New nurse contract at CCAC

Wages remain an issue for nurses with the Northwest Community Care Access Centre.  The members of the Ontario Nurses Association recently accepted a new contract, but President Linda Haslam-Stroud says salaries aren't where they should be.  Haslam-Stroud says the new deal does follow some wage scales of another northern C-C-A-C.

Electricity rates go up May 1st

Expect your electricity bills to jump slightly on May 1st.  May 1st marks the start of the Ontario Energy Board's summer electricity rates.  Thunder Bay Hydro's Tim Wilson says the increase is about six dollars extra on your monthly bill. 

Opposition Day in Legislature Wednesday

Northwestern Ontario concerns are being highlighted in the Ontario Legislature Wednesday.  NDP leader Andrea Horwath is using her turn on Opposition Day to bring them up.  Top on Horwath's list is the forest tenure hearings.

Citizen Satisfaction Survey released

It looks like 90 percent of the city is happy with the Thunder Bay Police according to the Citizen Satisfaction Survey.  The results from the annual survey were released Tuesday and one of the weak points for city police was crime prevention.  Adams says over one thousand surveys were sent out, but only 178 were returned.

PM announces Brain Research Fund

A re-elected Conservative government would invest 100 million dollars for a Brain Research Fund. At the Regional Health Sciences Centre this morning Prime Minister Harper said such research is necessary to better understand the causes of such brain diseases like Lou Gehrig's, MS and Alzheimer's that rob too many Canadians and their loved ones of their quality of life.  Harper says the fund will match private contributions.

Police deal with fake hostage situation again

For the second time in two weeks city police had to deal with a standoff.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says police received a call last night just before midnight about a person holding a hostage at a house on High Street.  After a standoff a 34 year old Thunder Bay man was arrested and is facing a number of charges.

PM's security included Bomb sniffing dog

The Prime Minister's security is beefed up for his campaign tour.  The RCMP contingent looking after his security has come equipped with a bomb sniffing dog.  Nash was used to screen local reporters who were covering Harper's visit.  She'll be retiring after her farewell tour.

OPP find missing family

They are hungry but safe. OPP in Dryden have found three people who were reported missing north of Dryden. The three got stuck while driving on a logging road but were not injured.

600-thousand dollars in remuneration

Almost 600 thousand dollars in tax payer money went towards council expenses and compensation last year. The former Mayor Lynn Peterson spent the most at 112-thousand dollars.  Lynda Rydholm came in second with 45-thousand, followed by Trevor Giertuga.  The financial figures were included in Monday night's council package.

Local Labour group encouraging strategic voting

Thunder Bay's Liberal Candidates are getting a boost.  The Northwestern Building and Construction Council is endorsing Candidates Ken Boshcoff and Yves Fricot.  President Gord Milliard says they are encouraging people to vote Liberal to prevent a Tory majority. Milliard says the Conservatives have nothing to offer workers.

Vacancy plan in place

City Council is ready to fill a vacant council seat if Ken Boshcoff is elected in the Federal Election.  Council voted in favour of holding a by-election for vacancies in the early stages of a council term.  A by election would cost around 35 thousand dollars. The resolution calls for longer term vacancies to be appointed by council.

Harper pumps up the Tory faithful

Thunder Bay-Rainy River is one of 30 seats in Canada the Conservatives believe they can take away from the opposition parties this election.  Monday evening,  Prime Minister Harper rallied the Tory faithful in Thunder Bay with a call for change saying each time he comes here the crowds are bigger than the time before.  Harper continues his Thunder Bay visit Tuesday morning at the Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Youth curfew axed

Thunder Bay won't be going ahead with a youth curfew.  Councillors approved a resolution Monday night that was against the curfew.  Police Chief Bob Herman says policing a curfew would require more man power and would cost a lot of money.  The resolution was passed unanimously.  Council is now vowing to come up with programs that will help keep youth safe.

