OLG pays 4th quarter payment to city

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation today issued a fourth quarter payment of more than $624,242 to the City of Thunder Bay. It amounts to 5% of the slot machine revenue at the local casino from January to March of this year. The total amount for the quarter is up some $44,000 dollars from the same period last year.

Province funds lung research

The Provincial government has announced $1 million dollars in funding to support and advance the pulmonary work being done at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. Dr. Mitch Albert and his group will receive the funding and use it towards diagnostic technology that focuses on such illnesses as cystic fibrosis, asthma along with lung and breast cancer.

Gravelle helps break ground on flight centre

Construction is under way on the Province's new flight training centre for water bomber aircraft in Sault Ste. Marie, which will create jobs and boost the local economy. 
MPP and Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says "this new facility will help us train our pilots, right here in Northern Ontario, while helping to protect our families and communities."

Local winners pick up cheque

It's now a reality for Thunder Bay's Len Carr and his wife Joanna. They were in Toronto today at the SickKids Hospital to pick up their cheque for 1.5 million dollars. Len wants to use the winnings for retirement planning and to share it among his 8 siblings and 2 sons. They have supported the SickKids Lottery since 2007.

Leon back in May

A former Confederation College student is due back in court next month in connection with a case that caused an international sensation. Adam Leon is charged with theft following an incident about three years ago, when a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States. In front of a Thunder Bay judge today his lawyer asked for more time so he can get some court information from Missouri. Leon is now scheduled for a court appearance May 28th.

Mauro's bill reaches committee

Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is happy to see his private members bill reach committee level. The legislation passed its second reading last week in the legislature. Mauro's bill promotes the use of wood in new government funded buildings.

Fire Marshal has no cause yet

Ontario's Fire Marshal office continues to investigate a fatal house fire on Victoria Avenue Thursday.  Fire Marshal's office Spokesperson Carol Gravelle says they've yet to determine the cause of the blaze.  An autopsy is being conducted on the 39 year old man who died. 

Bachelors raise cash for cancer

Another huge donation will be made to the Northern Cancer Fund thanks to the annual Bachelors for Hope Charity Auction. The 14th annual event raised more than 94-thousand dollars, bringing the total to more than 700-thousand dollars raised. Proceeds from the event stay in Northwestern Ontario and help with advances in screening, diagnosis and research.

More accolades for NOSM

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is being honoured by the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario. A cancer project was selected as the 2011 recipient of the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario Innovation Award. The project helps connect remote First Nation's women with HPV immunization.

Franco-Festival coming soon

Organizers of the annual Franco-festival are gearing up for this year's big event. The event will promote the historical and culture heritage of Francophones in the city. Spokesperson Claudette Gleeson hopes the event will be an attraction. The event is on May 26 at the Sports Dome.

Speakers set for NOMA gathering

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association now has its agenda set for next week's annual meeting in Kenora. NOMA president, David Canfield says a number of provincial politicians are scheduled to be in attendance, including PC leader Tim Hudak and Andrea Horwath of the NDP. Canfield says they have confirmed appearances by Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle, Municipal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynn. for the so-called bear pit session.

Bust nets coke and cannabis

A 30 year old Thunder Bay man is in custody following a drug bust in the city this week. The bust follows searches of a home on Hazelwood Drive and a business in Westfort. Over 175 thousand dollars of cocaine, hash and marijuana was seized in the operation. Police say he is being charged with several accounts of possession for the purpose to trafficking.

3 new officers to be sworn in

Friday will be a big day for 3 police recruits. They will be promoted to Constables by the Thunder Bay Police Service. Sgt Greg Stein says the ceremony is a right of passage. The event is at the Provincial Court on Arthur at 3 o'clock.

Police revive missing person case

It now been 5 years since the disappearance of Michael Bailey. The Thunder Bay native has been missing since 2007. Detective Sergeant Don Lewis says they are looking into the case again at the request of the family. He urges anybody who knows about the case to come forward. The Thunder Bay Police number is 684-1200 and Crime Stoppers number is 623-TIPS.

New road to Fort William Historical Park

Fort William Historical Park is creating an emergency road into the tourist attraction. Spokesperson Ed Cameron says they recently purchased two properties on Broadway Avenue and demolished the homes to make way for road work. Cameron says in the future they may consider making it another road option for the public.

Man dies in morning fire

City police confirm a 39 year old man is dead after an early morning fire at 438 West Victoria Avenue. Platoon Chief John Mill says they found a man inside the bungalow. There's heavy smoke and fire damage in the kitchen area.  The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause. 

Cause not known in South Gillies fire

South Gillies Fire is having a difficult time pin pointing a cause for a house fire on Wednesday. Fire Chief Scott Hole says they may never be able to identify the cause because the home was completely destroyed. No one was hurt.

City wants feedback

The City is looking for resident's thoughts on the current state of the rental market in Thunder Bay. Some neighbours have complained about parking on streets and messy yards, while students have complained there's very few rentals available. To visit the City's public feedback section click here.

