Whelan Building Contract Awarded

The Whalen Building will undergo improvements.  Thunder Bay City Council awarded a contract to Manshield Construction for interior upgrades to the sixth floor. Council approved the five hundred sixty-three thousand dollar project Monday night.

Children's Charter reflects

Thunder Bay's Children's Charter is celebrating seven years of operation.  The group presented a review of their work over the last five years to City Council Monday night.  The report shows a number of trends including food bank use going up.  The 2010 report shows that 36 percent of people served by food banks are 16 or younger.

Business conference set for TBay in 2012

The head of the Ontario Business Improvement Association is touring Thunder Bay.  John Kiru announced to city council Monday night that Thunder Bay will be the site of their 2012 conference.  Kiru adds if the City wants to foster their downtown areas they need to work on safety.  Kiru says Thunder Bay's business improvement groups have done a lot of good work.

Busy night for protests

It was a popular night for protests at Thunder Bay's City Hall.  The local OPSEU union rallied against the McGuinty government's proposed wage freezes for public employees.  Meanwhile, friends of Jimi, the dog who killed another dog, assembled before the council meeting.  The group hopes council will pardon Jimi.  His fate will be decided on Wednesday morning at a Thunder Bay court.

Thunder Bay man charged with kiddie porn

A 33 year old Thunder Bay man is charged with a variety of sexually related charges with one involving kiddie porn. Marathon OPP started investigating the man over the past few months and charged him with sexual interference, exploitation, and possessing child pornography. The man is being held in custody and is awaiting his next court appearance on Thursday.

Leak leads to charges

A couple of Thunder Bay men landed themselves in trouble on the weekend in Dryden after exposing themselves in public.  Police say it started with a man relieving himself outside of a local restaurant, and ended with a car chase and a capture on highway 17.  The duo were charged with liquor related offences.

McKinnon Hospital Foundation Chair

City Councillor Brian McKinnon has been elected as the Chair of the Regional Health Scieces Foundation Board.  McKinnon says he plans to put his previous hospital board experience towards his new position.  McKinnon says they will continue support for cancer research and a second cardiac suite.

Chief to INAC...not good enough!

The Chief of the Constance Lake First Nation calls it an excuse. Arthur Moore says he's not satisfied with an Indian Affairs response to his complaint about reducing the amount of bottled water his community is getting. INAC says it's being replaced with trucked-in water, but Chief Moore says that water is too cloudy.  He claims it's a high risk for people in the community.  The bottled water is needed until the upgrades are completed to the water treatment plant.

Jimi supporters to rally

There will be a rally in front of City Hall prior to Monday evening's council meeting . The Facebook group set up to support Jimi the Pit Bull cross, says it's starting at 5 o'clock. They're upset that the animal may be put down after the death of Gus the chihuahua at a city run off leash dog park

Calendar parking takes effect

Keep an eye on where you park because calendar parking is in effect.  Depending on your area you won't be able to park on certain sides of the street on odd or even days.  Calendar parking will be in effect until the end of March.

LU to host National Wrestling Championships

Lakehead University will host a national championship for the 3rd consecutive year.  The Wrestling team will host both the OUA and the CIS championships this spring.  Athletic Director Tom Warden says this shows LU is among the top schools in the country.  Coach Brock Curtis says having home court attention will give his wrestlers a huge advantage.

Thunder Bay CA amoung finalists

Lakehead University's Richard Jagielowicz is among 6 finalists in the Right to Rule campaign.  People can vote for his video CA Rockstar until November 26th.  The videos are aimed at drumming up interest in accounting, the winner will win 15 hundred dollars.

Lawrencia "Bambi" Bembenek dead at 52

The Bambi Bembenek saga is over.  The 52 year old former Milwaukee, Wisconsin police officer is dead.  She put Thunder Bay on the map in early 90's when hiding out in the city.  She escaped captivity in the US after being convicted of murder.  She lived in Thunder Bay with her boyfriend under an assumed name and even worked as a waitress at the Columbia Grill and Tavern.  Laurie Bembenek died of Kidney Failure Saturday.

