Hebert To Ask For Postponed Vote

City Council will hear from their staff about ways they can help reduce the property tax on a Victoria Avenue building. Habib Enterprises wants to create an affordable housing unit at that property but requires from the City reduced property taxes or a grant. Councillor Larry Hebert says he hopes council votes in favour of the project Monday night. The project has Social Services Board approval and can only receive funding from the Provincial Government's Affordable Housing Program if the City helps. Meanwhile, City Councillor Larry Hebert is asking to put off a vote on the Event Centre Monday night. Hebert says he wants to hear about budget priorities and how much the water treatment plant will cost the city before they vote on whether to proceed with the Multiplex. Hebert says there may not be a need to take a breather on the Event Centre; he just wants to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to the water treatment plant and budget.

Rafferty Points Blame At Feds

Fingers are being pointed at the Federal government for some of the reasons behind Resolute Forest Products' decision to shut down their number-5 paper machine. In Ottawa, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the government's commitment to the forest industry has been less than adequate. Infrastructure and Communities Minister Denis Lebel says any difficulties within the industry remain market related.

Getting Ready For United

Thunder Bay's Airport is preparing for United Airlines to offer it's daily service to Chicago. President Scott McFadden says the service will start February 14th and they're making room for them in the terminal. The new Chicago flight leaves Thunder Bay at six in the morning and comes back into the city at 8:40 at night.

Campbell Talks Resolute

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is among those who is still hopeful that operations in Fort Frances will get back to normal at a later date. Campbell says she met with Resolute representatives as early as yesterday, but indicated they weren't asking for any provincial assistance at this time. Campbell says the company isn't marking a date as to when operations may resume, but says she did come away with a sense that it will happen.

Kenora Train Pedestrian Accident

A 36 year old Kenora woman is recovering from injuries sustained after she was hit by a train. Kenora Police were called to a train crossing Tuesday night. Two people were walking along the tracks when the 36 year old woman was struck by the westbound CP Rail train. She was taken to Lake of the Woods District Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Work To Rule In Rainy River

Elementary teachers across the Rainy River district are expected to begin a series of work-to-rule job actions to back demands for a new contract. The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario says it's received the no board report from a Ministry of Labour conciliator regarding its stalled negotiations with the Rainy River District School Board.

Layoffs Still Loom

The prospect of more downtime still looms at the local Bombardier plant. Union Spokesperson Dominic Pasqualino says it's because workers voted to continue their strike at the company's Quebec plant. The facility makes walls and roofs for the rocket subway line Thunder Bay's plant works on. Pasqualino says they'll start running out of parts by Christmas. He adds layoffs could be avoided if the Quebec plant resolves their labour issues or the company finds another supplier.

Ski Hills Could Open December 1st

With no snow on the ground yet, you might think local ski hills would be suffering. Ward Bond, Owner of Loch Lomond Ski Area says memberships for him are actually up in numbers from a year ago. Bond says they'll start making snow with 20 machines starting tomorrow and hope to open as early as December 1st.

Snow On The Way

Travellers taking to the road tomorrow will need to know about an incoming weather system that is expected to bring varying amounts of snow to the region overnight. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says 15 to 20 centimetres could hit along the North shore of Lake Superior but other areas around the region, including Thunder Bay will see less accumulation. Coulson says the tail end of the system will bring much cooler temperatures over the coming week with highs of minus 5 and 6.

Liberal Leadership Debate Coming To T.Bay

The Ontario Liberal Leadership debates will be making a stop in Thunder Bay. Northwestern Ontario will get it's chance to ask questions to the candidates on Sunday, December 9th at 1 in the afternoon. A location for the debate has yet to be selected.

Golf Courses Still Open

Golf in November? With the temperatures as mild as they have been, golfers are still swinging their clubs at Northern Lights Golf Course. Clubhouse Manager Billy Shewchuck says the driving range and the full course are still open for business. Shewchuck says it's been really busy this week with above normal temperatures and they'll be open again today. Dragob Hills Golf Course is open today as well.

Over 300 People Attend Multiplex Meeting

Around 350 people attended Wednesday night's public meeting on the City's proposed event centre.  Opportunity Thunder Bay held up signs in favour of the downtown waterfront project. Meanwhile, the Concerned Taxpayers group asked people to sign their petition calling for a vote on whether the project should go forward and if it does at what location.  City Council will discuss the full report on the proposed waterfront event centre at its meeting Monday night.

