Thunderwolves Take On Patriotes

The Lakehead University men's hockey team are back at home tonight against some stiff competition. The #7 ranked Thunderwolves play host to the #4 ranked U.Q.T.R. Patriotes. Puck drop at the Fort Wiliam Gardens in the first of a two game series is set for tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Business District Promotes Random Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness Day will be going on today put on by Fort William Business District.The community is encouraged to spread the cause around the office and at home.Spokesperson J.P Fraser says it's main message is to show that we care. Fraser says they hope to set a good tone in the community.

NHLer's To Play At Gardens

Locked out NHL players are coming to Thunder Bay for a game at the Fort William Gardens. Organizer John Chabot says a group of them will be here to play for charity on Monday evening.  Tickets for the game are 30 dollars apiece and go on sale Friday morning at the Gardens box office at 9:30.

New Responsibilities For City Official

A veteran city official is now the Operations Coordinator for Marina Park. Kathy Ball is moving to the position from her job in tourism and is in charge of overseeing most of what the city is responsible for at Prince Arthur's Landing.   As well she will be marketing all the events that each city department is responsible for at Prince Arthur's Landing. Ball says she's looking forward to the challenge.

PARO Enterprising Women Awards

Calling all women business owners.  The Enterprising Women Business Awards is being held on November 15th at the Victoria Inn.  PARO is behind the event and Spokesperson Stacia Kean says they want to inspire others to start their own company.  PARO is an organization that helps women become their own bosses.

Cameras Stolen From High Street Business

Thunder Bay Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for any high end camera equipment being sold on the street or online.  A break-in at the Thunder Bay Centre of Change on High Street resulted in the loss of cameras and accessories.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says keep that in mind if you find a good deal on Kijiji.  Two stores in the Centre of Change were broken into last night.  Office equipment was damaged during the break-in as well.

Injured Owl In Safe Hands

An injured snowy owl is in the care of the Ministry of Natural Resources after being caputured at the corner of John Street and Johnson Avenue this morning.   A couple of workers in the area managed to net the bird and hold it for the MNR.  The owl is being given to a local handler who helps to rehabilitate injured wild birds.

600 Flood Claims & Over 1.1 Million Raised

The Disaster Relief Committee is reviewing 600 flood damage claims.  Chair Wayne Fletcher says they have a long way to go until the January 31st fundraising deadline.  To date 1.1 million dollars has been raised locally for those people who didn't have adequate insurance during the May 28th flood.  The fundraising deadline is January 31st.

Hudson Bus Route To Change

Thunder Bay Transit is making minor changes to some of its bus schedules beginning Sunday, November 18th. The #7 Hudson will now service Superior C.V.I. High School. That means buses will run every 45 minutes on the Hudson route instead of every 30. Officials with Transit say the Hudson bus will no longer connect with the #2 Crosstown at the Waterfront Terminal. A full schedule can be seen by clicking on the following link: www.thunderbay.ca/transit

Motel Murder Victim Identified

A Seine River First Nation man is the victim of a murder in Fort Frances last week. Police say the body of 45 year old Leo Whitecrow was discovered in a room at the Mid-Town Motel. The cause of his death is being kept under wraps by police.

LU Talks Palliative Care

Lakehead University is opening up a discussion on end-of-life care.  The University's Centre for Research on Aging and Health is holding a conference this week on the topic.  Guest Speaker Sharon Baxter says if more people cared for their loved ones at home it would free up hospital beds.  The conference wraps up at the Victoria Inn Friday.

Basketball Teams Hit Road To Open Season

The 6th ranked Lakehead University men's basketball team opens their regular season in Toronto Friday night at the old Maple Leaf Gardens against Ryerson. Thunderwolves' Head Coach Scott Morrison says with three of his five starters in their last year of eligibility, a national championship is their only goal for the end of the season. The men's team tips off against the Rams tonight and then against the university of Toronto Varsity Blues tomorrow night. The women's team is also on the road joining them this weekend.

Save The Retro Buses

Councillor Paul Pugh wants to see the City save Thunder Bay Can Car's retro buses made between 1946 and 1959.  The buses would be left outside if Council decides to merge HAGI Transit with their Transit Service Department.  Pugh hopes that when the issue is voted on in December there will be other options for the brill buses.  Pugh adds even if the buses are covered when they are placed outside the weather elements will wreak havoc with the old vehicles.

