Hay admits Sunshine List will cause talk

City Fire Chief John Hay says the fact 31 firefighters made more than 100 thousand dollars last year is going to cause controversy. He says his hands are tied because of an arbitration award that gave them 7 years of back pay. However, public perception is a different story, admitting that there will be questions asked. Hay says that same award will play into this years Sunshine List as well.

Students protest increased tuition

The student union at Lakehead University is livid over a decision by the University Board of Governors to jack up tuition  fees by 5 per cent. President Mike Snodden says about 120 chanting protesters were on hand as the governors entered Thursday's meeting where the increase was approved. He says the increase will mean students will pay an average of 280 dollars more for next years classes, engineering students will pay and extra 460 dollars. He says a protest rally is planned for next week as well as an e-mail blitz.

Ring of Fire blockade underway

Marten Falls First Nation has commenced its blockade of an airstrip used by companies for Ring of Fire mining exploration. The community is protesting what they see as a lack of involvement in decisions about their future.

The catalyst for the blockade is a mining camp on Koper Lake that Marten Falls leaders say was constructed without permission.

The  leaders see the camp as part of a larger trend where the community is shut out of the decision making process and are concerned they might lose out on benefits in the long term by not being able to help guide development.

Besides having more say in plans for the area, Chief Eli Moonias says Marten Falls would like to see new infrastructure put in place like winter roads that could lead to transport jobs. Other items such as funding to hire experts to help with negotiations and reimbursement for last years blockade are also on his wish list. Moonias feels the First Nation was forced into last years blockade by the decisions of others and shouldn't be on the hook for the cost.

NAN Grand Chief Stan Beardy visited the protest camp on Koper lake today and participated in a ceremony to mark the beginning of the blockade. Beardy says First Nation communities in the region aren't against development; they just want to make sure they share in the Ring of Fire's success and are treated fairly.

Municipal League meets

You can bet the Northern Growth Plan will be a hot topic at this weekend's annual Thunder Bay District Municipal League meeting. Past president Gwen Garbutt says the league members had a say in the plan, which is being released Friday morning by Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle. Garbutt says if there's something in the plan they don't like, Gravelle will hear from them. The meeting gets under way Friday as well.

Developer's expansion plans halted

The city isn't too keen on making changes to some of the projects at Prince Arthur's Landing.   The Committee of Adjustment has nixed plans by the developers of the hotel to add a storey to the building and move some parking from the waterfront to the downtown north core.   However city administration was a bit skittish about the plan because there hasn't been a parking study done.

Hospital working on new strategic plan

All aspects of health care are being encourage to take part in the creation of a new strategic plan for the Regional Health Sciences Centre. CEO Andree Robichaud says they hope to have representatives from all health care stake holders take part in the planning.  Robichaud says they will focus on patient needs and hope to have a draft plan in place by June.

City firefighters make sunshine list

A total of 115 people on the City of Thunder Bay payroll are on the province's Sunshine List. It gives the names of civil servants and other government officials who made more than 100 thousand dollars last year. City Manager Tim Commisso says a recent arbitration decision for city firefighters put 32 of them on that list. 50 people in the Police Service are also made more than a 100K in 2010

Herman takes issue with proposed booze law

Police Chief Bob Herman has joined the chorus of concerns over proposed new liquor laws in Ontario. Herman says while the laws may need updating he is wondering if allowing people to wander with booze at outdoor events is a wise move. He says they've seen from events in Thunder Bay that when that happens there is a tendancy for minors to be given alcohol and for people to sneak it in.  Herman says the Police Chiefs Association will bring their concerns to the McGuinty government

Donation for library

The Northern Credit Union has donated 5 thousand dollars to the new Mary J.L. Black Branch Library. The money will support the Children’s Reading Garden at the new facility. Fundraising Chairman, Patrick Morash and Thunder Bay Public Library Acting Chief Librarian, Barb Philp, were at the Northern Credit Union Westfort Branch on Frederica Street to accept the gift.

Buddy Guy and GFR highlight bluesfest lineup

They're coming to our town to party it down.  Grand Funk Railroad is one of the acts that will be part of this years Blues Festival.  Also on the list are Chicago Blues man Buddy Guy, Blue Rodeo and Wild T and the Spirit.  the Bluesfest takes place at Marina Park July 8th to the 10th.

