Highways Open

Highways around Thunder Bay are all open this morning.  After the first real snowfall of the season yesterday some highways east of Thunder Bay were closed due to poor driving conditions.  The OPP are reporting that all major roadways are open.

Local Sports Round Up

In local hockey action last night, the Lakehead Thunderwolves beat the first-place Windsor Lancers 4-2. They'll play again tonight at the Fort William Gardens at at 7:30.  In the SIJHL, Thunder Bay's Northstars defeated the Fort Frances Lakers 5 to 2.  In University men's basketball, the LU team fell to the Carleton Ravens 94-53.  The women's LU basketball team were defeated by the Carleton Ravens as well 70-46.

Board Official Says It's Not Over Yet

The tentative settlement in the public high school teachers dispute doesn't mean the end of labour troubles at the Lakehead District School Board. Director of Education Cathi Siemieiuk says there still has to be deals signed with other factions of the Secondary School Teachers Federation. She says there continues to be job action being taken by educational assistants, early childhood educators and occasional teachers. Meantime Siemieiuk says they are pleased with the tentative deal reached with the teachers because it brings an end to their job action which forced the board to hire a private security firm to patrol the high school halls.

Mattress Fire At Royal Edward Arms

No injuries to report following a small fire at the Royal Edward Arms on May Street this afternoon. The apartment building is run by Thunder Bay District Housing. Spokesperson Terry Flaherty says it appears the blaze wasn't an accident. Officials tell him that a mattress that was in the lobby was lit on fire creating a lot of smoke which was put out quickly by fire crews. Flaherty says the building was evacuated and no one was injured.

Teachers Reach Tentative Deal With Board

Good news on the Thunder Bay labour front.   Public high school teachers have reached a tentative contract agreement with the Lakehead District School Board.  The agreement will be officially submitted to the Minister of Education for review.   Their union, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation, says that any job action taken by the teachers during this dispute has been suspended.  The details of the agreement will not be released until the teachers vote on the deal.

Calendar Parking Starts Monday

While calendar parking regulations officially won't go into effect until Monday, city officials are asking you to adhere to them now.  They say it would help with snow clearing operations.   The by-law takes effect when enough snow falls to warrant plowing.  Depending on your area, you can't park on certain sides of the street on odd and even calendar days.  Specific instructions are on the street signs. 

Inflation Up Nationally And Locally

Thunder Bay went from deflation to inflation as the monthly Statistics Canada report was released this morning.   The city's inflation rate now stands at 0.4 percent which is a half of a percentage point increase from last month. The national inflation rate remained unchanged for a third straight month at 1.2 percent.  The rate was slightly higher than experts had predicted, especially since  gasoline prices went down during the month.

Resolute To Build Pellet Plant

Resolute Forest Products is sinking 10 million dollars into its Thunder Bay operations.   The company says it is going to build a new  plant which will be used to convert the material at the mill site that is not used,  into wood pellets.  In turn Ontario Power Generation will be supplied with with 45 thousand metric tons of those pellets every year.   Construction will begin shortly and be finished by 2014 and will be located next to the company's sawmill.  It will create 24 new jobs when fully operation.

Let The Clean-Up Begin

The first big snowstorm of the year is in the books and now the clean up begins.   City Roads Manager Brad Adams says crews have been out since 2 this morning plowing the main streets and as of 9 a.m. they moved to plow the side streets.  Adams says they will even work into the weekend

Weekend Accident Claims Life

Thunder Bay OPP are still looking into a single motor vehicle roll-over collision that occurred last weekend on Highway 588 and Blakie Road in O’Connor Township. The 28 year old man died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.  OPP are confirming Clinton Peacock, of Neebing Township, died in hospital.

School Bus Transportation Cancelled

Transportation of all school buses in Thunder Bay are cancelled this morning. For Lakehead Public schools, the rural schools are closed but urban schools are open. Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed this morning. For the Thunder Bay Catholic Board and the french catholic board, schools are open. School buses are cancelled for Nipigon, Red Rock and Dorion. For Terrace Bay for Schreiber, school buses are cancelled this morning.

Thunderwolves Weekend

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves men's hockey team plays host to the O.U.A.'s best team tonight at home. The Windsor Lancers are riding a 7-game winning streak into tonight's game against the Thunderwolves. L.U. has a record of 8-4--2 heading into tonight's game against the 10-2 Lancers. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Gardens. Meanwhile the men's and women's basketball teams are on the road this weekend in Ottawa as they take on Carleton and Ottawa. The men's team will be in tough as they tip-off against the defending national champions and the #1 ranked team in the country tonight. The women's volleyball team is also on the road this weekend. They'll be in London to take on the Western Mustangs tomorrow and Sunday.

New Look For Business District.

It's a big day for the merchants in the Bay and Algoma Street Business Association. They get to officially open the newly renovated Algoma Street. Association President Brian Hamilton says the business owners had a rough go of it during construction , but thinks the new look will bring back the customers. Activities are scheduled to get underway at 11:30.

3.7 Million Dollars In Health Care Funding

The local health agency is delivering 3.7 million dollars to a variety of programs aimed at helping seniors, addicts and people living with chronic conditions.  St. Joseph's Care Group will be using 500 thousand dollars to provide a drug outreach program for pregnant and parenting moms in Thunder Bay, Kenora and Sioux Lookout.  Spokesperson Nancy Black says it's a unique program for Northern women age 16 to 24.  The Region's Brain Injury Service will be using money to bring two people living with physical disabilities out of the hospital and into the community.

Underground Gym Fundraises

The Underground Gym is asking you for your help and is launching a new fundraising effort. The Gym has offered a variety of services throughout the years for disadvantaged youth in the community. Founder Peter Panetta hopes for it to stay that way. He says it seems that this has been a bad year for the gym adding they have only taken in half of the money they did last year. The sixth month goal is to raise 20 thousand dollars.

OPP On Festive Ride & Snow Plow Safety

The OPP's Festive R.I.D.E. program starts on Saturday. Sgt. Ann McCoy says it's during the holiday period that drinking and driving seems to spike with police statistics showing it's worse this time of year. The RIDE program wraps up on January 2nd. The OPP is launching a snow plow safety campaign. Police want to remind the public to slow down when they see a snow plow's flashing blue light and let the plow lead the way. Sgt. Ann McCoy says if you pass the plow and end up in an accident you could end up being charged. McCoy says driving too fast and passing snow plows are major causes of winter collisions.

Gitchhiker Heading To T.Bay

The Gitch-hiker is coming to Thunder Bay Sunday. Mark McIntyre is a below the waist cancer survivor and is hitch hiking across Canada in only his Stanfielfd underwear. McIntyre will receive 20-thousand dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society if he makes it to Stanfield's Head Quarters in Nova Scotia in under 21 days.

Game On!

Big Brothers Thunder Bay is launching a new program for young boys. Game On will be available at 4 schools in the area starting in February according to Program Coordinator Reco Southerland. The program is for young guys aged 11 to 14. Southerland says they are currently looking for volunteers to help mentor the young men.

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.