LU Proud Of Community Partnerships

Lakehead University is celebrating its community partnerships through its report to the community, effectively a
state of the university report.  Chair of the Board of Governors Cam Clark says they've accomplished many goals this year and hope more will come in the future.  Clark says he's also looking forward to seeing what a new leader of the Liberal party will mean to LU and its provincial funding.

CMHC Report Rosy

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is out with its latest housing starts report for Thunder Bay.  Analyst Warren Philp says overall the City has seen 183 single detached starts this year.  Last month, the City saw 88 multiple housing starts.  Tomorrow the CMHC is releasing its fall housing forecast for Thunder Bay.

Winter Storm Headed This Way

Environment Canada is issuing a special weather statement for the city of Thunder Bay. A low pressure system developing over the American Rockies is forecast to track towards Lake Superior over the next couple of days. An area of snow ahead of the low is expected to spread into Northwestern Ontario beginning early Saturday. Snow may be heavy at times with total amounts of 10 to 15 cm possible.

Group Wants Answers

A group of concerned Northwood residents want answers from the City in regards to the May 28th flood disaster.  Spokesperson Al Ukrainec says they want to know why the neighbourhood is plagued with storm water, sewage and drainage problems.   They'll be at the ward meeting tonight at Grandview Lodge.

New Police HQ On FWFN

The Anishinabek Police Service has a new home on the Fort William First Nation.  They recently christened their new building and Police Chief John Syrette says it's a vast improvement from their previous buildings.   6 officers will be housed in the new 500 thousand dollar building.

Flu Hits T.Bay

The flu has hit Thunder Bay.  Health Unit Spokesperson Darlene Binette says the lab has confirmed flu has made it's way into the community.  One child in the community has come down with the flu and an outbreak has been reported at the Bethammi Seniors Home.  The Health Unit is urging the public to get a flu shot and has added a walk-in flu clinic to its schedule on Monday at their headquarters on Balmoral and William.

Murray Promises To Champion NWO Causes

A Champion for the North, that's the message Glen Murray wants to get across as he makes his bid to lead the provincial government. Murray, who is running to replace Premier Dalton McGuinty, says he totally understands the needs and concerns of the North. Murray adds he feels the South has given Northwestern Ontario a raw deal.

Wawa Promised Relief $

The Community of Wawa is receiving word from the province that it is eligible to receive funds from the Province's Disaster Relief Fund. Part of the Trans-Canada Highway were washed out two weeks ago thanks to a monstrous rainstorm that made its way through the area. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Bob Chiarelli toured the area yesterday and says a price tag for the damage is still far away. Chiarelli toured the flood damaged area with Mayor Linda Nowicki and promptly offered the province's help.

Drive To Save Power Plant In Full Gear

The decision to suspend the conversion of the Mission Island generating station to natural gas is causing great concern among city and area leaders.   Some believe it will put mining growth at risk.  With the possibility the plant could be mothball altogether there was a call to meet with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  That meeting has now been arranged.  MPP Bill Mauro says it will take place on Tuesday in Toronto and will be to stress the importance of moving forward with the with conversion plans

Hospital Board Meetings Streamed On-line

You can be a fly on the wall during the Health Sciences Centre's board meetings. The hospital is going to stream their meetings live starting with tonight's meeting at 5:00 p.m. A link to the meetings can be found here: www.tbrhsc.net

City Solicitor Back At Work

The City's Solicitor is back. Rosalie Evans spent a year away working with the local Weiler, Maloney, & Nelson law firm.  Evans says it's her first week back and she's playing catch up. Evans spent the year learning more about labour relations.

Second Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against City

For the second time this year the city is facing legal action in connection with the May 28th disaster. The latest class-action lawsuit has been filed by a Toronto legal firm representing three city plaintiffs and claims over half a billion dollars in damages. The city confirms it has received a statement of claim. None of the allegations have been proven in court and only one of the two class-action suits can be certified by the courts, if at all.

Hydro Installing Solar Panels

Thunder Bay Hydro is getting Maki Bay Solar to install solar power systems on the roof of the Victoriaville Parkade and on the paramedics headquarters on Junot Avenue.   Both projects have begun and are expected to be finished this December.

