Rafferty Meeting With Resolute

More answers about Resolute Forest Products future in Fort Frances could come tonight.  Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he and MPP Sarah Campbell will be sitting down with company president Richard Garneau in Toronto.  Rafferty says he also hopes to pose a number of questions forwarded to him by mill workers, including one pertaining to a suspected offer to buy the plant.

World AIDS Day

Thunder Bay's local AIDS group is marking World AIDS day Friday. The actual awareness day is December 1st, but the local group will be holding their public event Friday morning at the Victoria Inn. Spokesperson Bob Manson says they want to keep spreading the word in Northwestern Ontario that AIDS is a preventable disease. Manson adds a huge number of Thunder Bay residents are involved with fighting AIDS and HIV in Africa.

Shelter House Kicks Off Fundraising Season

Thunder Bay's Shelter House is looking to raise 200-thousand dollars in the month of December for it's Christmas fundraising campaign.  Executive Director Patty Hajdu says that's a slight increase from the previous year's fundraising goal.  To donate to Shelter House phone them, drop off money in person or by mail or stop by any TD Canada Trust location.

Three Hurt In Accident

Police say charges are pending after three people were sent to hospital following a two vehicle collision at the intersection of Secord Street and Dufferin just after 10:00 o'clock this morning.It's alleged that a car on Dufferin drove into the intersection before it was safe to do so and struck a van that was southbound on Secord Street. The two female occupants of the van were taken by ambulance to hospital with minor injuries. The male driver of the car was also taken to hospital by a friend to be checked out.

Back To Square One

Public high school teachers and the Lakehead District School Board are being forced back into bargaining by the provincial government. It comes after the Ministry of Education rejected the tentative settlement reached last week between the two sides. Director of Education Cathi Siemieiuk says teachers jobs actions are back on. She calls it part of the negotiating process and they will manage things as they can.

Accident Slows Traffic On Water Street

A three vehicle accident is forcing traffic southbound on Water Street to be closed. The accident occurred at around 7:00 o'clock this morning. Water Street is closed between Park Avenue and Pearl Street as fire trucks have it blocked off while they tend to the occupants. An ambulance was also called to the scene as was city police. More details are expected later in the day.

High School Teachers Set To Resume Job Action

Any talk of labour peace by local high school teachers could be pre-mature. Public high school teachers may be about to continue with their job action. This after a Lakehead District Public School Board release stated the Ontario Secondary Teachers Federation was re-instating job sanctions immediately.

New Westfort Fire Station Seeks Approval

City Council is being asked to approve the fire department's suggestion for a new Westfort Fire Station on West Frederica Street. The new site if approved would replace the old Brown Street Fire Station that can no longer accommodate the fire fighters and their equipment.

Missing 15 Year Old Girl

Thunder Bay Police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing 15 year old girl.  Orlanda Chickekoo was last seen leaving her guardians Lansdowne Court residence just after noon today. She is described as 5 feet five inches tall and weighing 125 lbs with long dark hair. She was wearing an army green t-shirt, a black hoodie, a black jacket, dark jeans and white sneakers with a pink design. There is a ongoing concern regarding her health and welfare, therefore investigators are urging anyone who has seen her to contact the Thunder Bay Police.

WSIB Head Pays TBay A Visit

The head of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board says it's an ongoing process to fix the WSIB.  Elizabeth Witmer spoke at the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday and says they continue to modernize their programs.  Witmer says they will continue to keep in contact with Northern communities about ongoing changes to the WSIB.

Arthur Street Accident Update

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 66 year old man with careless driving, driving while suspended and failing to wear a seat belt after a 3 car pile up on Arthur Street Saturday night.  Police say the collision took place when a blue Ford Focus crossed the center line of Arthur Street and hit an approaching grey Mazda sedan. Another approaching vehicle then struck the Mazda a second time in the curb lane.  Had the 66 year old's vehicle been salvageable, it would have been

impounded for seven days as a consequence of driving while under suspension.