City Transit is developing a master plan

The city wants to know what residents think about transit services. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says they are looking for public input to help in the development of a Master Plan. Loroff says the plan should point out what needs Thunder Bay residents have.  Loroff says there will be a survey available from March 7 to April 17th and a public meeting March 31st.

No one hurt in apartment fire

No injuries in a North side fire. The Blaze happened just after 9 o'clock last night in the 500 block of North Cumberland.  When crews arrived they found one unit completely engulfed in flames.  The cause is under investigation.

More schools to offer full time Kindergarten

There will be more schools in Thunder Bay offering full day Kindergarten next year.  A report says that starting in 2012, 7 more schools will be providing the service in the city bringing the total to 16 schools.  It's part of the provinces announcement that 900 more schools in Ontario will provide full time kindergarten in 2012

Infanticide ruled a partial defence to murder

A precedent setting ruling by Ontario's top court.  The Court of Appeal says that mothers who kill their newborn babies may use infanticide as a defence and receive a drastically reduced sentence. The president of the Thunder Bay Law Association David Dubinsky notes its a very rare charge.  He doesn't expect a lot of mothers will be running to court with this type of defence. Dubinsky says the issue hit the court because a special interest group wanted to make a statement about women's rights

Another mill shutdown in "The Fort"

Another shutdown is coming for the AbitibiBowater Mill in Fort Frances.  The plant will be shut down for fourteen days beginning March 28th because of poor market conditions.  More than 500 employees will be effected.

CAW members at Beendigen get new deal

Social workers at a local aboriginal women's shelter have a new 3 year contract.   The employees of Beendigen  Inc.  have voted to accept the deal.   Suzanne Pulice of the Canadian Auto Workers union  says the contract corrected a wage gap between two groups in the bargaining unit.  She says part time counsellors were not making the same as full time workers, but by the end of the agreement they will both make the same.  Pulice say there are improvements in wages and benefits

Local media to be flown to protest site

The Marten Falls First Nation will be testing the patience of industry and government as they set up a blockade Thursday near the Ring of Fire.  The members of that community are complaining they're not part of the process for the proposed chromite mine.  As part of the days events,  the Nishnawbe Aski Nation has chartered a Nakina Air flight to the area so local news reporter can get a glimpse of the protest, which Chief Eli Moonias says is designed to prevent planes from landing and gaining access to the site of the development.   Included on that charter is our own Josh Lynn.

Snowmobile mishap claims a life

A 23 year old Geraldton man is dead after a snowmobile accident near Ear Falls on Tuesday.   OPP say three snowmobilers were riding along  a hydro line when a collision took place.  They say Marcel Santerre died as a result of these his injuries.

Levi Schaeffer Inquest continues

The Levi Schaeffer Inquest is into its 3rd day and the OPP officers who were involved in his death are on the stand.  Constable Mike Pullbrook says he and his partner Constable Kris Woods were investigating reports of a stolen boat at Osnaburgh Lake when they came into contact with Schaeffer.  Pullbrook says when questioned about the boat Mr Schaeffer became very agitated.  He says an altercation ensued and after Schaeffer broke free of his hold, Schaeffer pulled a knife out of his pocket.  Pullbrook says after repeated requests for Schaeffer to drop the knife and to stop moving forward, Constable Woods shot Schaeffer.  Woods is expected to take the stand this afternoon.

Outpost site of climate change conference

Climate change is being talked about at Lakehead University Thursday. Organizer Graham Saunders says the purpose is to discuss the topic from the angles of changing trends, impacts and ways to adapt. He hopes anyone who attends will come away thinking differently about weather and some of the surprises that may be in order in the years to come. The conference takes place at the L-U Outpost starting at 8:30 a.m.

Long time local business is closing

After over 40 years Hymers Mens Wear is going out of business. Owner Rob Hymers says he's ready for a change. He says people just aren't shopping in the downtown like they used to adding, many shoppers are now attracted to the big box stores and Intercity Shopping Centre.    Hymers says he's looking forward to spending more time with his family

Car fires keep police busy

Thunder Bay police are investigating after two vehicles were burned to the ground this morning.  The fires happened just after 12:30 on Bethune Street and just after 2 o'clock on Cumming Street.  Arson is suspected and both cars were destroyed.

