The Path Of The Paddle

A water route linking Dryden and Kenora is now looking at involving the Rainy River district as part of the Trans Canada Trail. The Path of the Paddle would take paddlers through five provincial parks including Quetico and Turtle River. Project manager Vicki Kurz says it will help capitalize on a growing industry. The route spans roughly 900-kilometres.

City Set To Talk Flood Monday

City Council is going to spend Monday night talking about the after effects of the flood. City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be asking council to approve the independent engineering and neighbourhood flooding studies. On top of that they'll also be asking permission to launch a flood prevention campaign.

Sunday Simpson Street Closure

Simpson Street between Pacific Avenue and Ogden Street will be closed on Sunday for watermain repairs. Work is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. Simpson Street will remain closed to through traffic until 6:00 p.m., or until work is complete. Motorists are asked to watch for detour signs and take an alternate route.

Bill Brings Jobs

Bill C-38 will bring new jobs and create a stable condition for the economy to survive the recession. That's according to Kenora MP Greg Rickford. Rickford says the budget bill brings new opportunities. He notes investment in forestry and mining will help bolster the Northern Ontario economy.

Leaders In Patient Care

Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre is being honoured for being a leader in Patient and Family care. Vice President of Performance and Aboriginal Health Lori Marshall says they're the first and only hospital in Canada to win this award. Marshall adds they have patient advisors that provide suggestions on how the hospital can be more patient friendly.

A Day of Caring

United Way's GenNext wants people to come out and show they care on Saturday June 23. People can spend their day building, painting, or landscaping to help those in need. The Day of Caring is a one day commitment that helps United way and its agencies. The day starts off with breakfast at the Victoria Inn.

Mining Companies Evicted

Six Northern Ontario First Nation Chiefs are preparing to issue eviction notices to all mining companies on their land. They feel the Province and the companies haven't properly consulted them on their planned Ring of Fire projects. Aroland Chief Sonny Gagnon says they'll serve the companies next week.

The Forms Are In

The forms are finally available for flood victims who want to make claims to the city. There are three types of forms available, one of which allows the applicant to apply for a cash advance. City Clerk John Hannam says this shows the city is moving from emergency management to disaster relief. They will be available at tomorrow's two public meetings.

Janzen's Suspect Caught And Charged

The suspect in this week's Janzen's Pharmacy robbery is in police custody.  They say he was arrested last night over the supper hour during a traffic stop on the city's south side.   He is now charged with robbery with a weapon.    

Woman Swept Away In Current River

A woman is very lucky to be alive. Members of the Thunder Bay Fire Department were called to the Current River yesterday to search for her after being swept away by the current. She was swimming with her boyfriend at the time and failed to appreciate the strength of the flow. The Fire Department eventually found the woman with a few cuts and bruises but essentially in good condition in Centennial Park. The woman was able to swim ashore under her own power and walk to safety.

4 Dogs Poisoned In Dryden

Ontario Provincial Police are seeking the public's assistance with a case of dogs being poisoned near Dryden. O.P.P. say they responded to a call in Wainwright Township last Friday to find 4 dogs who had been poisoned. Two of the K-9's have died since then as a result. Police are asking for your help, if you have any information you're asked to call 1-888-222-8477 (TIPS).

Sidney Crosby Visits City For Staal's Wedding

The man who scored Canada's "Golden Goal" at the Vancouver Winter Olympics is visiting Thunder Bay. Sidney Crosby, a Stanley Cup Champion is in the city to take in the wedding of teammate Jordan Staal, who is set to get married to his Thunder Bay fiancee Heather today. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is also said to be in town for the nuptials.

Staal Turns Down 10 Year Deal

Reports indicate Thunder Bay's Jordan Staal has turned down a 10-year contract extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Jordan becames an unrestricted free agent at the end of next year. He scored 25 goals and added 25 assists in 62 games this year.

Cats Dropped Opener To Bucks

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lost 3-0 to the Waterloo Bucks last night at Subway Field. It was supposed to be a "Twi-Night" double-header by officials ruled the field "unsafe" for the second game. The two teams will meet again for a "Twi-Night" double-header tonight starting at 6:05 p.m.

Thunderwolves Hockey Releases Schedule

The Lakehead Thunderwolves hockey team released its 2012-13 schedule, and will open the season at home versus the University of Ottawa on September 21-22. The Wolves will also host the final four teams from last season’s OUA playoffs - McGill, Western Ontario, UQTR and Windsor.

