Campbell on auditor general's report

NDP Natural Resources Critic Sarah Campbell is concerned with the findings of the Auditor General. Campbell takes issue with the review of the government's renewable energy and forest management initiatives. Campbell is calling on the McGuinty Government to put more money into staffing the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Hupka returns as board chair

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.  Bob Hupka is returning for another year as the Chair of the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board.  With his 13 years behind him Hupka is the longest serving Trustee on the board.   Tony Romeo is returning as the Vice-Chair.

Sudbury gets NDP Leadership debate

All nine NDP hopefuls vying for the top job with the Federal NDP will be duking it out in Sudbury for an all candidates debate.  The February debate is being organized by Richard Eberhardt who says they want to hear from each candidate about "northern issues".  The all candidates debate will take place February 5th.

Urban Bird in Thunder Bay

The City is showcasing it's young entrepreneurs.  Mayor Keith Hobbs took part in the grand opening of 27 year old Lauren Ischkin's new store "The Urban Bird." Ischkin says she couldn't do it alone and received support from the City and money from the Province.  Ischkin says it's great that she's able to operate a business in her home town.

ER troubles in Rainy River

Ontario's Health Minister says emergency room service at Rainy River Health Centre will be manned during the Christmas holidays.  Deb Matthews says interim help will be available from December 23rd to January 2nd to cover the communities only full time physician.  But Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says long-term solutions are needed.  A recruitment drive for another full-time physician is ongoing.

Man hit by car

Thunder Bay Police are trying to identify a man that was hit by a car at the intersection of Memorial and Isabel Street on Friday.  The driver who had hit the man picked him up and drove him from the Intercity Mall to Victoriaville.  Police are asking for any information about this incident or the identity of the man.

Council adopts Energy Management Strategy

Energy Management is a new focus for city council.  Council voted in favour of a new Strategy that will lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  Energy Analyst Vanessa DeGiacomo-Zwaresh says the strategy will help integrate current energy reduction policies already in place. DeGiacomo-Zwaresh says the next step will be attaching timelines to targets. 

Council Adopts a Solid Waste Management Plan

A City wide compost program could be a reality in the not so distant future.  Council approved the framework for a new Solid Waste Management Plan.  Coordinator Jason Sherband says the plan will provide strategic planning that will help in future decision making to reduce how much garbage goes to the landfill. Sherband says one way to do that would be to create a city wide compost program.

Scrap Yard is looking to buy waterfront land

The owner of a scrap metal yard is looking to purchase some waterfront land to expand the business.  Lori Dutchak of Dutchak Scrap Metal says they want to purchase some land on Hammond Avenue.  Dutchak says if they can't buy the land they will be forced to lay off staff. 

LU President gives a presentation to council

Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson gave City Council a state of the school address at Monday night's meeting. It was the same presentation he released to the public Friday November 18th. Stevenson says one of his priorities is to increase Aboriginal Numbers in the school and part of that plan is a new building that in Ojibway means Higher Learning.

Service to commemorate Montreal Massacre

The 14 women killed in the Montreal Massacre are being remembered at Confederation College Tuesday afternoon. It's being put on by the Student Union. Spokesperson Thomas Russell says it will be a solemn service complete with a candle lighting ceremony as a sign of remembrance.  It starts at 12:30 in the Student Commons in the Shuniah Building.

Kanate sentenced to 7 years

Gil Labine

A Round Lake First Nations man is going to jail for the manslaughter death of his cousin. 20 year old Patrick Kanate was sentenced to 7 years for the 2010 stabbing death in Thunder Bay of Keegan Williams. Kanate's lawyer Gil Labine has no complaints about the sentence saying it reflected the principles of justice set out by the Supreme Court of Canada when it comes to the sentencing of Aboriginals in such circumstances.   With time served the sentence is just over 6 years.

Hyer on leaders debate

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer is weighing in on the first NDP leadership debate.  It was a polite exchange for the most part.  There are five other leadership debates planned leading up to the March 24th election.

Hyer on Canada withdrawing from Kyoto

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer isn't surprised the Harper Government has pulled out of the Kyoto Protocol. Hyer is reacting to Environment Minister Peter Kent's announcement at a Climate Change Conference in South Africa. Canada is withdrawing from the Kyoto Protocol by the end of next year.

Police Service Customer Service Survey

Thunder Bay Police want to hear from you.  The citizen survey is out and you can rate the customer service of the local police force.  To have your say log onto http://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/ 

West Jet Flight no charges pending

Thunder Bay Police say no charges will be laid against the man who caused a Westjet flight to make an emergency landing on Saturday. The Toronto-bound flight was grounded in Thunder Bay after the crew decided to land because of an agitated 27-year-old passenger. Police say the man has a history of mental health issues and was held for a medical assessment. Police say it's expected the man, along with his father, will be returned to Portugal once he has been cleared medically.

Apartment fire on McLauchlin

Thunder Bay Fire is investigating an apartment fire on McLauchlin today. Platoon Chief Brian Kiessig says they were able to evacuate the building.  Kiessig adds the 12 unit apartment building has some smoke damage.  The displaced residents have been moved by the Red Cross to the Victoria Inn.