Sports round up

In the Dudley Hewitt Cup last night, The Soo Thunderbirds defeated the Thunder Bay North Stars 4-3. In the NHL, Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal had a hat trick in a 10-3 game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

No injuries in rural house fire

OPP are confirming a house fire in South Gillies this afternoon.  It was called in at around 1 o'clock and involved a home on Highway 595. They say it began in the attic, but the cause isn't known.   No one is hurt.

Bentz would like feds to demolish elevators

Abandoned grain elevators in the city are not only an eyesore for many, but it's causing headaches for the city's Waterfront Committee and it's efforts to spruce up the lakeshore.  Chair Mark Bentz says ideally he'd like to have the federal government play a roll in tearing down the structures.

Good grades for Con College

Confederation College continues to perform ahead or at the provincial average. A new report suggests that student and employer satisfaction has risen, as well as the school's graduate employment rate which is number one in the province. School President Jim Madder credits excellent dedication and work ethic for the success of the school.

Matthews defends addiction support

Deb Matthews

There's a renewed call for more help to those dealing with the withdrawal of Oxycontin in Ontario.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says she raised the need for a substance abuse stategy for First Nations for two months. Health Minister Deb Matthews says she is responding by acting on the recommendations of a panel the government put together on the issue.  Matthews says it includes sending more doctors to support a methadone treatment program and strengthen support through Telehealth.

Crime reporting goes online

Reporting a crime is now just a click away. Thunder Bay Police Service now offer online crime reporting. Inspector Alan McKenzie says it will give people another option. The service also provides a printable copy of the reports to file insurance claims. To visit their website click here.

Dog battle brewing in Neebing

There's a controversy brewing in Neebing Township.  It's over a proposed by-law amendement and the interpretation of how many dogs someone can own before they need a kennel operators licence.  The issue comes before the public this evening at 5:30 at the Neebing municipal office on Highway 61.

Work order lifted

Work is now able to resume at the condominium construction site on Oliver and Golf Links Roads. Matt Blajer is with the Ministry of Labour and says all safety orders are now being complied with.  Work at the Thunder Bay Country Club site ground to a halt after a fatal industrial accident last week.

Early morning collision

Thunder Bay Police are investigating an early morning car collision that sent two men to the hospital with serious injuries.  Police say it occurred around 2 this morning when the two were driving in the area of Twin City Cross Roads and their vehicle rolled over.  Officers believe alcohol may have played a factor in the incident.

Summit partners united

A united front is emerging from a weekend summit on the Ring of Fire by First Nations and regional politicians.  Wilfred King of the Lake Nipigon First Nation says it shows that the group wants to make sure any development that takes place in the north must stay in the north.  Among  other things, the group agreed to support Exton as the site for the proposed chromite smelter.

Another big local lottery winner

They say it happens in threes. There's another big lottery winner in the city, the third in the last month. This time Len Carr won one and a half million dollars in the SickKids Lottery. He plans to use the money for retirement planning and will share it with the family. Len and his wife Joanne will be presented with a cheque on Friday in Toronto.

Cyclists urged to stay off sidewalk

The Health Unit is warning cyclists who plan to ride their bikes on area sidewalks. Spokesperson Marita Campbell says the three most recent cyclist related collisions occured because the bike rider was on the sidewalk. Campbell says sidewalks are dangerous because motorists leaving driveways might not see cyclists on the sidewalk.

Police board gives cash to conference

Thunder Bay Police are moving ahead with their two year business plan. Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's pleased with the initiatives in the living document. The plan also calls for increased communication with the Aboriginal community.

Proposed development agency causing concerns

Plans for a new regional economic development agency may get a rough ride at the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Conference in Kenora next week. Mayor Dave Canfield predicts it will be a hot topic for NOMA delegates.   While he says he shares some of the concerns of area politicians about the cost of the agency to municipalities, he supports the idea.

Construction site remains shut down

Condominium construction remains at a stand-still at the Thunder Bay Country Club site at Oliver and Golf Links Roads. The Ministry of Labour says it will stay that way until it's satisfied that a plan is in place to prevent a fatal accident like the one last week that took the life of a 31 year old worker. Officials say he died after being run over by a dump truck that was backing up.

Police Force launches 2 year business plan

Thunder Bay Police are moving ahead with their two year business plan. Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's pleased with the initiatives in the living document. It details how the force will address First Nation issues and public consultation. The plan also calls for increased communication with the Aboriginal community. To check it out click here.

Cyclist crosses Ontario on one wheel

The Man in Motion is now the Wheel in Motion. Stratford's Derrick Ferguson will be cycling across Ontario with a unicycle to raise money for the Rick Hansen Foundation. Ferguson will cover 26 hundred kilometres on his cross-province journey starting in Kenora May 6th.  To donate visit their website at http://www.wheelinmotion.ca/

Council hears concerns over cell towers

City Council can't dodge members of the public who remain opposed to a new Bell tower set to be built on Highway 61 near Chippewa Road.  Michelle Addison brought forward a petition that had more than 100 signatures from residents in the area who oppose the tower because of potential cancer causing agents being emitted from the frequency waves.