T.Bay Contractor Fined

A Thunder Bay Construction Supervisor is being fined 10 thousand dollars after being found in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  Ministry of Labour spokesperson Matt Blajer says Chad Shostal was in charge of a team of workers re-shingling a roof when one of the men fell off.  Shostal was fined becuase he was supposed to provide the worker with safety equipment and didn't train the injured worker on how to use said equipment.

Police Release Photos of Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are releasing pictures of the man they believe is responsible for a recent robbery of Janzen's Pharmacy on Frederica Street. Police are looking to identify the stocky man wearing black pants, t-shirt and runners with red laces. He was also wearing a black baseball cap with a yellow emblem on the front. Anyone with information about the identity of this male is asked to call Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 623-TIPS.

Rickford Aboriginal Day Funding

A 25-million dollar Federal investment on this National Aboriginal Day.  Parliamentary Assistant for Aboriginal Affairs Greg Rickford says the money will launch a 10-year health research program.  The Kenora MP adds the Goverment is also supporting 6-major projects to study the best ways for health providers to collaborate with First Nations, Metis and Inuit.

Latest On Thunder Bay Flood

The city is slowly returning to normal after the May 28th flood. Garbage pick-up is back on schedule and now spokesperson Darrell Matson says the dump is returning to schedule but they will still honour flood vouchers that were given out, voiding scale fees during regular business hours. Meanwhile, the city survived the rain scare this week. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations, Darrrell Matson says everything is okay following the 40-to-50 millimetres of precipitation that fell since Tuesday. Matson says they did not have to use any of the strategic pumps that were in place at various locations throughout the city.

Aboriginal Day At Marina Park

Aboriginal Day ceremonies began in the city with a sunrise ceremony at the marina at 5:00 o'clock. It kicked off a day of activities that will run until 8:00 o'clock this evening and is being put on by the city's National Aboriginal Day Committee. Events will be held at Travelodge Airlane and The Health Sciences Centre to name just a few.

LRCA Lifts Flood Watch

The flood watch is now over.   The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says that in the last 2 days we've received up to 50 millimetres of rain and with no rain forecast for the next couple of days the Authority decided to lift the flood watch. 

St. Pat's Students Decorate Uniforms

It's the last day of school for St. Patrick's High School Students in Thunder Bay and a Grade 12 prank left several students outside on the sidewalk.Valedictorian Jacob Luczak says they decided to decorate their St. Pat's t-shirts and have classmates sign them.  Meanwhile, Vice Principal Mike Filipetti says students were told to change because the uniforms didn't cover their shoulders, and midriffs.  Filipetti feels the incident could have gone differently.  The school had also asked for Grade 12 students uniforms to be donated for future students who can't afford the formal attire.

 
Vice Principal Mike Filipetti

City Facing 300 Million Dollar Class Action

The city is being sued.   A class action suit has been filed in Superior Court alleging negligence on various levels in connection with the May 28th flood. Those allegations still need to be proven in court.  The suit, on behalf of flood victims, is asking for general and special damages in the amount of 300 million dollars.  The city is not commenting.

Cops Still Looking For Robbery Suspect

Police are still on the hunt for a robbery suspect involved in an incident at Janzen's Pharmacy on Frederica Street. It happened around 4:40 p.m. yesterday afternoon when a man entered the store, wielding an edged weapon. Police say the suspect, a heavy-set Native-Canadian man, wearing a hoodie, took off with an undisclosed amount of property. Anyone with information that can help with the case are asked to call police.

6 To 8 Months To Repair Water Treatment Plant

The Atlantic Avenue Water Treatment Plant is far from being repaired after the flood. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations, Darrell Matson says it will take 6 to 8 months to get it back to the way it was, prior to the May 28th flooding. Matson says work at the plant continues and he will advise council as to any additional repairs or purchases they may need to make once an independant firm has concluded its investigation into the breach.

Cats Washed Out

The Thunder Bay Border Cats and Waterloo Buck were rained out once again last night at Subway Field. They'll now try and play "Twi-Night" double-headers for the next three straight days. The 7 inning games begin at 6:05, starting tonight.