Two vehicle accident leaves 5 people in hospital

One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a car accident.  Two vehicles collided on Dawson Road near Mapleward yesterday at around 5:30.  Four others were taken to hospital with minor injuries and police say road conditions were definitely a factor.

Clean, Green & Beautiful awards

Some city residents and businesses are being recognized at this week's council meeting for being Clean, Green and Beautiful. Awards will be presented to residents and businesses that the city feels go the extra mile to make their property attractive and environmentally friendly. There's a variety of criteria the winners could meet in order to be recognized, such as conserving energy, being pedestrian friendly or installing public art.

Council meetings may be on web

It looks like city residents may get a new way to follow city council.

A report from the city managers office is recommending council move ahead with a plan to stream live video of council meetings on the web. Meetings would also be archived allowing residents to view them at their convenience. The recommendation comes after a positive response to a test run of the service in June.

Chilly weather doesn't stop parade

Spectators braved the cold and lined Memorial Avenue for the 20th Annual Rotary Clubs of Thunder Bay Christmas Parade.

The crowd was treated to a variety of floats created by businesses and organizations all with their own take on Christmas cheer.

Many onlookers were especially looking forward to seeing Santa Clause cruise down Memorial Avenue.

Media criticized for coverage

The media in Thunder Bay is being chastised by some for only reporting one side of the recent dog park incident. Many feel news stories only reflect that of the dog that got mauled to death. However tbnewswatch editor Leith Dunick says it's tough when the other side stays anonymous

Courthouse contract awarded

The contract has been officially awarded for the new half billion dollar consolidated courthouse in Thunder Bay.   Plenary Justice will be building the facility on the city's south side.  Construction is expected to be completed in late 2013

EMS tender deadline extended

Companies wishing to bid on constructing the new Emergency Medical Services building now have more time.  EMS Director Norm Gale says he approved the extension last week at the request of contractors.  The deadline is now in early December.

Snow on Sunday-SOS

We can expect another 10 to 15 centimetres of snow on Sunday.  That's according to Signal Weather Services Bill Laidlaw.  He says its going to be slippery because the snow will be wet and heavy.  Laidlaw says the wintery weather will continue on Monday.

NAN communities getting high tech

The within 5 years, 26 Nishnawbe Aski First Nations Communities will be hooked up to fibre optics. The federal and provincial governments along with a private company are making it happen. Total cost of the project is 86 million dollars.

Duncan vows to look into water complaint

The Federal Indian Affairs Minister says he will deal with the water supply at Constance Lake First Nation.  The First Nation sent out a statement saying they're outraged that INAC cut the amount of water being supplied to their residents.  John Duncan vows to look into the matter.  Duncan adds he personally hasn't heard about the complaints from the First Nation.

Chamber Businesses to be reviewed

Confederation College Business Students will be getting real world experience soon.  Four students will be reviewing Chamber of Commerce businesses.  President Harold Wilson says they're looking for both the students and businesses to take part. Wilson says the project will start in January.

NDP Critic visits Thunder Bay

The NDP are on the war path when it comes to Women's rights in Canada. The NDP Status of Women Critic toured Northwestern Ontario this week and touted her committees report on women's issues. Irene Mathyssen says it looks at First Nation women's rights and the report will be released in the New Year. Mathyssen is critical of the Federal Government denying funding to the Sisters in Spirit program. She feels the Federal Government needs to provide the funds and shouldn't have cut them in the first place.

NAN wants Sisters in Spirit funds restored

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is calling on the Federal Government to restore funding to the Sisters in Spirit Program.  The program is a database for missing or murdered aboriginal women.  The Federal Government didn't renew the program's operating agency funding this year.

FWFN inks land claim deal

It's a historic day on the Fort William First Nation. They've received an offer from the Canadian and Ontario governments to settle a land claim.  The proposed settlement includes about 154 million dollars and transfers of land on Flatland and Pie Island.   The band membership will now vote on the proposed settlement on January 22nd.  However Chief Peter Collins doubts it will be turned down.

Chop Shop case moving forward slowly

Two decade long lawsuits are back in the courts.  T&T Auto and Central Auto Parts are suing a number of people including a retired OPP officer, Former Police Chief Leo Toneguzzi and Mayor elect Keith Hobbs.  The lawsuits stem from charges against the companies that were dropped in the 90's.  Part of the complex procedures saw the winner win a court order in the case.