Walsh Street Residents against sidewalk

Residents of Walsh Street West feel the City hasn't communicated with them enough about a proposed sidewalk. Spokesperson Allan Jack says they've signed a petition asking council to scrap the idea entirely. Jack adds there hasn't been any safety problems in the past without a sidewalk. The tender for the 250 metre stretch is set to close Tuesday. The project is estimated to cost around 75-thousand dollars. 


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Firefighters mandatory retirement

Fire Fighters could retire at the age of 60 if the Provincial Government has it's way.  They introduced the mandatory retirement legislation on Monday.   Professional Fire Fighters Association President Eric Nordlund doesn't foresee any problems with the age limit.  Nordlund says fire suppression is taxing work and not meant for seniors.

Thunder Bay runs in Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is a done deal with the 7 Thunder Bay participants all finished. Thunder Bay's Ryan McDonald finished with the best time out of the 7 local participants finishing just over 2 hours and 40 minutes. Other Thunder Bay participants finishing times are as follows: Karla Bailey: 3:14:51. Christine L. Bociurko: 3:38:58. Stuart J. Brimmell: 3:05:01. Susan McDonald: 4:07:13. Shaun W. Naroski: 3:39:51. Rena Viebeck: 3:18:13.

Jack Layton plans to visit Thunder Bay

It turns out Thunder Bay will see another campaign leader visit our city. NDP leader Jack Layton will be making an appearance Wednesday night at the Current River Community Centre at 5 o'clock.

OPP investigating disappearance

The OPP is investigating the disappearance of 3-people who were travelling from a home in Wainwright Township to Sioux Lookout. 65-year-old George Daigle of Dryden left the area Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock and was travelling with his 14-year-old grand-daughter and her 14-year-old girl friend. Police say they didn't arrive at their destination. The trio were travelling in a silver 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe with Ontario plates BHSW563. A ground and air search is underway. Anyone with information on their location is asked to contact OPP.

Filmmaker Moxam dead.

A former Confederation College student who went on to become hit in Winnipeg, is dead.   Winston Moxam was 47 years old when he passed away in Winnipeg last week from what are reported to be complications following heart surgery.  A College official says Moxam graduated from the Film Production Course here in 1989.  He is considered best known for his feature indie flick, Barbara James in 2003.

First Nations Child Welfare summit underway

Aboriginal Child Welfare is being discussed at a Fort William First Nation summit.  Children's Minister Laurel Broten was in town and says this is a great opportunity to make important decisions for Child Welfare services across Ontario.  Aboriginal children account for 3 percent of the province's child population but 17 percent of children in the welfare system.

Thunder Bay runs in Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is in full swing today with 7 Thunder Bay runners taking part in the field of 27, 000. This is the 115th annual Boston Marathon. Runners from Thunder Bay include Karla Bailey, Christine L. Bociurko, Stuart J. Brimmell, Ryan McDonald, Susan McDonald, Shaun W. Naroski, Rena Viehbeck.

Bishop disappointed over advance polls

The Catholic Bishop of Thunder Bay is disappointed that the advance polls for the federal election are being held on Good Friday and the Easter weekend. Bishop Fred Colli says it has the potential to interfere with religious celebrations. He says it mixes up a holy weekend with election issues. Bishop Colli says as a result of the move, he instructed churches in the Diocese not to allow church property to be used as advance polling locations.

Motorist hits police cruiser

Thunder Bay Police are saying a vehicle hit a police cruiser last night on Arthur Street. The cruiser was parked and unoccupied when the crash happened. The impact caused the police car's lights to turn on. The driver that struck the cruiser is facing a charge in connection with the fender bender.

Weather related accidents

The weather is keeping the OPP busy this weekend. There have been close to 60 motor vehicle accidents in the region since the snow began falling. No serious injuries have been reported.

14 year-old girl arrested

Police have a 14 year-old girl in custody for allegedly trying to stab her mother with a knife. City police arrested the girl after being called to the family's home last night. No injuries were reported.

Pikangikum First Nation declares State of Emergency

There's no running water at Pikangikum First Nation. A community representative says the water system stopped working several days ago. A shipment of bottled water is on its way today, but may get held up by the weather.

