Hope Classic happens in two weeks

The 2011 Hope Classic curling bonspiel is all set for the weekend of February 18th.   The event has a history of raising a great deal of money in support of breast cancer services at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.   Last year the curlers collected 169 thousand dollars.

Rafferty's Pension Bill suffers a setback

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is disappointed this morning after he had a compromised proposal that was rejected by the conservative government.  Rafferty proposed a compromise to change the bill and still protect workers pensions but it was vetoed by the Harper government.  Rafferty says he's very disappointed.  The Bill will proceed as is for a final vote sometime next month.

Detox housing strategy coming to council

The Crime Prevention Council is throwing its support behind the idea of creating more detox beds.  Administration is bringing a resolution to council on Monday night calling for a short term housing strategy for those people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs.  City Manager Tim Commisso says they're going to ask council for 30-thousand dollars.  The District Social Services Board has already put 30 thousand towards the project.  Deputy Police Chief JP Levesque says police will be freed up to do more work on the street if there's more substance use beds in the City.

Youth Study launched

The needs of homeless youth in Thunder Bay are not being met.  That's the belief of the Children's Aid Society.  Spokesperson Michelle Vibert says they're conducting a study to assess the services available to street kids.  The C.A.S. is conducting focus groups with youth who are living on the street and those kids who have moved onto a better life.

Hebert set to announce intentions

It appears Larry Hebert has made up his mind. The city councillor is being courted by the Progressive Conservative Party to run for the party's nomination in the provincial riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan. Hebert says he hopes to announce his decision on Friday. Former Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert says he 's going after the nomination which will be taking place on March 20th

Second Crime Council meeting held

The second meeting of the Crime Prevention Council covered a lot of ground.  Mayor Keith Hobbs introduced the idea of creating a community safety award.  Meanwhile, the Children's Aid Society announced they are launching a study of services available to "street" and homeless youth. 

Gravelle walking a fine line

Michael Gravelle says he's working to find a compromise in an area tourist outfitters dispute. The Northern Development Minister says he understands how upset some of the outfitters are over increased government fees, especially since it was their own association that recommended them.  Gravelle hopes to find a solution that will be agreeable to all sides

Drug strategy up for review

The city is one step away from having a new drug strategy. It has over 100 recommendations which are designed to help reduce the use of drugs in the community. However Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it'll have to be done without taxpayers money. She says organizations and individuals should be able to implement some of the recommendation by allocating their dollars more efficiently. The strategy goes to councillors for a vote in April.

Tourist Outfitters upset with NOTO

NOTO has become the Ministry of Natural Resources lap dog. That's the thought of Paul Boucher the owner of Ogoki Frontier. Boucher says many camps feel betrayed after their land use permit fees went up 800 percent. Rental fees went from 125 dollars to around 800. Boucher says they didn't receive proper warning of the change.

NOTO stands by its decision

NOTO doesn't agree with angry tourist outfitters upset with increases to their land rental fees.  The organization that looks after tourist outfitters is standing by its decision to move to a market value rent system.  Executive Director Doug Reynolds says they warned outfitters that the changes were coming.  Reynolds says they negotiated the best deal they could and feels it's unfair to say they sold the industry out. Tourist outfitters used to pay a 125 dollar administration fee and now pay 825 dollars in rent.

NAPS makes deal with RCMP

Changes are in store for a remote island near Attawapiskat. 12 Nishnawbe Aski Police officers were recently appointed as special RCMP Constables. Sgt. Jackie George says it's because it was getting hard to provide service to a nearby island. The move means NAPS can provide service to the island which falls under RCMP jurisdiction. In the past any service calls to the island had to be followed up by RCMP in Nunavut.

Local lab helps solve Winnipeg cold case

A Thunder Bay DNA lab has helped Winnipeg police make an arrest from a death back in the 80's. Warnex PRO DNA was used to test some hair samples from the case of a girl who was found tied up and frozen to death in a shed in 1984. A 47 year old man has been charged with 1st degree murder in the case.

City still looking for arbitration

The City is taking another run at moving the Horizon Wind Farm Lawsuit to arbitration.  A city official has confirmed with our newsroom that the City will be appealing the Superior Courts decision to reject Thunder Bay's bid for arbitration.  A date for the appeal has not been set.

