Lakehead Schools Review Fundraising By-Law

The Provincial Government is rolling out new fundraising guidelines for Ontario School Boards. Lakehead Public School Board Spokesperson Kirsti Alaksa says the new rules come at a good time since they're reviewing their fundraising policy and want public input. Alaksa says their policy is similar to the Provincial Government's and notes they're tweaking it to include more transparency and a rule that funds can not be used towards capital projects.

Local Alzheimer's Office Wants National Strategy

Canada is lagging behind its fellow nations when it comes to its treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.  That's according to the local office of the Alzheimer's Society after the United States just adopted a strategy to fight dementia and Denton says Canada needs to follow suit.  Executive Director Alison Denton says they warned the Harper Government of the escalating rise of dementia over 2 years ago.

Marina Now Open

The Marina at Prince Arthur's Landing is now open for the season.  It will be the first time it will be in full operation  since construction at the waterfront development began.  A few boats are moored today, but that number is expected to explode as boat owners launch their vessels over the long holiday weekend.

Man Charged In Crime Spree

A 23 year old local man is being charged in what Police call a day long crime spree. The charges come after two vehicles were stolen, and later became involved in two separate motor vehicle collisions. The suspect involved in those incidents is also believed to be the same person who broke into a home yesterday on Rosslyn Road.

Trailer Park Issue To Be Settled Soon

The future of the Hillcourt Trailer Park in the City will be up for discussion again in two weeks time.  Council heard from trailer park residents last night asking the City to maintain ownership. However, Councillor Ken Boshcoff says the City no longer needs to operate the trailer park. Council is expected to vote on whether or not to sell the trailer park at a public meeting June 11th.  Meanwhile, City Council passed a by-law that will allow bow hunting within City limits.  Also a report on increasing supervision and operating hours at local outdoor hockey rinks will be back before Council in July.

Kenora Death Not Suspicious

Kenora OPP are ruling out murder in the death of a 22 year old man in Keewatin. The man was found on Sunday near the CP rail crossing at Government Road in Kenora. Police are holding back his name until his family is notified.

Bushie Hearing Postponed

It will be another week before the inquest hearing into the death of Reggie Bushie will begin.  It was scheduled to start today in Thunder Bay, but a spokesperson in the regional coroners office says it will now take place a week from tomorrow, May 23rd.   No reason was given for the delay.   The body of the 15 year old was recovered from the McIntyre River in 2007.  The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding the death, including the issues that face First Nations students who come to Thunder Bay from their home communities to attend school.

Police Still Searching For Robbery Suspects

Thunder Bay police are hoping that releasing surveillance pictures of a weekend Mac's Convenience Store robbery will help with the arrest of the suspects. Police say both were men in their late teens or early twenties. The robbery took place at the Waterloo Street store.

Giddy Free, Murder Charge Stayed

A stunner from a Thunder Bay courtroom where a second degree murder charge against a city woman has been stayed by the prosecution.  It came as the case against 30 year old Thea Gliddy was about to go to trial.   It means that Gliddy is free but  prosecutors can reinstate the charge within a year.  The charge was in connection to the death of 39 year old Randy Cromarty in a room at the Inntowner Hotel two years ago.

Dugmore Back To Work

Waterfront Development Manager Katherine Dugmore is back to work with the City. Tourism Manager Paul Pepe was filling in for Dugmore while she was off on medical leave. Dugmore started easing herself back into the job about two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Manshield Construction is currently doing some surveying on the waterfront for the Hotel and Condos deal.

Body Found On Tracks Near Kenora

Ontario Provincial Police are saying little about a death in Keewatin.  A body was found on the railway tracks in the Kenora area near Portage Bay early Sunday night.  The Northwest Mobile Command Unit was on site yesterday, along with a number of investigators. More information is expected later today.

Float Plane Incident On Lake Superior

The pilot of a float plane is not hurt after his aircraft lost power to its engine yesterday as it was flying over Lake Superior. A spokesperson at the search and rescue centre in Trenton says the pilot landed the plane safely about a mile outside the habour breakwall just before 10 o'clock in the morning and was towed by a coast guard vessel to a seaplane base. The cause of the engine failure isn't known.

