OPP Copper Thefts

Thieves continue to target copper wire as a source of easy money. OPP say that three men were arrested in connection with the theft of the metal in the region. They say a probe uncovered 14 hundred pounds of copper wire stolen from the CP Rail line east of the city.

Library launches $ campaign

The Thunder Bay Public Library is trying to raise a quarter of a million dollars in the community. The campaign is in support of the new Mary J-L Black Branch. Chief Librarian Gina La Force is confident residents will step up.  The money raised will be used to help furnish the new branch.  The Friends of the Public Library kicked the campaign off with a donation of 50 thousand dollars.

Retired general says scandal will not taint the forces

A retired Brigadier General in Thunder Bay doesn't think the Williams scandal will shake confidence in the military. Colonel Russell Williams has pleaded guilty in a Belleville court  to killing two women, sexually assaulting two others and a string of break-ins. Thunder Bay's  John Litt admits, there will be a few who see this as a stain on the forces, but others should see the crimes committed by Colonel Williams as ones performed by an individual.   Litt doesn't agree with stories that say the incident has shaken the military to it's core.

Waste Reduction Week kicks off in Thunder Bay

The City is teaming up with EcoSuperior this week for waste reduction week. EcoSuperior Spokesperson Karen Copeland says the week will include a number of events including a bunch of talks with local school students. Copeland says its a great opportunity for people to learn more ways to reduce the amount of waste they produce. One of the highlights is a workshop this Saturday at Intercity Mall.

New Ornge facility

Ornge Ontario unveiled a new air ambulance facility in Thunder Bay yesterday.


Ornge CEO Tom Lepine says the facility brings different parts of the organization together under one roof.

According to Lepine, Thunder Bay is the organization's busiest airport for transporting patients. He says the new facility will help Ornge deliver better patient care and cut down on response time.

The  facility will also serve as an educational hub to train Ornge paramedics around the region.

YPN debate a success

The Young Professionals Network is calling last week's mayoral debate a success.

A straw poll conducted at the beginning and end of the event showed that minds were changed by the candidate's responses. Keith Hobbs had a six percent drop in support among the crowd by the end of the debate while Lynn Peterson had an 85 percent increase from where she started at the beginning of the night.

YPN says around 175 city residents attended the event.

Bruce Hyer heads to China

Bruce Hyer is going to China. The Thunder Bay-Superior North MP leaves today to be part of a joint federal-provincial trade mission to promote Canada as a tourist destination. Hyer calls China a real tourism priority and says the number of potential visitors is huge. 45 million Chinese tourists traveled abroad last year, a number that's expected to increase to 100 million by 2020.

Transit union votes in favour of contract

Last night transit workers voted to accept the contract offered by the city. The vote was 78 percent in favour, according to union president Charlie Brown.


Transit workers retain their current benefits and gain a pay increase under the new three year contract. While transit workers are getting a bump in pay. Brown says city transit workers are still below the provincial average.

The contract also adds protections to prevent bus surveillance cameras from being used to monitor job performance, Brown says the cameras are there for the safety of drivers and passengers and should only be used for criminal matters.

Brown voted against the contract although the union recommended a vote in favour and called the negotiation process the most "dysfunctional" he's ever seen in his time as union president.

Brown says the contract will be up for negotiation again in 18 months.

Strategic plan update

City councillors will hear Monday about how well they're doing to implement the strategic plan.

City Spokesperson Karen Lewis says they'll be giving an outline of their progress and of plans 92 initiatives. Lewis says 75 of the initiatives are either complete or have major aspects complete.

Lewis adds they'll be recommending council put in a corporate review process to look for ways to make the city more efficient.

Monday's council meeting is the last before the municipal election.

Local RN's recognized

 100 select Registered Nurses at the Health Sciences Centre now have their skills recognized. They've been able to obtain a certification from the Canadian Nurses Association. The hospitals Chief Nursing Executive Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott says it's a great achievement.  Crocker-Ellacott says it helps create a higher level of excellence for the hospital.

