Ammonia Leak Isolated

Thunder Bay's Fire department is still on the scene of an ammonia leak at the tournament center.  Platoon Chief John Mills says crews were called to the facility just before 9:00 o'clock this morning where they found a leak in a piece of equipment.  Crews from Winnipeg are on their way to the help repair the equipment.  There are no injuries and no one except for emergency responders are being allowed in the building.

Hwy 11/17 Study Set For Summer

The Provincial Government is kicking off a study into upgrading Highway 11/17 through Thunder Bay.  Thunder Bay Atikokan M.P.P. Bill Mauro says they're looking at a 13 kilometre stretch of highway between Arthur Street and Balsam Street.  Potential improvements include widening the highway to four lanes and building new interchanges. The preliminary design study and environmental assessment are to start this Summer.

Expressway Accident Tuesday AM

O.P.P. are warning motorists about potential debris following a two-vehicle accident this morning between Red River Road and John Street Road. Police say there are no known injuries at this time and neither of the two trucks involved are blocking traffic. Motorists are being to advised to watch out for potential debris. 

OSSTF Not Impressed

The leader of the local Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation calls the Province's intention to repeal Bill 115, "Smoke and Mirrors".  Paul Caccamo says it's silly to scrap the legislation now since the Government used it to force contracts on teachers.  The Provincial Government is moving to remove the bill Wednesday.

15-Thousand Goes To Flood Relief

Thunder Bay's Disaster Relief Committee is on the receiving end of a 15-thousand dollar donation. The money was provided by the Thunder Bay Plummers, Steamfitters and Welders Union.  Funds brought in will go towards victims of the May 28th flood.

Natural Gas Smell On Arthur

Union gas is looking into a number of reports of natural gas being smelled in the area of the Valhalla Inn and the Arthur Street area this morning.   District Manager Dave Sword says crews are on the ground trying to determine if there was indeed a leak.  Sword says sometimes valves may release in an effort to regulate the pressure and that may have been the cause of the odour but he can't confirm that actually happened.

New Sand Point F.N. Chief

Sand Point First Nation is getting a new Chief.  Laura Airns was recently elected to the top position with 83 votes.  Airns was a band councilor for the last 8 years and at 31 she is one of the youngest women to take on the position of Chief in Canada.

Murder Charge Upgrade

A Thunder Bay woman is now facing a murder charge.  She was originally charged with aggravated assault in relation to an incident in the Brant Street area last month.  Dead is 28 year old Moses Kakekagumick.  Kimberly Fox remains in custody and will make a court appearance February 19th.

City Council Has Pin Questions

City Council needs more information about a proposed plan to create a new city pin.  Council wants more input on creating the pin and has asked staff to come back with the issue at a March council meeting.  The new designs for the pin will not replace the City's official logo.

Budget Meeting Compromise?

City Council is going to try to find a compromise.  Staff brought Councillors a new 5 day budget meeting schedule, but Councillor Trevor Giertuga would have to miss most of the meetings up until ratification because of his holidays.  Staff will now go back to the drawing board and try to find a new schedule that will allow all 13 members of council to attend most of the meetings.

Staff To Look Into 10th Ave Lot

A client of Re/Max First Choice Realty is interested in buying a piece of vacant land from the City.  Broker Vince Mirabelli told City Council Monday night that someone wants to build a single family home on the lot located at 931 10th Avenue.  The land isn't currently for sale but City Staff plan to meet with the interested party.  The area is not developed and doesn't have city services.

Fundraising Goal May Be Too High

It appears that the city's Disaster Relief Committee's 5 million dollar fundraising goal may be too high.   Chair Wayne Fletcher says the target was originally set in June and was only a guess.  However,  Fletcher says it doesn't mean they will raise enough money to cover 100 per cent of everyone's claim.  He won't release the new fundraising objective just yet,  saying that will come shortly.  

Mac's Most Wanted

Mac's Convenience Stores is out with a most wanted robbery video on YouTube.  Spokesperson Sean Sportun says they've compiled a video with security camera footage of four unsolved robberies of their stores in Thunder Bay in 2012. 

Training Facility Proposed Near Upsala

The Department of National Defence wants to build a new range and training area near Upsala.  The weapons marksmanship facility would be used by members of the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy Reserve.  The proposed project includes 15 firing lanes, administration buildings and a rappel tower.  A Federal Environmental Organization is looking into whether an assessment of the project is required and anyone with concerns can comment up until February 7th.

