Work continues at Waterfront

Remediation work on the harbour front is expected to be complete by the first week of March.  Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says it's perfectly normal for the hole to be full of ground water and notes contaminated soil can still be dug up.  The remediation work has cost 2 million dollars to date.

Search for Wabasse resumes this morning

The OPP's dive team will continue its search for Jordan Wabasse this morning.  They were forced to suspend the search near the James Street Swing bridge yesterday evening due to a lack of light.  Wabasse has been missing since February 7th.

Tornado ready to hire

Tornado Medical Systems is ready to hire staff.  The medical imaging company is looking for software developers, electrical, mechanical and optical engineers.  Regional Research Institute CEO Michael Power says the company sees the community's potential.  A recruitment drive is being held on Friday.

Car break in's increase

Thunder Bay Police are reporting an increase in theft in the City's south core. Police say a number of vehicles in downtown Fort William have been broken into in recent weeks.  Car windows have been smashed and valuable items have been stolen.

T-Wolves begin playoff run

The LU Thunderwolves begin the OUA hockey playoffs Wednesday night on the road.   The T-Wolves take on the Waterloo Warriors in the best of three West Division quarter finals.  The series shifts to Thunder Bay for game two on Friday night and game three if necessary on Saturday.

L-U closer to getting a law school

Lakehead University is taking the next step towards getting a law school.   The proposed school's curriculum has received approval from the Federation of Law Societies in Canada. University President Brian Stevenson says it's considered one of the final steps in the approval process.   The final decision rests with the Ontario government.

Divers begin search for Wabasse

The James Street swing bridge is closed today as police search the Kam River.  It's part of their investigation into the disappearance of 15 year old Jordan Wabasse.  OPP divers are taking part in the search. 

Wood supplies awarded

The provincial government continues to dole out wood allocations piece-meal.   A total of 11 companies are the latest recipients of wood supply for their businesses.  That includes the AbiBow sawmill on the Fort William First Nation which receives 221 cubic metres and Garden Lake Timber gets 10 thousand cubic metres.

Council green lights waterfront

Thunder Bay City Council is not happy with administration over the waterfront project's unexpected costs. That's according to Councillor Rebecca Johnson; she was just one of many who voiced their concerns at last night's meeting. City Manager Tim Commisso says they were too optomistic when they told council they were on budget in the fall. Council voted to take the dollars needed to complete this part of the project from Phase 2.

No name for the hotel yet

There's still no name attached to the 4 star hotel that's supposed to set up on the newly developed waterfront.  City Manager Tim Commisso says talks are continuing and work is expected to get started in June.  Commisso adds that the hotel's ownership group wants to hold off on announcing the name until all contracts are finalized.

Council supports Pride Week

Thunder Bay City Council has thrown it's support behind "Thunder Pride" week. Councillor Andrew Foulds says we should be embracing these type of initiatives because it helps the lives of teens and adults living alternative lifestyles.  The week long event will celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's proud to support the initiative and notes the community needs to embrace the LGBT community.  Hobbs says one city councillor has received nasty comments over the Pride week.  The celebrations are scheduled for June.

1 man protest at City Hall

The waterfront project cost overruns lead to a one man protest at Monday's City Council meeting.  Ray Smith says he feels council is wasting tax payer money and calls the project a get rich scheme benefitting a select few.  Smith adds the City should have let residents vote on whether or not they wanted the waterfront development.

Local investment expert not surprised by review

Industry Minister Tony Clement says his department will review the proposed merger of the operators of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. Thunder Bay investment expert Blake Cameron says he's not surprised by the move.  He says it has the potential to be a political issue in the same way that the sale of the Saskatchewan Potash Corporation became.  This review too, will determine if the deal would be a net benefit to Canada.

Verdict hits raw nerve with victim's family

It's not guilty for a young Lakehead University student. Judge Helen Pierce dismissed a dangerous driving charge against 21 year old Thomas Charlton. It's in connection with the 2008 traffic death of 14 year old Spencer Bjorklund. Charlton's Lawyer Peter Mrowiec says it was a fair judgement.  When the verdict was read, family and friends of Spencer stormed from the courtroom cursing and yelling out that the process was a fraud.  Spencer's mother Mary-Ann Anderson called the judgement appalling

Walk remembers murder victims

A walk to remember missing and murdered aboriginal woman took place over the noon hour.  It started at Simpson and Victoria and wound it's way to the Lakehead Labour Centre. It was put on by the Full Moon Memory Walk.  