LU Conference Talks Sustainable Energy

Delegates attending a conference at Lakehead University this week will talking about sustainable energy. The conference is open to people from across Northwestern Ontario and discusses how we can use wood pellets, municipal waste and peat to generate power.

Suspicious Car Fire On East Empire Avenue

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a suspicious car fire this morning on East Empire Avenue.  Police say the act of arson occurred at four this morning.  The car is completely ruined and is considered a write off.  Officers are looking for the person responsible.

Beardy To Run For Ontario Regional Chief

There's going to be a race for the Regional Chief of Ontario.  Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy will be going up against incumbent Angus Tolouse.  Beardy says he's been thinking of running for sometime. Beardy will continue to be NAN's Grand Chief up until the election which takes place at the end of June at the Chiefs of Ontario Conference in Toronto.

Mauro Calls NDP Auto Insurance Bill Bad Deal

An NDP private members bill on auto insurance premiums isn't sitting well with Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro. Mauro says the bill would drive up our premiums to subsidize the rates paid by southern Ontario drivers. He's calling on Northern Ontario NDP MPP's to vote against the proposal and call for auto insurance reforms that will help all drivers in the province.

OPP Re-open Section Of Highway 17

OPP are reporting Highway 17 east of Highway 614 is open again after being closed yesterday afternoon. Police closed the highway down because of a forest fire that was burning four kilometres west of White River. OPP reopened the highway around 8:30 last night because the fire was put out and it was safe to travel again.

OPP Close Section Of Highway 17

A section of Highway 17 east of Highway 614 towards White River is closed Sunday.   OPP closed the highway down because of a forest fire that's burning four kilometres west of White River.  A detour is available at Highway 11.

NAN Grand Chief Running For Regional Chief Spot

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy is throwing his hat into the ring for the upcoming election for Regional Chief of Ontario.  He'll be going up against incumbent Angus Toulouse.  The election for Regional Chief will take place at the Chiefs of Ontario conference at the end of June in Toronto.

Occupy Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's local Occupy group gathered in front of City Hall yesterday. The protesters were hoping that the warm weather would draw a larger crowd than previous protests. Those that did attend believe that it is important to show solidarity with the larger movement. The protests are meant to bring awareness to economic inequality, greed, and corporate influence in government actions from local to international levels. The Occupy movement began last year in New York City.

Foulds Rink Request Back

Hockey rinks are on the list of topics to discuss at Monday's Council meeting. Current River Ward Councillor Andrew Foulds wants his fellow members to agree to spend more money on staff supervision. Foulds believes young people are becoming less active and wants to make sure they have recreational opportunities. Foulds says closing popular rinks for 2 days during the week prevents an opportunity to put on skates or even use the facilities.

Delegation Heading To Japan

There's an eleven person delegation from Thunder Bay heading to Gifu, Japan Sunday morning. City Clerk John Hannam says it's part of the city's ongoing commitment to the Sister Cities Program and an opportunity to promote exchanges between our two communities. Hannam says the Japanese plan a return trip here in July.

Road Construction Set To Start

The City has unveiled its plan for road construction for the upcoming season. City Engineer Rick Harms says this Summer's construction schedule will impact residential areas more than major routes. Harms adds that the biggest traffic headache will likely occur near the new courthouse building. That project starts before the end of May.

City Puts Hope In Proposed Mining Strategy

The city is putting together a Mining Readiness Strategy to take advantage of the Ring of Fire and other Northwestern Ontario mining developments. Mayor Keith Hobbs says the strategy will be detailed and well thought out. He says they will try to get togther about half a million dollars from affect parties and put a plan together that covers housing, education and job creation.  A draft plan of the Strategy is expected to be ready by the fall.

Alarm Bells Over Program Closure

A local Aboriginal program for school children  is closing down because there is no more government funding.    The Biwaase'aa program has been serving about 500 children a day with what organizers say has been education, nutritional and emotional support.   Officials call it bad news for children in the city, some of whom they claim will be left in a vulnerable position.