Dawson Road Truck Issue Postponed Again

McIntyre Ward Councillor Trevor Giertuga was frustrated on behalf of residents in his ward as the Dawson Road and heavy truck issue came up before city council Monday night. Giertuga was upset for a variety of reasons but wanted to be involved in the process during council's intergovernmental liaison committee meeting on the subject. After venting his frustration about not being invited, despite asking to be, he put forth a motion that council have another intergovernmental committee meeting on the subject. It was passed and now council won't be expected to hear back on the subject until July.

ReGen Med requests cash

City Council is hearing a request from ReGen Med.  The not for profit bone and tissue bank is requesting 500-thousand dollars in transitional funding.  The organization feels the money would ensure their future growth.  They want to increase their staffing levels from 8 to 40.  Council is getting a report on the funding request and will make their decision at a future meeting.

McDonald tops locals at marathon

12 Thunder Bay runners are celebrating their Boston Marathon finishes today. The City was well represented this year with Ryan McDonald posting the best time of all Thunder Bay runners. He finished in 3 hours 13 minutes and 40 seconds, while Marcia Migay was tops for the local women with a time of 3 hours and 35 minutes. Local results as follows.

McDonald, Ryan (CAN) 03:13:40

Migay, Marcia (CAN) 03:35:58
Pazianos, Tom (CAN) 03:46:55
Sneve, Darren (CAN) 03:53:42
Harris, Allan (CAN) 04:00:59
Baraskewich, Lindsay (CAN) 04:01:04
Bociurko, Christine (CAN) 04:12:02
Smith, Leigh (CAN) 04:30:04
Frederickson, Deborah (CAN) 04:34:23
McDonald, Susan (CAN) 04:35:40
Barton, Judy (CAN) 04:45:49
Smith, Mark (CAN) 04:48:27

Area highways start to re-open

OPP say Highways are starting to open up. Police say Highway 11 from Nipigon to North Bay Highway 17 from Sistonen Corners heading west to Ignace is open as is Highway 11 between Shabaqua and Atikokan.

Gun incident on FWFN

A woman is out of police custody after an incident with a gun on Chippewa Road Sunday afternoon.  Anishinabek police say the woman was on the road waving what appeared to be a rifle or a shotgun.  Police took her into custody but later let her go. Police say charges have been laid.

Cartoon display at City Hall.

The city is hosting a display that involves award winning editorial cartoons from all around the world.  The Freedom of Expression Broadstrokes exhibit is being shown in the lobby of City Hall until May 15th.

Grocery shopping goes high tech

Quality Market is introducing the first online grocery store in the city. In addition to city residents the new internet shopping system will benefit many First Nation communities. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy says remote communities will have access to fresh produce at an affordable price. The link for the grocery store website is here.

Stolen vehicle in Marathon

Marathon OPP are charging two Southern Ontario residents with possession of stolen property and fleeing police.  It stems from a report of a stolen vehicle over the weekend.  Police spotted the vehicle and started a high speed chase.  Two men and woman evaded a speed belt and abandoned the vehicle.  The K9 unit helped track the duo a short distance from the stolen car.

Hobbs talks truck traffic

City lawmakers will be considering a proposal many hope will discourage truck traffic on Dawson Road. Councillors will be voting on whether to reduce the speed limit and make it into a community safety zone.

Hydro One reports outages

Hydro One is reporting a power outage in the outlying communities around Thunder Bay.  128 customers near Pass Lake are without power this morning, as are several residents in Neebing and Oliver Paipoonge.

Rural Schools Closed-All Buses Cancelled

The bad weather is impacting all school bus transportation today. All buses are cancelled.  School closures today include, CRESTVIEW, MCKENZIE, FIVE MILE, NOR’WESTER VIEW, GORHAM & WARE, VALLEY CENTRAL, KAKABKA FALLS, WHITEFISH VALLEY, Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed.  All rural schools are closed. Urban schools will be open. All Thunder Bay Catholic and French Catholic schools are open.

Foulds introduces hockey rink resolution

City Councillor Andrew Foulds is introducing a resolution tonight that will look at increasing supervision at local hockey rinks.  Foulds says it's the first step towards getting kids more physically active in the winter.  Foulds says if the resolution passes tonight, staff will come back with a list of options for council on how they can make the rinks more accessible.

Thunder Bay Queens provincial champions

Thunder Bay's Sportop midget double A Queens are the Ontario Women's Hockey Association provincial champions.  It's their second time winning the title in three seasons.  The Queens now move on to represent the province at the Esso Cup Canadian national female hockey championship in P.E.I.

Suspicious death Pikangikum

Police are investigating the suspicious death of a 32 year old Pikangikum First Nation man.  Officers were called to a house on the First Nation to deal with an altercation on April 14th.  A short time later a man was located unresponsive on the side of a road.  A post-mortem exam still needs to be conducted.