T.Bay Hydro Goes Solar

Thunder Bay Hydro is getting Maki Bay Solar to install solar power systems on the roof of the Victoriaville Parkade and on the paramedics headquarters.  Both projects have begun and are expected to be finished this December.

TBAY Gets More Accessible

The City is trying to be more accessible. A series of open houses on accessibility is being held this week and Spokesperson Stephen Holloway says they want to look at emergency situations. An open house was held today and another will be held Thursday night at the 55 Plus Centre.

Rotary Christmas Parade

The Rotary Christmas Parade is gearing up for another season. Businesses and industries are encouraged to submit their own floats into the parade. Spokesperson Art Warwick says there is something extra in this year's event, donations to the Disaster Relief fund will be accepted all day on Saturday November 17th.

NAPS Gets Gang Member

Nishnawbe-Aski Police have taken a Native Syndicate gang member off the streets.  Sgt. Jackie George says on Monday, the NAPS Guns and Gangs Unit, along side the canine unit conducted two arrest warrants that were issued by the Dryden Police Service in September.  Police say a 51-year-old Cat Lake resident who has been involved with the gang since 2003, was the focus of the search and currently has 16 outstanding breaches.

Walkway Off Limits To Pedestrians

The walkway over the Current River Dam in Boulevard Lake is closed this week. The City is closing the walkway as they perform maintenance on the dam. The walkway is closed until 4:30 Friday.

14th Parade Of LIghts Around The Corner

The annual Parade of Lights will be taking place again this year.  It's happening Saturday evening, December the 1st.   Spokesperson Julie Tilbury says once again there will be some charity fundraising taking place along the parade route on Memorial Avenue.  The parade is organized by the Thunder Bay Police Association

Three People Sent To Hospital In Crash

Thunder Bay Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed the two vehicle collision at the intersection of Fort William Road and Central Avenue.  Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says they want to hear from you if you saw the crash between a green Mercury and a white Oldsmobile.  The accident sent a woman to hospital with serious injuries and the passenger of the other car with very serious injuries.  The fire department had to use the jaws of life on one of the vehicles.

Kitchen Fire On Valley Street

A kitchen fire at a Valley Street Apartment complex is now under investigation. Firefighters were called to the 100 block just before midnight last night. A fire caused heavy fire and smoke damage to one apartment but officials say the fire was quickly put out. None of the other apartments were affected and the fire department says no one was hurt.

Request Not Demand

Councillor Iain Angus

City Council is taking the phrase "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" to heart.  They've requested a meeting with the CEO of the Ontario Power Authority over its decision to close the Mission Island Power Plant.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo's original resolution demanded a meeting with the OPA, but that didn't sit well with Councillor Rebecca Johnson.  In the end they decided to change the resolution's wording to request.  City Council is vowing to work with the Provincial Government to ensure the local power plant is converted to natural gas instead of being mothballed.

Six First Nation Men Launch Sex Assault Lawsuit

A lawsuit is being launched by six men from the Lac La Croix First Nation for alleged sexual abuse while they were boys by a priest who lived and worked on the reserve in the 1960's. The men are seeking unspecified financial damages from the federal government, a Catholic diocese in Thunder Bay, a Winnipeg-based Roman Catholic order, as well as the priest who died almost 20 years ago. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

EMS Staffing Levels Being Considered

City Council is spending just over 44 thousand dollars to return EMS service levels for North Shore Communities back to 2008 staffing levels.  Chief Norm Gale told council at it's meeting last night that the City's share could be halved if the provincial government kicks in some money.  The area communities are responsible for kicking in just over 11 thousand dollars.

Peace Poll Up For Discussions

The Fort William Rotary Club wants to place a peace pole in Marina Park's Spirit Garden.  If Council decides to go through with receiving the gift from the organization, staff will need to create a policy dealing with the City accepting tokens.  Rotary would like to see an annual peace gathering held around the pole.

Playground Named After Suzan Labine

Gil Labine

City Council is renaming the new children's playground at Junot Park after the late Suzan Labine.  Her family spoke to council in September asking for the name change.  Council approved the memorial naming at it's meeting Monday night.  Suzan Labine was a member of the Lakehead School Board and St. Joseph's Care Group.