Team Thunder Bay heads home

After over a dozen meetings in Toronto,  Mayor Keith Hobbs and his Thunder Bay delegation are coming home.   Hobbs says the two days of lobbying government ministers and officials will hopefully pay off for the city.  Hobbs says leaders here need  to hold the government's feet to the fire on local issues.

Retired general weighs in on Libya

A retired Thunder Bay general gives top marks to world governments as they react to the Libyan crisis. John Litt says the UN effort is critical to the humanitarian efforts that must take place because the government there is attacking it's own people.   He says we have an obligation to not only defend a member state during a time of war, but to protect it's people from crimes against humanity.  Litt says Rwanda taught the world we can't sit by and watch people getting slaughtered

Planned blockade raises Horwath's ire

The planned blockade of the Ring of Fire by the Marten Falls First Nation on Thursday is not going unnoticed at Queens Park. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is blaming the governments lack of dialogue with northern First Nations.  Aboriginal Affairs Minister Chris Bentley says Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle is working closely with Marten Falls on specific issues

Henderson jersey back in Canada

More than 30 years after Paul Henderson scored the winning goal in the 1972 Summit Series, the famous jersey is back in Canada. The Henderson Jersey Homecoming tour is travelling across Canada and will be making a stop in Thunder Bay on Thursday, March 10th. Spokespeson Rob Wighton says the tour bus will have many different exhibits such as the stick, gloves, and jersey Henderson used during the series.

Its been a cold winter

Home heating bills likely went up this winter but not only because of the HST. Our Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says its been pretty cold so far. The average temperature has been just below long term average but when you consider the mild winters we've had over the last ten year's its been the second coldest over that time. Laidlaw says it'll likely remain on the cooler side until mid month at earliest.

Two collision keep police busy

Thunder Bay OPP dealt with a couple vehicle collisions.  Both happened yesterday around 5:30 in the afternoon.  The first one involved a van which hit a dump truck on Highway 527.  The woman driver of the van was taken to hospital with minor injuries.  The second collision happened on Highway 11/17 just East of Kakabeka Falls were a vehicle hit the ditch.  Charges have been laid. 

Cliffs keep quiet on blockade

Cliffs Natural Resources is not commenting on plans for a blockade of the company's proposed mining development.  The Marten Falls First Nation says it will stop anyone from entering the Ring of Fire area starting on Thursday.  They say they are upset over being left out of the process.    Mines minister Michael Gravelle has not been available for comment.

County Fair for sale

A for sale sign is up at County Fair Mall. The Mall entered receivership and is being administered by accounting firm Grant Thornton. Its unknown how long the building has been in receivership.

Ring of Fire blockade planned

There is more First Nations unrest over the Ring of Fire chromite deposit in Northern Ontario.  This time the Marten Falls First Nation is planning to  blockade access to the area.  The blockade will be set up on Thursday.  They're upset because they have been left out of the discussions on the proposed development.

NWO concerns voiced at Queen's Park

The mayor is confident the energy concerns of Northwestern Ontario are now understood clearly at Queens Park. Keith Hobbs says after a meeting with Energy Minister Brad Duguid Monday there is an understanding that the priority here is the distribution, transmission and pricing of electricity. Duguid promised to come back with an answer. Hobbs says they also met with Health Minister Deb Matthews and discussed the transferring of non emergency patients and detox beds for the city.

City in court on environmental charge

The city is in court this week on an environmental charge. It stems from an occurance on the Current River. Lisa Brygidyr of the Ministry of the Environment says it took place in April of last year. She says during the spring smelt spawning run the water flow was suddenly reduced. It resulted in the small fish being stranded on land and many of them died. The hearing is taking place at the Metis Hall on May Street.

LU expert predicts Gadhafi's end is soon

With the world turning against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi a Lakehead University political expert says it's only a matter of time. Laure Paquette says when the end comes, he will not go voluntarily. In fact she believes that when he goes there will likely be violence involved and he'll be taking a lot of people with him. Paquette predicts the end will probably come within about two weeks.