Mac's robbed with syringe

Police say a man and woman robbed the Mac's on Syndicate Avenue early this morning. According to police the woman threatened the cashier with a syringe while the man took money from the till; the pair then left the store. Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.

Mayor, local media served with libel notice

Acadia Broadcasting Ltd. and other news outlets in the city along with Mayor Keith Hobbs have been served with a Libel notice brought by Police Chief Bob Herman.  It involves a recent news conference the Mayor held in which Hobbs spoke about the Chief.  In the notice, legal counsel for Chief Herman is demanding an apology for stories that were broadcast on Magic 99.9 and posted on its website.

Extortion charges laid

Two Thunder Bay men are behind bars after an alleged incident involving a 26 year old man.  The investigation was handled by the Provincial Biker Enforcement unit.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the incidents allegedly happened between March 7th and April 13th. Adams says the men face intimidation, extortion and threat related charges.  Both men will be in court April 18th.

Pine Beetle on the way

The spread of the pine beetle is on the minds of the Ministry of Natural Resources.  The bug already hurt B.C's forest industry and is making it's way east through Saskatchewan.  Spokesperson Taylor Scarr says it will impact Northwestern Ontario as well.  Scarr says because of the high winds last year the bug flew through Alberta in just one season.

Report on council make-up proposed

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!  That's the message of Councillor Joe Virdiramo about a proposed study of different council models.  Councillor Larry Hebert is asking for the report studying the composition of council.  Hebert is recommending an at-large race for all of council rather than a combined ward and at large race.

15 year old girl missing

A 15 year old girl is missing.  Natasha Lynn Charlie Stillaway was last seen on April 2nd at the Victoriaville mall in Fort William.  The young First Nation girl has gone missing before, and her guardian is concerned about her health.  Police are asking for your help in assisting to find her.  Police describe Stillaway as 5'2, weighing around 110 pounds.

Waterfront workers are ready for spring

Work is picking up at the Waterfront project.  Manager Catherine Dugmore says for the most part it's on schedule, the only hold up is landscaping which requires warmer weather.  As far as the budget, Dugmore says the first three tenders this year came in less than expected.

Construction starts on EMS headquarters

Construction has begun on the new Superior North EMS headquarters on Junot Avenue.  City Councillor Brian McKinnon took a lot of flack in the past over the location and cost of the building.  McKinnon says the 11 million dollar project has gone slightly over budget by about sixty nine thousand dollars.  A ground breaking ceremony was held today and the building should be open by the end of December.

Clock ticking on old MJLB

The sun is slowly sinking on the old Mary J-L Black Library.   Acting Chief Librarian Barb Philp says it will close April 29th and  the new branch on S. Edward Street will open on May 9th.

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue deal with early morning fire

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue dealt with a house fire this morning.  Officials say crews responded to the call in the 600 block of McPherson Street at around 2 o'clock.  It took firefighters about 3 hours to get the blaze under control.  There are no reports of any injuries at this time.

Bachelors auction another success

It was another successful year for the Bachelors Fight Breast Cancer event.  Over 400 woman attended the event where 10 bachelors were auctioned off.  Organizers say over 50 thousand dollars was raised and will go to the Northern Cancer Fund.

MNR wraps up training

The Ministry of Natural Resources has wrapped up a comprehensive training program for some of its key members.  Response and Operations Manager Dave Cleavely says the forum was geared towards staff from across Northwestern Ontario.  Cleavely says a lot of the information was a refresher, however he notes new safety guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of workers before they do any task.

Male survivor help line

For the first time in Canada, male survivors of sexual abuse will have access to services and support to help them recover.  Agencies are being established in Fort Frances, Thunder Bay, Schreiber and Nishnawbe-Aski First Nations.  Staff will provide specialized services including peer support, counselling and residential services.  The Agencies will also offer telephone and e-counselling.

New youth plan launched

The Thunder Bay Youth Strategy Committee is looking to improve the overall quality of life for youth. A new youth strategy is geared towards people aged 13-24. The youth committee will be holding a conference to get feedback from youth. The committee is looking to develop several areas such as employment and housing.

