1.32 million dollar investment for Global Sticks

The Provincial Government is providing 1.32 million dollars towards the Global Sticks plant.  Oliver Paipoonge Mayor Lucy Klusterhuis says it's a big deal for her community.  The manufacturing plant will be home to 130 new jobs and make sticks for ice creme bars, corn dogs, and paint paddles.

Gravelle talks First Nation inquiry

Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle is kicking off his long weekend with a meeting with protesters and First Nation leaders.  A protest demanding an inquiry into missing First Nation teens took place outside Gravelle's office today. Gravelle says they are working on getting an inquiry off the ground.  Gravelle is also speaking with Ginoogaming First Nation today about their wood allocation application.

Thunder Bay Inflation rate rises

Thunder Bay now has the 2nd highest inflation rate in Canada. Our rate rose to 3.7 percent up from last month's 3.4. The National rate stayed steady at 3.3 percent.

AbitibiBow challenges Fort Frances taxes

Concern is being expressed by the town of Fort Frances over AbitibiBowater's decision to appeal its property assessment back to 2009.  Mayor Roy Avis says if the company is successful, the loss in tax revenue would equate to an 8-point-4 per tax increase.  There is no word yet when the Assessment Review Board will discuss the appeal.

Attawapiskat gets new school

Ottawa has set aside funds to accelerate the construction of a new elementary school for a remote Northern First Nation.  Elementary classes have been held in portables on Attawapiskat First Nation since 2000, when the original school was condemned.  Area MP Charlie Angus says it's good news. The Federal Government says it hopes to have the new school open in 2013.

Talk of the Manitoba Moose relocating here premature

Ice Edge Holdings is staying out of the speculation surrounding a possible NHL team in Winnipeg.  Rumours suggest Thunder Bay could be a destination for the Manitoba Moose who would likely be forced to relocate if Winnipeg gets an NHL franchise.  Ice Edge CEO Anthony Leblanc says if an opportunity arises to bring a team to Thunder Bay they will explore it.

Teens awarded bursaries

Two Thunder Bay teens will be given five thousand dollars each today for their post secondary education. Elyssia Adamo of St. Ignatius and Matthew DeGagnes of St. Patrick's are this year's bursary winners from the Justice Ronald B Lester foundation.

Red Cross collecting donations for Alberta

Thunder Bay's Red Cross is looking for help for Slave Lake residents. Spokesperson Ken Widdifield says they're collecting money for relief efforts in Alberta. Money will go towards shelters, food, and emergency clothing. To make a donation call the local Red Cross or stop by their office.

Mom recounts her child's bike accident

It's a scary moment in a parent's life when your child is involved in an accident. That's no different for Sarah Rommell-Gray whose son, Josh, was hit by a car on Redwood Avenue while on his bike.  It turns out that Josh was wearing his helmet which resulted in only minor injuries.  Police presented Josh with a new helmet to help promote their use.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Former PM stands up for Dennis Franklin Cromarty

A former Prime Minister is calling on the Federal Government to fund a residence for the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. Paul Martin says a residence for young remote first nation teens attending high school in Thunder Bay is critical.  Martin is making the comments after the school requested funding for a residence from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.  Martin says INAC has turned them down.

Fishing season starts this weekend

The May long weekend marks the start of the fishing season in Northwestern Ontario. Conservation Officer Ross Johnston says you can expect to see them out on area lakes and roadways. They'll be checking to see that boats have the proper amount of floatation devices as well as fishing regulations are being observed. Johnston adds it's illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol.

NW LHIN has new blood

The Northwest Local Health Integration Network is welcoming two new members to it's board. Former Deputy Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation Goyce Kakegamic is embarking on a three year term. Ignace resident Dianne Loubier is appointed to a two year term.

Confed Teacher ready for Iron Man

A teacher at Confederation College is attempting his 13th Iron Man this weekend. Tim Matthews says he is doing the race because the training is a great way to stay fit. Matthews will be swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and then run a full marathon tomorrow.  He says once you are done physically its a mental battle to finish the race.