More Nursing Positions Available

The Provincial Government is rolling out cash for hiring nurses in Northwestern Ontario. 66 new nursing positions will be made available through the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.

City And CN Try To Bridge The Gap

The city and CN Rail plan to continue talks about the future of the James Street Swing Bridge. CN spokesperson Lindsay Fedchyshyn says the decision follows discussions this week about the safety of the railway owned bridge. She says engineers from both the railway and the city will meet again to talk about how the matter should proceed. Fedchyshyn says while CN considers the bridge safe, it will be repairing or replacing any broken planks or metal plates.

Arbor Day Saturday

It's Arbor Day. The City is doing its part and is planting over 100 trees at Boulevard Lake's Birch Point as a way of improving the urban forest. Over 200 shrubs will also be planted along the Boulevard Lake shoreline to help stabilize the bank and reduce erosion.

LU Signs New Volleyball Player

Lakehead University's Thunderwolves women's Volleyball program has signed a new player.  6 foot Attacker Stephanie Green has committed to the team.  She comes from St. Ignatius high school and has chosen Sociology to study.

Injured Workers Protesting Today

Members of the local Injured Workers group are holding a protest at MPP Michael Gravelle's office today. It's over their disappointment with the appointment of Elizabeth Witmer to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Spokesperson Steve Mantis says they also feel the Liberal Government rejected the Arthurs' report on how to improve the WSIB and save money.

Seven People Held In Border Incident

Officials say three people who tried to get into Canada illegally this week are being held in custody at the District Jail. Chris Kealy of Canada Border Services says they were caught shortly after they crossed in from Pigeon River earlier this week. Four other Canadians who police say allegedly tried to help them are also in custody. Kealy says for privacy reasons they won't say what country the three originated from.

Giant Toy Store Chain Coming

Let the children rejoice, because Toys R Us is coming to Thunder Bay. Developer Toby Singlehurst says the new 36 thousand square foot store will be located in the Thunder Centre.  He says groundbreaking could take place as soon as next week with an opening in  time for the holiday season.  Singlehurst says Toys R Us officials have told him they are excited about coming into the Thunder Bay market

NOSM Hosting Conference

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine begins hosting the 7th annual Northern Health Research Conference today. Associate Dean of Research, Dr. Greg Ross, says there are two conferences happening simultaneously and the focus is on health care in the North. Approximately 1-hundred people are in attendance from around the world.

NOMA Looks Beyond Smelter Decision

Disappointment yes, but optimism continues for the President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.  Ron Nelson says the decision to locate a chromite smelter in Sudbury will still result in some rippling economic effects for this region in the future.  Nelson says all 37-municipalities within the Association have to pressure the government heavily to ensure they keep their promises.

Port's Reputation Grows

Officials with the Port of Thunder Bay continue their quest for more customers. At the Annual General Meeting CEO Tim Heney says that the port will be building on last year's successes.  He says with each big shipment the port's reputation grows.  Heney states the port's credibility will get a shot in the arm when the new crane is in place this summer.

Search & Rescue Celebrates Anniversary

The Lakehead Search and Rescue organization celebrates its 50th anniversary Friday night. 120 current and past members will take part in a dinner at the Italian Cultural Centre. Board member Nickolas Knought says it takes a special kind of person to become a member because volunteers donate their time, resources and energy into helping rescue people in distress. Knought says now that people are using G.P.S. more and more, there has been a drop in requests from police for their assistance.

Tourism Centre Issue Won't Go Away

The Provincial Government is again being pressed for answers as to why tourist information centres in Fort Frances, Kenora and Rainy River are being closed.  During debate at Queen's Park, Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says Tourism Minister Michael Chan needs to come clean and explain why centres in her riding are closing while Pigeon River stays opens.  The Minister's Parliamentary Assistance Kim Craitor says Pigeon River is being left open because it serves an important American market.