Di Matteo suggests fair book pricing

A local economics expert is suggesting Canadian bookstores wise up to the rising loonie. Livio Di Matteo says consumers know many books from the States are unfairly priced higher in this country. In some cases they are going online to buy those same books cheaper and having them delivered to their door. Di Matteo says it's up to retailers to price U-S goods to reflect value of the loonie compared to the American buck.

Student housing upsets some

One Thunder Bay resident isn't happy with the city's enforcement of student housing by-laws. Peter Keddie lives on Darwin Crescent and is making a presentation to council on Monday night. Keddie feels his street is over run with students and landlords that don't care about the families that live on the street. Keddie says every weekend there's a party with loud music, doors slamming and cars and Taxi's coming and going at all hours of the night.

AbitibiBowater modernizing sawmill

The AbitibiBowater sawmill in Thunder Bay is getting a facelift. The company is investing 8 million dollars to upgrade the facility. Spokesperson Pierre Choquette says it will mean 50 added jobs in the sawmill and 100 direct jobs in the woodlands. The upgrades will be completed by January 2013.

Residents urged to become organ donors

The push is on to get more people in Thunder Bay to become organ donors. The Trillium Gift of Life Network is asking people to register online. Gary Cooper is a local liver transplant recipient and says the Network was a lifesaver for him saying if it weren't for the network there wouldn't be the number of donors in the province that there are.   You can register as a donor by going here

Sewage by-pass in Fort Frances

The amount of groundwater in the sewage system continues to be a problem for the town of Fort Frances.  Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says the town was forced to by-pass its sewage treatment plant Sunday of nearly 37-hundred cubic metres of partly-treated waste water as a result.  Brown says the town continues to study the reasons behind why the town is treating more water than being produced.

Youth Curfew up for debate

It doesn't appear there's much support for a proposed youth curfew.  Administration is against the idea of developing a curfew for a one year trial period.  Crime Prevention Coordinator Amy Siciliano says the report will help guide the city.  City staff are recommending that council include strategies to keep youth safe in their strategic plan.  In December council asked administration to conduct a feasibility study on youth curfews.

Pharmacare discussion set for tonight

The Thunder Bay Health Coalition will be hosting a round table discussion about Pharmacare.  Co-Chair Sara Williamson says a panel will discuss the need and the feasibility of a national publicly funded drug plan.  The meeting starts at 7 at the Labour Centre.

Horizon Wind to hold open house

Horizon Wind is taking the necessary steps in its application to create a wind farm on the Norwester Mountains.  The company is holding two open houses in May to discuss the proposed project.  It's part of the Ministry of Environment's renewable energy application process.  The public consultation sessions are scheduled for May 17th and 18th in Neebing and Thunder Bay.

Standoff leads to mischief charges

City police are still trying to fill in the blanks in a bizarre standoff.  Police received a call from a 39 year old man at 9:30 last night where he claimed to have 3 hostages in the 300 block of Bay Street.  Staff Sergeant Frank Earley says at 11:30 police arrested the man and found no one else in the residence.  No one was hurt and Earley says at this point police have no idea why the man called in the fake hostage situation.  The 39 year old will be in court this morning.  

NOMA Skype's standing committee

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is calling on the government to change its proposed Forest Tenure Act.  Vice President Iain Angus says they don't support the legislation as it is now.   NOMA wants the bill amended before it returns to the Legislature for third reading.  NOMA provided their comments to the standing committee in Toronto via video conference.

Harper visit confirmed

It's official.  The Prime Minister will be campaigning in Thunder Bay.  Stephen Harper will be visiting with the two local Conservative candidates at the Da Vinci Centre on Monday night.  A local Conservative Party official says the rally gets underway at 7:30 in the evening.

Old Mission Mill hit by fire

Damage is minimal following a fire at the old Abitibi Mission mill on City Road during the noon hour.   Fire Service Platoon Chief Joseph Lafontaine  says the blaze was in a paper machine being dismantled and may have been started by workers who were cutting with torches.