Gilbert weighs in on Bill 151

With Forest Tenure hearings concluding in Queen's Park, local Conservative Candidate Fred Gilbert is expressing his outrage.  Gilbert says the opposition is furious that no hearings for Bill 151 are scheduled for the north.  The opposition says the Liberals have been less than supportive in getting hearings in Thunder Bay.

NAN dislikes Bill 151

Nishnawbe Aski Nation is speaking out against the Ontario Forest Tenure Act.  First Nations residents are concerned bill 151 doesn't consult aboriginals.  Grand Chief Stan Beardy says the legislation doesn't recognize aboriginal and treaty rights.

Leaders' Debate Reaction

It doesn't appear any one political party stood out during the English speaking Leaders debate.  We hit the streets to hear what Thunder Bay residents thought.

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Fire at Abitibi Mill

City firefighters have a fire at the Abitibi Complex on Mission Island under control. Firefighters are still sorting out details but an old rubber belt seems to be the cause of the fire.  The Magic news room will have more on this story as it develops.

No injuries in accident

No one is injured following a two vehicle mishap on Memorial and Second Avenue Wednesday morning.   It was a collision between a mini-van and an SUV.   Fire, Police and Paramedics were called to the scene just before 11 o'clock.

DSSAB workers have new deal

There is labour peace at the Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board. The board and its workers have both accepted a new 3 year deal which is retroactive to January 1st, 2009. Union rep Marie Dean admits it took a while to come to this point.  The contract affects 85 workers and gives them a 5 per cent total wage increase.

WSIB under review

Chair Harry Arthurs

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is under review. Hearings are being held in Thunder Bay today to see how they can better fund it. Steve Mantis leads the local injured workers group and says the hearings are focused solely on money and should examine workers instead. Meanwhile, WSIB Funding Review Chair Harry Arthurs says finding a funding solution is going to be a daunting task. Arthurs says if all the claims that are currently in the system go through; the WSIB would be facing a 12 billion dollar bill. The WSIB Funding Review Committee is speaking with both injured workers and Northwestern Ontario companies today.

Aboriginal science program

Confederation College wants to get more First Nation residents interested in Science.  The college is holding it's second science fair designed to help engage youth in developing interest in science,

engineering and technology.  The fair will showcase many projects with Aboriginal content.

Earth Day this Saturday

People wanting to reduce their environmental footprint on the planet have something to look forward to this weekend.  In celebration of Earth Day this Saturday, the Farmers' Market will be setting up displays on ways to "live green".  The Farmers' Market will have demos on bee-keeping, soil-testing and gardening.

No students injured in school scare

Police are investigating a strange incident from this morning at a local elementary school. A grey car was seen driving on the lawn at C.D. Howe school and then drove down a public path. The students had just entered the school prior to the incident. No one was injured. 

Horwath provides platform sneak peek

The Ontario NDP is offering a sneak peak on what it plans to do to help Northern Ontario in advance to this October's Provincial Election.  Leader Andrea Horwath says her Party will also have a specific platform on how it plans to help Northern Ontario take full advantage of its assets.  Horwath adds the Liberals have already crippled families by adding 8-percent to home heating bills and filling up at the gas pumps.

More cold weather on the way

It looks as if Old Man Winter isn't done with us yet.  Despite warmer than normal temperatures over the last couple of days, the thermometer is going to be dipping later this week.  Our Meterologist Bill Laidlaw says it will be unusually cold for this time of year.  Laidlaw says there is also the slight chance of some snow flurries by the weekend, as a Colorado low moves through the upper mid-west.

PM visit possible Monday

More details are expected to come out later today or tomorrow on a possible visit to the city by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. One local Conservative party official says there are final details being worked out and that nothing has been confirmed as of yet.  Meantime the Prime Minister along with Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff and NDP leader Jack Layton are preparing for tonight's televised debates.

Police report second murder of 2011

A 63 year old Thunder Bay man is in custody this morning after what police say was the murder of his wife.  They say they went to an apartment building at 540 Oliver road where the body of a 61 year old woman was found.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says officers were dispatched after the man turned himself in at the Balmoral station at around 11 o'clock last night.  Adams says not many details can be released at this time but says it appears to be domestic in nature.  He is to appear in court this morning on a second degree murder charge.  No names are being released.