Teranorth Fined 115 K

A Sudbury construction company is pleading guilty to a charge laid in connection with a fatal industrial accident outside of Thunder Bay in 2011.  A spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour says Teranorth Construction has been fined 115 thousand dollars following the accident at the McKenzie River Bridge when a platform lift tipped over killing a 24 year old employee.  There is also a 25 per cent victim surcharge.

NAN & City Police Head For Mediation

The City's Police Service and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation will be going before a mediator March 4th.  The two sides will try to find a resolution to NAN's complaint that a spoof Thunder Bay Police e-mail entitled "Fresh Breath Killer Captured" was made public.  If the two can't reach an agreement the complaint will go before the Ontario Human Right's Tribunal for a hearing.

Renco Foods To Open In Centennial Square

Renco Foods is going to open a grocery store in the former Quality Market location in Centennial Square.  A spokesperson for the grocery chain says that they are opening in the near future but don't have an exact date yet.  Quality Market closed its doors in the fall.

Waterfront Work To Start Next Month

The next step in the waterfront condominium project takes place this week. One of the developers,  Gisele MacDonald says they will be going to city hall to begin the construction process tomorrow as they apply for a foundation building permit to start work on the parking garage.   MacDonald says work will get underway in early February with the entire condo development expected to be complete by June of next year.

Salvation Army Cleans Up After Accident

The Salvation Army is asking its customers to be patient after a car crashed into their building.  Earlier in the month, a car lost control and smashed into their store front window damaging the glass and foundation.  The Salvation Army says the cold weather is making shopping and everyday operations cumbersome.  The organization is hoping the incident won't have a negative impact on donations or store sales.

Shelter Gets Big $$$

A huge cash injection for Thunder Bay's Shelter House, in fact it's one of the largest single cash donations in the history of the homeless facility.   The shelter received 200 thousand dollars from Northwood Park Church.   Shelter boss Patty Hajdu says the money is being set aside  for future building projects.  The church was able to raise the money  through the sale of their building.

Storm Generates Accidents, No Fatalities

Thunder Bay O.P.P. say there were no fatalities from a Winter storm over the weekend. Police say they responded to 43 motor vehicle collisions between January 18th and January 20th. Officials say on Saturday there were 16 tractor trailer units that had either been involved in a collision on Highway 17, or driven off the road into the ditch.  Most of them near Upsala.

Crime Of The Week

City police and CrimeStoppes are looking for assistance in helping to solve the following crime. Sometime between November 2nd and November 5th  someone went onto a property on Flet Road and stole a green Yamaha Grizzly 600  A.T.V. They used 2x4's from the camp to help load the all-terrain vehicle. Anyone with information about who may may be responsible for this theft is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Police Investigate Pedestrian Accident

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a pedestrian accident that happened on the corner of Arthur and Norah Street at approximately 6:40 last night. A man was walking with his dog when a woman struck him with her car. He was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries while the dog was seriously injured. The woman has been arrested and charged with failure to remain at the scene and driving while disqualified.

Greenstone to Host Expo in Spring

Greenstone is looking to expand its mining workforce. The community will be hosting a "Grow Greenstone" Expo in Thunder Bay this spring. Spokesperson Vicki Blanchard says the expo will provide businesses from across Canada a chance to network with community and mining industry officials. Another aspect of the expo is to attract skilled labourers.

Chamber Offers Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is offering two 500 dollar Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards to students entering Lakehead University or Confederation College. Students who want to apply for the bursaries can pick up an application form at the Chamber's office. The deadline to apply is January 31st.

McCarville's Rink Off to Tournament of Hearts

Thunder Bay's Krista McCarville leaves for Kitchener today for the Ontario Scotties Tournament Of Hearts. The three-time champion heads into the competition with high hopes of representing the province once again at the national level. McCarville says her team was formed three years ago and she would love nothing more than to get back to a big stage. McCarville along with Marlo Dahl's team will represent Thunder Bay at the provincials starting tomorrow. 

Highway 17 East of Upsula Closed

Highway 17 east of Upsula is closed in both directions due to a multi vehicle collision. O.P.P. advise drivers to take Highway 11 as a detour if necessary. The estimated time of the closure is not yet known.