Sudden Death Fort Frances

Fort Frances OPP are investigating the sudden death of a man inside the Elizabeth Street Manor on Tuesday. The OPP Forensic Identification Unit is helping the Regional Coroner confirm the identity of the man and determine the cause of death. A post mortem exam will take place today at the Kenora Hospital.

Not Many People Disobeying Calendar Parking

The City's Parking Authority says most people have been following the calendar parking rules since last Friday's snowfall. Manager James Coady says there are a few that park on the wrong side of the road and they get ticketed. Coady says they'll be paying extra attention to parking areas in congested residential neighbourhoods and school areas. Calendar parking is used to allow snow plows to clear the road and snow banks.

Habib Happy With Lower Taxes

The President of Habib Architects is pleased the City has decided to lower the taxes on his Victoria Avenue property. Ahsanul Habib says it was one of the conditions that was required before a low income housing project could move forward. Habib notes the next step is to formalize an agreement for the 21 unit building with the local Social Services Board. Construction should start sometime in February or March.

Ontario Provides $ For Mental Health Workers

The Provincial Government is investing 375 thousand dollars annually for mental health and addictions workers in Ring of Fire communities. These workers will provide counselling, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention and other health services. Over 80 new workers have been hired, which will help almost four thousand aboriginal children and young people.

Fort Chamber On Resolute

The president of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is trying to reassure his members the community will make it through the idling of operations at Resolute Forest Products. At the Chamber's annual meeting Tuesday night Mark Caron aknowleged the move will have a huge impact but tried to remain positive repeating several times...we will get through this. 

Have You Seen This Yellow Jeep?

Thunder Bay Police are looking for more information about what lead to a collision at the intersection of River and Algoma Street. A yellow jeep was going westbound on River Street when it suddenly went out of control and struck a pole. A witness then saw the vehicle back up, and then hit the pole a second time. Traffic Sergeant Glenn Porter says they just want to know what went wrong. The law requires you to file a report with the police in any accident that results in injury, or damage over a thousand dollars. If anyone witnessed the event, or know the vehicle in question they are asked to call the police.

Fort Frances Budget Draft Delayed

The town of Fort Frances is delaying bringing forward a draft budget for council to review. C.A.O. Mark McCaig says the idling announcement at Resolute Forest Products have to be taken into account in next years budget. A draft budget is usually presented in early January. It will now come to council at the end of February.

Warmer Weather Coming

Arctic air coming across from the prairies are to blame for this morning's cold temperatures. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says normal temperatures for this time of year are highs of -3 and lows of -12 but it feels a lot cooler than that around the region. Coulson says there is good news in the forecast as a developing storm system across the prairies will bring a warm front to the region producing highs of 5 and 6 for Saturday and Sunday.

Horse Put Down After Collision With Car

Provincial Police are reporting a car accident this morning on Highway 11-17 in the area of Wing Road and McFarland Road. Police say the car hit a horse that was on the highway. A 44 year old woman was taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. Police say the horse did suffer injuries and officers had to put it down. O.P.P. had to close the highway for a short time while they investigated and removed the car from a ditch.

Councillors Wiser On Infrastructure Needs

City councillors are now prepared for some big decisions they'll have to make going into the new budget process. Councillor Ken Boshcoff says they were briefed yesterday by the city manager on what the needs will be when it comes to sewers, roads and other infrastructure. Now it's in the hands of his colleagues to set priorities. Boshcoff says his priorities are taking care of some long standing issues and staying ahead of any crisis.

Angus Speaks In Support Of Events Centre

One of the city's most seasoned politicians is putting his support behind the proposed events centre. Iain Angus voted to move the process into phase three and accepting the downtown north core as the site. Below is Councillor Angus' entire speech.