CEP and Greenpeace Unite

Greenpeace and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union are teaming up to create green forestry jobs.  The environmental group released it's green jobs report for northern forestry in Thunder Bay today.   CEP Spokesperson Kim Ginter hopes by launching the report in Thunder Bay, Minister Michael Gravelle and the Liberals will sit up and take notice. Greenpeace Spokesperson Catherine Grant says the report represents a new forest where both the environment and jobs are protected.  Both parties say it's important to be united on the forestry front.

Save Jimi the Dog facebook group is growing

A facebook group has been started in an attempt to save the Pit Bull cross who killed a small dog last week.  So far over 300 people have signed up hoping to prevent the dog from being euthanized.  Mayor Elect Keith Hobbs joined the group.  Hobbs says he was attacked by a Pit bull once when he was a police officer and said that dog wasn't put down because it wasn't his fault.

No charges after fatal industrial accident

There won't be any charges stemming from an industrial accident that left one man dead.  A 51 year old man died after being crushed between the garbage compactor at Superstore and his Recool truck last November.  The ministry of labour investigated and no charges will be laid.

Gravelle happy about energy rebate

It's official, the McGuinty Government will give residents a 10 percent rebate on electricity bills in 2011. Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says it will start in January. Gravelle adds if companies are unable to provide the rebate on the bills in January, the rebate will be retroactive to January on future bills. The opposition parties say the Liberals are trying to buy voter support, but Gravelle says that's not the case.

More snow in the forecast

It's going to be another snowy evening in Thunder Bay.  The forecast is calling for a significant snowfall overnight according to meteorologist Bill Laidlaw.  He says 5 cm should fall in the city and up to 10 cm outside the city. Laidlaw says watch for winds to pick up as well.

Kettle Appeal kicks off

It just isn't Christmas without the Salvation Army's Kettle Appeal.   The fundraising goal this year is 130 thousand dollars.  The kettles will be located at various city locations.

Housing market to cool

The housing market in Thunder Bay will cool a bit next year.    Canada Mortgage and Housing says activity will be slightly slower in several areas according to analyst Warren Philp. He says sales of existing houses will drop slightly and there'll be about a 7 per cent drop in the number of new houses that are started.

Alzheimer's benefits from cash

Thunder Bay's Alzheimer's Society has benefited from money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  The OTF provided enough cash for a three year pilot project.  Spokesperson Jason Rasevych says they used the money to improve their fundraising techniques.  Rasevych says donations increased quite a bit from 2007 as well, going from 40 thousand to 90 thousand a year.  Rasevych adds more people know about the local branch now than they did at the start of the project in 2003.

It's not too late for seniors

It's not too late to change careers.  That's the message of the North Superior Workforce Planning Board.  Keynote Speaker Julia Moulden says if your in your fifties and out of work don't give up.  The motivational speaker and author says it's never to late to start a new business or switch careers.  Moulden says there's plenty of programs and resources to help experienced workers re-enter the workforce in Thunder Bay.

HRC to review haircutting incident

The Ontario Human Rights Commission is looking into an incident in Thunder Bay.  The family of the aboriginal boy who had his hair cut by a teacher's assistant at McKellar Park School last year is complaining the incident was racial discrimination.  The complaint names the teacher's assistant involved, the Lakehead public school board, Thunder Bay Police and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Man robbed at knife point

A man was robbed at knife point in the city last night.  Thunder Bay Police say the victim was walking in the Norah and Cameron Street area when a man assaulted him and held him for 30 minutes before making off with his iPod and Blackberry.  There were no injuries in the incident that happened just before 10:30 last night.

Court Street Standoff costs $46,000

The cost of the standoff on court street is nearly 50 thousand dollars.  Police say the 27 hour standoff that happened two weeks ago involved nearly 40 officers on scene.  Deputy Chief JP Levesque says despite the extra costs he believes it was money well spent.  The money adds to budget problems with the police force which is already looking at over 400 thousand dollars in the red.

