Hillier and Mauro work it out

PC Northern Development Critic Randy Hillier tried to call out the local Liberal MPPs at a Pre-Budget consultation session yesterday in Thunder Bay; but had the tables turned on him.  Hillier sent out a news release asking why there weren't any Thunder Bay area MPP's at the pre budget consultation.  But only moments after the making the release public, MPP Bill Mauro showed up.  He was late because he was attending a Health Science Centre news conference but took it all in stride. Mauro and Hillier were spotted later having a friendly chat.

Research Institute going to MaRS

The dollars signs are starting to show in the eyes of those at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.  They've entered into a deal with MaRS Innovations, a company that takes medical inventions and tries to sell them.  The first idea to be put on the market from here is a new X-ray technology.   The Institute hopes it's the first of many patents developed at the Health Sciences Centre to be commercialized by the company. 

Police looking for robber

Police are looking for a mugger this morning.  Officers say a women was opening her car at the McIntyre Centre yesterday when a man in his 20's grabbed her purse and ran off.  The K-9 unit was brought in but no arrests have been made. 

LHIN rolls out funds

The Northwest LHIN is rolling out a number of new programs for residents living with brain injuries.  715-thousand dollars is being used to offer a variety of programs across the region.  A family therapist will work with families in the region, while program facilitators will be posted in Dryden, Fort Frances and here in Thunder Bay.

Shannon set to receive Order of Ontario

Thunder Bay's Dave Shannon is about to receive the province's highest civilian honour. On Thursday Shannon will be given the Order of Ontario for his work with the disabled. The local lawyer and quadriplegic says he wants to share the recognition with others he's come in contact with who have worked with him for  human rights. Shannon calls the experience humbling and gratifying.

Standing Committe on Finance in T. BAY

It's a full day of speakers Wednesday at the Provincial Government's Pre-Budget Consultations. The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs is in town to speak to a variety of stakeholders. NOMA will be addressing the panel. Other speakers include the Chamber of Commerce, Confederation College, and Poverty Free Thunder Bay.

Former chief lays down the law

There's tough talk from the new Ring of Fire Cooridinator for the Matawa First Nations. Raymond Ferris says he's going to make sure that corporations play by the rules and give his people the maximum benefits of any mining discoveries in the area. Ferris says he expects the government to pick up the tab. Ferris is known within the First Nations communities as an expert on land and resources issues and is the former chief of the Constance Lake First

Pope John Paul going solar

Thunder Bay's Catholic Schools are going green.  The school board is installing solar panels at three of its schools which will save them 70 thousand dollars a year in energy costs.  Superintendent of Business Tom Mustapic says Pope John Paul will have the panels installed in April.  The system will provide electricity for the buildings, and preheat air coming into the schools heating system.

Gas Leak resolved

Union Gas has fixed a gas leak at the former Triple Nickel bar site.  A front end loader hit a gas pipe while during excavation work this morning.  That leak cause parts of Miles and Simpson Street to be closed for a short period of time.

ORC to become a memory

The Ontario Realty Corporation is in for a change.  The McGuinty government is merging it with another agency.  MPP Michael Gravelle says he doesn't know exactly how the merger will affect the Corporation's Thunder Bay office but expects any savings to come from administrative costs and not at the expense of front line staff.

Extra Flu Shot Clinic this Monday

Flu season is upon us, and it seems there's a rush to get immunized. The Health Unit has been overwhelmed with requests for shots at it's weekly Wednesday clinic. An appointment only clinic has been scheduled for Monday to alleviate the congestion.

Input sought on housing strategy

A second round of public input sessions on a proposed housing strategy start today.  Iain Angus is the Chair of the Social Services Board and says they want to make sure they meet the public's needs.  To comment on the draft plan log onto the Social Services Board website.

Council gives direction to lawyer

City Council is giving marching orders to legal counsel; but that's all City Manager Tim Commisso can say.  That's the only information available to the public after a closed door meeting on the 126 million dollar Horizon Wind lawsuit.  City Manager Tim Commisso says he can't say when they'll be back in court.

United Way reaches goal

After struggling to raise money over the holiday season, the United Way is deeming its 2010 fundraising campaign a success.  Fundraising Chair Wayne Fletcher says the community came through for them. In December the organization had said they weren't sure if they could reach their goal.  Fletcher adds they surpassed their 2.4 million dollar goal by 8-thousand dollars.

Lac Des Iles Mine to get facelift

The Thunder Bay economy is getting another shot in the arm. It comes with the news that North American Palladium is boosting production at it's Lac Des Iles Mine north of the city by almost 55 per cent this year. As well the company is spending 147 million dollars to expand the mine.

Wind turbine health concerns drive court case

The wind turbine debate in Ontario is now before a judge. Opponents are in a Toronto court claiming the turbines are being allowed too close to people's homes. Sam Bachinski is a local opponent of the Nor'wester wind farm. He says this case, brought on by Ian Hanna, has a direct bearing on the Horizon Wind project.   The government says there is no credible evidence to suggest the turbines harm health.   Bachinski says his group is not providing financial support for the group.