Injured workers to discuss WSIB

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is currently having a formal review about their funding. The Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group will be hosting a meeting Thursday night at the Lakehead Labour Centre to discuss the issue, according to treasurer Steve Mantis. Mantis says the Insurance Board review may have a heavy impact on workers in Northwestern Ontario.

Inquest into 2 year old death underway

Ontario's Coroners Office is holding an inquest into a 2 year old death in Northwestern Ontario.  Levi Schaeffer of Peterborough died in June of 2009 after an altercation with the OPP in the Osnaburgh Lake area.  Its expected to last between one to two weeks and will hear from 12 witnesses.  Schaeffer was allegedly shot after he attacked officers with a knife.

Northern gas prices have Horwath steamed

Ontario's NDP leader has her eye on gas prices. Andrea Horwath is upset that not only are they up again, but in Northern Ontario we continue to be the Rodney Dangerfield's of the province...we get no respect. She says we in Thunder Bay and the rest of the north, are getting gouged when prices in Toronto are always lower than they are here. Horwath wants the government to investigate whether government control of gas pricing is required.

Hannam says agenda items moved

The Good Roads Conference in Toronto is having a domino effect at City Hall. Tonight's regular council meeting has been cancelled because most councillors will be away at the gathering. City Clerk John Hannam says it means some agenda items have to be moved. He says one zoning application will now be discussed at the March 21st meeting. Councillors get back on schedule next week.

Wasaya Airways adds new plane

Flying services to Northern Ontario will be getting a boost. Wasaya Airways is meeting increased demand for air service in the North by adding its second Bombardier Dash 8 since October. Vice President George Simon says the company also plans on adding a third Dash 8 as part of an expansion plan.  Simon says the new planes can carry 37 passengers which is a lot larger than the current planes in their fleet.

OPP rescue missing skiers

The OPP Emergency Response team had to pick up some skiers east of Thunder Bay.  The group of three and their dog got lost after dark on the Eagle Ridge Trail Saturday night.  Officials say officers used snowshoes to locate the group and found them early Sunday morning. They suffered minor frostbite.

City Council divided on need for parks consultant

City parks might be getting a $100,000 check-up from a consultant.

The consultant would take a close look at structures and sports fields in city parks to determine their long-term maintenance needs. The data could then be used by the city to develop a long-term strategy. 

Some members of council would like the city to do the research internally without money being spent to hire outside help.

City Manager Tim Commisso says a consultant is needed because the city doesn't have the resources to do an in-depth study.

Council is waiting for a report on the plan before making a final decision.

Zuback and Makela reflect on gold medal game

Thunder Bay's Brittany Zuback and Amanda Makela are heartbroken after their Team Ontario loss at the Canada Winter Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  They are members of the women's hockey team that dropped the gold medal game 3-2 to Alberta.   Both of them spoke after the game.

Brittany Zuback

 

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Amanda Makela

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Early Morning Arrest

A 40 year old man is facing a number of charges after an early morning arrest. The man is being charged with possession of prescription drugs with the intent to distribute. The man is also facing firearm related charges.

Police say they seized a large amount of cash while making the arrest as well.

Dawson Court hit with illness outbreak

The Health Unit is restricting who can go to Dawson Court.  A sickness has hit the long term care facility on North Algoma Street. Admissions, transfers and discharges are cancelled until further notice.

Provincial $ for Rosslyn

Rosslyn residents will have better drinking water thanks to a cash infusion from the Provincial Government. Lakehead Region Conservation Authority will use 119-thousand dollars to upgrade faulty septic systems. Oliver-Paipoonge Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says the financial assistance makes the improvements possible.

NOSM looking for new Associate Dean

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is looking to hire more staff. Administration is searching for a new Associate Dean. The associate dean plays a role in administering the residency training program in area hospitals across the North.

Mayor heading to Good Roads conference

The Mayor is leading a contingent to Toronto this week for the annual Good Roads Association conference. Keith Hobbs says its an important meeting because it gives them access to some influential politicians.

Hobbs believes its worthwhile attending such conferences.

Oliver-Paipoonge works on budget

The Township of Oliver-Paipoonge is in the middle of it's budget deliberations. Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says they are taking a break from talks at the moment because they are not far enough along to tell how much the increase will be.  Last year it was zero per cent. They hope to have it completed by March.