Matawa Chiefs withdraw support for ROF

Matawa Chiefs have had enough, and they're withdrawing their support for the Ring of Fire.  The Chiefs are calling on the Premier and Prime Minister to intervene in the Environmental Assessment Process.  The Chiefs still want a joint review panel rather than the current process.

Bag Ban Repealed

The plastic bag ban has been "bagged" in Sioux Lookout.  Council has voted 5-1 in favour of rescinding a bylaw that bans the distribution of plastic bags.  Mayor Dennis Leney says opposition to the bylaw was considerable.  Last September, the outgoing Council decided that Sioux Lookout would become the first Municipality in Ontario to ban the use of plastic bags.

Bartolucci back as Northern Development Minister

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci is insisting his party cares for First Nations. He's rebuking claims from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation that they don't because of a lack of a stand alone Aboriginal Affairs Ministry. Bartolucci is vowing to foster a good relationship with NAN on mining issues.

Gravelle and Bartolucci talk

Rick Bartolucci and Michael Gravelle aren't wasting any time.  They've already got down to business; Gravelle says he's been talking to Bartolucci about the Cliff's Chromite Processing Plant.  Gravelle says he will now be able to lobby more for his riding.  Gravelle is now the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, while Bartolucci is back as Northern Development and Mines Minister.

OFAH likes Gravelle

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters is applauding the appointment of Michael Gravelle to the Natural Resources portfolio. Spokesperson Lezlie Goodwin says they look forward to bringing up their concerns to him. Gravelle will also remain as the Minister of Forestry.

NAN wants stand alone Ministry

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with the new provincial cabinet.  Stan Beardy says there needs to be a stand alone agency for First Nations.  Kathleen Wynne is now the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Housing, and Aboriginal Affairs.

New scholarship at LU

Lakehead University is launching a new 12-thousand dollar scholarship.  Recruiter Robert Perrier says the citizenship scholarship will help retain Northwestern Ontario students.  The eligible student must take part in their community and have an 85 percent average.

Trans Gender Health Training for NWO

Northwestern Ontario physicians will be receiving training from Toronto on trans gender health issues. NorWest Community Health Centre Executive Director Wendy Talbot says they're teaming up with Rainbow Health Ontario.  The training will take place at the end of October and again in the middle of November.

New Diabetes Centre Open

Diabetes patients in the City will have better access to care now that a new facility is open.  The Diabetes Health office will act as an insulin pump training centre.  The new location has a telemedicine room to provide regional consultations.

2nd Mac's Mart robbery suspect has been arrested

Thunder Bay police have made a second arrest in relation to recent Mac's Mart robberies.  Officials say a 24 year old man was arrested today after police arrested 25 year old Darcy Belmore yesterday.  The name of the latest suspect won't be released until his court appearance tomorrow.

Gadahfi death an enormous victory: LU prof

There is celebration in the streets of Tripoli after Libya's Prime Minister announced the death of former leader Moammar Gadhafi. Reports say he was shot in Sirte. Lakehead University political science expert Laure Paquette calls it another big victory for the rebels and means the focus can be on hunting down Gadhafi's sons.  Paquette also calls it a victory for Prime Minister Harper and other NATO leaders.

Thunder Bay 45th most entrepreneurial friendly city in Canada

The Mayor is happy with a 45th place ranking in terms of Thunder Bay's attractiveness in bringing in Entrepreneurs.  Keith Hobbs says the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses latest list of the top Entrepreneurial cities in Canada shows we are on the right track.  Hobbs says when you look at the list most of the top cities are in Alberta or Saskatchewan and as far as Ontario is concerned we finished 4th.  Hobbs says we are in a perfect position to climb the list with the help of a boom in the mining industry here.

Arrest made in Mac's robberies

City police are confirming they've made an arrest in connection with three recent Mac's Convenience Store robberies. They say 25 year old Darcy Belmore of Thunder Bay, has been charged with 3 counts of robbery. Detective Sgt.Don Lewis says there's still one more person they want in connection with the case. Lewis attributes the arrest to old fashion police work.

Tidy Trays taking off

A Thunder Bay entrepreneur is seeing his dream come true.  Dan Cheal is the inventor of Tidy Trays, a reusable high chair tray cover.  Cheal says the major American retailer, Walgreens, will be stocking his product in all it's 81 hundred stores in the States.

Gravelle looks at a change

Thunder Bay's Michael Gravelle is  going to stay in cabinet but in a different role.   Premier Dalton McGuinty will officially name his cabinet today and it will  include 22 ministers down from 28. Gravelle gives up his Northern Development position to Rick Bartolucci while taking on Natural Resources and keeping the Forestry post.

Hyer doesn't want more seats in the House of Commons

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer doesn't think we need more seats in the House of Commons.  A recent report suggests the Harper Government could add 13 more seats for Ontario but Hyer says that won't fix Parliament.  Hyer says adding more seats would be like adding more deck chairs to the titanic.  Hyer says proportional representation is the only solution that will give all voters a true voice.