Regional has a valentine for heart patients

The Regional Health Sciences Centre has a new short term care area for Cardiac Patients. The unit was officially opened Monday and will serve patients who need to spend the night after surgery. Doctor Marc Henderson says this will enhance patient recovery. The next step in the hospital's renovations will be the completion of the second Cath Lab next month.

Outfitters jack up the pressure

Angry Northwestern Ontario tourist outfitters are hoping for action from the Natural Resources Minister. They've fired off a letter to Linda Jeffery demanding that a 700 per cent increase in land fee permits be reversed. Their point man is Paul Boucher of the Ogoki lodge who says the message to Jeffery is..."talk to us." Boucher says these are desperate times for outfitters and they don't need such a hefty increase

Underwater search to begin Tuesday

It'll be Tuesday before divers can begin their search of the Kam River.    City police inspector Andy Hay says it's part of the investigation into the disappearance of 15 year Jordan Wabasse.  Hay says the dive team is driving in from Orillia.   He says they have some specific equipment required for such investigations.  The search is being conducted near the James Street swing bridge where some footprints were found near some open water.

Police divers to search the Kam

OPP divers are going to be searching the Kam River near the James Street swing bridge Monday.   Police say that volunteers looking for missing teen Jordan Wabasse found footprints in the snow in an area near some open water.  The discovery was made at around 3:30 Sunday afternoon.

Still no sign of missing teen

Thunder Bay Police are still looking for 15 year old Jordan Wabasse. He's been missing for a week. The Webequie First Nation teen was last seen Monday evening getting off a transit bus in the area of Holt Place and Mary Street. Police say he lived in a boarding house in that area. They have released a surveillance photo from the Intercity Shopping Centre taken earlier the same evening he disappeared.

Teen remains missing

The search for missing 15 year old JordanWabasse has a new twist.  City police are asking people in the area of Holt Place and Mary Street to look in their sheds, garages and anyplace someone could take shelter.  Wabasse was last seen on Monday evening getting off a transit bus in that area.  Police say they have interviewed a person who was on the bus at the time but that person didn't provide any new information. They say that although he was last seen Monday evening, he wasn't reported missing until Tuesday evening.   Wabasse is from the  Webequie First Nation.  He has been here since September attending school.  He was living at a boarding house on Holt Place.  The boy's family has travelled here and are working with police. The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is also providing assistance.

Sixth Annual 7 Sacred Teachings Youth Gathering

The 6th Annual 7 Sacred Teachings Youth Gathering is starting today. The main objective of the gathering is to teach youth about the culture, traditions and self respect. With over 100 people already in attendance they are expecting plenty more to take part from surrounding areas. People from all ages are welcome and encouraged to join. The event will be held from today until Monday at the Norwester Hotel and Resort.

Task force to fight for NWO energy plan

A group of Northwestern Ontario political leaders is now part of a new Energy Task Force.   It consists of the Municipal Association, the Chambers of Commerce, city of Thunder Bay and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. NOMA president Ron Nelson says they'll fight for an energy plan for the northwest.  Nelson says the northwest needs it's own plan for electricity generation, transmission and pricing

Hebert sticks with city politics

Larry Hebert is not going to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Thunder Bay Atikokan riding.   The city councillor has been pondering his political future for weeks and has delayed his answer for many days.  So far only former Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert has declared his intention to seek the Tory nod.  The nomination meeting takes place in late March.

Done deal

The Matawa and Nipigon First Nations are fixed on one thing these days....chromite. The mineral is the focal point of an agreement both have signed. Matawa Chief David Achneepineskum  says they want to make sure that Cliffs Natural Resources does right by the First Nations.  Achneepeneeskum says his communities should benefit if chromite is taken from their land.  While they have stated that Greenstone is the site they would prefer to see the smelter located, a Thunder Bay location would also satisfy them.

Egyptians gain their freedom

After two and a half weeks of protests the Egyptian President has resigned. The Vice President made the announcement just moments ago and passed off his power to the military. Lakehead University political Science Professor Laure Paquette says now its up to the military to keep the progress moving. She says the high council must provide hard dates for constitutional negotiations and other negotiations in the transition towards a democracy. Thousands of protesters are celebrating their victory across Egypt.

