No Other Flood Victim Complaints

The plight of one East End flood victim appears to be an isolated complaint. She says her Christmas is in tatters because her relief money will come too late. The chair of the city's Disaster Relief Committee, Wayne Fletcher, says the fundraising rules prevent an early payout, something they realized early on in the process and that's why they offered the early initial payments of 1 thousand dollars. Fletcher says no other flood victims have had a similar beef.

Bombardier Workers Have Their Walls & Roofs

It's good news for the Thunder Bay Bombardier Plant. Bombardier workers in Quebec have voted to accept a new collective agreement that ends a nearly five-week strike. Local CAW President Dominic Pasqualino says it's just in time since they supply roofs and side walls to the local plant. Pasqualino adds they're not sure whether or not Thunder Bay workers who were laid off last month will be able to return to work before Christmas as was expected.

Bight Opens Today

The waterfront's new restaurant Bight Restaurant & Bar is now open.  The eatery located in the Water Garden Pavilion at Prince Arthur's Landing will be open 7 days a week.  The concession service will open this weekend.

Schreiber Pedestrian Vehicle Collision

Schreiber OPP are investigating a pedestrian vehicle collision today.  Around the noon hour today a 23 year old woman was crossing Beach Road in Terrace Bay when she was struck by a north bound vehicle. The driver made a brief stop and then continued east bound.  The woman was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.  Schreiber OPP are currently looking for the driver of a newer model black Ford Focus. 

Fort Frances High Locked Down Today

A 16-year-old boy is in police custody following an incident that forced the Fort Frances High School into a lock downed position around the noon hour today. Acting Sergeant Anne McCoy says OPP were called after the boy was observed carrying what turned out to be a replica firearm. Class resumed within about an hour after the lockdown was put in place. No one was injured.

Drainage Rebate Program Comes In The New Year

The City is offering homeowners who were impacted by the May 28th flooding a flood prevention rebate program.  Spokesperson Kerri Marshall says they'll be helping pay the cost of three drainage initiatives.  Council has approved 750-thousand dollars for the rebate program which could help up to 200 homeowners.

Salvation Army Christmas Meal Sunday

The Salvation Army is expecting up to 300 people for Christmas Dinner Sunday.  The dinner is being cooked and served by the staff of the Valhalla Inn.  Major Merv Halvorsen says they're providing a shuttle service from City Hall and Water Street Bus terminals at 11:45.  The Christmas meal will be served at noon Sunday at the Salvation Army Booth Centre on Cumberland Street North.

Easter Seals Snowarama A Go

Easter Seals is hoping to raise over 30 thousand dollars with its upcoming Snowarama fundraiser.  Spokesperson Rhonda Harrison says money raised will stay local.  The snowmachine event is taking place on February 2nd at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.

Missing Person

The family of a 19 year old Cherry Ridge Road resident, James McCormack is concerned about his welfare. McCormack was last seen by his father on the night of December 4th. James stated he was going out to the bars, but did not return home. This behaviour is considered out of character for James. Attempts by his family to contact him using social media have failed. McCormack is described as a Caucasian male who is 6'4", 180 pounds with a thin build. He has medium length, brown wavy hair and wears glasses when driving.

Gravelle Endorses Pupatello

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is throwing his support behind Sandra Pupatello. Gravelle believes she will be a dynamic leader of the Liberals if elected. Gravelle says he worked on a number of northern issues with Pupatello when he was Minister of Northern Development and Mines. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro also endorsed Pupatello.

Darren Smith Could Get Prize January 4th

A Thunder Bay man is one step closer to claiming his lottery win of 250-thousand dollars.  Darren Smith won the cash in the Lottario draw on September 29th.  Smith works at an OLG retail location and is considered an insider win.  The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission says he can claim his price after a 30 day waiting period and if there are no additional claims on the prize it will be paid to Smith on January 4th.

 

Teachers In Thunder Bay In Classrooms Monday

Elementary teachers here in Thunder Bay will be in school classrooms on Monday. President of the local chapter of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, Ellen Chambers says they're not in a legal strike position quite yet. Chambers says two school boards in the Toronto area will be staging a one day protest on Monday after teachers voted via the Internet on whether to walk off the job. Chambers says parents and the school boards are still set to receive a 72 hour notice should any labour actions be planned here in Thunder Bay.