Meeting about Deer on Thursday

Council will find Thursday night how the public feels about  the deer population within city limits.  Enforcement Officer Ron Bourret says they want to know what area residents think they should do to manage the population.  Bourret says most people are fed up with the deer.  The meeting starts at 6 at the Waverley Resource Library.

Williams back as MOH

After a six year absence, Dr. David Williams is taking over the helm of the Thunder Bay Health Unit.  As Medical Officer of Health, Williams says his first task is to reintroduce himself to the staff and find out what their goals are.  Williams was working with the Provincial Government in Southern Ontario during his absence from Thunder Bay.

Pap test blitz

Regional Cancer Care Northwest wants to see more women get a pap test to check for cervical cancer.  Dr. Heather McLean says they're holding a cervical cancer screening blitz next week.  To make an appointment call 684-7787.

Greenstone opens new administration building

Greenstone is unveiling its new Administration building.  The new energy efficient building was designed to accommodate the amalgamated Council and administration.  A Grand opening ceremony will take place at 5 o'clock.

Mac's officials to discuss security

Officials of Mac's Convenience Stores are coming to Thunder Bay next week to discuss security concerns at the stores following a string of robberies. Spokesperson Sean Sportun  says they'll be working with local store owners to help improve security along with meeting with police and the Crime Prevention Council.

Abitibi Bowater issued orders

The Ministry of Labour has issued a number of orders to Abitibi Bowater. Spokesperson Matt Blajer says they're investigating the incident that occurred on Tuesday.  Two people were injured after a maintenance crane dropped a machine hood on them.  The injured workers are now out of the hospital.

Fire on Burriss destroys garage

An investigation is underway to find the cause of a garage fire at 83 Burriss Street.  The Thunder Bay Fire Service says it happened just after midnight. One vehicle was lost.  While it took a short time to get it under control, it took firefighters some time to completely put it out. No one was hurt.

Mac's store robbed again

City police are looking for the person responsible for yet another overnight Mac's store robbery.  This one took place at the  May and Northern location at around 3 o'clock this morning.  Police say that a man wearing a bandana to hide his face and brandishing a knife stole cash and cigarettes.   No one was hurt.

Low water levels

Thunder Bay's water levels are lower than normal and that's causing the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to ask residents to cut back on their water use. Chair Bill Bartley says everyone needs to save water. The water shortage is being attributed to a lack of rainfall.

Good year for enrollment @ College

Confederation College continues to ride a 1st year enrolment wave.  Vice President of Student and Corporate Services Bob Backstrom says this year's levels have remained even with last year but they've been leading the province since the downturn in the Northern economy.  Backstrom says Confederation college is also better than the provincial average for both graduates getting hired and employers being satisfied with former students.

FedNor funding for T.Bay Metal Fabricators Association

The Federal Government is giving 195 thousand dollars to Thunder Bay's Metal Fabricators Association.  The money will be used to hire experts in oil and gas, mining and nuclear sectors and safety consultants.  It's believed the two year program will help increase export and job opportunities.

Infrastructure Open House

City administration wants to know how you would address Thunder Bay's 15 million dollar infrastructure defecit.  Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be holding an open house on the hot topic next Tuesday.  Council will deal with the infrastructure defecit at it's November 28th meeting.

Industrial Accident at Abitibi Bowater Sawmill

Thunder Bay Police say two people were involved in an industrial accident at the Abitibi Bowater Saw mill today. The Ministry of Labour has taken over the investigation and at this time police won't say what happened or the extent of the victims injuries.

Jury Rolls is back in the spotlight

Jury Rolls are once again causing trial delays in Thunder Bay.  Local Lawyer Chris Watkins says two of his trials are on hold because they will first need a trial on the make up of the Jury.  Watkins says having a jury properly represent the community is a cornerstone of the our society.

Low Flu Shot Numbers

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is reporting low flu shot numbers at 2010's influenza clinics.  Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams doesn't want a repeat of that this year and notes they've made it easier to get immunized.  Williams says they've started their clinics earlier in the year.  You can get your flu shot up until December 20th.

Teen girl escapes attempted abduction

City police are reporting a scary incident on the 200 block of Cumming Street Monday afternoon.   They say that a man came out of a vehicle and grabbed a 14 year old girl by the arm.  Police say she managed to break free and ran home.   She wasn't hurt.  Police are looking for a man in his mid 40's who may be driving a gold coloured SUV.

Thunder Bay Police are in the red

It looks like Thunder Bay Police are heading towards a budget deficit.  Chief JP Levesque says so far they are just over 1.2 million dollars over budget mainly due to overtime pay and an increase in legal fees.  Levesque says they didn't budget for overtime and because City Council asked them to cut back last year's projected budget.  He says when they make cuts overtime is the first thing they look at and it turns into a pay me now or pay me later situation once they run deficits.  Levesque says they are still waiting for some provincial and federal grant money that will bring the deficit down to around 3 percent.

Morning accident on River

There are no injuries to report, just a bit of a traffic headache for some motorists after a traffic accident around 8 this morning at River Street and Algoma.  