Vegan Iron Chef Competition at Confederation College

4 people are vying for the chance to be crowned the Vegan Iron Chef of Thunder Bay. The first meat and animal product free cooking competition in the City is taking place at Confederation College this afternoon. Organizer Frances Talarico says competitors will be coming up with some unusual recipes. The winner will be crowned at the awards party later tonight.

NOMA VP Nominated to President

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield could pick up some new duties later this year. Kenora council is nominating Canfield for the position as president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. Canfield is currently vice-president of NOMA.

16th Annual Influential Women Nominations

Nominations are being accepted for the 16th Annual Influential Women Of Northern Ontario Awards. Operations Manager with Northern Ontario Business Kimberly Wahamaa says six women will be honored at two separate events in June. She adds more information can be found online at www.influentialwomen.ca. Nominations are due by February 22.

Structural Fire In Shuniah

An Alder Road home in Shuniah is completely destroyed after the chimney caught fire Friday morning. 2 people were in the house at the time and managed to escape.  The fire was thought to be put out but it later spread to the floor, roof and garage.  3 fire departments including Thunder Bay were called to the blaze.

Storey Sentenced To 2 years

OPP Sgt. Darryl Storey is sentenced to 2 years in prison and can't drive for 5 years.  He was convicted of dangerous driving causing death in connection with a 2008 traffic accident that killed 18 year old Jasmine Veneruzzo.  The judge brought down his sentencing this afternoon.

Dilico Hires 9 New Mental Health Workers

Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is using its share of provincial government funds to hire 9 new mental health and addiction workers.  The trained professionals will help First Nation kids get better access to culturally appropriate care such as counseling, group therapy and crisis intervention.  Executive Director Micheal Hardy says it's great news for area communities. One of the workers will be placed at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, two will deal with a backlog of cases within Dilico's service area, and the others will be placed in First Nation communities.

OLG Slots Pay City

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is issuing its third quarter cheque to the city for hosting its casino. The payment is for more than 6-hundred-and-three thousand dollars.  That's five percent of the casino's slot revenue and is up dramatically from the 5-hundred-and-eighty-four thousand dollars collected in casino slots during the same time last year.

T.Bay Hydro Solar Projects Online

Two Thunder Bay Hydro solar panel projects are now online producing energy.  The 280 kilowatt system on the Victoriaville Parkade and the 60 kilowatt system on the Superior North EMS Headquarters produce enough electricity to power 36 homes.  Spokesperson Jim Kibiuk says they plan to install more solar panels on another four buildings in the City.  Kibiuk says Thunder Bay Hydro is dedicated to building a portfolio of renewable energy assets.

Dog Attack Case Back In Court

The man charged in connection with a dog attack in Tarbutt Park in November of last year will be back in court next month.  57 year old Frank Vantroba appeared in court this morning and will be back on February the 25th to set a trial date.  Vantroba is charged with criminal negligence in addition to charges laid by the city's Licencing and Enforcement division.  The attack seriously hurt an 11 year old boy.

Confederation College Gas Leak

A gas pump leaked 140 gallons of fuel into Confederation College's storm sewage system earlier today.  President Jim Madder says they've taken the necessary actions including calling the Ministry of Environment and having the gas pumped out of the catch basin.  Madder says they don't know why the gasoline pump broke but they are looking for the answer.

Witnesses Sought In Hit & Run

City police are looking for help from residents in the area of University Drive and Inglewood Crescent who may have heard a crash just after midnight on Thursday morning. They are hoping someone has information about a vehicle that fled the scene. A driver of white mini-van lost control and slammed into a parked car on the 100 block of University Drive. Extensive damage was done to the rear of the parked car, and it is expected that the front of the white mini-van will also have damage. Any witnesses are asked to call city police or CrimeStoppers.

O.P.P. Sargeant To Be Sentenced Today

O.P.P. Sargeant Darryl Storey is scheduled to appear in court today to be sentenced on a charge of dangerous driving causing death. Storey plead guilty to the charge in connection with a 2008 incident which claimed the life of 18 year old Jasmine Veneruzzo. Storey is appear in Superior court today.

Thunderwolves Weekend Preview

The Lakehead University Thunderwolves hockey team is back at home tonight for the first of two against Ontario Tech. The Thunderwolves lead the Ridgebacks by 9 points in the West division standings. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort William Gardens. The L.U. basketball teams are on the road in London this weekend for a pair of games against the Mustangs. Western is two points up on the Thunderwolves in the women's standings while the Western men's team has just one win on the season.