Missing Man In Hospital

Thunder Bay Police say the 55 year old man who was subject of a missing persons report is now recovering in hospital from exposure to the outdoor elements.Police say the man disappeared yesterday and was found near a path in the East End.  Police say its not considered a criminal matter. 

Montreal Massacre Anniversary Thursday

Lakehead University's Gender Issue Centre is holding a 2 hour memorial for the 14 women who were killed in the 1989 Montreal Massacre.  Spokesperson Althea Annan says they'll welcome a woman who experienced the shooting as their guest speaker.  The memorial service is being held Thursday from 10 until noon in the Agora.

Freezing Rain In Region

If you plan on driving west take note that you may run into some freezing rain this evening. Weather forecasters says that some patchy mixed precipitation is likely to develop across northwestern Ontario, however, it will likely be brief and spotty. The areas affected include Dryden, Kenora, Atikokan and Fort Frances.

Our Kids Count Benefits From Raffle

Our Kids Count is on the receiving end of this year's Motors and Muscles Raffle.   650 tickets will be sold this year.  Executive Director Gladys Berringer says they're happy to be the raffle's charity of choice.  Tickets can be purchased at Our Kids Count, Half-Way Motors and Thunder Bay Harley Davidson.

Job Cuts Through Attrition

Most of the job cuts at Canadian Pacific will be found through retirements and contractors.  The company announced its plans this morning to eliminate 45-hundred jobs by 2016.  A media spokesperson told our newsroom they don't know if Thunder Bay will be impacted by the HR changes.

School Board Elections Bring No Change

Not a lot of change at the Public and Catholic School Board during recent elections. Bob Hupka was re-elected as board chair for the Catholic Board. Meanwhile, Deborah Massaro has been acclaimed for a sixth consecutive term as Chair of the Lakehead District School Board.

Watch For Flood Damaged Vehicles

A local used car dealer is urging you to watch for flood damaged vehicles from Superstorm Sandy.  Ken Peterson, of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, says it's entirely possible such vehicles can make their way here and warns, a flood damaged vehicle is worthless in this province because by law, they can 't be driven.  Peterson says the problem did creep up locally after Hurricane Katrina when some flood damaged vehicles were identified here.

Two N.W.O. Doctors To Be Honoured

Two Northwestern Ontario doctors are being recognized for providing great care to their patients. Thunder Bay's Dr. Andrew Siren and Dryden's Dr. Adam Moir were nominated for the honour by their patients. Both M.D's will receive their Patients' Choice Awards at a special ceremony tonight being put on by the Ontario Medical Association and the local health authority.

Community Foundation Grants

Thunder Bay's Community Foundation is playing Santa Claus handing out $67,000 in grants to 24 local groups. Spokesperson Bonnie Moore says among the groups receiving the cash include the Alzheimer Society, the Diabetes Association, and the Salvation Army. The grants were made possible through endowment funds set up by local citizens.

Grassy Narrows Man Dies In Hospital

Kenora Provincial Police are confirming the death of a 48 year old Grassy Narrows First Nation man. He died in a Winnipeg hospital on Sunday while being treated for injuries received during an altercation inside a Grassy Narrows residence on November 27th. The OPP Forensic Identification Unit was scheduled to assist in a post mortem exam in Winnipeg yesterday.

Two Women Face Drug Charges

Two Ottawa-area women are to appear in court today facing drug trafficking charges. The women, aged 39 and 31, were pulled over on Fort William Road on Monday night. Officers observed marijuana in the vehicle and arrested the two women who have each been charged with four counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Rooming House Owner Gets Fines

A Thunder Bay rooming house owner is paying 8-thousand dollars in fines after pleading guilty recently to fire code charges.  Fire Prevention Captain Eric Nordlund says the charges involve failing to keep records of tests, inspections and maintenance of fire extinguishers and other equipment.  Nordlund says this isn't the first time the rooming house owner has been charged under the fire code.

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.