Thunder Bay gets its own Pride week

Thunder Bay will be showing it's pride this summer and holding it's first ever alternative lifestyle week.  The organizing committee is going to ask council for its support Monday night.  The week will celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.

Rickford defends FedNor

Conservative MP Greg Rickford says a Private Members Bill to establish FedNor as a permanent regional economic development agency will do nothing to help the region.  The Kenora MP voted against Bill C-309 in the House of Commons last week.  Rickford says the Liberal motion doesn't have a chance since it requires Royal recommendation.  Rickord says a stand-alone agency would add an increadible amount of buracratic spending and additional staff.

Community Foundation round 2

Maybe the second time's the charm.  The Community Foundation is coming back to City Council Monday night to ask for cash in the 2011 budget.  They already asked the City to create a 100-thousand dollars endowment fund.  The foundation will reiterate that 2011 is their 40th anniversary.

WFN brings back Ultimate Fishing Town

The World Fishing Network is bringing back it Ultimate Fishing Town contest.  Nominations will be accepted starting March 1st.  Spokesperson Shawna Gosevitz says this year, they'll be seeking a top 20 for the final round of on-line voting.  The Northern community of Nestor Falls finished second in voting last year.

Sandals visits Dryden talks health

The Parliamentary Assistant for the Ministry of Health believes Local Health Integration Networks are benefiting Ontarians.  MPP Liz Sandals was in Dryden recently for a round-table discussion on improving the Health Care system in Northern Ontario.  A final list of recommendations is expected to be presented to the Governing Liberals early this Summer.

Rickford vows to continue work with Treaty 3

The Parliamentary Assistant for the Indian and Northern Affairs Ministry is touting his Governments relationship with First Nations.  Grand Council Treaty 3 Chief Diane Kelly says the Harper government gives little hope to aboriginal youth in Northwestern Ontario.  Greg Rickford says they've donE numerous things to improve their quality of life.

Aboriginal Culture Centre talks continue

Thunder Bay City Council is getting an update on the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Monday night.  The project has been in the works for two years.  The facility would include tourism initiatives and also a healing area for the region's first nations.

Fire Chief's daughter in traffic accident

One city official is thankful there are no serious injuries to report from a morning traffic accident.   A 2 car mishap at the intersection of Balsam and the Thunder Bay Expressway hit home for Fire Chief John Hay.  His 21 year old daughter was involved in that accident that took place around 10 o'clock.   Hay says it was his daughter who called him to say she was okay.  Another person was taken to hospital for observation.

FedNor bill passes 2nd reading

Liberal MP Anthony Rota is continuing his push for a permanent FedNor agency for Northern Ontario.  His Private Members Bill has passed second reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 149-134.  Rota says by becoming an Agency, all FedNor decisions must go before Parliament and not just one individual. Rota calls FedNor a pork barrel for the Industry Minister.  Rota is upset that FedNor Minister Tony Clement and Kenora MP Greg Rickford voted against Bill C-309.

Can you live on 35 dollars a week?

12 Kenora residents will live off 35 dollars for the next 5 days. The Making Kenora Home committee wants to make local residents aware of how hard it is to live on Social Assistance. Chair of Communications committee, Dan Jorgensen says they want the challenge to be as realistic as possible. Kenora Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is taking part; the Program officially ends on the 16th.

Thunder Bay police have busy morning

Thunder Bay police dealt with a potentially serious situation this morning. Officers were called to a disturbance on the North side just after 3:30 this morning and when they arrived found the door open and could hear some noise. Once inside they discovered a man armed with a knife standing over a woman. Police subdued the man and arrested him.  About an hour later a man was assaulted on North May street by his brother in law. The victim was sent to the hospital after suffering a broken shoulder and a 20 year old man was arrested and charged with assault.

Hobbs talking Waterfront on Facebook

What would you do about the Waterfront if you were the Mayor?  That's the question being posed on Keith Hobbs' Facebook page.  Hobbs posted the question yesterday and so far has 99 responses.  To read Hobbs' post click here.

Heney touts benefits of ship purchases

An announcement that the Canadian Wheat Board is purchasing new ships is good news for Thunder Bay. That's according to Port Authority CEO Tim Heney. He says given that the life of the lakers is about 45 years, it's a sign that there is confidence in the seaway system which we are a part of.   He says it's a major investment and adds this is the first vessel purchase for the Wheat Board.

