Port Authority Sees Strong Finish To Shipping Season

It appears the end of the Wheat Board is not having any negative effect on the Port of Thunder Bay.  CEO Tim Heney says while November wasn't the best month this season, the strong start of this month is proving anything can happen now that the marketing monopoly is no more.

City Looking For New Designs

The City is looking for a new design for their pin.  On top of that they would also like to have a promotional graphic they can put on a variety of items.  Spokesperson Reana Mussato says they are looking for someone from Northwestern Ontario to design the two items.  The new designs will not replace the City's official logo.  The deadline to submit your design ideas is in January.

DSSAB Budget Up For Vote Thursday

Thunder Bay's District Social Services Board will table it's 78 million dollar budget Thursday.   CAO Bill Bradica says it's a 2.7 percent decrease over last year's fiscal document and hopes the budget passes.  Thunder Bay's share of the DSSAB budget is seventy four percent or just over 17.9 million dollars.

Murder Rate Drops

Thunder Bay's murder rate has gone down. According to Statistics Canada data, the City saw just over 3 murders per 100-thousand people last year. We are fourth in the Country for highest amount of murders per capita.

Lawyer Blasts Consultants Reports

A Thunder Bay lawyer who is heading up a class action suit against the city over the May 28th flooding, is disputing the findings of the consultants report on the disaster. Sandy Zaitzeff believes that contrary to what the consultant says, the flooded Atlantic Avenue treatment plant's screening process should have been able to handle the overwhelming amount of rainwater that came through that morning. Zaitzeff says it certainly looks like an attempt at a white-wash. The accusations have not been proven in court.

More Cancer Care For Aboriginals

Aboriginals who are getting care through the regional cancer centre are going to get some added help. Cancer Care Northwest Vice President Dr. Mark Henderson says it will come in the form of two new positions at the facility. He says the process will involve prevention and guiding those with cancer through the system.

Truth & Reconciliation Hearing

Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is meeting face to face with Thunder Bay residents over the next two days.  Survivors and First Nation community members are sharing their stories and experiences with the residential school system. Commissioner Murray Sinclair says residential schools have created problems for both the First Nation and non aboriginal communities.  The hearing will wrap up tomorrow at 5 at the DaVinci Centre.

Giving Back

Thunder Bay Transit, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 966 and the Thunder Bay Food Bank are teaming up for the 18th annual Santa Bus food drive. Starting today and until December 14th, you are invited to drop off dry goods for the food bank on any city bus at any time. The Santa Bus will also be available for donations at the Fort William Road Walmart on Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. and again on Friday December 14th from 5 in the afternoon until 10 at night. Still on the charity beat the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Foundation has its Grand Christmas Tree up in the lobby of the Health Sciences Centre. Donations are being accepted to benefit the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Lakehead University To Host Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate

Candidates vying for the Leadership role for Ontario's Liberals will be in Thunder Bay this weekend. A time and place has now been set for the Ontario Liberal Leadership Debate. Lakehead University will be the host venue for the debate on Sunday, December 9th starting at 1:00 o'clock.

Highway 17 Re-opened This Morning

A large section of the Trans-Canada Highway is back open this morning after O.P.P. were forced to close it overnight due to poor weather and icy road conditions. Provincial Police say Highway 17 from the Manitoba Border to Vermillion Bay was shut down overnight because of dangerous driving conditions thanks to a weather system that is making its way across the region.

New Westfort Fire Station To Be Built On West Frederica

The new Westfort Fire Station will be located on City-owned land on West Frederica Street.  City Council approved the location at it's meeting Monday night.  Fire Chief John Hay says the fire station will cost around a million and a half dollars and construction will start in 2013.  A new Neebing Fire Station will be built in the New Year as well at it's current location.

Hobbs Relieved Plant Didn't Malfunction

Mayor Keith Hobbs is comforted by an independent consultant's report that shows equipment at the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Plant didn't malfunction during the May 28th flood.  Hobbs says he's always held the opinion that the plant was simply overwhelmed by the huge amount of rainfall that night.  The Mayor says he's relieved to hear the plant didn't malfunction and that they are dedicated to helping those impacted by the flood.  City staff will be back in January with an overall damage assessment of the plant and provide council with its options on how to proceed with the 1.4 million dollars in upgrades that are recommended.

