Mac's officials continue to meet in T.Bay

Thunder Bay Police and Mac's Mart Officials continue to meet this afternoon to talk about the recent string of store robberies.  Detective Inspector Phil Levesque says he knows Mac's Mart isn't in favour of a buzzer system but they will continue to push for a similar system.  Other safety precautions discussed include clearing the clutter from store windows.

Long Gun Registry Challenge

Kenora MP Greg Rickford has issued a challenge to his fellow Members of Parliament from Northern Ontario.  Rickford says he wants them to support the government's legislation to abolish the long gun registry.  Rickford expects the legislation could be passed sometime early in the new year.

Wanted Quebecers caught here

A couple wanted on Canada wide warrants, are back in Quebec after being captured in Thunder Bay this week.   The OPP say police in Longlac  originally contacted them about the two and requested the help of police here who picked them up after they got off a Greyhound bus.

OLG quarterly payout

The latest payout to the city of Thunder Bay from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is 640 thousand dollars.   That quarterly sum amounts to 5 per cent of the revenue from the slot machines at the local casino

Police face teen with knife

City police are reporting an encounter with a knife wielding teenager Tuesday night.  They say that it was after they went to  a call at a north side address.  They say the youth met them at the door holding a knife and refused to put it down.  Police were able to subdue him and take the 15 year old into custody.

Mac's Officials meet with CPC

Meetings between the Crime Prevention Council and Mac's Mart officials are being described as productive. Acting Coordinator Sheila Hendrick says the company expressed an interest in becoming part of the community surrounding their stores. Hendrick says she will continue to meet with the two local Mac's Mart representatives.   Mac's Mart officials met with police and the council to discuss the recent rash of store robberies.

City budget meeting in the books

Just a handful of people turned out to an open house on the City's budget directions for the next two years.  Anne Ostrum says she understands the City has an infrastructure shortfall that needs to be taken care of.  City Manager Tim Commisso says people are concerned about the possibility of taxes being raised to help pay for the rising infrastructure deficit.  The comments from the meeting will be brought to council November 28th.

Raffery wants to hear from his constituents

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty is going to let his constituents do the talking on the latest legislation to scrap the gun registry.  Rafferty says he wants to hear from the public.  The new legislation includes a clause to destroy the records collected through the registry.

NAN looking at gardening to increase healthy eating

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation wants healthy food at affordable prices for their people.  Spokesperson Joseph Leblanc says that's why they're holding a food symposium looking at reintroducing gardening to First Nation communities.  Farmers from across the Northwest are sharing their trade secrets with NAN and helping them create community gardens.

Legion isn't happy about Federal Cuts

The Federal Government's proposed 226-million dollar cut to Veteran's Affairs isn't sitting well with everyone.  Roy Lamore is the past president of the Port Arthur Legion and says if these cuts go through it will mean less benefits for future veterans. MPs are currently studying the funding cut.

Mission Nutrition enjoys a successful 2nd year

From humble beginnings to smashing expectations a new food drive is making waves in Thunder Bay.  Nicole Konkin with the Port Arthur Chiropractic Centre says this year's Mission Nutrition Food Drive made huge strides in only its second year.  She says their first attempt at a food drive didn't even collect one can.  Now in its second year 4 Chiropractic offices hope to collect 4 thousand pounds of food and smashed their goals.  Konkin says 3 of the offices have made their collections and so far over 4400 pounds of food has been collected for the hungry in Thunder Bay.   Konkin says the community support has been overwhelming.  The Port Arthur Chiropractic Centre, along with Santin Chiropractic, Doctor Lila Coulter of the Healthy Families Wellness Centre or Doctor Christina Peterson at Jessiman Family Chiropractic took part in this year's food drive.

Mauro repeats wind farm concerns

The cat is out of the bag. A letter to two cabinet ministers from MPP Bill Mauro about the proposed Horizon Wind Farm has been leaked. In it Mauro asks Environment Minister Jim Bradley and Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle  to turn thumbs down to the project.  He says it was important to remind Gravelle that his predecessor had concerns with the project as they related to the peregrine falcon population.  Mauro feels it was important to get the two ministers up to speed.

Behavior issues tackled by Catholic Board

The Catholic School Board is about to embark on a new policy to help students with behavior problems. Director of Eduction Joan Powell says the policy received preliminary approval from trustees last night. It's hoped formal approval can be given in about a month or so. The board is also looking at new cell phone rules for staff and visitors at it's schools. Powell says the new policy will make texting and talking during school hours a no-no, putting everyone on the same level as students.

Mac's robbery foiled by feisty female

A female customer is a hero today after she helped to capture a person who was holding up the Mac's Convenience Store at Arthur and Syndicate around 4 o'clock this morning. Police say she held back the culprit as he was beating on the clerk.  A cab driver who was outside witnessed the incident and called police who came and arrested a 25 year old man who appears in court today.

Gun registry bill to be introduced

The Federal Government is introducing another bill to scrap the long gun registry. Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says they've kept the bill closely under wraps. Rafferty adds he doesn't know if today's bill will look anything like the previous bills that aimed to scrap the registry.

Cell Tower resolution fails

A call for administration to work with the health unit to look into the health impacts of cell phone towers died last night.  Instead Council voted in favour of creating a standard notice for the public that let's them know when a cell phone tower is going to be placed in their neighbourhood.

Council grills Police Chief on deficit

Thunder Bay's Police Department's million dollar budget deficit didn't go unnoticed at Monday night's council meeting.  Mayor Keith Hobbs and several other councillors expressed their displeasure and worry over the announcement that was made last week at a Police board meeting.  The cost over runs are being blamed on overtime and legal fees.