Heavy Rainfall Warning Ended

A heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warning has ended for the Thunder Bay area.  Environment Canada issued the warnings earlier today after 40 millimeters of rain fell last night and another 30 millimeters was expected throughout today.  Meterologist Geoff Coulson says we can expect light rain throughout this evening. 

Flooding Kills Duluth Zoo Animals

It's a sad day at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, Minnesota. The entire facility flooded as the result of the overnight rain and Development Director Anita Skutevik says almost a dozen barnyard animals died. She says some animals managed to swim out of their enclosures including one of their star attractions Berlin the polar bear. She says Berlin was tranquilized and is now recovering and doing fine. Two seals also managed to escape, but were captured a short time later.

Budget Passes

A summer election in Ontario has been averted with the passage of the minority government's budget. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says he's glad the budget passed.  Right up until the vote the Liberals said they could not trust the New Democrats to keep their word and let the budget pass, but in the end the NDP did as promised.

Highway 597 Washed Out

OPP are reporting Highway 597 between Mannisto Road and Nicholson Road is closed. There was a wash-out and water is flowing over the highway. There's a detour at Mannisto road.

Project Supports Seniors With Dementia

St. Joseph's Care Group is introducing a new behavioral supports project for seniors with dementia. The money for the 1.2 million dollar plan has been approved through the Local Health Integration Network. Spokesperson Susan Pilatzke says the new project will mean new staff will be hired to develop the plan.

You Thought We Had It Bad

The City of Duluth, Minnesota is in a State of Emergency as the result of flooding caused by torrential rain.  Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says they received 175 millimetres overnight.   Just as people did during our storm last month people there are posting pictures on the local radio station website and it clearly shows the devastation.

Summer In The Parks Ready To Roll

The Summer in the Parks is kicking off on June 27. Eight outdoor concerts will be taking place over the summer featuring live music along with many more attractions, including childrens activities, artisan's market and on-site consessions. Summer in the Parks takes place every wednesday evening throughout the summer.

Duluth Streets Like Waterfalls According To Reporter

Thunder Bay's Sister City Duluth is experiencing similar flood conditions this morning to what we saw three weeks ago. Up to six inches, or 15 centimetres of rain has been reported in and around the city. Police are advising motorists not to go anywhere. Reporter Alan Hoglund of WDIO television news in Duluth says the streets were like rivers.

It's Not Over Till It's Over

It's steady as she goes for the city's sewage treatment plant after the overnight rainfall. Spokesperson Darrell Matson says they are monitoring the plant and he says "so far so good."   He says the plant responded well to the increased flow.   Matson says it's not over yet, there's more rain predicted and officials will continue to watch over the plant to avoid a flood like the one that happened three weeks ago.

No Flooding Reported By LRCA

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is monitoring area waterways for flooding.  So far the Authority says we received 40 to 50 millimetres of rain overnight and 10 to30 millimetres is expected today, maybe more in thunderstorms.  No major flooding is being reported, however the Flood Watch continues.

Highway 61 Washed Out In Spots Down To Duluth

Highway 61 South of the American Border is closed this morning because of washouts in spots, all the way down to Duluth. Duluth Police are advising against travel in the entire city of Duluth. Rainfall of more than 6 inches or 15 centimetres in spots was recorded in the city and along Highway 61 along the North Shore. Various American media outlets and law enforcement are reporting extensive damage in the city of Duluth itself, with roads starting to collapse along the hillside. There have been reports of people being rescued from their basement apartments, falling into sinkholes of collapsed roads and of rivers and streams taking over roadways. Highway 61 remains closed in various spots with washouts, overflowing streams and rivers, washed out culverts and washed out roads.

Cats To Make Up Rained Out Game Tonight

The Thunder Bay Border Cats will try and make up their rained out game against the Waterloo Bucks tonight at Subway field, if they can dodge the weather one more time. The two teams will try and play a "Twi-Night" double-header starting at 6:05. Both games will be seven innings long.

Bartolucci talks Ring Of Fire

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci continues to promote his government's commitments to developing the Ring of Fire.  Bartolucci was the key speaker at a mining forum in Thunder Bay today and told the audience about Ontario's recent signing of an updated contract with Webequie First Nation.  The Memorandum of Cooperation includes benefits for communities such as regional infrastructure and environmental monitoring.