The Carnegie Kids are back

Two local piano virtuosos are back at home after a trip to the Big Apple.  The two Lakehead University music students performed in  a competition at New York City's Carnegie Hall.  Robyne Tenkula and Jonathan Boo placed second and third in their respective categories.  

CAA stretched to the max during cold spell

CAA workers in Thunder Bay are relieved the worst is over. They were kept hopping responding to dead battery calls during the near record breaking cold spell. Spokesperson Cory Kennedy admits the wait times were quite long, anywhere from 6 to 24 hours.  Kennedy says in the northern region the CAA responded to 650 calls for service on Sunday.

LU prof sees positives in fitness guidelines

New physical fitness guidelines in Canada show we are the least active generation in decades. Glen Paterson, of Lakehead University's Kinesiology Deparment, is pleased to see the issue is being addressed by the Canadian Society for Exercise. Paterson says there are a lot of positives in the new guidelines because they address the importance of daily exercise for children to older adults.

CN talks result in tenative deal

The threat of a strike by CN Rail workers in Thunder Bay is diminished now that a tentative contract agreement is in place. The members of the Canadian Auto Workers Union were threatening to walk the picket lines across the country at midnight. The details of the new deal will not be released until it's voted on by the union.

United Way to release final total

The United Way's 2010 campaign officially comes to an end later today when the organization releases its fundraising total. The goal was to raise 2.47 million dollars in the community.

Power restored to outlying areas

Power is back on for Hydro One customers after they were without it for about 8 hours during one of the coldest days on record. A report says more than 12 hundred homes were affected Sunday morning in Fowler, Gorham, Jacques, Ware and Oliver-Paipoonge.   Power line problems are being blamed by the utility for the outage.

FWFN says yes to deal

There is near unanimous approval on the Fort William First Nation.   On the weekend members voted on a 154 million dollar land claim settlement that includes the transfer of Flatland Island and Pie Island to the band.    Chief Peter Collins says of the 800 or so members who voted, about 98 per cent of them voted in favour of the deal.  Collins says it was no surprise to him.

Its a winter wonderland

Expect some more snow today. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says Lake Superior will be adding moisture to the system moving through the area and more snow will fall.  He says in Thunder Bay the snow should taper off near noon, with more significant amounts in the Nipigon area.  Laidlaw says it looks like we could get another dumping of snow come Thursday.

Near record low temperatures

Thunder Bay came close to breaking a record for the coldest temperature. Environment Canada meteorologist Arnold Ashton says Thunder Bay's temperature hit a low of minus 37.3 Sunday morning, falling just short of the previous record of minus 37.6 that was set back in 1996.

Funding for Lakehead University

Lakehead University is in the money. The Canada Foundation for Innovation awarded 312 thousand dollars to the University. The money will purchase microscopes that will be used by geology, chemistry, engineering, biology and physic students.

Fort William First Nation Votes

It's a historic day on the Fort William First Nation. The band membership are voting today on a proposed  land claim settlement from the Canadian and Ontario governments. The tentative settlement includes about 154 million dollars and transfers of land on Flatland and Pie Island. 

Dog park death results in legal action

The owners of Jimi the dog and the city of Thunder Bay are being sued for 50 thousand dollars.  It's in connection with the death ofa Gus the chihuahua last year at a city off leash dog park.   Lawyer Chris Watkins says the Perrier family wants the city to pay for improper supervision of the dog park and the owners of Jimi for general damages and other items.    The claims have not been proven in court

Inquest postponed

An inquest into the death of Christopher Coaster has been postponed.  The inquest was to take place February 7th.  The 29 year old died in August of 2008 while in custody at the Thunder Bay District Jail.   An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act and will be rescheduled.

Shuniah Chimney Fire

Shuniah Fire Officials responded to a fire this afternoon on Cedar Bay road.  A chimney caught fire, and the owner of the house escaped with no injuries.  Chief Blair Arthur says the damage is estimated at around five thousand dollars.  The cause of the fire is improper installation of the chimney.  Two children and one other adult were not home at the time of the incident.

NOWW E-Writer in Residence

If you have writers block, the Northwestern Ontario Writers Workshop can help. They're offering an E-Writer in Residence. Vice President Jenny Morrow says it's a program that's been needed for some time. Writers across the region are isolated when it comes to meeting up and discussing their craft. Winnipeg author Michael Van Rooy will critique manuscripts, and host online workshops.

Budget Time

Budget season is upon us.  Thunder Bay City Council will get their hands on the budget package Monday.  City Clerk John Hannam says they've been busy preparing the financial document.  The public will get to see the document online starting Tuesday.  A series of budget related meetings will start in February.

No City Council Monday

There won't be an open session of City Council Monday night. A planning application meeting was scheduled but there was a lack of material so it was cancelled.  Council will now hold a closed door session, and City Clerk John Hannam says they have two items to discuss.  Thunder Bay Telephone will present and City Manager Tim Commisso will provide an update to council on the 126 million dollar Horizon Wind lawsuit.