Winter Rinks Up For Discussion

The City is considering offering it's winter rinks longer.  Staff are asking members of council to increase supervision at all outdoor rinks from 5 to 7 days a week.  15 of 26 board free pond rinks could be eliminated as away to redeploy the staff to other rinks for increased supervision.  Sites that could be cut include Victoria Parkette, Thornloe Park, Humber, Lambton, Kingway Lillie, Holly, Fraserdale and Chaplain. The move will allow more use of the rink as well as the washroom and change facilities.

Bravery Award Handed Out At Council

Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs presented Jeffrey Neekan Sr. with the Medal of Bravery from the Governor General of Canada.  Neekan received the award for his actions in rescuing a 13 year old boy from a burning house, in Mishkeegogamang, Ontario.

Crime Prevention Awards

The second annual Crime Prevention Awards were held Monday night.  Several local residents were honored for their involvement in community programs that help curb crime.  Crime Prevention Coordinator Amy Siciliano says it's nice to promote some of the good things that are happening in the community.  Sharon Johnson won the Community Hero Award for her work with the Full Moon Memory Walk.   The Northern Woman’s Bookstore won the business award.

Two Vehicle Accident At Fort William & Central

Thunder Bay Police are on the scene of an accident involving two cars at the intersection of Fort William Road and Central Avenue.  Police say the call came in just after 5:40 Monday evening.  A man was trapped inside one of the vehicles and had to be removed by the Fire Department.  The investigation is continuing.

DSSAB Ideas In Report

The District Social Services Board is excited some of their ideas are being used in a provincial review of the social assistance system. The local board suggested Ontario works be replaced by an integrated program that provides individual services and that the Province give First Nations and Municipalities responsibility of the social assistance program.

Chamber Wants Conversion To Continue

The president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce agrees that the Mission Island generating station not be allowed to shut down. Harold Wilson says the decision to put the plant's conversion to natural gas on hold is a huge letdown.  He says they were looking forward to the conversion taking place, not just for current energy needs in the region, but the future needs as well. Wilson hopes there's a chance for the Chamber to give its side on the issue.

Gravelle On Power Plant

The Minister of Natural Resources is pledging his efforts to help change the mind of the Ontario Power Authority.  Michael Gravelle says he was shocked to hear the news about the possible mothballing of the Mission Island Power Plant.  The plant was set to be converted to natural gas but that move has been suspended.

More Course Sharing

Confederation College is continuing to partner with other colleges in the province to share courses. Three more colleges were added to the list Monday in Timmins, Sudbury and Peterborough. President Jim Madder says it will give more students a chance to take programs and not leave their home communties. Madder says Confederation College is bringing its mining program to the table for this agreement.

Woman Missing

Thunder Bay Police are requesting assistance from the public to locate a missing person.42 year old Pauline Jean Kireto was last seen at 9:00 a.m. on October 15th. Pauline is described as 5-foot-1 and has a medium build. She was last seen in the vicinity of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center wearing a blue jacket. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Pauline Kireto is asked to call Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

Minister Won't Commit To A Deadline

Chris Bentley says he would like to see an answer on the conversion of the Mission Island generating station to natural gas sooner rather that later. When pressed our newsroom the Energy Minister would not say if the Ontario Power Authority has been given a deadline to give him the answers he wants.     The Authority says it can save the province 400 million dollars by mothballing the coal fired plant and getting our region's energy from other sources.

Man Arrested In Cat Killing

Police responded to a south May Street address just before 5:00 a.m. on Saturday to investigate a report of a cat being killed. When officers arrived they observed a male covered in blood and a small black cat that had it's throat cut. Witnesses to the killing had immediately called police and cooperated with the investigation. Police say alcohol was a factor in this incident. A 35 year old man was arrested and charged with Killing an Animal.

SIU Investigate Balmertown Standoff

Provincial Police in Balmertown say an weekend standoff is now over and the end result is tragic. Police were notified about a man who had barricaded himself inside a home at 8:00 o'clock yesterday morning. Despite numerous attempts to contact the man, police were unsuccessful and a tactical unit had to enter the premises just before 5:00 o'clock this morning, only to find a man already dead.  Constable Dave Lamme says police are still looking into the matter. O.P.P. say no foul play is suspected.  The province’s Special Investigations Unit has been notified and has invoked its mandate.