Tribute paid to Leo Bernier

The King of the North is still being talked about at Queen's Park. Members from all parties paid tribute to Leo Bernier today. Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak stood up in the legislature and touched on his legacy. Bernier past away at the age of 81 this summer. Bernier was the last northwestern Tory to sit at Ontario’s cabinet table.

Anti-bullying is the message

The move is on to eliminate bullying in the city's public schools. Former Westgate student Emily Lauzon returned there to discuss issues relating to alternative lifestyles which includes, gays, lesbians, bisexual and those who are transgender. The talk was part of a week the school board has set aside to bring awareness to bullying.

Hyer's bill fizzles

Bruce Hyer's climate change bill is dead in the water.   The Thunder Bay MP blames what he calls Prime Minister Harper's unelected Senate which voted it down on Tuesday night. The bill would have forced the government to set targets for greenhouse gas emissions

TV announcement just days away

Officials at TBayTel are remaining coy about the roll out of their new TV service. It's designed to compete with cable and satellite providers. The only thing that President Don Campbell will tell us is that "day one" it's just days away.

3G network up and running

Thunder Bay Telephone has launched it's latest cellphone technology.  President Don Campbell says the 3G mobility service is up and running in Thunder Bay.  The service will be offered in Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Red Lake and Kenora next month.  Fort Frances, Atikokan, Rainy River, and Nipigon will get the service in 2011.

Chimney Swift population on the decline

Wanted: Bird watchers.  The Chimney Swift population in Ontario is dwindling and Birds Canada needs your help.  Elisabeth Van Stam says they're looking for people to look for the bird's stomping grounds.  Stam says key swift habitat is chimneys and hollow logs.  Anyone interested is asked to e-mail volunteer@birdscanada.org

Health Unit increases municipal levies

The Thunder Bay Health Unit is looking for more money from area municipalities. CEO Doug Heath says they passed the 2011 budget yesterday and describes it as a status quo budget.  Heath adds they're making no changes to their programs or services, and will require a 1 percent increase in Provincial funding as well as the matching funds from municipalities. Thunder Bay will see a 3.2 percent increase in the amount they pay to the Health Unit.

Charity dinner battles homelessness/hunger

Another milestone for a local charity. The annual Empty Bowls Caring Hearts dinner has raised 16 thousand dollars for Shelter House and the Thunder Bay Food Bank. Organizer Pyteke Blaauw says it proves we have a giving community.  The two organizations will be presented with their cheques Thursday.

Spirit of Giving Tree Campaign is on

You have another option if you want to give a kid in need a merry Christmas. Zellers is partnering with the Thunder Bay Children's Aid Society and Dilico Anishinabek Family Care for the annual Spirit of Giving Tree Campaign. CAS Executive Rob Richardson says you can choose a gift for a child off the tree and put it in the box. He says they hope to get around 500 gifts this year and gifts will be accepted until December 17th.

Alternative Education in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's future generations could learn differently than today's school kids.  The Northern Lights Education Initiative wants to create an alternative school.  Spokesperson Erin Carter says tonight's public meeting is the first step towards building the facility.  Carter says they hope to partner with the Lakehead Public School Board on the initiative.  A public meeting on the topic is being held tonight at 515 Syndicate Avenue.

Anishinabek Police Service gets new digs

The Anishinabek Police Services broke ground on their new Head Quarters.  The new detachment located at the Fort William First Nation will be built at Anemki place and is scheduled to be completed this spring.  A special ceremony was held Monday morning. 

Police Services Board looking at possible raise

Members of the police services board could be getting a raise.  The Board started preliminary discussion at yesterday's meeting. Board members get 3 thousand dollars a year while the chair gets 35 hundred dollars.  The police services board hasn't had a pay increase in 11 years.

Owner to decide dog's fate

The Dog that killed a small Chihuahua will be quarantined for 10 days.  Under the Dog Owners Liability Act the dog was put into quarantine and charges are being considered by the city after the incident last week at the off leash dog park across from the community auditorium.  A decision on charges and whether or not the dog will be put down will be made after the quarantine.  By Law Enforcement Manager Ron Bourret says if the owner doesn't put the dog down he will be charged.