What Went Wrong May 28th

Flooding at the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Plant started in the area of the facility that houses screens that catch large debris in waste water before it's treated.  Consultant Troy Briggs told City Council Monday night that the amount of water exceeded the equipment's capability and there wasn't any equipment failure.  Briggs is recommending as a short term emergency measure removing one screen to allow unrestricted flow through the preliminary treatment plant.  Longer term recommendations include increasing the screen cleaning speed and designing an emergency bypass around the preliminary treatment area.  Briggs noted there was no benefit of having someone work at the plant overnight since there was no special machinery that could have prevented what went wrong.  He also mentioned the design of the plant was typical for when it was built and the recommended changes only started to be included in new water pollution plant design plans.

Commission Makes Historic Visit

A historic moment in Thunder Bay this week as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada makes a stop for two days of hearings at the Da Vinci Centre starting tomorrow. Chair Justice Murray Sinclair says it will give First Nation survivors of residential schools a chance to tell their side of the story. The Commission is in the middle of 5 year journey to gather information and then present a report to the government.

Eat Local Pizza Robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a weekend robbery of Eat Local Pizza on May Street.  The incident occurred just before 9:30 on December 1st when employees called 911 after a man with a knife demanded money from them.  The suspect wearing a toque with two eye holes made off with the cash register tray and headed westbound on Dease Street.  The police are looking for a fair skinned man with long brown hair wearing a dark blue North Face jacket and pants.

TSB Ready To Begin Death Probe

The Tecumseh is expected to be in Windsor sometime on Tuesday.   The bulk carrier was the scene of an industrial death while it was berthed at the Viterra grain elevator in the Thunder Bay harbour.   John Cottreau of the Transportation Safety Board say they are ready to begin the investigation once they board the ship in Windsor.  The circumstances surrounding the death have not been made public. 

ONA Wants You To Value Nurses

The Ontario Nurses Association is starting an ad campaign in the city to help improve the image of nurses.  Called "Value The Invaluable" asks you to look differently at nurses and value them much like the way we do  our pro athletes.  The ads can be seen on several bus shelters in the city.

Treatment Plant Overwhelmed By Storm: Consultant

 

A consultants report into the May 28th flood concludes that the Atlantic Avenue water treatment facility was overwhelmed with the amount of rainwater that came through the facility. It says the pumping system wasn't designed to deal with the flooding event and resulted in a systematic failure in the plant. The result was the flooding of hundreds of basements in the city most of which were in the East End where the treatment plant is located. The report recommends almost one and a half million dollars in upgrades in order to prevent such an occurrence in the future.

City Has Its 5th Murder

Thunder Bay Police are currently investigating a homicide which occurred at just after 3:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon on the 200 block of McIntyre Street. Police responded to a 911 call about an injured man who had been attacked. The victim , 48 year old  Martin Achneepineskum,  died because of his injuries at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital a short time later. 32 year old Jeffrey Kakegamic has been arrested and charged with 2nd degree murder. 

Crime Of The Week

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

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

Giving back to the community this holiday season. That's the main focus of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, which is stopping in Thunder Bay on Tuesday night. Spokesperson Salem Woodrow says all money and food donated stays within the community and goes to the food bank. The show starts at 9:45 at the CP train depot at 440 Syndicate Ave. This year's performers include Doc Walker, Miss Emily, and the Brothers Dube. 

NWHU Surveys Living Costs

Feeding a family of four per month costs over 941 dollars in Northwestern Ontario. That's according to a recent survey done by the Northwestern Health Unit at regional grocery stores. Julie Slack is a nutritionist with the NWHU and says minimum wage and social assistance rates make it impossible for people to have a healthy diet. The health unit adds that the cost of healthy food in this year's survey has gone gone up 23 dollars from last year's average price of 918 dollars.