Thunder Bay gets green

The City of Thunder Bay is getting ready for spring.  The City recently was awarded over 7 thousand dollars for pruning equipment from the TD Green Streets program. Spokesperson Reena Viehbeck says they'll also use the funds to train volunteers on how to prune city trees.  The City was one of 23 communities chosen for the green program.  The volunteers will start work on the City's urban forest in May.

Horizon Wind settlement ratified

Thunder Bay City Council has ratified the Horizon Wind settlement. Councillor Joe Virdiramo caused a bit of confusion last week as to which way he voted and took the time this week to clarify how he was voting and why. Virdiramo didn't put up his hand at last week's meeting meaning he voted against the settlement. Virdiramo says it would be irresponsible to open the city up to such a pricey lawsuit. Meanwhile, Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee Spokesperson Mike Payne says they're ready to take their fight to the provincial level. The final vote was 8 to 4.

Slew of contracts awarded

The City of Thunder Bay went on a spending spree at Monday night's meeting.  A series of contracts were awarded for a variety of projects.  A four million dollar asphalt resurfacing contract is going to Taranis Contracting.  2.2 million will be used to replace a sewer and watermain project.  Taranis Contracting had the lowest bid for repairing the James Street Bridge with the contract coming in at 1.5 million dollars.  The latest waterfront contracts came in at 350 thousand and 4.6 million respectively.

Cultural plan released

The City's Cultural Plan continues to grow and change.  A draft plan was presented to council Monday night.  From now until May 9th the public and council are encouraged to review the plan and comment on what they would like to see changed.  The plan recommends including cultural diversity in public places.  It also suggests fostering the city's youth entrepreneurs.

LRCA facing funding shortfall

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is facing a funding shortfall.  The LRCA is short on cash because of changes to the Ministry of Natural Resources funding.  The group wants City Council to petition the government to provide more money for their initiatives.  The Conservation Authority is also applying for funding from another provincial infrastructure program.

More deputations on wind farm

Thunder Bay residents who are against the Horizon Wind Farm project made another plea to City Council to scrap the settlement with the company.  Three deputations on the ongoing issue were made Monday night.  Representatives from the Loch Lomond Ski area are concerned turbine parts won't fit on the Loch Lomond Road.  Another deputation made mention that Horizon Wind's renewable energy application to the Ministry of Environment was returned because it was incomplete. Council is expected to ratify the settlement agreement Monday evening.

Drug strategy presented to council

Being an addict is not a crime. That's what JP Levesque from the Drug Strategy Committee had to say to members of council. Thunder Bay's City Council spent over an hour listening and talking about the drug strategy. The committee brought the city up to speed on what they think should be done to improve the quality of life for those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.  Council approved the strategy Monday night.  Administration will review the strategy and come back in July with recommendations.

Wilson talks forest tenure

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce President isn't pleased with the Provincial Government's review of Bill 151.  Harold Wilson was in Toronto on Monday for the provincial hearings on forest tenure.  Wilson is disappointed with how the hearings and forest tenure bill were handled.  Wilson urged the committee to limit the forest management corporations and conduct a review in five years time.

Strat Plan takes shape

Thunder Bay City Council wants to hear from you.  A series of public consultation sessions on the Strategic Plan start Wednesday night.  The strategic plan guides the city's priorities for the next four years.  Wednesday night's meeting is at the DaVinci Centre from 6:30 until 9.  Thursday's is at the Italian Cultural Centre.

L-U Student Union to hold new vote

Officials at the Lakehead University Student Union are to hold new student elections. Spokesperson Chris Vaillant  says it's because the last election was ruled invalid by the LUSU board after a person was caught on a surveillance video stuffing a ballot box.  The new election will be held in September.

First "saltie" on its way

The first ocean going ship of the season is on its way to port.  Shipping official William Hyrb says the Aragonborg is to  arrive around 5 a.m Tuesday and will dock at Canada Malting. He says the Dutch ship is brand new,  only being delivered last year.  A welcoming ceremony will take place in the afternoon.