Water rates going up

City administration is calling for a 14.3 percent increase to water rates for 2011. Environment Manager Kerri Marshall says water and sewer rates are still affordable. Based on the consumption of 200 cubic meters; the average customer will see an extra $8.07 on their monthly bill. The annual cost would be $774.10.  Councillor Mark Bentz raised the point that the Province is no longer allowing municipalities to put of maintenance upgrades due to health and safety concerns over drinking water.

City behind on infrastructure spending

The City of Thunder Bay is behind on investing in its infrastructure.  Administration told councillors Tuesday night they have a 15 million dollar infrastructure shortfall.  Pavement rehabilitation is behind four million; road network improvements are down 3 million and storm sewers are in need of 1.8 million dollars in upgrades.  City Councillor Mark Bentz says they need to start spending more on these types of projects noting its a safety concern.  The 2011 budget proposes putting an extra million dollars towards roads bringing the total amount of infrastructure spending this year to 10.1 million.

Future Property Taxes Projected

The City of Thunder Bay is looking into the future.  Administration is forecasting the 2012 property tax increase to be between 2.8 percent and 4.1 percent for the average residential property.  Treasurer Carol Busch says the city needs to decrease costs, increase revenues and grow the assessment base through economic development in order to bring the 2012 tax rate down.

City releases debt figures

The City of Thunder Bay is 179 million dollars in debt. That's one of the figures found in the 2011 budget overview. Borrowing money for capital projects accounts for 68 million dollars of the city's total debt. Water and Wastewater loans for the treatment plants is 96.9 million; and the remainder of the debt is from debentures made for TBayTel. For every dollar the City has in its reserve funds it has a dollar ninety in debt. Municipal credit rating agencies recommend having a debt to reserve ratio of a dollar for dollar.

First budget meeting held

City Councillor's are getting an earful on the 2011 budget.  Administration provided a budget overview Tuesday night.  The Health Unit, H.A.G.I. Transit, Parking Authority, Library and Victoriaville Centre are just some of the boards and agencies that are asking for more money from the city. City staff also found 7.8 million dollars in cost savings in department budgets, and the District Social Services Board levy.  Budget meetings are being held throughout this month.

Law School gets boost

A Law School for Lakehead University got a huge boost. The Ad Hoc Committee on the Approval of New Canadian Law Degree Programs recently made a recommendation to the Council of the Federation of the Law Societies of Canada to approve Lakehead University's proposal for a new law degree program.

Rafferty urges rejection of CRTC decision

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says the government must reject a CRTC decision allowing Internet Service Providers to charge more money. The broadcast regulator says it's okay for ISP's to put a cap on data downloads. Rafferty says the move is on to get the government to reverse the policy. Rafferty says such a policy will be disastrous for people in northern Ontario who rely on the Internet for business and entertainment

Hyer ready if budget triggers vote

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says the federal budget will be brought down next month. It's a budget that is expected by many to trigger an election this year. Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer says...bring it on.   He says while not "dying for an election" he's ready for one.  Hyer won't make any prediction's on how he feels the whole scene might play out.

NWO still not heart smart

Northwestern Ontario is getting a poor grade when it comes to our opionion of our heart health. If you think you are healthy, eat enough vegetables and are active enough, chances are your sadly mistaken. A new survey done by the Heart and Stroke foundation shows 90 percent of Canadians think they are healthy but the same number live with at least one heart disease risk factor. Northern Hearts President Doctor Christopher Lai says Thunder Bay is one of the least active communities in the province.

Unrest in Africa and the Middle East is spreading

With over a quarter million protesters flooding the streets in Cairo today a Lakehead University Professor is predicting the unrest to spread. Laure Paquette says with Jordon announcing today that its government has been fired, things could spread even further. Paquette says Syria is the next country to keep an eye on. She says with the potential of democratic reforms leading to extremists being elected, tensions in Israel are on the rise as well.

Suspended officer makes court appearance

A city police officer, charged with breach of trust, dreturns to court next month.   43 year old Constable Toni Grann appeared in court Tuesday on the 12 charges which police say involved falisfied local records in the Ontario Sex Offender Registry.  The 11 year veteran of the Thunder Bay Police Service is suspended with pay.  Marc Huneault is a prosector from Sudbury who is handling the case which is due back in court March 28th

Thundewolves team up with Cancer Centre

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The Lakehead Thunderwolves men's hockey team are standing up for the fight against Prostate Cancer. Executive Director Jason Mallon says players will be wearing special Jerseys Saturday that include the Prostate Man emblem.  Fans will get to take part in a silent auction and the winning bidders will have the Jerseys presented to them at the end of the game.  All proceeds are going to the Northern Cancer Fund.