Bell Changes Tower Plans

A planned cell phone tower for 1360 John Street Road is now being proposed for 1376 Louis Street instead.  City planner Thora Cartlidge says Bell Mobility has changed its plans and city council will get a full update Monday.  She says that instead of holding a second meeting with John Street residents Bell opted to locate the tower in another nearby location. That too is expected to involve a public meeting.

Gravelle Says Its A Tight Race

Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle thinks its going to be a tight race between his choice for Liberal Leader Sandra Pupatello and former Education Minister Kathleen Wynne.  The final vote for the leader of the Provincial Liberals comes down the weekend of January 25th.  Gravelle is pleased the majority of Thunder Bay Superior North delegates selected Sandra Pupatello in the first round of voting last weekend.

Bus Shelters To See Improvements

Bus shelters in Thunder Bay are about to get some fixing up.   The federal government is granting the city 250 thousand dollars to make those improvements.   The shelters which will be targeted  are those that are the most frequently used and those that have been identified for infrastructure improvements. Transit Manager Brad Loroff says it's part of Transit's Master Plan.

Charges Laid In Villa Street Incident

Police are charging a 21 year old man with aggravated assault in the Villa Street incident last month.  An incident at the Villa Street home lead to the death of one man and sent a second to the hospital with life threatening injuries.  The young man was arrested at the Provincial Courthouse after being released on Breach of Probation charges from a previous incident.   The 23 year old victim of the assault remains in critical condition in a Toronto area hospital.

Meeting Over, No Immediate Solution

Hobbs, Bentley, Angus

 The City's Energy Task Force is vowing to continue to work with the Provincial Government and the Ontario Power Authority when it comes to the conversion of the Mission Island Power plant. No decision has been made on the possible closure of the local facility.  Mayor Keith Hobbs says he's hopeful after today's meeting with Energy Minister Chris Bentley.  Both the Energy Minister and the Mayor have said they'll continue to talk about the future of the facility and what role it will play in the region's energy needs.

Bus Shelters In Line For Improvements

Bus shelters in Thunder Bay are about to get some fixing up.   The federal government is granting the city 250 thousand dollars to make those improvements.   The shelters which will be targeted  are those that are the most frequently used and those that have been identified for infrastructure improvements.

Flu VS. Common Cold

Influenza "A" is running rampant in the the city and is being blamed for 7 deaths already in seniors homes.   Darlene Binette with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit says there are differences between a common cold and actually having having the flu. The most common differences between the common cold and the flu are the sudden on-set of symptoms which include high fever, muscle and joint pain along with a cough. Binette says if you have the flu, you should wait until you're healthier to get a flu shot. Otherwise she's encouraging everyone to get immunized through your local doctor, pharmacy or flu clinic.

Many Engines Dead

The cold weather today is wreaking havoc on engines. C.A.A. Field Coordinator Wayne Salatino says they are seeing an increase in the number of emergency calls to their office today.   Salatino says they could get up to 150 calls for emergency service today alone which is 3 times the number of calls received on an average day.  CAA has a couple of tips for motorists who want to avoid getting a boost. Make sure your vehicle is tuned-up, plugged in overnight and that the battery is relatively new.

Severe Cold Deadly To Animals

Thunder Bay's Humane Society is reminding pet owners they need to take care of their animals during these severe cold temperatures.  Executive Director Maryanne Klynendorst says outdoor dogs should either be brought inside or proper draft free shelter should be provided to them.  It's also a good idea to beep your vehicle's horn before starting it since cats often curl up under vehicle hoods to stay warm.  Klynendorst says if you are worried about an animal please call the City's animal services and if the animal is in the outlying rural areas call the Humane Society and they will take care of them.

Health Unit Holds Board Elections

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is updating its board.  Board elections were held yesterday during their annual meeting.  Shunia Mayor Mariah Harding was re-elected as Chair, and Thunder Bay's Beatrice Metzler was elected as Vice Chair.

OPG Conversion Meeting Today

The future of the Mission Island power plant is up for discussion in Thunder Bay today as Energy Minister Chris Bentley meets with municipal officials in the region.   The conversion of the plant from coal to natural gas is on hold as the government studies claims that shutting the plant down could save 400 million dollars.