Handi Transit Goes In House 2014

City Council is approving the merger of handi transit services with Thunder Bay Transit.  Manager of HAGI Transit Brenda Deck was emotional when pleading to councillors last night to continue to allow HAGI to run the service.  Thunder Bay Transit will take over running the service in January 2014.

Maki Bay Solar Asks For Support

Maki Bay Solar is asking for City Council's support for their rooftop solar panel projects.  The business is looking for Municipal approval because the Ontario Power Authority requires it before they can implement their projects.  Maki Bay has a number of deals in line to place solar panels on a number of area business roof tops.

State Of The City Address

Thunder Bay's Mayor is proud of council's partnership with Fort William First Nation.  Keith Hobbs talked about the relationship between the two communities in his State of the City Address Monday night.  Hobbs hopes that one day there will be a unity bridge connecting Fort William First Nation and Thunder Bay.  Other issues that popped up in the yearly address include the May 28th flood, and the City Lean cost saving program.

Christmas Cheer Fund Needs Help

Thunder Bay's Christmas Cheer needs your help. Spokesperson Linda Gambee says they are facing a 50-thousand dollar shortfall and a decline in food donations. You can donate food until Tuesday at 7 pm.  Cash donations can be made at the Christmas Cheer office at the CLE until Wednesday at 7.

Highway 11 Open

Highway 11 is now open to traffic after a motor vehicle collision Monday.  A transport truck was on its side blocking the highway.  Police believe there is only minor injuries for the people involved in the crash.  The accident happened 15 kilometers south of Beardmore.

Second Degree Murder Charge In Kenora

Two Kenora men are charged with second degree murder and arson after a fatal house fire over the weekend. 21 year old Langford Ogemah was found dead in the residence. 20 year old Peter Fisher and 22 year old Ringo Carpenter appeared in court for a bail hearing today. The North West Regions Crime unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigations Branch.

Nan Offers Condolences

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is offering its condolences to the family of former NAN Deputy Grand Chief Dan Kooses.  He passed away Sunday after battling a lengthy illness.  The former deputy was from Kashechewan First Nation and was one of the founders of Grand Council Treaty #9.

Border Cats Finalized Schedule

The Thunder Bay Border Cats kick off their 11th season in the Northwoods League Wednesday, May 29th, with a three game road trip beginning in Willmar against the Stingers. The Cats will play two games in Willmar and one in St. Cloud against the Rox before returning to Thunder Bay for their home opener on Saturday, June 1st, against Willmar .

Results Of Food Drive "Amazing"

Organizers of a weekend food drive are more than happy with the results.   Volker Kromm, of the Regional Food Distribution Association, says with the help of area police forces they they managed to collect 23 thousand dollars in food and 3 thousand dollars in cash in the Stuff A Cruiser event.  He calls it amazing  says it equals one of their top food drives during the year.  The food will be used to supply area food banks for the Christmas season.

Success Of Deer Hunt Can't Be Measured

The first ever controlled deer hunt in the city is now in the books. By-law enforcer Ron Bourret says it all appeared to go very well but says there is no way to find out how many deer were killed. He says early in the new year there will be a meeting of all the those involved to find out how success can be measured in the future. Bourret says there were very few complaints filed with the police and of those, all of them were settled easily.  

Johnson Favours City Transit

The issue of whether or not to renew the contract with HAGI Transit comes up for debate tonight at City Council. Councillor Rebecca Johnson is in favour of the move that will bring the handicapped transit service under the umbrella of Thunder Bay Transit. The HAGI Transit contract with the city officially runs out on December 13th of next year.

City To Host National Soccer Tourney

A major soccer event is headed to the city. Thunder Bay will host the 2013 Canadian Soccer Association National Championships for All-Star girls ages 15 and 16. It's the first major soccer tournament to be held in the city in a hundred years according to Chair Peter Augruso. He says six teams in each age group will compete for the national championship starting July 16th next year at Chapples Soccer Park and Fort William Stadium.

Police Chief Says Small Towns Not Immune

Dryden Police Chief Rob Davis says he is horrified by the shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Davis says it just proves it can happen anywhere.   He says there's a perception that can't happen in a small town, but the world is changing and we have to be prepared for such situations. In the spring, the Dryden Police conducted a simulation-school shooting, where they practised how they would handle such a situation.

