No Room For Laundry

Residents of several Thunder Bay apartments will have to go without washing their clothes for a while, as their washing machines and driers were pried open and damaged by an unknown person. The police request anyone with information come forward, and remind tenants to be mindful of who they let in.

The incidents from this weekend occurred at:

- 1800 block of East Walsh Street
- 900 block of South Syndicate Avenue
- 600 block of Kingsway Avenue

- 2800 block of Redwood Avenue

- 200 block of Banning Street

NDP Upset Over FedNor Cuts

Federal New Democrats are bashing the federal government over its lack of acknowledgement of northern Ontario in the recent budget.  MP Charlie Angus says the only reference of the region came in a passing reference related to economic development in southern Ontario.  The NDP are also critical of the 10 per cent cut to FedNor's budget.

Robbi Weldon Brings In More Awards

The Provincial Government is celebrating Ontario's top amateur athletes and coaches in both national and international arenas.  Thunder Bay's Robbi Weldon is taking home the Female Athlete with a Disability of the Year award for her Para-Cycling competitions.

CPAWS Calls For More ROF Consultation

Environmental approvals for the development of the Ring of Fire are running into difficulty.  The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is teaming up with First Nations asking for a mediation on how Cliffs Resources plans to develop the project.  Director of Conservation Planning Anna Baggio says there needs to be more public hearings. Baggio says they are hoping that someone can take a look at the entire region and figure out what needs to be done in the long-term.

Cost of Dryden Mobility Revealed

It's the number many people have been waiting to hear.  The City of Dryden will get around 4-million dollars from the sale of Dryden Mobility to Tbaytel.  Financial Advisor Paul Heayn says this still results in a large chunk of debt.  Heayn says Dryden received about 4.3 million for the sale of landline and internet services, which doesn't dip into the red as much.

EDC Gets New Face

There is a new face on the board of the city's Economic Development Corporation.   City councillors voted to appoint Barbara Courte to the position.  Courte is the owner of Cobra Drilling. 

City Management Gets Raise

Management at City Hall is getting a raise.   Councillors voted to give the them a one and three quarter per cent increase retroactive to January the first of this year.   It is considered to be within the salary increases given to unionized staff in the corporation.

Extra Waterfront Spending Approved

The city is dipping into the  reserves for an extra 600 thousand dollars to complete phase one of the waterfront project.  It wasn't without a fuss being made by some councillors, like Rebecca Johnson who says she was promised there wouldn't be any need to spend more money.
Johnson says she's upset that there is really no choice but for council to spend the extra money.

Katherine Dugmore Dies

Former city Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore is dead.   Her passing was announced before Monday evening's city council meeting by Councillor Mark Bentz who acknowledged her work on Prince Arthur's Landing.     Dugmore had been battling cancer for some time and took a leave of absence in 2011 to have it treated.   She returned to work for a short while about a year ago before taking time off again.

Extra Waterfront Spending Approved

The city is dipping into the  reserves for an extra 600 thousand dollars to complete phase one of the waterfront project.  It wasn't without a fuss being made by some councillors, like Rebecca Johnson who says she was promised there wouldn't be any need to spend more money.
Johnson says she's upset that there is really no choice but for council to spend the extra money.

Katherine Dugmore Dies

Former city Waterfront Manager Katherine Dugmore is dead.   Her passing was announced before this evening's city council meeting by Councillor Mark Bentz who acknowledged her work on Prince Arthur's Landing.     Dugmore had been battling cancer for some time and took a leave of absence in 2011 to have it treated.   She returned to work for a short while about a year ago before taking time off again.

Anonymous?

Thunder Bay police say they have nothing to do with a new video which at first glance appears to be another offering by the Internet group Anonymous.  While the video references a sexual assault case in Edmonton, it attempts to draw attention to what is thought to be a pro police rally April first in the city and what is termed a "fake Anonymous" gathering April 5th and 6th.
 

