Dilico Signs Deal With CAS

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is taking over child welfare services for Aboriginal children and families in Thunder Bay.  Dilico and the Children's Aid Society signed a formal agreement this morning on the Fort William First Nation.  Dilico Executive Director Michael Hardy says the agreement lays out jurisdictions for the two organizations.  CAS Executive Director Rob Richardson says they've always been supportive of Aboriginal children receiving child protection services from an Aboriginal agency.

Province Wide Bargaining Begins

 With another round of bargaining underway, provincial government workers in Thunder Bay are holding an information picket today outside mini-Queens Park.   Their union spokesperson Neil MacDonald says it's to mark the start of contract talks between the public service union and the province.   MacDonald says 38 hundred government workers in the northwest are affected by the talks.

Fatal Crash Near Kenora

Two people are dead following a two-vehicle collision on Highway 17 east of Kenora. Police say their vehicle crossed the centre line and ran into a minivan around 7:00 o'clock last night. A 75 year old man and a 71 year old female companion died in the crash. The Highway was closed for over seven hours while the wreckage was cleared and the OPP conducted their investigation of the crash scene.

NAN Chiefs Meet In Thunder Bay

Forty Nine Nishanwbe Aski Nation Chiefs and other leaders are converging on Thunder Bay starting Tuesday.  They are here for a Special Chiefs Assembly that takes place at the Da Vinci Centre. Topics being discussed range from winter roads to prescription drug abuse to resource development.

Local Teachers Protest

Public high school teachers in Thunder Bay are joining teachers in the rest of the province in labour action in their protest against the McGuinty government.  Locally teachers are showing how angry they are at legislation that imposed a two year wage freeze on most of them by refusing to, among other things, attend after hours meeting. Caccamo says extra curricular activities like school sports will not be affected.

Toronto Bound

It's off to Toronto Tuesday morning for city officials who have a meeting scheduled with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  MPP Bill Mauro says he arranged the gathering so they can express their concerns to the minister first hand about the possible mothballing of the Mission Island power plant

Methadone "Killing Our People": Social Worker

A social worker from Toronto says the overuse of Methadone is doing serious harm to First Nations people across Northwestern Ontario. Bridget Perrier says the use of the drug, which helps addicts kick drugs like oxycontin, is only causing a more serious problems because it's simply transfering one addiction for another.  Perrier says "it's killing our people". 

First Nations Partnership Formed

The Grand Council of Treaty 3 and the Anishinabek Nation have formed a unity to work together on common issues. Chiefs from both communities have agreed to share knowledge on traditional law making processes that are within the traditional Anishnabek law. Treaty 3 spokesperson Dale Morrisseau says one of the main issues they will work together on is protection of treaty rights. Morrisseau says both communities have been working on the same processes so it makes sense to come together and share ideas.

Remembrance Day

Thunder Bay residents continue to remember those men and women who fought for Canada. Hundreds took part in a Remembrance Day ceremony at Waverley Park. Archie Legros says he attends because his son is in the reserves. Remembrance Day ceremonies were held at three locations across the City Sunday. Ceremony goers shared their reasons for attending. 

Applebee's Pays Respect To Vets

Remembrance Day is being celebrated by Applebee's restaurant today.  Franchisee Ryan Syroid says they go out of their way to honour Canadian Military personnel.  Last year the Applebee's franchise served more than 31-hundred free entrees to Canadian Forces personnel across the country.

Transit Gives Free Rides To Vets

Thunder Bay Transit is offering free bus rides in the city to veterans today.  Transit's Jon Handel says vets simply have to show their uniform or medals to the bus driver.  All transit buses will stop at 11 am on Sunday to commemorate 2 minutes of silence.

Remembrance Day In Thunder Bay

It's Remembrance Day in Canada and in Thunder Bay there are three morning services. At the Waverly Park Cenotaph on the north side and at the Fort William Gardens on the south side. There's also a service on Mount McKay to remember the First Nations soldiers who gave their lives in the wars.

