the city.

Whelan building is getting a new high tech tennant

The Medical industry in Thunder Bay is getting another heavy hitter. Tornado Medical Systems has chosen the city for its home and will set up shop in the historic Whelan building. TMS is a commercial medical imaging company and Michael Power says having a commercial company in the city will pay huge dividends for the city from research financing firms.   Power says when a research company can show they have an active partner in the commercial field more research funding will flow to the Regional Research Institute.  TMS could employ as many as 50 people with in the next 2-3 years.

RFDA announces 2nd annual Art of Giving fundraiser

The RFDA and Badanai Motors are once again joining forces to raise money for regional food banks. The car dealership will be hosting the 2nd annual Art of Giving auction. Chair Marilyn Chicoine says they hope to raise 30 thousand dollars.  The fundraiser takes place September 23rd at Badanai Motors starting at 7 o'clock.

No one was injured during armed robbery

Thunder Bay police are looking for one man after a north side gas bar was robbed at Knife point yesterday. Police say the robbery happened at 6:30 yesterday. The thief is described as 5 foot 11 and was dressed all in black. No one was hurt.

Thunder Bay police looking for missing woman

Thunder Bay police are looking to the public for help in locating a missing woman. Police say 42 year old Cindy Rose Forbister has been missing since Saturday night. Forbister is described as 5 foot 6, slim with brown hair and a skull tattoo on her forearm.

Union members 96% in favour of strike

Transit workers voted 96% in favour of strike action today at the CEP hall on Memorial Avenue. The vote was only see if workers are willing to strike; bus service will continue for the time being.

The Ministry of Labour will inform the union of the earliest date they are able to strike. Amalgamated Transit Union 966 president Charlie Brown says the union doesn't want to inconvenience the public and he hopes the city comes back to the table to negotiate.

Brown notes it was the largest turnout he'd ever personally seen with 90% of the workforce in attendance.

Some of the issues which concern the union are proposed changes to benefits, an increase in part time workers and how transit workers wages compare to those of other city employees.

Support for cats

The Thunder Bay Humane Society still has a lot of cats but community members have been a big help.

The organization has been receiving donations of supplies like food and litter as well as financial support.

Judy Decicco of the Humane Society says the public's response has been incredible and notes the organization receives no government funding.

No cats were abandoned last week and there were  nine adoptions.

 Decicco says the organization will continue to waive adoption fees for cats they've had over six months leaving only the $100 vet fee.

Robbery arrest

Thunder Bay police have arrested a man in connection with the August 23rd robbery of Mr. Sub on Red River.


The same man is also being charged with a mugging that happened last Friday on South May street.

Police took the 26 year old man into custody Saturday morning.

Neebing grow-op bust

Combined Forces Drug Enforcement Unit officers arrested two people and siezed 900 marijuana plants in Neebing Township yesterday.

In addition to the plants, five firearms and 565 grams of dried marijuana were also siezed.

The total street value of the of the drugs is estimated to be around 875,000 dollars.

Swim advisories lifted

There's good news if you want to take a dip to beat the heat this weekend.

The Health Unit has lifted swimming advisories for Lakeview and Sandycove beaches at Boulevard lake.

Sunnyside beach at Boulevard and Chippewa Park's Main Beach are still under advisory due to high levels of E. Coli bacteria.

Traffic Delays on Monday

Keep this in mind as you make your way to work on Monday.  If your travelling in the area where John Street becomes Oliver Road you can expect some traffic disruptions.  Thunder Bay Hydro is conducting work in that area around Algoma and High Street.  Crews will be working on hydro lines which will impact traffic flow from Banning Street, Ontario, and Second Street as well as cross traffic from intercity and the surrounding residential areas.  The closure will begin at 10 and continue through to 4 until the work is done.

Leon's store taking shape

Work continues on the new Leon's store in Thunder Bay. The building is taking shape, and crews are still working on the lot. City Council will be asked on Monday night to give Leon's some leeway on it's store front sign. It's requesting a variance to increase the size of it's wall sign.

Atikokan Generating Station gets green light to convert to biofuels

The Atikokan Generating Station jumped a big hurdle in switching to Biofuels. The Ontario government has announced that the plant has recieved provincial approval for the switch. MPP Bill Mauro says the next step is creation of a power purchase aggreement and then construction will take about three years. Mauro says he hopes that a wood pellet facility can be built in the Northwest to supply the station with fuel.

Late assignments could land students a zero this school year

Students will have to keep track of due dates on their assignments a little more closely this year. The ministry of education has put new regulations in place allowing teachers to give zero's for late assignments. Superintendant of education Sherri-Lynne Pharand says the local school board still has to create their own policy. Teachers will use their own judgement on weather or not they give students a zero for handing in late assignments.

Alzheimer Society gets money

The Alzheimer Society is on the receiving end of a 25-thousand dollar donation.  Doris Arnold provided the cash as a commitment as a Patron to the Society. Arnold first became a patron in 2007 in honour of her late husband who dies of Alzheimers.

Invasive Species in Thunder Bay

The Ministry of Natural Resources are on the look out for invasive species. The rusty crayfish was recently spotted in Cloud Lake. Rusty crayfish are highly aggressive and can consume twice as much food as native crayfish. Anyone who spots the larger than normal crayfish is asked to contact the MNR.

Kokocinski appointed NW LHIN CEO

A new person is in charge of the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.  The Board has appointed Laura Kokocinski as Chief Executive Officer effective September first.  She has worked with the LHIN as the Senior Director, Planning, Integration and Community Engagement since January 2006 and was appointed Interim CEO back in February.  Kokocinski is from Northwestern Ontario and has extensive health care experience in various communities including Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay.  She was selected from a large Canada-wide pool.

Former Mayor not running in Municipal election

Former Thunder Bay Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff has made it official; he's not running for the Mayor's seat in Thunder Bay.  Boshcoff says he doesn't have time to be mayor since his business advisory company has taken off.  The former Thunder Bay Mayor released the statement on Friday because he wanted to quell the rumour mill and clarify his intentions.