Camping season starts this weekend

The alcohol ban at provincial parks continues this May long weekend.  Parks Spokesperson Barb Rees expects a busy weekend despite the booze ban.  The alcohol ban is in place at Blue Lake, Rushing River, Sleeping Giant, Aero Lake and Silver Falls until May 24th.  Rees adds there's still open spots at Thunder Bay area camps.

Bike Helmet saves boy

Its another example of how bike helmets save lives.  A six year old boy was hit by a car yesterday evening at around 7 o'clock on Redwood Avenue.  Thunder Bay Police Constable Gordon Snider says the investigation concluded his helmet, coupled with the car going slower than the speed limit, likely prevented serious injury.  Snider says without a helmet it could have been a very different story.   

Ginoogaming wants wood allocation decision

Ginoogaming First Nation wants to know whether they'll be receiving a wood allocation from the Province.  Economic Development Manager Adolph Rasevych says they're going to be speaking with the Minister Michael Gravelle.  The Long Lac area First Nation has been waiting for over a year and a half to hear if they'll be successful.

No jail time for former daycare exec.

A former daycare official is serving a conditional sentence after pleading guilty to breach of trust. In court this week Sherrel Pucci had 4 fraud and theft related charges against her withdrawn. The charges related to her time working as the Executive Director of Footsteps Daycare. In addition to the conditional sentence, Pucci was ordered to pay a 100 dollar victim surcharge.

Canfield talks Northern Policy Institute

The Northern Policy Institute is starting to take shape.  The Institute was one of the key promises contained in the Northern Growth Plan released earlier this year.  Dave Canfield is vice-president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and says they recently had a chance to provide their input to the province.  Canfield admits that universities in Sudbury and Thunder Bay will likely get to host the Northern Institute.

Steps taken to prevent fire at Centennial Park

Actions are being taken to prevent a wild fire in Centennial Park.  Over the past 100 years fires have been suppressed creating an unhealthy forest.  City Parks Planner Werner Schwar says they're taking immediate actions like pruning trees and removing dead wood that will act like an accelerant. 

Fire Fighter hurt during apartment blaze

A Firefighter was hurt during an apartment fire in Westfort.  Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue responded to the fire last night just before 8:30 in the 100 block of Frederica Street.  The firefighter cut his hand and suffered smoke inhalation.  All the residents of the building managed to escape injury.  No cause has been released.

Wasaya and Kelner in business partnership

Wasaya Air is getting into the helicopter business now that it's in a new partnership with Kelner Helicopters. Wasaya chair Hez Sakakeep says with the move his company is looking into the future by taking advantage of the demand for choppers by junior mining companies working in the northwest. Sakakeep says in return Kelner has new connections with First Nation communities.

OPP find new sponsor for bear giveaway

The OPP are continuing their efforts to help out children who are victims of trauma.   They've received a new supply of 16 hundred stuff toy bears to give away thanks to a new sponsor,  Aviva Canada

McDonald's now offering free WiFi

You can now surf the web while you eat a BigMac.  Thunder Bay's McDonalds restaurants are now offering free WiFi.  Spokesperson Louis Payette says its been something customers have been asking for, for quite a while.  Payette says by the end of the month 90 percent of McDonalds locations will have WiFi. 

Police take more drugs off the street

Seven people are facing drug related charges after a 5 month undercover investigation in the city.   Police say they seized over 100 thousand dollars worth of drugs in two separate busts, one on Powley Street and the other on Bethune.   They say a number of the people arrested are alleged to be responsible for trafficking in cocaine, oxycodone and morphine pills in the city.

EcoSuperior is giving out tips to save at the pumps

If the high gas prices are still giving you a head ache then EcoSuperior has a few tips to save you from pulling out your hair.  Spokesperson Derek Tessier says tonight's EcoDriver workshop can help the average person save at least 10 percent on their fuel consumption. The workshop will start at 7 o'clock and will be held at the Waverly Library.