Fednor Gives Sachigo Lake Help

Improvements are on the way for Sachigo Lake First Nation.  Fednor Minister Tony Clement announced today that the federal government is providing 490 thousand dollars to the community.  The funding will allow the First Nation to construct a small business center which will house a number of businesses and provide a space for entrepreneurs.  Clement adds that it will allow for new investments in the area and allow existing businesses to grow and prosper.

Paterson Park Public Meeting

The City wants to hear your thoughts on what to do with Paterson Park.  A second meeting on the green space is being put on Thursday night at McKellar Park School by the non-profit group 8-80 Cities.  City Spokesperson Werner Schwar says 8-80 Cities will be sharing their findings from their first visit to Thunder Bay.  The goal of the project is to make the park more user friendly for users of all ages.

Koltun In, Evans Out

The City has appointed Nadia Koltun as their new lawyer.  Koltun acted as Rosalie Evans replacement over the last year.  City Manager Tim Commisso says after 9 years in the job Evans decided to pursue other opportunities.

Nickle Seeks Nom for Kenora Rainy River PC party

Making Ontario a have province.  That's the goal of Randy Nickle who has declared his intentions to run for the provincial PC party.  Nickle says Northwestern Ontario needs to take advantage of the resources we have.  The PC's will select a new representative for the Kenora-Rainy River riding on December first.

Black Friday Deals

More and more retailers in Thunder Bay are jumping on the Black Friday bandwagon. They are hosting their own promotions to counter the Black Friday in the United States, known for huge sales. Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson notes it's a growing trend, especially in the 3 years he has been with the Chamber. Wilson says the move may help to prevent people from cross border shopping and show prices here are comparable to the States.

Report Isn't Walmart Bashing

They say it's not Walmart bashing, but a new study predicts there will be a loss of jobs in the retail sector as the result of the expansion of the retail giant in Thunder Bay.  Consultant Keith Wootten  says they aren't trying to paint a negative picture with the results of their study. The Lakehead University study for Thunder Bay Ventures also says that most residents felt more Walmarts weren't needed, but they prefer the cheaper prices.  

Generic Oxy's Causing More Concern

The opposition continues to mount against the federal government's decision to allow generic Oxycontin on the market. Bob Herman of the Nishawbe Aski Police Service says it's a big step backward in the fight against addiction in First Nation communities.  Herman believes the feds should be taking a leadership role on the issue by banning the product.

Ontario N.D.P. Launch Healthcare Survey

The Ontario N.D.P. want to hear from you and your concerns about the healthcare system. A new survey has been launched by the provincial New Democrats. Party Leader Andrea Horwath says she and her MPP's will be hosting a series of town hall meetings in the coming weeks across the province. A link to the survey is available here.

Events Centre Gathering Tonight

The proposed multi-plex takes centre stage at tonight's public meeting at the Community Auditorium.   Consultant Conrad Boychuk will be giving a detailed presentation on his recommendation that the city's north downtown core be the site of a new events centre.  If you wish to watch the program the city is streaming it live, you can link up to it here. 

Police Seize Drugs & Weapons Worth $10,000

Two Sioux lookout residents are facing drug and firearm charges after O.P.P. executed a search warrant just over a week ago. Police say a 25 year old man and a 26 year old woman will next appear in court on December 18th after cocaine, Oxycodone and marijuana were found. Provincial police say they also seized two firearms as well. The value of the drugs seized is said to be worth $10,000 dollars.

Shutdown At Fort Frances Mill

A big blow to the Northwestern Ontario economy. Resolute Forest Products in Fort Frances is shutting down its paper machine number 5 and the kraft mill displacing 230 workers. The company says the shutdown is indefinite.

Kenora Apology

A very public apology from the two culprits who stole the Stanley Cup banners from the White Cap Pavillion this past summer. Adam Green and Jena Poschner read letters of apology to Kenora City Council last night. Poschner says the timing of their actions couldn't have been worse. The Stanley Cup banners were stolen from the Whitecap Pavillion just before Mike Richards was scheduled to bring the trophy to the city for a community celebration. 

Police Get Money For Social Networking Site

Thunder Bay's Police force is using 97 thousand dollars to create a website and a community based social networking site.