Local woman to get M.S. Liberation Therapy

A Thunder Bay woman with M.S. is going to Egypt next month for the controversial Liberation Therapy.  39 year old Elizabeth Tambakis has had the disease for several years and is getting progressively worse according to her husband Nick Tambakis.  He's upset the treatment isn't available in Canada.  It involves an operation to unblock blood veins in the neck

Virtual Tour of Waterfront

The City of Thunder Bay is providing a look into the future of the finished Prince Arthur landing.  A virtual tour is available on the city's website .  Waterfront Development Manager Katherine Dugmore says they're also showcasing the video at an open house this afternoon at Pier 3.  Another video is expected to be released at Christmas and looks at the finished public buildings.

Foundation kicks off raffle

The Regional Health Science's Foundation is back with it's yearly raffle. Spokesperson Tracie Smith says it looks to be another good year for the fundraiser. The winner gets 10 thousand dollars as does the foundation. To date the raffle has netted the Foundation 95 thousand dollars. The draw takes place December 23rd

60 year old dies in highway collision

One man is dead after a two vehicle collision near Geraldton.  James O'Brien of Bowmanville died when his pickup truck collided with a commercial vehicle on highway 11 just before 5:30 yesterday afternoon.  The driver of the commercial vehicle is charged with driving without a license and having an expired insurance card.

City police run vehicle safety blitz

Thunder Bay police have taken 18 vehicles off the road after a vehicle safety blitz.  Officers targeted commercial vehicles Tuesday and Wednesday and inspected more than 50.  Officials say 13 charges were handed out two including suspended drivers.  With winter coming officers say they will shift their focus to inspecting "Winter Beaters".

Crime continues to dominate debate talks

Crime continues to dominate discussion in the Mayor's election race. Colin Burridge says the city needs to enforce a curfew in the evening and offer more foot patrols. Frank Pullia feels the city needs to address the social issues and notes having more police doesn't necessarily help stop crime from happening. Meanwhile, Lynn Peterson feels the crime council will help reduce the city's crime rate. Keith Hobbs, and Jeff Irwin also took part in last night's mayoral debate.

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.

YPN Mayoral Debate welcomes young and old

The Young Professional Network's Mayoral Debate saw a mix of young and old in attendance.  Jeff Irwin, Colin Burridge, Lynn Peterson, and Keith Hobbs took part in one of the last debates before the municipal election.  A pundits table discussion of how each candidate responded was held after the debate.

Bombardier unveils "The Rocket"

The public got a glimpse of the new Toronto Transit Commission subway cars known at "The Rocket". They were built by Bombardier in Thunder Bay. Company General Manager Claude Gingras says this contract has meant security for the plant and for the local economy.  The unveiling took place at the Downsview subway station in Toronto.

Chamber is election ready

The Chamber of Commerce is helping you stay informed about the municipal election.   It's posted the results of it's candidate survey on the Chamber website.   President Harold Wilson says neither he nor the chamber will be endorsing any candidate.   He says however, he is disappointed some candidates didn't participate.

NOSM strikes back

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is making it's offer to it's striking employees public. School officials say that they are disappointed the OPSEU staff voted to reject a tentative agreement this week. Dean Roger Strasser says the negotiating team is confused about the reason the members had for turning thumbs down to the deal.  NOSM has posted the offer made to the workers on the school's website NOSM.ca

The city may regulate student room rental

The first steps are being taken to start licencing home owners who rent rooms to students.  The city's By-Law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says they want to have some sort of regulations placed on the practice.    Bourret says in addition to a licence fee, there would also be surprise inspections.  He hopes to have a draft by-law before council by the spring.

College welcomes Chinese educators

Confederation College is getting a stamp of approval from a school in China it's partnering with. Con College is offering it's Hospitality program to 400 students there. President Pat Lang says as part of the process they are hosting a couple of Chinese school officials.  Lang says it's a chance for them to examine the program where it originates.

Transit vote will go tomorrow

We'll find out tomorrow if the Amalgamated Transit Union will accept the city's tentative contract.  Two ratification votes will be held at the CEP Hall at 10 o'clock and again at 7 Friday.  Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says they are recommending members accept the deal.