Highway 17 closure lifted

A road closure on Highway 17 near Nipigon has been lifted. The OPP closed the highway early this morning after a collision involving a Tractor Trailer. Only minor injuries were reported.

Westjet flight makes impromptu landing in Thunder Bay

A 27 year old is in Police custody after a scary incident during a Westjet flight from Vancouver to Toronto. Police say the man became agitated during the flight, forcing the crew to make an emergency landing at the Thunder Bay Airport. The other 118 passengers who were on the flight will continue their scheduled flight to Toronto today.

Hundreds enjoy Parade of Lights

The holiday spirit is certainly alive in Thunder Bay.  Hundreds of people lined Memorial Avenue Saturday evening to watch the annual Parade of Lights. 

Ambulance involved in three vehicle collision

No one is hurt after a collision involving an impaired driver and an ambulance last night. Police say a woman attempted to pass an ambulance, but hit a parked car and proceeded to hit the ambulance before coming to rest on a homes front lawn. Extensive damage was done to both vehicles, along with the ambulance and the house.

Strong November for the Port of Thunder Bay

A big milestone has been reached by the Port of Thunder Bay. The port shipped over one million tonnes of cargo in November, making that the most cargo shipped in one month since May of 2009. Nearly 900,000 tonnes of grain was shipped throughout the month.

Council to talk about selling golf courses

Council is going behind closed doors Monday to speak about the possibility of selling the municipal golf courses.  Recently Mayor Keith Hobbs said, he wants to see the course break even and if that doesn't happen selling them is an option they could look at.

Waste Management Strategy ontap at council

City Council will be getting a report on the development of a Solid Waste Management Strategy at Monday's meeting.  Councillor Andrew Foulds says its a great way to plan for the future and help divert more waste away from the landfill.

Osisko concerned about potential mine workforce

A worker shortage could be one of the obstacles facing Osisko Mining. The company has started a study to determine the impact a proposed open-pit gold mine near Atikokan might have. Senior Advisor Mark Boller says having enough well-trained employees is one area the company is looking at. The company says it might need up to 2-thousand workers for construction and 500 in the mine.

Lawyers concerned over crime bill

With the advent of the Harper Government's new crime bill, changes are coming to the criminal justice system. Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he recently had a chance to sit down with concerned Kenora lawyers.  He feels he was able to alleviate some of the worries they had about the new legislation.

Feds say no to Multi-Plex funding

Disappointing but not a setback is what City Manager Tim Commisso calls the decision by the federal government not to grant the city money in the current round of funding for the proposed Multi-Plex. Commisso says the project will go on adding council has already approved the feasibility study.  He says we were one of 120 applications for the so called P-3 funding.

Mac's Mart is making changes to prevent robberies

Uniformed Security Guards could soon be patrolling our local Mac's Marts.  The Company announced today that they are making a number of changes to deter the rash of armed robberies plaguing their stores in Thunder Bay.  The company will also be reducing the hours at certain locations and clearing the lines of site with in the stores.

Make way for the Parade of Lights

The popular Parade of Lights happens Saturday night. About 50 or so trucks will be decorated for the event. Organizer Marshall Erickson says it will move down Memorial from the Harbour Expressway to Queen Street.  The parade begins at 7 o'clock and is expected to last about 45 minutes.

Jobless rate climbs again

Our jobless rate edged up last month.  Thunder Bay's rate went from 6.9 percent to 7 percent in October.  That's still lower than the national and provincial rates which sit at 7.4 and 7.9 percent respectively. 

RFDA seeks $

Thunder Bay residents are being asked to open up their wallets for the Regional Food Distribution Association. Board Chair Kelly Hicks says they're trying to raise about 400 thousand dollars to put the finishing touches on the new Syndicate Avenue headquarters, specifically completing work on the kitchen by purchasing new equipment.  The campaign will run until June.

NAN talks Attawapiskat

The Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation says chronic Federal underfunding is to blame for the housing crisis in Attawapiskat.  Stan Beardy says it's shameful that the Harper Government is trying to absolve itself from its responsibilities.  Beardy says many of the communities in the Far North would allow people to use their traditional lands in exchange for basic human rights like clean water.

Humane Society staying open for now

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is going to continue to operate until March 31st. Executive Director Maryann Kleynendorst says they'll continue to evaluate their financial situation on a month to month basis. The organization announced earlier in the year that they were facing a 180 thousand dollar operating shortfall and would be forced to close their doors on December 31st if things didn't improve.

Man stabbed on May and Williams

2 teens are charged with aggravated assault after a man was stabbed at May and Williams Street.  Police received a 911 call around 10:20 last night of a male being being stabbed.  The victim was transported to hospital and is in stable condition.  A knife was located further down on Williams Street.  Both accused will attend bail court in the morning.

Highgate Road Fire

A chimney fire forced a family of four out of their Highgate Road home last night.  Firefighters from Junot, North Central Mapleward, James and Neebing Stations battled the blaze that spread to the attic.  The fire department is reporting extensive water and smoke damage.  Investigators will be looking into the exact cause later today.