Superior-Greenstone Teachers To Walk

The latest group of public school teachers to join the list of rotating strikes across the province are those in Superior-Greenstone.   Colleen Lemieux of the elementary teachers union says they're holding a one day strike on Thursday to protest a government law that stops strikes, freezes wages and cut benefits.  Lemieux believes the teachers have the support of parents in the community.

Highway 11 Closed South Of Beardmore

Highway 11 is closed this morning approximately 15 kilometres South of Beardmore. O.P.P. say a transport truck is on its side completely blocking the highway. An ambulance is on the scene but O.P.P. say they believe only minor injuries have been sustained. Motorists are being urged to use Highway 17 as a detour.

Crimestoppers Crime Of The Week

Kenora OPP Investigate Death

Members of the Kenora Detachment of the OPP and the regional crime unit are investigating a suspicious death in Kenora. Police were called to the scene of a fire early yesterday morning where one man was found dead, despite minimal fire damage to the residence. The identity of the man will not be released until next of kin has been notified. Further information will be released as it becomes available.

Police Continue Search for Robbers

Thunder Bay Police are still searching for two men who robbed a north side Mac on Friday morning. They are asking the public to assist in identifying the men who covered their faces and used a knife to demand cash. Anyone who is able to identify either of the two males in the pictures or anyone with knowledge of the incident is asked to call the Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 623-8477.

Stuff a Cruiser Event

The OPP, Nishnawbe Aski, City Police, and Anishinabek Police forces are partnering this weekend to offer the City's first ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ event. Police vehicles will be parked at the Real Canadian Superstore, Safeway on Arthur Street, and all Metro Stores. Officers will be collecting canned food for the Regional Food Distribution Association. The event will run from ten until 4 today.

Strike on Monday for Rainy River District

Elementary teachers and support staff within the Rainy-River District School Board are staging a one-day strike on Monday. Earlier this week, elementary staff in the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board held their one-day strike, and protested at the Government Building in Dryden. As time goes on, more school boards across the province are taking action, protesting Bill 115.

Snowmobile Safety Tips

Northwestern Ontario Police Officers are giving some safety tips for snowmobilers. Community Service Officer Kevin Hildebrand says while it may be tempting to go fast, it's better to be safe then sorry. Always know where you can and can't drive your snowmobile, inspect the snowmobile before using it, and let someone know of your destination. Hildebrand adds that it is also important to follow the speed limit.

NDHN CEO Speaks Out

The CEO of the Northern Diabetes Health Network says the Ontario Auditor General's report needs to include more context over allegations her agency spent provincial dollars where it shouldn't have. CEO Susan Griffis says the report took issue with the 40 thousand dollars in travel expenses. The report also says the organization spent money in ways that contradicts the rules for public sector expenses. Griffis says as soon as the Ministry of Health alerted them of this fact they made immediate changes.

Northern Industrial Rate Extended

The Provincial Government is extending it's Northern Industrial Electricity Rate.  The program will now be available for another three years and will provide a lower costing electricity rate to mining and forest industry companies.  Resolute Forest Products Spokesperson Roger Barber says things would be grim for his company if the Province didn't decide to extend the program.  The province is putting 360 million dollars into the three year program.

FWHP Welcomes New Observatory

The Fort William Historical Park is now home to a new Observatory. Park General Manager Sergio Buonocore says the observatory is open every night from 7:30 to 9. Buonocore adds the new attraction will boost tourism to the park and the city.

Rafferty Makes Motion For Legions

A Northwestern Ontario MP wants to give the Royal Canadian Legion easier access to funds for repairs to their buildings.  Thunder Bay-Rainy River's John Rafferty is proposing the federal government set up an infrastructure renewal fund that would match whatever dollars the Legion's can raise for upgrades.  Rafferty made his request in a motion put forward in the House of Commons earlier this week.

NOTO Restructuring

The executive director of Nature and Outdoor Tourism in Ontario is stepping down. Doug Reynolds says that the outdoor tourism industry is taking quite a hit, and that NOTO is going through a restructuring process. Reynolds adds that times are tough. Reynolds will remain as director until the end of January.