Lac Des Iles mine back in operation

Almost 200 people are happily back at work at the Lac Des Iles mine.  After sitting idle since October 2008 the operation was recently restarted and the miners and various other contractors are back at work.  North American Palladium held a grand reopening event yesterday. 

McFadden takes a shot at the MTO

Thunder Bay's airport manager is complaining about the road construction around the airport entrance. There will be some intensive work taking place there this week during daytime hours. However Scott McFadden says he would have preferred that the Ministry of Transport conduct the work when the airport isn't so busy. As it stands, the current construction means travellers will be facing delays getting to the terminal

Province loans local developer 1.8 million

The province is providing a 1.8 million dollar loan towards converting the old McKellar Hospital.   MPP Bill Mauro says the new 100 unit McKellar Place seniors home is designed to ease the pressure on other facilities in the city including the Regional Health Sciences Centre.  He says the demand for long term space is so great that  75 of the 100 beds at the future McKellar Place are already spoken for.Thunder Bay's Habib Enterprises is doing the work on the project.

Horizon to move quickly on wind farm

Work could start as early as 6 months from now to erect the new wind turbines on the Nor' Wester Mountains. Horizon spokesperson Nhung Nguyen says now that the city has approved the lease agreement they are confident the provincial approval process will move rapidly

Council votes to sign lease option with Horizon

City Council has decided to sign a lease option with Horizon Wind.
The final vote was seven to five in favour of the wind farm project.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson voted for the project and says it's about the City's future. Neebing Ward Councillor Linda Rydholm says it's in the Provincial Government's hands, and notes no work can occur on the mountain until the Provincial government gives its approval. Linda Rydholm, Frank Pullia, Aldo Roberto, Joe Virdiramo and Mark Bentz voted against signing the lease. Meanwhile, Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee President Irene Bond says they're disappointed, but they're not giving up the fight.  Meanwhile MPP Bill Mauro is taking a hands off approach when it comes to the project. While he says he has never fully agreed with the site for the proposed farm, he says his hands are tied because it was a private deal made by the city with city land.  Mauro says the environmental process is the next step and has to be honoured.  He adds that the process won't be politically interfered with.

NOSM pickets back to hold up traffic

The picket lines are back up at the main entrances to Lakehead University. Striking workers from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine are there again after they rejected the school's contract offer. Local union leader Yuk-Sem Won they'll be holding up traffic for a while longer.   Won adds that the workers understand the issues better now.

More $ for building renos

A financial boost for the 2.3 million dollar upgrade to the Finlandia Hall. The provincial government is providing an additional 300 thousand dollars from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it's a valuable asset to hang on to.  This installment brings the total contribution from the provincial government to 800 thousand dollars

Man robbed by two young girls

An 18 year old man suffered minor injuries after being attacked by two young girls.  The man was walking the Picton and Clarkson area, just after midnight, when he was attacked by the pair aged 16 and 17 years old.  The girls assaulted and robbed the man and will appear in court this morning.

NOSM strike continues

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine Strike is still on.  Support staff voted to reject NOSM contract proposal yesterday and will stay on strike for the foreseeable future.  School officials say there have been no new talks scheduled. 

A deal has been reached

The City of Thunder Bay and the Amalgamated Transit Union have reached a deal.  The two sides started late hour discussions just before midnight last night and reached a tenative deal just before 6 o'clock this morning.  Union Spokesperson Charlie Brown says the deal still has to be ratified by members but the Union is recommending they accept the deal.  Brown says services will be running as normal today.

Crowd storms out of council chambers

Anti-wind farm supporters stormed out of last night's council meeting before the final vote was held.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson was speaking about how many early Thunder Bay residents could have been wary of hydro lines running up and down city streets, and how noisey some generators can be.  During her time on the mic, many of the anti-wind farm supporters left the chambers in droves.

Pullia tries to hold off vote

Councillor Frank Pullia tried to get a week extension on the proposed wind farm. Pullia wanted council to take an extra week and put off the vote until Monday night's meeting. Pullia feels more information is needed before a final decision can be made. Councillor Linda Rydholm seconded his motion but no one else from the table was willing to back it.