Election signs vandalized

Campaign workers for two local candidates are replacing damaged election signs. Signs for Richard Harvey and Bruce Hyer on North Court Street were vandalized sometime overnight. Hyer's spokesperson Maurice Grinstead says it's part of the campaign and he doesn't worry about it. The signs have been replaced. A spokesperson for the Harvey camp won't speculate on who may be responsible. The manager for the Yves Fricot campaign says they are dealing with similar problems throughout the city and doesn't know who is responsible for the vandalism.

No overspending for elected councillors

It appears the current city councillors have no worries over their election expenses.  Figures from the City Clerk's office show that all of them were well within what they were allowed to spend during last year's civic campaign. That goes from almost 13 hundred dollars for Mark Bentz to 12 thousand dollars for  Paul Pugh.   The deadline for submitting election costs was March 25th.  Only Mayor Keith Hobbs asked for an extension, which he's allowed to do, so he has until June to submit his expenses.

RFDA launches spring food drives

The Regional Food Distribution Association is gearing up for two major food drives. Executive Director Volker Kromm says the RFDA will be getting help from both Superstore and Canada Post. Kromm says most of the food collected during Holiday drives has been exhausted and the need for more food is rising. Superstore will be donating food through its Spring into Action food drive and Canada Post will be collecting food curbside across the region Saturday.

France plays leading role in Ivory Coast: prof

France is quickly becoming one of the biggest players on the international stage. Lakehead University Political Science Expert Laure Paquette says with French Special Forces Soldiers capturing the Ivory Coast, France  has become interventionist. Paquette says the biggest question is how the new leaders of the Ivory Coast will treat the former government leaders now that strongman Laurent Gbagbo has been arrested.

Damage claims coming in from hailstorm

Insurance companies in the city are expecting lots of calls this week.  Sunday's hailstorm has caused numerous damage claims for home rooftops and vehicles according to Bill Covello of Philpot and Delgaty,  who  says it appears the north side of Thunder Bay received the brunt of the storm

Johnson wants golf study again

Don't be surprised to see a rift develop over the city run golf courses. Councillor Rebecca Johnson has already gone public with her concerns about the deficit the courses pile up every year.  She feels the city should get out of the golf business altogether.  Mayor Keith Hobbs is also in favour of selling all or some of the city courses.

City sees first Thunderstorm of the year

Thunder Bay saw quite the light show last night.   Our meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says a storm rolled through the area and brought with it rain, hail and a fully developed thunderstorm.  Laidlaw says the storm dumped as much as 11 millimetres of rain on the area. 

Wilson heads to Toronto to talk Bill 151

Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson will be in Toronto Monday to share concerns about Bill 151. The bill would create a number of Crown corporations to manage forestry-a move that Wilson says could cause roadblocks for the industry. Wilson says he prefers the Ministry of Northern Development's wood supply competition program to what's outlined in the bill.

Overnight knife assault

Police have a man in custody this morning in connection with an overnight assault. According to police a man and woman were taken to hospital with apparent knife wounds. The pair were released after their injuries were treated. The accused man will appear in court today.

Golf Courses post 400-thousand dollar defecit

Thunder Bay's golf course finished off the 2010 year 400-thousand dollars in the red.  Director of golf Tom Forsythe attributes the loss in revenue to unexpected expenditures.  Forsythe says although they posted a defecit rounds of play were up over previous years.  Forsythe will present the figures to council on Monday night.

Hotel developers try try try again

It will likely be June when developers of the proposed waterfront hotel try again to get their way.   After being shot down by the city's Committee of Adjustment, they plan to go to council.  The developers are hoping to get approval to add an extra floor to the hotel, without increasing the height of the building.   The committee turned down the idea saying the added number of rooms might create parking problems.

De Faveri retires

Thunder Bay's Catholic School Board is bidding farewell to its Director of Education.  John De Faveri is retiring this summer after four years with the private board.  The Board is searching for De Faveri's replacement.

Construction season off to slow start

Thunder Bay's construction season is off to a slow start.  Housing starts are down 27 percent from last year's first quarter total.  Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation Analyst Warren Philp says the cooler weather is to blame.  Late snowfall is also contributing to the slow start to the building season.