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United Way Predicts Shortfall

The United Way is again facing a fundraising challenge. Organizers predict they will be 95 thousand dollars short of the 2.6 million dollar goal. Chair Carol Busch says she is not panicking yet. Busch is confident they will meet their goal.  

Tsubouchi To Retire As Centre CEO

The George Jeffery Children's Centre is looking for a new Chief Executive Officer.  It comes with the announced retirement of Eiji Tsubouchi.  His last day on the job will be March 31st.  Tsubouchi has guided the organization through a lot during his tenure of over a decade, including the construction of it's new building on Brock Street.

Bentz Calls It An Exercise In Planning

Northwood Councillor Mark Bentz is one of the majority on council who support taking the event centre project to the next stage.  He calls it an exercise in planning.  Below is Councillor Bentz's entire speech.

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McKinnon Gives His Events Centre View

Councillor Brian McKinnon is a staunch supporter of keeping the events centre dream alive. He says it's the same message he is getting from the public.  Below is Councillor McKinnon's entire speech to council.

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Virdiramo Makes His Events Centre Pitch

City Councillor Joe Virdiramo is supporting the downtown location for the proposed events centre. Last night he voted to move to the next stage of the process. Below is his entire speech to council.

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Giertuga's Speech On The Events Centre

One of the most solid supporters of the new events centre is Councillor Trevor Giertuga.  He says it's been on his radar for a long time.  Below is Councillor Giertuga's entire speech to city council last night.

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Weather Warning

Travellers heading East will want to take note of a special weather statement issued by Environment Canada. Wawa is included in the statement that warns about snow bands hitting the area today. 2 to 5 centimetres of snow are expected this afternoon with another 5 to 10 centimetres in the forecast for tonight.

Events Centre Speech From Ken Boshcoff

Supporting the next stage of the events centre process is a no-brainer for City Councillor Ken Boshcoff. Boshcoff says it's one of the components of making this a vibrant community to live in for our youth. Below is Councillor Boschoff's entire speech to council.

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Dryden Man Charged With Luring A Minor

A 19 year old Dryden man is facing charges after he tried to lure a minor online. Dryden Police say that the investigation involves incidents from 2010 and 2011, which were recently reported. The man is charged with contacting a person under 14 years old with regards to luring, and one count of invitation to sexual touching.

Councillors To Consider Infrastructure Priorities

City councillors are going to get the lowdown on what the city's infrastructure needs will be in the future. Manager Tim Commisso is making a presentation to them tonight.  While councillors will not be making any decisions they will be asked to consider what their priorities will be.

Councillor Foulds Speech To Council

One of the biggest supporters of the proposed events centre and its north downtown location is Councillor Andrew Foulds. He says it's the right thing to do. Below is Councillor Foulds entire speech.

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40 Hour Radio Marathon Announced

Magic 99.9 is announcing it will play a part in an upcoming forty hour radio marathon happening next week. The focus will be for local businesses and individuals to help contribute to the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund over a 40 hour period starting next Friday morning and ending Saturday night with a wrap-up event at Marina Park. Chair Linda Gambee is hoping residents find it in their hearts to donate to those who are less fortunate in our community. The T Bay Tel/Magic 99.9 Forty Hour Radio Marathon will wrap-up with a video dance party at the skating rink at Marina Park.

Mayor's Speech On Events Centre

Mayor Keith Hobbs is now a believer in the consultants report on the new events centre and spoke passionately at city hall last night about his feelings towards the events centre and the north downtown location.   Below is his entire speech.

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Larry Hebert's Events Centre Speech

A majority of city councillors are on board with the proposed location of the new events centre in the downtown north core. However councillor Larry Hebert is not,  and he expressed himself at last night's city council meeting.   Below is his entire speech

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United Way Predicts Shortfall

The United Way is again facing a fundraising challenge. Organizers predict they will be 95 thousand dollars short of the 2.6 million dollar goal. Chair Carol Busch says she is not panicking yet. Busch is confident they will meet their goal.  