The money for the Zone Watch program came from the Provincial Government and Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says community members will register to take part in the social netoworking site.  Some members of the Police Services Board are concerned about the security aspect of having information posted online, and Adams is assuring them it will be secure site.

 

Multiplex Public Meeting Wednesday

More information will be released  tonight on the proposed Event Centre.  The third and final public information session is being held at the Community Auditorium at 7 Wednesday night.  If you want to watch it from the comfort of your own home you can log onto the City's website for a live stream of the event.

Balloon Animals On The Move

The waterfront's balloon animal sculptures are being repaired this weekend. Since they've been placed at Prince Arthur's Landing they've been badly damaged on more than one occasion. They're being fixed at the Baggage Building and then they will be placed near Pier 1 which has better visibility, lighting and security.

Taxi Issue Being Looked At

The Police Services Board is hearing complaints about taxi service at the local airport.  Roach's Taxi has a contract with the Airport to provide service to travellers landing in the City and people have had to wait for a cab.  Chair Joe Virdiramo says he understands the situation first hand as he too was in need of a cab after an out of town trip.  A committee with the Police Services Board is looking into the matter.

Farming Sector Good To NWO

The North Superior Workforce Planning Board is set to release a new report on the local farming sector. Executive Director Madge Richardson says we have a number of farm related jobs in the region. In the Thunder Bay area in 2011, we had 717 jobs in the food production sector. The full report on the farming sector is being released in December.

Brawl On Limbrick

Police are investigating a brawl last night on the city's south side. Constable Julie Tilbury says that it took place at Limbrick Place at involved about 20 people and weapons were involved. Tibury says they are hoping witnesses will call them to say what happened because right now no one involved is cooperating.

City Wants Dog Destroyed

The city's Animal Services section is proceeding with charges against the owner of an english bulldog involved in the mauling of an 11 year old boy over the weekend in Tarbutt Park.  The city's top By-law enforcer, Ron Bourret says they are recommending that the dog be put down.  The owner has been charged with failing to leash and licence the animal.   Bourret says the fines could range up to 5-thousand dollars.

35 Million Dollar Police Budget Passed

Thunder Bay's Police Service Budget is coming in at over 35 million dollars. The Police Services Board approved the 3.8 percent increase in the 2013 budget at this morning's meeting. Chief JP Levesque calls it a lean budget. Levesque adds the million dollar increase is due to wages and benefits and notes he can't cut any more costs from the financial document. City Council will look at the police budget in the New Year.

Record Temperature Set

Thunder Bay is celebrating a new record temperature thanks to the mild temperatures we've experienced. Yesterday the temperature reached 10.1 smashing the old mark of 8.7 set back in 1982. Four other northwestern Ontario communities are boasting of new records set yesterday as well, including Fort Frances, Atikokan, Dryden and Ear Falls.

New OLG Deal

The City is celebrating a new contract with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.  The OLG had planned to enforce a new deal that would result in a loss of 78 thousand dollars but a new agreement will slightly increase the City's share of slot machine revenue.  The new deal comes into effect April 1st, 2013.

City Buys New Fire Truck

The city is buying a new fire truck.  Council decided to spend just over 583-thousand dollars for a new pumper rescue truck from Carrier Fire and Safety.  The expenditure was approved at Monday night's council meeting.

Council Needs More Info

Councillor Joe Virdiramo isn't comfortable with a homeowner's request to build another house on their property.  The owners of a home on West Riverdale Road want to have another house for their family member that needs extra care.  Staff are in favour of allowing the move.  Council has asked for more information before they can make a decision.

Oliver Road School Rehab Site

City Council is giving the green light to the Crossroads Rehab facility to move into the old Oliver Road School.  The drug and alcohol program is currently offered out of the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital and spokesperson Kathy Sanderson says they haven't had any major trouble in the past.  Sanderson reiterated to Council they do not allow any form of drugs or alcohol on their property and wouldn't be bringing drugs into the neighbourhood.

Gravelle Goes Public With Cancer Diagnosis

Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says he is confident he can beat it. Gravelle made a personal announcement today saying he has been diagnosed with cancer. He says he has a treatable form of Lymphoma and the prognosis for a full recovery is good. The Minister of Natural Resources says despite his cancer and future chemotherapy, he is staying on as a Member of Provincial Parliament and as a Minister. Gravelle's full statement is below

 

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Bombardier Layoffs

Temporary layoffs have hit the local Bombardier Plant. A parts shortage is resulting in one week of down time for around 70 employees this week. Union Spokesperson Dominic Pasqualino says another 40 to 50 people will be laid off starting next week. Pasqualino says workers should be back on the job before Christmas.