Women's run has new component

The 32nd annual Royal LePage women's run has new twist. This year men are able to join the action with the new addition of "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes". Men that take part will be walking the distance in high heeled shoes to protest violence against women. Both events are held at Boulevard Lake on May 7th.

Hobbs taking part in business conference

Thunder Bay's Mayor is going to be absent from Monday night's council meeting.  Keith Hobbs is taking part in a business improvement conference in London, Ontario.  Hobbs says it's in preparation for Thunder Bay's conference hosting duties next year.  Hobbs will miss the ratification vote on the Horizon Wind settlement.  He doesn't foresee any councillors changing their minds and votes on the issue.

Collins re-elected as Chair

Fort William First Nation has re-elected Peter Collins as their chief.  8 people were running for the top job and 67 residents were interested in the 12 council seats.  There are two new faces at the band table including Georjann Morriseau and Valerie Chapman.  The new term of office starts April 15th.  The election was held yesterday.

Troubled times for Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity in Thunder Bay could be seeing red. Its annual raffle is behind in selling tickets.  CEO Diane Mitchell says if they don't sell anymore tickets, the organization would be looking at a 94 thousand dollar deficit in this year's budget.  It also means there won't be a house built this year.  Mitchell says they need to sell around 4 thousand more tickets to reach the break even point in the raffle.

Fricot takes a shot at NDP platform

The NDP Northern Platform is being panned by the Liberal Candidate for Thunder Bay Superior North. Yves Fricot says it's a national platform with only one regional piece "FEDNOR". The former lawyer is concerned about the cost of the platform. Fricot takes issue with the NDP's credit card and cellphone initiatives noting it's not really a north specific issue.

Lindstrom case remanded

It's back to court in June for a Thunder Bay man accused in the death of city man 2 years ago.  After a hearing Friday,  Eric Lindstrom's Toronto lawyer says that the case will be back in Superior Court June 14th.  Lindstrom was originally charged with second degree murder in the death of 36 year old Richard Quimet whose burned remains were discovered up Highway 527.  His co-accused in the case, Christopher Gregorchuck was sentenced to 10 years in jail in January after pleading guilty to manslaughter. 

Relay for Life set for June 17th

Thunder Bay's Canadian Cancer Society is gearing up for this summer's 12th annual Relay for Life.  Chair Elizabeth Stafford says money raised here goes towards local cancer research.  Last year's 12 hour relay raised over 143-thousand dollars.  This year's goal is to raise 152-thousand.  Stafford says she hopes to see 85 teams enter this year's relay that takes place June 17th.

Manley pays visit to Thunder Bay

Silver medalist figure skater Elizabeth Manley is helping honour the Alzheimer Society.  Manley was their guest speaker at the local chapter's fundraiser.  Manley says she personally wants to say thank you to the organization.  The Olympic skater lost her father to the disease in October.  The fundraiser also marked the 25th anniversary of the local Alzheimer's Chapter.

Pressure nothing new for Eric Staal

It will be an intense weekend for Eric Staal and his Carolina Hurricanes. They have two games remaining and hold their destiny in their own hands.  Two wins and they're in.  Staal tells our newsroom he lives for this kind of pressure. He says the team appears to be handing it well and haven't buckled yet. The Canes take on Atlanta Friday and Tampa to close out the regular season.  They were helped out by the Thrashers Thursday night when they beat the New York Rangers 3-0.

MNR and Grassy Narrows sign agreement

The Province and Grassy Narrows First Nation are working towards allowing logging activity in the Whiskey Jack Forest near Kenora.  Chief Simon Fobister says they're not against environmentally friendly logging practices; they're against clear cutting.  Fobister notes they will not dismantle their blockade; but the agreement with the province is a step towards that.

Marathon man facing child porn charges

A 71 year old Marathon man is facing Child Pornography charges. OPP say following an on-line undercover investigation they searched a home in that community and 3 computers were seized which they say contained movies of child sexual abuse. Charged is Reginald Begin. He appears for a bail hearing in Thunder Bay Friday.