Confederation College has chosen a new President

Confederation College has announced its new President.  Jim Madder will be taking over for out going President Pat Lang who will be stepping down in July.  Madder was the Program and Campus Leader at Sir Stanford Flemming College in Lindsay before becoming the Executive Vice President-Academic at Red Deer College in Alberta. Madder will be officially taking over in July.

Chancellor to head law school task force

Attempts to get a new law school at Lakehead University are taking another step forward with the announcement of a task force. It will be headed up by L-U Chancellor Dr. Arthur Mauro who says a Faculty of Law would be a natural move for the institution.  Mauro says fundraising will be a key component of the task force

LU Thunderwolves release 2011-2012 schedule

The LU Thunderwolves Men's Hockey team will kick off their play with a non conference match up against University of Quebec Trois Rivieres September 22nd and 23rd.  The team released its schedule that will see them play a pair of exhibition games in Duluth the following weekend against the defending NCAA champions University of Minnesota Duluth.  The Wolves will host McGill for a pair October 7th and 8th to kick off the OUA regular season.

Horizon Wind Open House Video Recorded

It's a joke. That's the feeling of one of the participants in an open house for the proposed Horizon Wind Farm project.  Gary Armstrong says this is his third open house and he has yet to hear anything back from the company.  Several residents from Thunder Bay and Neebing took part in Tuesday night's Open House.  Another is being held Wednesday night at the Fort William Country Club.  Tuesday night's open house was staffed by security and video recorded.

OPP kept busy with transport fire

Thunder Bay OPP were kept busy Tuesday morning with a transport that was on fire on Highway 11/17.  The trailer loaded with steel had caught on fire and was completely destroyed.  The incident happened just east of Shabaqua.

Zwig crossing fingers on wind farm approval

The president of Horizon Wind is hoping for speedy approval of his wind power project. Tony Zwig says all the comments gathered from the public meetings this week will be submitted to the provincial government. Zwig is hoping for approval before the provincial election in October.

Wilson talks Bill 151 passing

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce has mixed feelings about the passing of the forest tenure reform bill.  President Harold Wilson says some of the negative aspects of the bill have been changed.  Wilson says they're not sure how the bill will impact area mills ability to get financing.  Bill 151 was passed third and final reading Tuesday in the Ontario Legislature.

Hillier comments on Bill 151

The Provincial Government has passed the forest tenure bill.  Third reading of Bill 151 and an hour of debate took place on Tuesday.  Progressive Conservative Critic for Northern Development Randy Hillier says the Liberals played a shell game with the region switching the legislation and closing down discussion.

NAN says jury roll problem not resolved

A lack of First Nation representation on Ontario's jury rolls has yet to be resolved.  That's according to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.  NAN is commenting after Attorney General Chris Bentley claimed issues around jury selection have been resolved.

Rafferty hopes for role in new look NDP

John Rafferty doesn't believe he'll be lost in the shuffle.  The Thunder Bay MP admits that with a record number of members in the NDP caucus he may not get the attention from leader Jack Layton like he used to. The new session of Parliament starts on June 2nd and Rafferty says he'll take whatever role the party wants him to play.   He expects to spend most of his early days helping new members learn the ropes.

Wind farm debate at the next stage

The wind farm controversy in Neebing moves to a new level tonight. It's the provincial phase of the approval process for the Big Thunder Wind Park. The first of two public consultations on the project takes place at Blake Community Hall starting at 6 o'clock

Aspenware plans for Dryden on hold

An economic blow to Dryden. Officials there say that Aspenware has put construction of a manufacturing plant in that city on the back burner. Mayor Craig Nuttall says they have been notified that the company, that specializes in wooden cutlery, wants to concentrate on its manufacturing plant in B.C. first.

Fewer dollars coming from OLG

The City of Thunder Bay will be losing money as the result of accounting changes at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The OLG's Tony Bitonti  says the changes will result in a reduction in the quarterly dividends which this year will amount to about 65 thousand dollars.  Bitonti says, however, the city's 5 per cent share of slot machine revenues from the casino is not changing

Blue Parrot set to close

After 38 years the Blue Parrot Restaurant is closing its doors.  The family who owns and operates the Greek restaurant on Lisgar Street will be retiring with their last day of business being this Sunday. 