Police Get Their Man

The OPP say they have now captured the man they were looking for last week in Lappe.  They say the suspect was taken into custody yesterday after a cab driver reported that a fare he had taken to an address in Shuniah township refused to pay.  Police responded to the complaint and a 23 year old man was arrested peacefully. 

NAN Upset With Health Canada

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation isn't happy with Health Canada's decision to allow manufacturers to create generic, less expensive OxyContin. NAN feels the move is a blow to northern First Nations who are currently fighting a drug epidemic. Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is urging the Health Minster to delay the decision until more research is done.

By-Law Enforcer Eyes Dog Mauling Case

The dog at the centre of a child mauling incident remains in the care of its owner. The city's Ron Bourret says while the police are charging the man with a criminal offence, the possibility remains he may still have to face charges by the city. Bourret says it's possible the dog may be euthanized, but it's too early to make such a determination yet.

No Outdoor Skating Yet

Thunder Bay's warm weather is putting a kink in the city's plan to open the skating rink at Prince Arthur's Landing.  The rink opening is being postponed until later this week.  The ice is still not ready for use as the edges are not fully frozen.  Staff will re-evaluate the situation Friday morning when temperatures are forecasted to be cooler.

Mayor Backs Murray For Liberal Leader

Mayor Keith Hobbs is endorsing Glen Murray for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. Hobbs calls Murray a visionary for the ideas he has laid out for northern Ontario.  Hobbs is especially impressed with Murray's idea of  a regional government for the north.  He says the south doesn't understand the north and sites the example of the Mission Island generating station and the "mess with" the Ontario Power Authority that proves we need people from the north governing the north.   Hobbs is one of four northwestern Ontario mayors backing Murray, the others are: Dave Canfield of Kenora, Rick Dumas of Marathon and Dennis Brown of Atikokan.

Police Make Arrest in Dog Attack Investigation

 City police say they have made an arrest in connection with a weekend dog attack on an 11 year old boy. Police say a man who appeared to be the owner of the dog did not remain at the scene. More details are expected to be released later today. The attack occurred just before 4:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Tarbutt Park when the boy entered the hockey rink not realising there was a large dog and five smaller dogs behind the boards. A man reportedly left the scene without offering any assistance to the boy, who will require reconstructive surgery.

O.P.P. Re-open Highway 588

Highway 588 in Kakabeka Falls is back open to motorists today after Ontario Provincial Police had to close it early yesterday morning. A two vehicle collision occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. near MacLean's Road. Police can't confirm a report that two people were sent to hospital with serious injuries. Police have not said if charges are pending.

Women's Volleyball Defeats Ryerson

Sarah Reid, Vanessa Chorkawy and Jorie Daymond led the offence for Lakehead University's women's volleyball team as they beat Ryerson 3 sets to 1 yesterday at home. The trio of attackers has 12 and 11 kills respectively as L.U. improved to 2-4 in the regular season despite having some of the province's best team and indivudual statistics. The team is off to London next weekend to take on the Western Mustangs.

Possible Re-Hab Facility Draws Opposition

There's potential controversy brewing as city administrators say the old Oliver Road School is being considered as a possible site for a drug rehab facility. City Administration is telling councillors that the request is appropriate, but that there is strong opposition from residents in the area who are concerned about public safety. Also at City Hall tonight councillors will be asked to approve the purchase of a new fire truck at a cost of almost 600 thousand dollars.

Highway 588 Closure

The Thunder Bay detachment of the OPP are advising drivers that highway 588 is closed at Mclean Road. A serious car collision shut down the area overnight and will continue to be closed to traffic until further notice. Police will be releasing more information as it becomes available.

Dog Attacks Child

Thunder Bay Police are investigating an incident which left an eleven year old in the hospital. The child was attacked by a dog at Tarbutt Park yesterday and now requires reconstructive surgery for his injury. The dog was among five other dogs inside the hockey boards at the park. The dog's owner left the park without leaving his information or assisting the child. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police.