Bell towers get letter of concurrence

Council is sending a letter to the Federal Government so it can deal with two proposed cell towers in city limits. The towers are set for Algoma Street North and Highway 61. One concerned resident spoke out against the towers at Monday night's meeting. He's concerned the Federal Government might not be able to catch all of the health impacts the towers might have on residents.

Justice Lane not Chapples for road near Court house

The new laneway around the consolidated court house is going to be named Justice Lane.  Development Services Manager Mark Smith says they ruled out Chapples because there are other areas of town with similar names.  Three councillors wanted the roadway to be named Chapples but were voted down.

Council gives Shelter House money

City Council is giving money to Shelter House for it's George Street Alcoholic Treatment Centre. Councillor Mark Bentz feels the organization needs to ensure they receive funding from the Provincial Government as well. Bentz says the funding shouldn't fall solely onto the Municipality. The City is providing 270-thousand dollars towards renovating the George Street building.

Deer population meeting Thursday

Thunder Bay's deer population is warranting a public meeting on the topic this Thursday.  City Council wants to know what the public thinks they should do to manage the deer population.  Council is considering by laws prohibiting feeding deer and allowing hunting of deer in certain areas within the City.  The meeting will be held from six until nine at the Waverley Resource Library. 

8 pupil school on Peter Street not going forward

A teacher that planned to open an eight pupil school on Peter Street has withdrawn his application with the City. Tim Bernardi says he's backing out because his neighbours are not happy. Some neighbours were against the move saying the school would mean an increase in traffic and noise.

Fire Plan Open House Tuesday and Thursday

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue wants to know your thoughts on their service plans for the future.  Chief John Hay says everyone is welcome but they really want to hear from people living in North Neebing and West Fort because they will be impacted the most.  Tuesday night's open house is being held at the North Neebing Community Centre.  Another public hearing will be held on Thursday at the West Thunder Community Centre.

SIU releases the name of Kakabeka Falls victim

The Provinces Special Investigations Unit has released the name of the man who died last week at Kakabeka falls.  Spokesperson Frank Phillips says they still haven't determined how the man fell to the bottom of the falls but say 22 year old Kurtis McVittie of Huntsville died.  Phillips says the investigation is still ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the SIU.

Police to contact Mac's about robberies

City Police are saying enough. There have been a string of Mac's store robberies in the city lately and now Police spokesperson Chris Adams says they believe it's time for a different approach to help prevent more such incidents. They will be contacting the Mac's head office to express their concerns about security issues.

Police release robbery photos

Thunder Bay Police have released photos of the suspects in this weekend's Mac's Mart robbery.  Official say a pair of men around 5'10'' with similar builds are wanted in connection to the robbery that happened early Saturday morning.

HMCS Griffon has new Commander

A new Commanding Officer for HMCS Griffon is in place.  Commander Peter Fleming has taken over for Lieutenant Commander John Bell.  Fleming says his main priority will be to hire an additional 21 sailors.  Fleming served in Thunder Bay as a training officer from 1997 to 2001 and is happy to be back in the city.

World wide movement hits Thunder Bay

Over the weekend a handful of protesters used Waverly Park as a staging ground for an Occupy Thunder Bay protest.  Organizers were piggy-backing on the Occupy Wall Street movement which is now a world wide phenomenon to protest what they believe is corporate greed and corruption.   

Still no hearing for stabbing suspect

There's another bail hearing set for tomorrow for a city man charged in connection with a recent stabbing spree.   19 year old Eli John is still in hospital following the incident at Andras Court nine days ago.  Prosecutors expect he will be back at the District Jail for his Tuesday court appearance.

Fire cause listed as electrical

The investigation is complete into yesterday's fire at the provincial government building on James Street. Investigator Marty Patterson says the blaze, which began in the mechanical room, was caused by an electrical problem which originated with a malfunction in a high voltage switch.  No one was hurt in the fire.

City admin backs Shelter House request

City Councillors are being told there's enough money in reserve to help Shelter House conduct a managed alcohol program.  It would provide measured doses of alcohol everyday to the most destitute alcoholics in the city, those that resort to drinking hairspray or even hand sanitizer.  Tonight's request is for 270 thousand dollars.

Fire at mini-Queens Park

Damage is still being assessed after a fire at the provincial government building on James Street just before 8 Sunday morning.   Platoon Chief John Mill says it was centred in the building's mechanical tower.   No one was hurt as the result of the blaze and the cause is not known.

Official change of command

It's official. Commander Peter Fleming is now in command of her Majesty's Canadian ship the HMCS Griffon. Lieutenant Commander John Bell handed over the command of the ship at a ceremony held in Thunder Bay on Saturday. Commander Peter Flemming says he's delighted to come back to Thunder Bay and the HMCS Griffon; where he served from 1997 to 2001 in training and as an executive officer. Commander Fleming says he wants to continue the great legacy with initiatives like the Naval Reserve Co-operative Education Program that originated here in Thunder Bay.