Hilton Hotel reps talk to City Council

Representatives from Hilton Hotels spoke to Thunder Bay City Council Monday night.  The Thunder Bay Hotel Partnership Group wants council to amend the zoning by-laws to allow the proposed hotel to be built on Airport lands on Arthur Street.  The Hilton Hampton Inn is a four story building that would have a resort like setting.  The construction of the hotel is expected to cost 10 million dollars and property taxes for the city would be around 225-thousand dollars a year.

Police Chief recognized

Thunder Bay Police Chief Bob Herman is among three northwestern Ontario officers being recognized for their contributions to policing. Treaty Three Police Chief Henry DeLaronde, along with OPP Detective Inspector Dennis Olinyk have been appointed members of the Order of Merit of the Police Services.

Workshop dissects Community Forestry

A controversial idea gets a hearing at Lakehead University Tuesday.  Peggy Smith of the Natural Resources Department says a workshop will examine the concept of Community Forestry which sees decisions on forestry made at the local level.   Smith says the workshop brings together people across the north to discuss the issue.

Horwath talks forestry

The Provincial NDP is not letting up in its offensive against the McGuinty Liberals and its wood re-allocation policy.  In Queen's Park on Monday, Leader Andrea Horwath brought up the Hudson Sawmill bankruptcy.  Horwath says she's frustrated by reports of interest from Lac Seul First Nation, noting that interest is tied to a secure wood supply.

Nursing program deemed success

A community based nursing program currently offered across the Region will be featured in a soon-to-be released paper from Lakehead University and Confederation College.  Dryden Hospital Spokesperson Darlene Furlong says the program has been a critical recruiting tool.  This is the second installment of the program which will graduate 21-nurses at the end of the 4-year course.

Curtola says Richardson's death a big loss

Thunder Bay's Bobby Curtola calls him a great man.   Curtola says the death of record producer Jack Richardson is a big loss for the industry.   Richardson recorded some of Curtola's songs in the 1960's.   Curtola says Richardson was a no nonsense guy who demanded perfection.  Richardson died on the weekend at the age of 81.  He is best know for producing the Guess Who

MNR sending help to fight Alta fires

Help is on the way for weary firefighters in Alberta. Debbie MacLean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says a group of over 80 Ontario firefighters are going to help with the forest fires in that province. MacLean says half of the force will come from the Northwest Region the other half from the Northeast Region.

Collins eyes good relations with city

Chief Peter Collins and the new Fort William First Nations band council are now sworn in. Collins says the next two year term will be a busy one with numerous projects on the go.   Collins is also looking forward to improved relations with the City of Thunder Bay through a Memorandum of Understanding .  He says it will help build the economy's of both communities together

Foundation launches 2011 Prostate Campaign

Lets start talking about our prostates...that's the message in this year's Regional Health Sciences Foundation campaign.  President Glen Craig says a few years ago men wouldn't talk about anything south of the belt and that is changing.  Craig says hundreds of men have put their names into the hat to become a Prostate Man and that shows the increase in awareness. Craig says both Quality Market locations will be selling Prostate Man T-shirts for the campaign.

Beardy heads to the UN

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation is heading back to the United Nations.  Stan Beardy will be leading a NAN delegation to the annual forum on Indigenous issues in New York this week.  The two week forum will focus on topics including economic and social development and the environment.

OPP look for distracted drivers

The O-P-P in Thunder Bay are out in force starting today looking for distracted drivers.If you are caught chatting on a cellphone the ticket is 155 dollars.  Using a cellphone isn't the only distraction police are looking for.   Eating while driving and fiddling with your mp3 player can also land you a fine.

The difference a year can make

At this time last year Thunder Bay residents could fill up for 98 cents a litre. According to the website gasbuddy.com, the price of unleaded gasoline has risen nearly 40 cents since last year.