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No injuries in early morning fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue dealt with a small fire this morning. Three pumpers were called to a house at Fox Court on the Thunder Bay First Nations. No one was hurt and the damage was confined to a storage shed.

Youth Services Board proposed

Councillor Iain Angus wants to create a Youth Services Board for organizations that provide activities for area youngsters.  Angus says he came up with the idea for a board after the Underground Gym asked for municipal funds.  He says it's a way for Council to show leadership.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says there are already a number of youth committees; so why would they reinvent something they already have.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo and Mayor Keith Hobbs
said they like the idea of the board but they don't think it's the right time to embark on the project.  The proposal is being put on hold and will be discussed again during the Strategic Planning Process.

Council approve 1.9 million dollars in grants

Thunder Bay City Council has doled out almost 2 million dollars to 16 community groups.  The cash flows from the Community and Cultural Funding Program.  The Community Auditorium, Museum, Art Gallery, and Symphony Orchestra are just some of the organizations who received grants.

Black Path to be examined

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is vowing to turn the McIntyre area's "black path" into a safe path.  Councillors asked a variety of questions to the 17 year old who started the petition to get the walkway lit and monitored by video cameras.  Hobbs feels community policing would help make the pathway safer.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says lighting makes residents feel more confident and safe.  Administration will be providing a costing report to council on February 9th.

90.5 FM wants municipal cash

Thunder Bay's Information Radio Station is looking for cash from the City of Thunder Bay.  90.5 FM is a broadcasting service that repeats a steady loop of local weather, road and emergency information.  The group wants 18-thousand dollars from the city as a lease payment.  The money would be used to pay the employees who update the radio feed.  The station began broadcasting in the fall of 2010.  If the city doesn't provide the cash the company will either apply for a commerical licence or pull the radio station out of the City.

T-Wolves defenceman retires

Pierre-Marc Guilbault has left the Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team after deciding to retire .The defenceman is an engineering major from St. Julie, Quebec.  He only played 14 games this season after suffering a November concussion. While he's been cleared by doctors to play, he's decided to focus on his studies so his can graduate from Lakehead this spring

Police Inspector faces misconduct charge

A member of the Thunder Bay Police is suspended after being charged with misconduct relating to an alleged neglect of duty.  Police say that Inspector Dan Taddeo is facing Police Services Act charges in connection to how he supervised a worker.  He will be in court February 16th when police say details of the case will be made public at that time.  The investigation was conducted by Toronto police at the request of Chief Bob Herman.

Daycare case back in court

It's back to court in March for a former daycare worker charged with fraud.   Sherrel Pucci is also charged with theft and passing off forged papers after Footsteps Daycare reported to police that the organization had been missing 15 thousand dollars.  Police say Pucci was the daycare's Executive Director at the time of the alleged fraud.  Pucci will make a court appearance March first when some of the evidence is presented in a hearing prior to the actual trial.

ARF gets millions to renovate

Thunder Bay's Ed Fukushima is on his way to developing a wood pellet plant in Atikokan. It comes with today's announcements of a wood allocation from the government. MPP Bill Mauro says Atikokan Renewable Fuels is also getting a grant from the provincial taxpayer through the Northern Ontario Heritage Funding totalling 1 and a quarter million dollars.  The wood allocation is worth 180 thousand cubic metres annually.

Beardy welcome Rickford's appointment

It's a thumbs up from Nishnawbe-Aski Grand Chief Stan Beardy. Beardy says Greg Rickford's appointment as parliamentary secretary in the Indian Affairs department is a welcome move. The Grand Chief says the Kenora MP is very familiar with NAN issues and has all the information he needs to lobby for them in Ottawa.

Cairo museum worth protecting: Tronrud

Egypt's National Museum is being protected from looters during this time of political unrest and Thunder Bay's Tory Tronrud  says that's a good thing. The curator of the Thunder Bay museum says the exhibits in Cairo are some of the most valuable in the world.  He says that includes the artifacts of King Tutankhamun. Tronrud says he's happy to see ordinary citizens are helping to guard the museum

Rickford gets INAC slot

The workload for Greg Rickford is now a bit heavier.   The Northwestern Ontario Conservative MP is now the parliamentary secretary to the Indian  and Northern Affairs Minister.