Hebert Has Cost Concerns About New Events Centre

A majority of Thunder Bay city councillors want to see the events centre process taken to the next stage. All but two of them have voted to move to phase 3. One of the dissenters is Councillor Larry Hebert who says by making this move they could be overlooking the elephant in the room...the potential 500 million dollar lawsuit involving flood victims . Councillor Linda Rydholm also voted against moving to phase three.

Council Decision Pleases Wilson

With the city another step closer to seeing a new events centre the head of the business community is happy.  Councillors voted to go ahead with it after a three hour meeting tonight that included a handful of presenters including Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson who says he's glad to see the project moving forward.  Wilson says while there are questions about affordability, those can be answered during the next stage.

Event Centre One Step Closer To Reality

The city is moving on to the next stage of the events centre process. Councillors voted to accept the consultants recommendation and move on to phase 3 of the project. Mayor Keith Hobbs is all for it.   He says we can't afford not to go ahead with it if we are going to move the city forward.  Only Councillors Hebert and Rydholm voted not to go to the next phase.

Council Hears Event Centre Options

City resident Jon Powers speaks to city councillors about why he is opposed to the event centre concept . He is one of several presenters on this evening's agenda.

Motorcyclist Clocked at 230 KPH

A 53 year old Thunder Bay man has a date with a judge in January to answer to a charge of stunt driving.  This after police say they clocked a motorcycle  going 230 kilometres an hour on the Thunder Bay Expressway near Balsam Street recently.  Police say the man's bike was seized and impounded for a week.

Lcoal Retailers Tout Black Friday $uccess

City merchants are emerging from the Black Friday weekend with smiles on their faces. Dave Radford of the Power Centre says his company did extremely well and compares the sales numbers with Boxing Day, something that was unheard of five years ago when they started the local trend. Radford says it's unlikely that Black Friday will ever replace Boxing Day but it adds a new dimension to the holiday shopping season.

Police Seize Nearly $14,000 Worth Of Ecstasy

A 29 year old Ignace man is facing drug charges after provincial police raided a residence on Saturday morning. The O.P.P were initially called because of a report of an assault. Police also seized almost $14,000 worth of Ecstasy. In addition, he was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. The man remains in custody and will appear in Dryden court at the end of the month.

Crime Of The Week

Anyone with information about who may be responsible for this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

T.Bay Woman Gets Provincial Award

A Thunder Bay woman is being honoured in the provincial government's Ontario Newcomer Champion awards.  Madeline Porter is being honoured for her work with Volunteer Thunder Bay, the Regional Multicultural Youth Council and Thunder Bay's Shelter House.  Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan will present the awards Monday to outstanding community leaders who have made a difference in their communities.

Fatal Fire In New Osnaburgh First Nation

The Ontario Fire Marshall's Office is investigating a fatal house fire on New Osnaburgh First Nation.  Human remains were found on the scene of the fire on Friday.  A post-mortem examination will be conducted at the Kenora hospital.  The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.

3 Vehicle Accident On Arthur & Brown Street

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a 3 vehicle accident Saturday night that occurred at 10:40 in the evening in the area of Arthur Street and Brown Street.  Two men were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.  Police traffic unit continues to investigate and highway traffic act charges are pending.

Local Sports Round Up

The Lakehead Thunderwolves lost 7-4 to the Windsor Lancers at the Fort William Gardens last night. LU is now off until after Christmas when they take on the McGill Redmen at home.   In other LU action, The men's basketball team were defeated 82-67 by the Ottawa Gee-Gees. The women's basketball team didn't fair any better and fell to the Gee Gees 84-72.  LU's women's volleyball team came away with a 3-0 win yesterday over the Western Mustangs.  Meanwhile, The Confederation College Thunderhawks beat the Nip-Rock Midget Girls 6-1 Saturday night at the Nipigon Arena.

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.