McGuinty to visit next week

Premier Dalton McGuinty is coming to Thunder Bay.   Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson says the premier will be speaking at a luncheon at the Italian Hall Thursday. It will be McGuinty's first visit to the city this election year.

Rafferty motion aims to boost firefighter funding

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he wants to protect volunteer fire departments.  Rafferty introduced a motion in the House of Commons this week calling on the Federal Government to work with the province and municipal governments to ensure they are properly funded.  The NDP member says the motion stems from several constituents who raised the issue to him over the years.

Traffic stop leads to Oxy bust

OPP believe they may have stopped another shipment of Oxycontin headed for northern First Nations.   They say a highway traffic stop near Raith netted a quantity of Oxy's they say could fetch up to 45 thousand dollars in some northern areas.  Two Sioux Lookout residents are charged.

Dugmore says micro-managing may be tough

The waterfront manager says she has no problem working with the City Manager on the project.  The mayor has told Tim Commisso to micro-manage the development.    But waterfront boss Katherine Dugmore suggests that could be challenging.  She says that would come down to doing her job and she doesn't believe that was the intent.  Dugmore says in spite of the 8.6 million dollar cost overrun she would not do things differently.       

   
   
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Fort William signs Solar Park deal

Sky Power has signed a deal with Fort William First Nation to create a 10 megawatt solar park.  100 jobs will be created from the construction.  The park will be located on the south bank of the Kam River.  Chief Peter Collins says power generated will be used locally through the area power grid.  Construction will start this summer.

Thunder Bay's Future is Now

Mayor Keith Hobbs gave his first State of the City address and points to economic growth, community safety and building partnerships as priorities.  Hobbs says he wants to build the city's population base to 150 thousand people to help increase the tax base and make balancing the budget easier.  Hobbs says people in Thunder Bay can't afford any more increases in their property taxes.  He says one possible way to keep taxes down and tackle the rising infrastructure deficit could be to use the city's reserve funds to cover some of the infrastructure needs.  Hobbs also says developing a community policing plan would go a long way towards making the city's streets safer.  Another important issue according to the Mayor is the importance of building relationships with our neighbours especially the First Nations.  Hobbs says Thunder Bay could one day become a First Nations Community and we need to work together to ensure a prosperous future.

Cat scratch fever in the ER

Two men had to spend the night in jail after they refused to leave the ER at the Health Sciences Centre.  Police say earlier in the evening they had been drinking and thought it would be interesting to introduce their two pet cats.  That turned into a fight between the two felines which resulted in each man getting clawed up on their face and hands.  At the hospital police say they became unruly and one of them even had a fight with security.

Police look for missing boy

Thunder Bay police are once again looking for a missing teen.  15 year old Jordon Wabasse was last seen in the Victoriaville area Monday.  He is described as 6 foot one and around 200 pounds.

Council runs up budget tab

Thunder Bay City Council ran up a 242 thousand dollar tab at Wednesday night's budget meeting.  Councillors reviewed the capital and operating budgets and added items to it.  An extra 160-thousand dollars for Roads in the Shuniah area was tagged on.  65-thousand goes to the Children Aid Society and 17 thousand for the Minnesota and Kushnier rinks.  The tax rate as it stands now is at 1.27 percent.

Fee increases in 2011 budget

It's going to cost slightly more money to take part in activities at the Canada Games Complex.  Administration is recommending a variety of increases in the 2011 budget.  Adult midday yearly memberships will cost 19 dollars more than in 2010.  Meanwhile, the increases will also impact taking your trash to the dump.  Vehicles weighing in will now pay a 20 dollar land fill fee. Finally, Golf membership fees are slated to go up by 3 percent meaning adults will pay almost 593 dollars a year.  Green fees will cost an extra dollar at Chapples and 2 dollars at Strathcona.

Taxes less than first thought

Thunder Bay taxpayers will be getting a bit of a break in their property taxes. Last week's budget figures were tweaked to include the education tax and administration is now recommending a 1.13 percent increase. Homeowners will pay an extra 28 dollars on their total tax bill. With council adding another 242 thousand dollars to the budget on Wednesday night the tax rate stands at 1.27 percent.