Death on Grain Ship in Port

The Federal Ministry of Labour is investigating an industrial accident that happened early yesterday morning on one of the grain ships in port. Thunder Bay Police and Fire responded to a call just before 2 a.m. yesterday after a 40 year old resident of the GTA died from an injury while working on the ship. Police cannot release further information about the incident or the man until the investigation is complete.

Walk of Light

A group of students are holding an event tonight called "Walk Of Light." Social Service Worker students at the Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology are gathering to shine light on domestic violence and violence against women. The "Walk of Light" is set to take place starting at 6:00 o'clock on Lyon Boulevard. Organizers are asking to bring donations of non-perishable food items and money that will be donated to the Faye Peterson Transition House.

Country Market Collects for Shelter House

Thunder Bay's Country Market is kicking off a holiday food drive today for Shelter House. Spokesperson Michael Quibell says visitors to the Saturday market can pop by the second floor to make a donation of cash or non-perishable food items. When you make a donation you'll receive a ballot to win a gift pack full of goodies from the Farmers Market.

Fire Rescue Award Ceremony

Thunder Bay's first Fire Rescue Award Ceremony will be held today at the Protective Services Training Centre. Deputy Chief Greg Hankio says awards will be presented to six individuals who have gone above and beyond their duties. The event will be held at the Protective Services Training Centre on Hammond Avenue.

Parade of Lights

The annual Parade of Lights is taking place again this year, starting at 7pm tonight. Thunder Bay Police Association Spokesperson Julie Tilbury says there will be some charity fundraising taking place along the parade route on Memorial Avenue. Money raised will go towards Autism Ontario, George Jeffrey Children's Centre, Special Olympics and the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association.

OSSTF Upset Over Westgate Tiger Tip-Off

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation is speaking out after the Public School Board cancelled the Westgate Tiger Tip-off basketball tournament.  The board said the tournament was cancelled because they didn't feel there was enough supervision from support staff.  Union Rep Paul Caccamo says his members put over 200 hours to prepare the tournament and were willing to give more over the weekend.  Caccamo says he didn't hear from the school about their concerns about supervision.

Council Tackles Several Issues Monday

There could be a new school safety zone after Monday night's City Council meeting.  Council will consider implementing a 40 km/hr speed zone on Georgina Avenue from Mary Street to Frederica Avenue.  School safety zones would also be set up at Rockwood Avenue from 65 metres south of Whitney Street to 35 metres south of Windsor Street and Wishart Crescent from Windemere Avenue to Clarkson Street.  Meanwhile, Council is looking at improving drainage in the areas of Oliver and Highgate Roads.  City staff is recommending spending 125-thousand dollars towards drainage improvements including new ditching on the south side of Oliver Road and new culverts along half of Highgate Road.  Finally, Council is considering making a bid for the next Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities conference.  Council will decide tonight whether or not to officially throw the City's hat into the conference hosting ring.

B-Ball Tournament Cancelled

The Tiger Tip-off basketball tournament is cancelled and teachers' job action is being blamed. Ian MacRae, Superintendant of Education and former Principal at Westgate says he was forced to pull the plug on the tournament last night after the first round of games were played. MacRae says there were indeed enough coaches, but not enough support staff to ensure the students particpating would be supervised appropriately on school grounds.

Christmas Cheer Fund Sets Goal At 160-Thousand

The Christmas Cheer campaign is underway with a goal of 160 thousand dollars. Chair Linda Gambee says this year the need in the community is bigger than ever. The organization faced a funding shortfall last year and in order to balance their books this year they had to eliminate stew from the Christmas grocery hampers.

Eye See Eye Learn

The Eye See Eye Learn program is reaching out to Thunder Bay's surrounding communities. The Ontario Association of Optometrists pilot program just started. It will see a local optometrist travel to the surrounding communities and provide free eye exams and glasses to school children. The program already exists in the City and now it will include Red Rock, Nipigon, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Geraldton and Manitouwadge.

CAA Reminds You To Drive Safe

While the official start to winter is a few weeks away, it's good to always be prepared. The Canadian Auto Association has some safety tips to help everyone stay safe on the roads. Spokesperson Korey Kennedy says it's important to keep an emergency kit. Kennedy also stresses the importance of making sure snow and ice is completely scraped off the vehicle.