Class Action Suit To Be Filed This Week

A proposed class action lawsuit against the City of Thunder Bay involving flood victims is expected to be filed within days. That's the word from lawyer Chris Watkins who says the number of people requesting involvement is growing rapidly and could reach up to 15 hundred participants over the next few weeks. Watkins says he has partnered with the Merchant Law Group, a top Canadian firm, to help with the case.

Donated Dollars Not Flowing Yet

The idea to distribute 350 thousand dollars raised by the Salvation Army to flood victims remains in limbo. Spokesperson Gail Kromm says the plan is still to help those with no or insufficient insurance, but in the meantime the organization will be providing support that will include food, clothing and furniture. Anyone who wants to apply has to make an appointment by calling 345-6492

Anglers Get Caught In Storm

A couple of anglers are fortunate to be alive after being caught in Monday's late afternoon thunderstorm.   They were out on Northern Light Lake in Nolalu when the storm hit.  A spokesperson at the resort says they simply anchored down in the middle of the lake and covered themselves up until the storm passed.   Meantime the resort is reporting there were some trees downed and hail damage to some trailers.

Ontario Chamber Gets NWO Input

The efforts continues to get the economic message of Northwestern Ontario to the rest of the province. Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson hopes a one day conference in the city today  helped in contributing to an economic vision the Ontario Chamber of Commerce has planned for the province.  Meantime Wilson credits the new president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce with paying more attention to Northwestern Ontario. He gives props to Allan O'Dette for taking the time to visit the area several times since he was elected.

Special Weather Statement Update

Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Upsala and Ignace are just some of the Northwestern Ontario Communities affected by a special weather statement. Environment Canada Meterologist Geoff Coulson says they won't know until this afternoon if Thunder Bay will get the lion's share of rainfall today. If we get hit by the brunt of the storm we can expect 50 to 75 millimeters of rain. Coulson notes most of the rain could fall in the communities to the west of us; with a possibility of the Lakehead region receiving 10 to 20 millimetres of rain.

PWU Wants Both Biomass & Natural Gas

Ontario's Power Workers Union wants Thunder Bay's coal fired power plant to use biomass.  The Province is shutting down all coal plants by 2014, and the local facility is scheduled to be converted into using natural gas.  Spokesperson Bob Menard says they want the local plant to use a mixture of both wood pellets and natural gas.  The union is holding a town hall meeting on the issue tonight at the West Thunder Community Centre.

L.R.C.A. Updates Possible Rainfall Amounts

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority continues its flood watch for Thunder Bay and surrounding area. They are advising that 15 to 20 millimetres of rain could fall this afternoon and overnight. An additional 15 to 20 millimetres is possible in severe thunderstorms or isolated areas.
Areas West of Thunder Bay could see higher rainfall amounts.

City In A State Of Readiness

City officials say they are prepared for the incoming thunder storms. They are on alert and will be monitoring areas of risk this afternoon, tonight and tomorrow with high rainfall accumulations expected. Mayor Keith Hobbs says one lesson we can learn from the flood of May 28th is to move your valuables upstairs and out of the basement.

Drinking & Pregnancy Don't Mix

Thunder Bay's Rotary Club wants to spread the word about drinking while pregnant. The club is bringing in the Executive Director of Healthy Brains For Children Jody Allen Crowe. Crowe says Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder impacts everyone, not just women. Crowe will be holding a workshop Wednesday at Confederation College.

Flash Flood Watch Issued For Minnesota And Wisconsin

If you are travelling to the United States today you may want to use extreme caution because a flash flood warning is in effect for areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Isabella, Hibbing, Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Walker, Grand Rapids, Hill City, Duluth, Cloquet and Superior are all under a flash flood watch.

Special Weather Statement Issued For Thunder Bay

Environment Canada is issuing a special weather statement for the city of Thunder Bay, Atikokan, Upsala, Quetico, Superior West, Lake Nipigon, Wabikimi, Nipigon, Marathon and Superior North. Multiple thunderstorms are forecast to track through these areas beginning later today and continue through the night into Wednesday. Rainfall associated with this thunderstorm activity will be highly variable, however total amounts may be as high as 50 to 75 mm in some localities. Environment Canada is advising you to monitor future forecasts and warnings as they may be required or extended.

Cats Come Home With A .500 Record

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are returning home for a 5 game home stand starting tonight against Waterloo. The Cats wrapped-up a 2 game sweep against Duluth with a 7-2 win on the road last night, improving their record to 10-and-10 on the season. They are 5 games back in the North Division.