Highway 614 Closed

Yesterday's freezing rain is resulting in some highway closures this morning.  Hwy 614 is closed at the intersection of Hwy 17 because of the icey road conditions.  Meanwhile, Highway 102 west of Mud lake is now open after a transport accident last night.

LU Sports Round Up

The Lakehead Thunderwolves beat the UQTR Patriotes 3-2 last night at the Fort William Gardens.  Meanwhile, LU's men's basketball team defeated the Toronto Varsity Blues team 94-73.  The women's basketball team moved to 1-1 on the season after a 63-53 loss to Toronto.  The LU Women's volleyball team lost 3-nothing to the Windsor Lancers.

Freezing Rain Warning

There is a freezing rain warning in effect for Thunder Bay. Environment Canada Meteorologist Glenn Robinson says we can expect just less than a centimeter of freezing rain. The forecast calls for snow, freezing rain and then just plain rain.  Robinson says warmer weather will hit Thunder Bay in the afternoon clearing things up.

Thunderwolves Round Up

The Lakehead Thunderwolves fell 3-2 to the UQTR Patriotes in an overtime shoot out last night at the Fort William Gardens.  They willl take eachother on again tonight.  Meanwhile, The LU men's basketball team could not redeem themselves against the Ryerson Rams last night, losing 69-64.

Hockey Game Cancelled

Well it was fun while it lasted. The charity hockey game involving locked out NHL players that was supposed to take place Monday evening at the Fort William Gardens has been cancelled. Organizers John Chabot says it's for various player issues. He says they felt they could not "ice a roster that could be attractive and of full value" to Thunder Bay hockey fans. He says there were a series of setbacks including injuries, family situations and locked out players involved in current collective bargaining.

Police Looking For Witnesses

Police are hoping to find anyone who witnessed a vehicle hit a pedestrian around quarter to 7 last night on 11th Avenue near Field Street   They say a 56 year old man sustained a broken leg in the accident .   While they have the driver's side of the story, they are hoping to get someone else to come forward who may have seen what happened.

More LHIN Bashing

The local health authority is under fire once again by a group of activists who believe they're being denied information on the recent closure of a seniors home on James Street. Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition feels the Local Health Integration Network is holding back important facts on why the closure took place. The groups are also insisting on a meeting with the local MPPs to discuss the issue.

Cliffs Delay "Acceptable"

The city's mining czar says there should be no concern over the decision by Cliffs Natural Resources to delay production of its Ring of Fire chromite mine until 2017. John Mason says Cliffs has a good track record and is unlikely to walk away from the Northwestern Ontario project.  Mason says the company has hinted that it may  be ready to take on a partner in the venture and that could be a reason for the delay,  which he calls acceptable.

Colorado Low Headed This Way

Get ready fo the first real taste of Winter. A Colorado Low is headed our way and with it, large amounts of snow are expected to fall across the region. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson brings you up to date on what to expect here in the city of Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay and all of Northwestern Ontario is part of a special weather warning as the system is expected to hit overnight tonight and into tomorrow.

S.I.U. Charges O.P.P. Officer In Kenora

The Province's Special Investigations Unit is charging a Kenora O.P.P. officer with dangerous driving causing death. The charge comes after 42 year old Gloria Assin was being transferred as a prisoner and died as a result of her injuries following a crash. O.P.P. Constable Troy Bender is facing one charge of Dangerous Driving Causing Death. He will appear in court on December 20th.

Mac's Store Robbed Overnight

City police are looking for the public's help in identifying a woman who reportedly robbed a Mac's convenience store overnight. Police say the woman entered the store just after midnight on the 600 block of Arthur Street near Mountdale brandishing a knife. The woman demanded money and cigarettes and was last seen wearing a dark hoodie with dark leggings and had her face covered. If you have any information about the identity of the woman, you're asked to call city police or crimestoppers.

House Struck By Truck

A 22 year old man is in trouble with the law. City police say the man sped off from a R.I.D.E. checkpoint and promptly hit a house with his black truck on Newton Street and Darwin Crescent shortly after 2:00 o'clock this morning. The man then allegedly struck two parked vehicles causing extensive damage. The driver has been charged with a number of offences, some of which are alcohol related.

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.