Hospital Moves Up In The Rankings

A year after making their first appearance on the list for Top 40 Research Hospitals in Canada, Thunder Bay's Health Sciences Centre has moved up in the rankings.  Last year was the first time the hospital appeared on the list, at #40.   This year, it moves up to #37.

Bombardier Getting Back To Full Employment

The labour news is good coming from the local Bombardier plant. Union spokesperson Dominic Pasqualino says that the company should be operating with a full workforce of 14 hundred now that recent issues have been settled.  He says probationary workers should be back in the job early in the new year.   He says all laid off workers should get a notice in the mail from the company in the next day or two to confirm their status..  Supply problems and a labour dispute in Quebec forced the company to layoff the workers

More Teacher Walkouts In NWO

Elementary teachers in the Rainy River district are the last of the northwestern Ontario teachers to hold a one day strike. They will be off the job on Monday. They are protesting protesting Bill 115, which allows the province to impose a contract on them and stop them from striking.

Armed Robbery At Cumberland Mac's

Another Mac's Robbery in the city while you slept. Just after 3 this morning police say 2 young people with their faces covered entered the Mac's location at 185 Cumberland each armed with a knife.  No one is hurt and the young thugs got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Medical Student Reception

Around 100 medical students and health professionals are expected at a special reception next Friday at the Superior North EMS Station.  Organizer Cheryl Armstrong says they like to change the location of the reception every year to highlight new health care facilities.  The reception will run from 12 until 2 at the Superior North EMS Headquarters.

Stuff A Cruiser This Weekend

The OPP, City Police, Nishnawbe Aski and Anishinabek Police forces are partnering this weekend to offer the City's first ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ event.  Police vehicles will be parked at the Real Canadian Superstore, Safeway on Arthur Street, and all Metro Stores.  Officers will be collecting canned food for the Regional Food Distribution Association.  The event will run from ten until 4 Saturday. 

Two Local Charities Get Money

On the charity front in the city. The local United Steel Workers Union gave 2-thousand dollars to Shelter House on Thursday to help fight child poverty. Meanwhile, City employees donated over 252-thousand dollars to the United Way's annual fundraising campaign.

HAGI President Fears Council Decision

HAGI Transit President Cal Rankin is worried council is going to decide to takeover their handi transit service.  At Monday night's meeting staff are recommending the City not renew it's contract with HAGI Transit when it expires next December and bring the service in house.  Rankin says if council goes forward with the recommendation it could mean less service for his clients.  Rankin feels the city's proposal will make it harder for people to gain access to ride handi transit buses.

Longer Operating Hours At Marina Park?

A report on keeping Marina Park open past the 11 o'clock curfew is coming before Council in the New Year. Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says it makes sense to allow people into the waterfront area past 11 because of the new restaurant Bight which is open well past the park's closing. Councillors will consider the recommendation at its January 14th meeting.

HAGI Transit Contract Up For Discussion

Council is going to decide Monday night whether or not to bring handi-transit services under the umbrella of City Transit.  Staff are recommending the City not renew it's contract with HAGI Transit when it expires next December.  Transit Manager Brad Loroff says if council approves the move they would take over in 2014.  The Amalgamated Transit Union President and the HAGI Transit President are expected to speak about the issue as well at Monday night's meeting.

Dog Attack Case Back In Court

Frank Vantroba

The man who is charged in connection with a dog attack in Tarbutt Park last month is looking for a lawyer. 57 year old Frank Vantroba appeared in court this morning and will be back again on December 20th.  Vantroba is charged with criminal negligence in the incident in addition to charges laid by the city's Licencing and Enforcement division.   The attack seriously hurt an 11 year old boy. 

Firefighters Save Deer From Kam River

A text from a student riding the bus across the James Street Swing Bridge this morning helped to save the life of a deer. That text to his parents alerted the Fire Department of a deer that fell through the ice on the Kam River. Platoon Chief Joe Grzelewski says they put a rope around the deer and pulled it to safety. He adds the deer was pretty tired from treading water and holding onto the edge of the ice. Grzelewski adds the deer was alive when they released it and stands a better chance of survival now that its out of the water.