Historic vote on the FWFN

The over 18 hundred members of the Fort William First Nation are making history. They are voting Saturday on whether to accept or reject a tentative land claim settlement with the Canadian and Ontario governments. The deal involved 154 million dollars in cash and some land. Chief Peter Collins doubts it will be turned down

Leafs GM visits Thunder Bay's Special Olympics

Athletes of the Special Olympics had a special guest Friday. Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke was in town to hand out medals and talk with athletes. Burke says he feels if you go to a Special Olympics event and it doesn't warm your heart then you don't have a heart. He went on to say anyone who isn't touched by the respect and admiration the athletes have for each other than you have some serious mental deficiencies. Burke says he is thrilled to come and help out such a great organization and event.

Tomack out of custody

A 21 year old Oliver Paipoonge man is now free on bail after his arrest for robbery this week.   Bradley Tomack  is charged in connection with the incident at the Provincial Alliance Credit Union on Wednesday.   As long as he meets some strict conditions, Tomack will be free on bail throughout his legal process.  He will back in court on February 14th.

Arthur Street Burger King reopens

The newly remodeled Burger King on Arthur Street is open for business again.  Cameron Loopstra is the senior marketing manager for Burger King Canada and says they're going for a modern look with lots of brick, wood and steel.  The building is more environmentally friendly with high efficiency broilers and lighting. 

Weather causes delays at games

Not surprisingly there are going to be delays at all the outdoor events at the Special Olympics. Games Chair JP Levesque says they are hoping the alpine, Nordic skiing and snow shoeing will get underway at noon.  He says volunteers should tune in and find out when they are needed before showing up at their venues.  Levesque says the temperature has to be above minus 25 for the events to happen.

Bundle up its freezing

Northwestern Ontario is in the deep freeze. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says a cold air mass is stretching across the entire region and won't be going anywhere for the time being.  He says cloudy conditions will bring slightly less harsh temperatures tomorrow, but real relief won't come until next week.  Laidlaw says with the warmth Monday it looks like a large amount of snow could be coming our way as well.

Special Olympics have officially begun

Special Olympic organizers pulled out all the stops for last night's opening ceremonies. Sportsnet's Evanka Osmak emceed the night filled with musical performances and special guests with encouraging words for the athletes. Even Eric Staal showed up by way of video with a little advice for the athletes--from one Olympian to another. Special Olympics Chairman J.P. Levesque says spectators who brave the cold and come out to watch the games over the next couple days can expect a good show. There's no charge for admission to the events. The games start today and continue tomorrow.

Here's a link to the schedule: http://www.specialolympics2011games.com/calendar.php

Justice minister gets an earful

Canada's Justice Minister is up to date on city concerns about crime and justice. Rob Nicholson met with community leaders including the mayor and the Chamber of Commerce. Nicholson says it's been very helpful. Nicholson says he told the city leaders that the government will be moving ahead with his anti-drug trafficking bill.  Meantime Mayor Keith Hobbs says the minister heard the message from the group loud and clear.

NOMA calls for more cash for policing

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is supporting a resolution calling on the provincial government to provide more funding for police services. Vice President Dave Canfield says the cost of policing locally has skyrocketed and says they want the government to increase their grants under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund. The NOMA Board met last week in Thunder Bay.

Long form census pushed

Use your voice and take part in the 2011 long-form census.  That message is being pushed by the Union of Ontario Indians.  Grand Chief Patrick Madahbee says they've struck a deal with Statistics Canada to hire aboriginals to collect the data from area reserves.  The data collected by Stats Canada is then later used by the Provincial and Federal Governments for funding allocations.

Daytime robbery

Thunder Bay Police are looking into a daytime break and enter in the South Harold Street area.  A man came home at four o'clock on Wednesday and spotted an intruder.  Inspector Scott Smith says police are still looking for the suspect.  Police found property on an adjacent laneway which they hope will provide forensic evidence that can lead to the suspect.

CPC meets in February

Thunder Bay's Crime Prevention Council will be meeting for the second time in February.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson will provide an update on the municipal drug strategy.  Coordinator Amy Siciliano says she'll be speaking about her ongoing interviews with committee members.  City Manager Tim Commisso will propose a housing strategy for people living with substance abuse.

OLG gives city cash

The latest payment to the city of Thunder Bay from the provincial government casino is almost 584 thousand dollars. The cash is the city's third quarter share of cash collected from the slot machines.

Kitchen fire sends kids into the cold

Students at Woodcrest Public School have something to tell their parents.   The school was evacuated around 9:30 this morning because of small kitchen blaze.   Fire officials say it was put out by the time they got there.  While students were taken outside at first, they were later moved into the gym before resuming classes.    No one was hurt

Old fashioned police work credited for arrest

One man has been arrested in connection to the armed robbery of the Alliance Credit Union. Thunder Bay Police arrested the 21 year old man last night and he will be appearing in court this morning. Yesterday morning a man entered the credit union armed with a shot gun. Police say through the use of a police dog they were able to find a shot gun which in turn led to a Blind Line Road address which led to the suspects arrest in Nipigon late in the day.

6 year old helps World Vision

A 6 year old local girl has helped provide clean water to 10 families through World Vision.  Ezra Westerman and a group of kids from Redwood Park Church raised 2-thousand 400 dollars.  Ezra says she thought it would be nice to help others.  The money was raised in three weeks.