Occupy Thunder Bay Set For Saturday

Occupy Thunder Bay is giving it another try. After several poorly attended protests they hope to pick up more steam on Saturday. They'll be meeting at City Hall at 1 in the afternoon. The group is protesting economic inequality and corporate greed.

OHC meeting in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is one of the stops for an Ontario wide tour talking about the future of Health Care. The Ontario Health Coalition is putting on the meeting that will talk about the Provincial Government's plans to cut health care services. The meeting is going to be held on Thursday, May 31st at the Waverley Resource Library.

Grinspun visits NWO

The health care system can save money and help more patients by using nurses more for primary care.  That's one of the recommendations in a draft report prepared by a task force set up by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.  Chief Executive Officer Doris Grinspun says nurses are being under-utilized in the health care system.  Grinspun is on a tour of Northwestern Ontario.

Wilson Looks At Positive Side

Smelter or no smelter, the message is not all doom and gloom from the president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.   Harold Wilson says even though the region will not be getting a chromite smelter it's important to remember that the Ring of Fire project has plenty of opportunities and that there's a lot of wealth to go around. Wilson believes however that Cliffs Natural Resources may not have considered everything when they made the decision on the smelter's location.

Commissioner Talks Competing Rights

Ontario's Human Rights Commissioner is travelling the province educating the public on a new policy by the commission on the issue of competing rights. In Thunder Bay, Barbara Hall, explains the policy is designed to help community leaders settle such issues out of court and avoid costly legal bills.  Competing rights takes place when two sets of human rights clash and both sides have legitimate claims.

Hobbs Slams Government Over Smelter Decision

There is huge disappointment among city leaders to the decision by Cliffs Natural Resources to locate its Ring of Fire chromite smelter near Sudbury.  No one is more upset than our Mayor Keith Hobbs who wasn't able to hide his outrage.  He says not only did Thunder Bay get nothing but so did area First Nations.  He says the government didn't bother to include our leaders in discussions with Cliffs on the smelter location.

Waboose Lashes Out At Minister

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne is going to remember this day for a long time. She was confronted openly at a Thunder Bay news conference by Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose. Waboose was upset the McGuinty government and Cliffs Natural Resources chose not to include First Nations in the talks leading up to the announcement of Cliffs chromite smelter. The following is the entire discussion between Waboose and Wynne.

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Cliffs Selects Sudbury

And the winner is...Sudbury. That's the site Cliffs Natural Resources has selected for the Ring of Fire Chromite Smelter. Sudbury was selected due to various economic and technical factors including transportation logistics, labor, long mining tradition, community support and access to electrical power.

Cocaine Bust

Two Thunder Bay residents have been charged with possession of Cocaine. City Police conducted a raid on a home on Highway 61 where they seized $11,400 worth of drugs. A 33 year old man and 27 year old woman will appear back in court on June 6th.

Drug Bust In Sioux Lookout

O.P.P. have arrested two people in Sioux Lookout for drug possession. Police say they found Oxycontin and Codeine pills worth $8,000. Effie and Cornelius Matthews have each been charged with two counts of possession.

Some Work Still To Be Done For New Hotel

Construction on Thunder Bay's newest hotel is expected to start this summer.  Thompson Centres Development is meeting today with Marriott Town Place Suites to nail down some of the finer details of the new hotel that will be located on the property in front of Superstore.  Developer Lou Meandro says they'll be discussing an Ontario Municipal Board complaint from Loblaws over the size of the hotel.

Atikokan Renewable Fuels Talks Future

Atikokan Renewable Fuels is looking for some buyers before it can complete its wood pellet plant. President Ed Fukushima says Ontario Power Generation and some European Businesses are interested in their product. Fukushima says they should know more in 30 days.

Bear Wise Cut Backs Upset OPSEU

A union leader is warning Northern residents that they face greater danger from bears this year because of Provincial government cutbacks.  Smokey Thomas of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says the number of staff trained to deal with bears has been cut by more than 50 percent.  The M.N.R. has said that relocating nuissance bears was simply not working.