Third party management is not for Attawapiskat: Fontaine

The problems in Attawapiskat go beyond band finances according to the former head of the Assembly of First Nations. Speaking in Thunder Bay,  Phil Fontaine said the government decision to appoint a third party to manage the community will not get to the root of the problem. He says "third party managers cannot approve housing initiatives, because it's beyond their mandate."  Fontaine was in Thunder Bay to get an honourary degree from Lakehead University.

False security scare at the airport

 There's a red faced vehicle owner in Florida right now.   Thunder Bay Airport officials say an SUV left running in front of the airport terminal caused a bit of a security stir yesterday.  They had to call police after security spotted it running without anyone in it.   It turns out the owners were already on their way to a sunny Orlando vacation when the vehicle was discovered.   They'll get to pick up the keys and a parking ticket when they arrive

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Small fire causes a scene at Econo Lodge

No one was hurt during a small fire that forced the evacuation of the Econo Lodge on Memorial. Officials say a small electrical fire in one of the rooms caused the evac just before 11 o'clock and crews quickly put out the fire. 

Motors and Muscles launches raffle

The Canadian Diabetes Association is gearing up for it's Motors and Muscles Raffle. 600 tickets will be sold at 100 dollars a pop and Fundraising Chair John Trevisanutto hopes they'll be able to raise more money than last year. The draw will take place at the OLG Casino this year and is for a 2012 Harley Davidson Dyna Switchback Motorcycle.

LU gives Honourary Degree to Phil Fontaine

Lakehead University handed out an honourary degree to the former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.  LU President Brian Stevenson says the school is honoured to give Phil Fontaine the degree.  He says its important to celebrate the Aboriginal component of the University and Northwestern Ontario.  Fontaine was given the degree at a ceremony this morning. 

Dilico Christmas Fundraiser

Dilico Children's Foundation is looking to the community to help them with their Christmas fundraiser.  Chair Melanie Albanese says they want to provide 300 kids with Christmas boxes this year.  You can pick up empty boxes and drop off full boxes at the Thunder Bay Insurance, TD Bank locations, the Mary J L Black Branch Library and the Brodie Resource Library.

Arts and Heritage Awards

Several Thunder Bay artists were recently honoured during the City's Arts and Heritage awards.  10 awards were presented to nominees in nine categories representing Thunder Bay's cultural sector.  Magic 99 and The Giant 105.3 presented Paul Morralee with the Performing and Media Arts award.

Hobbs in Chicago this weekend

Thunder Bay's Mayor is in Chicago this weekend talking about the Great Lakes.  Keith Hobbs is taking part in a meeting of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway Initiative. Hobbs says they'll also discuss wastewater management and the invasion of asian sea carp.

Hobbs tackles PETA e-mails

Thunder Bay's Mayor Keith Hobbs is being bombarded with e-mails from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.  The group recently asked its supporters to write the Mayor and Council to cancel their plans for a bow hunt of deer.  Hobbs reiterates that he's opposed to the bow hunt in City limits.  The Mayor says he's taken the time to respond to each of the 200 e-mails he's received.

CP Holiday Train Friday night

It's time to get on board the Holiday Train.  The brightly lit CP locomotive will be passing through Thunder Bay Friday night.  Spokesperson Melissa Murray says the Holiday Train is in support of local food banks.  The train is expected at the CP train station on Syndicate at 9:30 Friday night.  Valdy will highlight the Holiday Train's entertainment this year.

PETA starts letter campaign to Council

The City's decision to allow bow hunting in City limits is not sitting well with animal rights group PETA.  The group wants residents to write Council asking them to scrap their bow hunting legislation.  The group is also applauding the City for discouraging the feeding of deer.

Conmee Street House Fire

A Conmee Street family is safe after their home caught fire over the evening hours. Firefighters from Hodder, North Central and Junot fought the fire and kept it to the outside of the home. The Fire Department is reporting very little smoke damage and no structural damage. Investigators will be on the scene of the fire today to look into the cause.

Shoving match leads to man grabbing an axe

 A shoving match turned ugly last night with Police taking a 56 year old man into custody.  A 911 call was made to a north side residence after two men were arguing.  One man went to the shed to grab an axe, when he got back the other man had retreated upstairs.  The 56 year old is in bail court this morning on charges of using a dangerous weapon.

Busy night for Police

Thunder Bay Police were kept busy last night with several calls for service. Police started off with arresting several people with possession of Oxycodone and Cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Later in the evening, a 40 year old woman was brought in to the Police Station for Breaching her Undertaking. She then spit on the police officer's face with a mouth full of blood. Finally, a 55 year old man was nabbed for drinking and driving after he almost drove into a train at a railway crossing.

Exacto knife lands man in bail court

A 29 year old man is in trouble with the law after pulling a knife on a woman on Simpson Street last night.  Police say the drunk man didn't like the response he received from the woman so he threatened her with an exacto knife.  The man is in bail court this morning facing charges of Assault with a Weapon and Dangerous Weapons.