Deputants let council know how they feel

Deputation after deputation railed against the Horizon Wind Farm project on Tuesday night.  John Beals was one of five people to address council.  Beals says the wind park is masquerading as a green project.  He feels the only green part of the project is the money.  Beals notes they are very dissapointed in council's process saying they've met 14 times on the issue and most of it was behind closed doors.

Norwester Escarpment Group makes one last plea

The Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee spoke at what is expected to be the City's last wind turbine meeting.  President Irene Bond is calling on the City to vote for what the citizens want, and turn down the Horizon Wind project.  Bond says its an election issue and council is taking it off the table by pushing a decision through before the municipal election. 

Meeting gets bumpy start

City Council kicked off the final wind farm debate over two hours late. The special council meeting that was scheduled to start at 6:30 was put on hold while councillors discussed issues behind close doors.  Councillors filed into the meeting at 8:20. An anti-wind farm group protested at city hall earlier in the afternoon, and five deputations are expected this evening.

Murder case moves to next court phase

A 49 year old Thunder Bay man is to face a trial on a charge of second degree murder.  Harold Barr was order to stand trial following a recent preliminary court hearing.  He is charged in connection with the stabbing death of 49 year old Robert Good in August of last year at a North Edward Street apartment.   There's no indication when the trial will be held.

Man attacked on the north side

City police are trying to track down two people who are suspects in a north side assault.   They say a 42 year old man was attacked as he was getting into his parked vehicle at Junot and Red River Road. The incident took place at around 11:30. He told police he was able to drive himself to a friends home to get help.   Police believe he may have been targeted and that robbery didn't appear to be the motive.

Fundraising dinner on tap this weekend

The 11th annual Empty Bowls-Caring Hearts dinner takes place this weekend.  Organizer Nelly Readhead says  the money raised through the dinner and auction, goes to the Food Bank and Shelter House.   Last year they both split 15 thousand dollars.  The event will be held at the Moose Hall.

Poverty Free Thunder Bay to launch next week

Dealing with poverty issues in the city is the aim of Poverty Free Thunder Bay.   Spokesperson Catherine Schwartz Mendez says the group will not only help to focus on poverty in the community, but will take a political stand too.   Poverty Free Thunder Bay will be introduced to the city next week.

A sweet way to cheer on the T-Wolves

Tim Horton's Donuts is helping to promote the L-U Thunderwolves. It's come out with a donut that is decorated with yellow and blue sprinkles. Store owner Christine Youngs says the promotion is add another dimension to the company's current sponsorship of the team.Youngs says the T-Wolves donuts will be available through the hockey season.

Transit strike is looking more and more likely

It looks like you'll need a different way to get to work tomorrow morning if you rely on city transit. Amalgamated Transit Union spokesperson Charlie Brown says they presented a proposal to the city Thursday but haven't heard back.  Brown says unless something changes, transit services will cease at midnight tonight and union members will be picketing at city hall tomorrow morning.

One man dies in ATV accident

It was a tragic long weekend for a 64 year old Prescott man. He was killed when he left highway 801 and hit a large rock Sunday. Greenstone OPP are investigating the accident and say Bruce Pankhurst was pronounced dead at the scene.

16-year-old arrested

A 16-year-old male was arrested early this morning.

Police say he was going through vehicles in the Valley St. area and was in possession of stolen property. The teenager will appear in court early next month.

Oliver/Paipoonge crash

There was a three-vehicle collision in Oliver/Paipoonge at the intersection of Highway 130 and Vibert Rd. Sunday afternoon.

Three people were taken to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The O.P.P. are looking into the cause of the accident.
　
　
　
　

White Park Drive break-in

A White Park Dr. resident had an unwelcome visitor Saturday morning. Police say a 21-year-old man broke into the resident's home.

The resident, who was inside, ran to a nearby neighbour to call police. Police arrested the man at the residence and recovered a stolen car they say was loaded with stolen goods.

The man, who also had outstanding warrants for his arrest, appeared in court yesterday.