Masters says royal invite is in order

A former Thunder Bay mayor says our new mayor should invite Prince William and Kate Middleton to the city. A report in London says the couple plan to visit Canada in July. Former mayor Jack Masters says all it would take from Keith Hobbs would be a letter to Buckingham Palace. For his part, Mayor Hobbs says he will look into the idea.

Anglers get fined for breaking rules

The Ministry of Natural Resources is fining three Michigan men $1,350 for catching too many Northern Pike. Back in August when a M.N.R. officer came across the men they had 27 pike; that's nine over the legal limit. The men were fishing near Geraldton (where the case was heard in court last week).

Robbery

Police say a man was robbed early this morning on Simpson Street near Rowand.
Around four a.m., a man walking northbound was approached by two men and a woman.
According to police, one of the men pulled out a knife and stole the man's wallet and cell phone.
Police were unable to find the suspects after searching the area and are still investigating the incident.

Road Rage

A 26-year-old man is charged with assault after a road rage incident.

According to police, the man was cut off by a 36-year-old man on Edward Street Friday evening. Both men pulled on to Riverview Drive where an altercation began. Eventually the 26-year-old got a 2-foot piece of leaf spring from his vehicle and swung it at the other man, causing minor injuries.

Carl Ave. bust nets ecstasy and oxy

There's been a big drug bust in the city. Police say they raided a home on the 200 block of Carl Avenue Friday morning. Sgt. Murray Brown says over 100 thousand dollars worth of drugs were seized including over 2 thousand ecstasy tablets and 878 Oxycontin pills.  A 38 year old man is charged,

Tunisian link to Egypt unrest unexpected

The political upheaval in Egypt may be taking some people by surprise, but not Thunder Bay's Laure Paquette. The Lakehead University political science professor says she's seen it coming for some time, but admits the cause was unexpected.  She says many believe the political protests in Tunisia were the reason Egyptians took to the streets.   Paquette advises to watch for how the government there reacts to the protests and if there is a heavy handed clampdown.

Pedestrian hurt in traffic accident

A pedestrian is hurt following a traffic accident on the city's north side.   The elderly pedestrian was in the wrong place at the wrong time.   According to police he was hit by an automobile  in a 2 vehicle mishap around 3:20 Friday afternoon at Memorial and Lisgar. Everyone involved--inluding the pedestrian--was taken to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre where they were later released with minor injuries. One of the drivers involved is being charged with careless driving.

Hyer talks election speculation

Parliment resumes on Monday and area MPs are bracing for a possible election. Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says election speculation has been spreading quickly. Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says he doesn't think of himself as a candidate, just an MP. Hyer hopes his VIA Rail Service bill will make it to the floor sometime in the Spring.

Rafferty stands up for pension bill

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is anxious over the fate of his pension bill.  He'll be making a last minute plea to his federal counterparts on Tuesday.  Rafferty says there still are some Liberals and Conservatives who are not supporting his bill. 

Black Path Petition reaches 500 signatures

Thunder Bay's Black Path is being singled out as being unsafe.  17 year old Cassandra Spence has collected 500 signatures on a petition calling for the path to be lit and monitored by security cameras.  Spence will be presenting the petition to council on Monday.  The McIntyre area walkway runs through Castlegreen, McVicars Creek and continues behind the Landmark Inn.  Spence says people don't feel safe using the large trail at night.  The pathway was the site of a murder last fall.

No Blood Shortage in NWO

There's a blood shortage in the United States, but here in Northwestern Ontario we have nothing to worry about.  Cold weather and traffic accidents taxed the system in the South.  Canadian Blood Services Spokesperson Adrienne Silver says inventory levels are good.  Silver notes Thunder Bay's plasma inventory is healthy as well.

OPP drug bust EMO

The OPP have arrested two people on trafficking charges after pulling over a vehicle in Emo.  Members of the Community Drug Action team stopped the vehicle yesterday on Highway 11.  Officers seized over five pounds of marijuana.  The drugs have a street value of about five thousand dollars.

Wood Allocation Speculation Swirls

A provincial government news conference on Monday is garnering the attention of Atikokan Renewable Fuels.  There's speculation that MPP Bill Mauro is going to make an announcement about their wood allocation rights.  Thunder Bay's Ed Fukishima says he'll comment on the company's fate after the announcement in Atikokan.