Rickford On Residential School Ceremony

Shining light on an unfortunate past. Kenora MP Greg Rickford hosted a dedication ceremony on Wednesday to commemorate the legacy of Indian Residental Schools, which featured a stained glass window being installed in Center Block on Parliment Hill. Rickford says that it's a move forward for Aboriginal people who were affected by the residential schools. Rickford adds that it had some personal significance to him, considering he was part of negotiations and the signing of the Residential Schools Agreement.

Levesque Proud Of Diamond Jubilee Award

Thunder Bay's Police Chief JP Levesque says he's proud to receive a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal. Levesque says he's elated to receive the award and was shocked when MP Bruce Hyer's office called to tell him he was receiving the medal. Levesque says he's probably receiving the award for his years with the police force.

Hyer Hands Out 30 Jubilee Medals Today

30 of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals are being handed out today at a special ceremony this afternoon at the Prince Arthur Hotel. Independent MP Bruce Hyer will be handing them out to well deserving city and area residents who were chosen by a non-partisan group after nominations were submitted. Hyer says the award recipients are from all walks of life who have made outstanding contributions to our community.

ETFO Ready For A Strike

The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario is threatening strike action starting in December.  Teachers have until the end of December to reach a contract agreement or the Minister of Education will force a contract on the union.  Local President Ellen Chambers says they're left with no other options unless the Provincial Government calls them back to the bargaining table.  The ETFO has promised to give parents 72 hours notice before any strike, which will affect operations in each public elementary school throughout Ontario.

Basketball Teams At Home This Weekend

The Lakehead University men's and women's basketball teams are back at the friendly confines of the L.U. Thunderdome tonight and tomorrow. The Thunderwolves welcome the Laurentian Voyageurs at 6:00 and 8:00 o'clock tonight. At 1-4, the men's team has struggled defensively and Head Coach Scott Morrison says he's looking for a good showing tonight and tomorrow to end the first half. The Thunderwolves will host the York Lions in a double-header tomorrow night with games at 6:00 and 8:00 o'clock as well.

55 Year Old Man's Death Not Foul Play

 OPP are continuing their investigation into the death of a man at a residence at the Elizabeth Street Manor in Fort Frances.  Police are ruling out foul play in the cause of death.  Dead is 55 year old Derek Pollard.

NAPS Continue To Investigate Fatal Fire

The cause of death in a fatal house fire in New Osnaburgh First Nation is pending toxicology reports.  A post mortem exam was conducted at the Kenora Hospital on Sunday, the I.D. of the deceased cannot be officially confirmed until the return of DNA testing.  Due to the extent of fire, the Ontario Fire Marshall is unable to determine the exact cause of the fire.  Nishnawbe Aski Police are continuing their investigation of the event that occured last week.

Missing Teen Found

Thunder Bay Police are thanking the public for helping them find a missing 15 year old girl.  Orlanda Chickekoo was reported missing Wednesday and found safe Thursday.

Trans Support Collective On Federal Bill

The head of Thunder Bay's Transgender Support Collective hopes the Federal Government will do the right thing and pass a private member's bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against transgendered residents. Transgender Collective Organizer Aiden Kivisto says whether or not the Federal Government passes the bill it's still a positive step in the right direction. MPs are currently studying the bill; if the bill clears this hurdle it will head back to the Commons, where it must pass two more key votes.

Flood Relief Fund At Almost 1.2 Million

After 6 months of fundraising the Disaster Relief Committee has raised almost 1.2 million dollars for victims of the May 28th flood.  Spokesperson Wayne Fletcher says they're pleased with the amount raised so far but notes the goal is still 5 million dollars.  Fundraising will continue until January 31st.

Warm Weather On The Way

Cold weather is about to give way to above average temperatures as we head towards the weekend. Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says a warm front in advance of system coming in from the prairies is expected to give us highs of plus 4 and plus 2 on Saturday and Sunday. Coulson says the warm air associated with this system is coming up from the southern United States.

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.