Tax ratio changes on hold

The City's tax ratios are staying the course for now.  City lawmakers are holding off on implementing a four million dollar shift from business to residential tax payers.  Councillor Mark Bentz says property owners won't stand for what's being proposed.  A decision will be made on whether to approve the changes at a December council meeting.

Regenerative Medicine Report due in November

City Council will have to wait to be updated on the Lake Superior Centre for Regenerative Medicine project.  The city provided five hundred thousand dollars towards the implementation of a business strategy for the centre.  Administration will bring a report back to council on November 28th.

Council holds off on Bending Lake Iron

Thunder Bay City Council is holding off on throwing its support behind Bending Lake Iron's Steep Rock Mine in Atikokan and processing plant in Ignace. Speaking Monday night, Chief Executive Officer Henry Wetelainen says it's OK that council needs some time to digest the information he's provided them. Bending Lake Iron is asking for support as part of its environmental assessment process. Council will vote on a resolution of support at it's November 7th meeting.

T.Bay lands Can-Am Police Fire Games

Thunder Bay has beaten out several large American cities to host the 2016 Can-Am Police Fire games.  The games will be held in the Lakehead July 2nd to 10th, and will bring in more than a thousand competitors.  Police Chief JP Levesque says the games are expected to bring in over 5 million dollars in economic activity. 

Pukaskwa Park: The Movie

Parks Canada is paying tribute to Pukaskwa Park in film.  Spokesperson Nancy Saunders says "A Park for all Seasons" is going to play at Thunder Bay's SilverCity on November 13th.  You can purchase your tickets online at cineplex.ca

Half a million dollars worth of durgs seized

Police have made a major drug bust at Boulevard Lake.  Officials says officers saw a 31 year old man known to be involved in the drug trade walking near the lake last Tuesday.  The man fled police but was quickly found.  Officers found a back pack on the man with half a million dollars worth of cocaine.

PETA weighs in on deer issue

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is urging our city councillors not to choose bow hunting as a method to control the deer population.  PETA's Kristen Simon says it's one of the cruelest forms of hunting since bow hunters routinely spend hours tracking the bloody trails of deer who are stuck by arrows,  before finding them.  She says the simple solution would be not to feed the animals.

Protesters "occupy" City Hall

From Waverly Park to Donald Street.  The Occupy Thunder Bay protesters brought their "make the rich pay" message to City Hall Sunday.  About 50 took part including MP Bruce Hyer and Councillor Paul Pugh.   The protest is part of the Canadian offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street phenomenon that has spread across the world.

Early morning fire at Travelodge

Guests at the Travelodge on Memorial Avenue experienced a frightening wake up call Saturday morning. A 2 alarm blaze broke out in the Sushi restaurant around 4 am. A portion of Memorial Ave. was closed briefly and guests of the hotel had to be evacuated with the help from the Canadian Red Cross. Smoke damage spread throughout the restaurant and one person was thought to have suffered smoke inhalation. The exact cause of the fire has not been determined at this time.

Raffery calls for ban on asbestos

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is adding his voice in the call to ban asbestos.  He presented a petition in the House of Commons this week calling on the ban of the toxic material. The petition also calls for an end to government subsidies of asbestos both in Canada and abroad.

Bending Lake Iron talks to Council

Bending Lake Iron Group is looking for City Council's blessing on it's Steep Rock Mine in Atikokan and processing plant in Ignace.  Council's resolution is part of the province's Environmental Assessment process. The company already got the go ahead from Ignace and Atikokan.

Bif Naked lends her support to the Cancer Centre

The Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Centre is getting a huge endorsement.  Canadian Rock Icon and Cancer Survivor Bif Naked toured the facility today and says its a beautiful facility that is built with patient care and comfort in mind.  The Juno Award nominee was in town to speak at the annual Hope Luncheon. 

Matawa First Nations put Feds on notice

Enough is Enough.  That's the message from the Matawa First Nations to the Federal Government.  Marten Falls Chief Eli Moonias says they want to take part in the Ring of Fire, but they can't unless the Feds agree to a Joint Review Panel Environmental Assessment.  Moonias says if the Federal Government continues to ignore First Nations they will take legal action and force an injunction to stop the comprehensive study.

T.Bay Teen up for music award

A young Thunder Bay musician is nominated for a 2011 Canadian Folk Music Award. 17 year old fidller/violinist Olivia Korkola is up for a "Young Performer of the Year." The awards will be announced on December 4th.

Delivery man robbed..not hurt

City police are looking for three men who they say robbed a delivery man at knife point yesterday afternoon.  They say the man was accosted by the three as he was getting back into his vehicle after making a delivery in the Limbrick Place area.  The three thugs were given money and they ran off.  The victim wasn't hurt

Inflation jumps in Thunder Bay

There's no stopping the cost of living from going up these days.   Government figures Friday show that inflation in Thunder Bay took a big jump in September from August.  It went up a full half a point to 3.6 per cent.   Nationwide, Statistics Canada says high costs for gas and food increased the rate to 3.2 per cent.

Oh Deer! Heated discussion at meeting on population

Let's put the deer on the pill. That was one of the ideas brought up at a meeting about the City's deer population Thursday night.  Mapleward Road Resident Cheryl Bak mentioned that Quebec is managing their deer by putting out birth control laced salt licks.  Other residents were in favour of the bow hunting in rural areas idea, and noted the deer are bringing wolves into residential areas.  City Council will discuss what to do with the deer population at it's November 21st meeting.

Construction work update

Expect some close quarters when you use the Red River, Expressway intersection this weekend. The Ministry of Transportation says the number of lanes will be reduced as crews work to finish paving.

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.