T.Bay Mining Company Talks Graphite Deposit

 A local mining company is showcasing its graphite deposit to Thunder Bay investors tonight.  The Albany deposit is located near Hearst and is pretty rare according to Spokesperson Sandra Lombardo.  Graphite is used in the production of smart cars, cell phones, and a number of other items.  The mining company is in the early stages of exploring their Albany property.

City Vacancy Rate Very Low

Thunder Bay has the dubious distinction of having the second lowest apartment vacancy rate in the country.Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation pegs the vacancy rate in the city in October at 1.1 per cent. It's a statistic that concerns Saku Pinta of the Lakehead Social Planning Council. He says it means low income people in the city will be feeling the pressure since they are already struggling to find affordable housing and low rates will help to push rents much higher.

They're Back

It's back to the classroom today for 500 public school elementary teachers in Thunder Bay after their one day strike yesterday.  They were trying to bring attention to their concerns over government legislation they feel is taking away their collective bargaining rights.  There's no word on whether there will be another strike before the Christmas break or not.  

Man Hurt In Hilldale Accident

A 51 year old man is in critical but stable condition in hospital this morning after being involved in a single vehicle accident on Hilldale Road yesterday afternoon.  Police say just before 5 o'clock the man's vehicle went off the road and crashed into the ditch.  They say that the man's medical condition may have played a role in the mishap. 

New Company Moving to T.Bay

Aquatech Dewatering, a mining related company plans to set up shop in Thunder Bay this spring.
President Andy Ingriselli says they've had their eye on the community for sometime now. The office is expected to open in March or April. 5 staff members will work in the office for the first year with the possibility of one day employing up to 25 people. Mining companies use Aquatech to get water out of mine sites among other things.

Horwath and Mauro Talk Auditor General Report

The Leader of the NDP is weighing in on the findings of Auditor General Jim McCarter.  McCarter released his annual report on Wednesday and showed that the waiting lists for long-term care homes have tripled since 2005 and that last year 15 per cent of patients on a waiting list died before getting into a home.  Andrea Horwath says that's not surprising. Horwath says having the report in black and white will help the opposition push the Provincial Government to make changes to alleviate long term care waiting lists.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says it's now important to make sure the government takes actions on the suggestions from McCarter.

Hwy 17 Closed Near Kenora

A multiple vehicle accident has closed Highway 17 West of Kenora. O.P.P say the accident occurred before noon today at Highway 17 and Inglis Road. Constable Dave Cain wants to warn drivers about conditions in the area and to avoid the highway if possible.

Urban Aboriginal Strategy Updated

Thunder Bay's Urban Aboriginal Strategy is looking to the future.  They held a brainstorming session Thursday and discussed what issues will affect First Nations people in the City in the coming years.  Spokesperson Frances Wesley says they want more services for youth.  Wesley says they also want to provide more welcoming services to First Nation families relocating in Thunder Bay.

Kettle Campaign Reaches Halfway Point

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign needs your continued support. Major Merv Halvorsen says so far they've raised just over 80-thousand dollars. Another 80-thousand dollars needs to be raised to reach their 160 thousand dollar goal. You can donate to the Christmas Kettle campaign up until Christmas Eve.

United Way Still Needs More Cash

The United Way only has 2 more weeks left to reach it's fundraising goal of 2.6 million dollars.  So far they've raised just over 1.6 million and there's another 955 thousand more that needs to come in.  Several donation ceremonies are taking place Thursday which should help bring the fundraising total up. 

Accident Traps Passengers

Two people are survivors of a traffic accident near Nipigon yesterday that had them trapped in their vehicle for a time. OPP say the driver lost control on an icy stretch of Highway 17 and then rolled over a steep embankment. After two hours the 40 year old male passenger managed to free himself and helped the 65 year old woman who was the driver get out as well. A couple of road clearing workers managed to find the couple and take them to McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay where they are recovering.

Chief Happy Bail Safety Program Renewed

It seems the Provincial Government has changed its mind when it comes to the funding of the Police Bail Safety program.  The program was set to expire at the end of this March, but now will run until the end of March 2014.  Police Chief JP Levesque says it's music to his ears.  The bail safety program allows an officer to alert domestic abuse victims when their abuser is being let out of jail.