LU Gets A New Research Chair

Lakehead University is getting another Canada Research Chair position. Pauline Sameshima is the new Research Chair for arts. She says its a great opportunity for herself and the University. Sameshima says she will be working with her counterparts nationally and the local arts community.

Disaster Relief Update Postponed

City Council is going to hear an update from the Disaster Relief Committee in two weeks.  It was originally supposed to take place tonight.    Chair Wayne Fletcher says it appears they'll be able to pay out all of the flood claims.  Fletcher says they still have to process another 60 claim forms but expects money to flow in a couple of weeks.

Collaboration Against Violence

Today, eight child welfare and violence against women agencies are coming together to sign an agreement to combine their efforts to end violence against women and children. The groups, including Dilico Anishinabek Family Care signed a similar agreement back in 2003, but it has been amended and changed significantly since then.

Grow Green Expo

Greenstone is in the city this week to talk up its role in the emerging mining industry.  The community is hosting "Grow Greenstone" expo at the Victoria Inn this week as away to attract skilled labourers to their community.  The expo will provide businesses from across Canada a chance to network with community and mining industry officials.

Feathers Of Hope Youth Forum

Thunder Bay is playing host to youth delegates from 91 First Nation communities.  The young people are taking part in the Feathers of Hope forum that talks about suicide prevention, first nation culture, and education.

Gravelle Pleased With Northern Consultation Session

Northwestern Ontario will have pre-budget consultations after all.  Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says Thunder Bay will host a session on April 3rd.  The Liberals say they are considering holding video or tele-conferences so that area communities can also take part.

Police Looking For Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a weekend robbery of a Mac's Convenience Store in the City's north end.  A man entered the store carrying a knife and demanded money.  Police say the suspect got away with an undisclosed amount of money.  Officers are looking for a man six feet tall with a heavy build.

NOSM Wants Men To Be Active

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is challenging local men to stay fit and active. Medical Student Hilary Bowler says they'll be offering events throughout the week including a healthy living lecture on Tuesday. Bowler says they'll be offering more programs into the Spring and Summer.

Second Times The Charm?

A group of parents in the city is trying again to set up an alternative school in the city.  After one failed attempt  going at it alone,  organizer Arlene Thorn says they hope to do it under the umbrella of the Lakehead Public School Board.  Thorn says the group is responding to a Board request for proposals on alternative schooling.

Alzheimer Society Offers New Safety Program

The Alzheimer Society of Ontario is introducing their new wandering safety program for people with dementia called "Finding Your Way". Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay Executive Director Alison Denton says the program is beneficial for the people of Thunder Bay because of the city's northern location. Denton says the Thunder Bay Alzheimer Society will be able to offer the program to those who need it.

Local Music Legend Passes Away

A local music legend has passed away. Roy Coran, the leader of the well known Big Band, and owner of the iconic Coran's music store died yesterday. Coran's daughter, Debbie Anderson says her father's life was music. He was 83 years old.

FWFN To Host Mining Conference

The Fort William First Nation is hosting their first mining conference on Monday and Tuesday at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre. The conference will focus on informing people about job requirements and job opportunities within the mining sector. Topics such as careers for women in mining and aboriginal mining will also be discussed.

Rickford Budget

The federal government is promising not to cut anymore services in northwestern Ontario with its latest budget.Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says even though finance minister Jim Flaherty is committed to balancing the budget within three years, services will be maintained. Last year's budget included the closure of the Experimental Lakes area east of Kenora, but it wasn't announced publicly for several months after the fiscal document was tabled in the House of Commons.

Earth Hour 2013

Tonight at 8:30, why not make a difference and leave a positive impact on the environment? Eco Superior spokesperson Raphael Shay says local residents are encouraged to take part in Earth Hour by turning off their lights for a full hour in order to reduce energy usage. Earth Hour will run from 8:30 to 9:30 across the globe.

CAS Boss Praises Adoption Tax Breaks

No complaints from Rob Richardson at the Children's Aid Society.   The Federal Budget is extending tax breaks for people who want to adopt a child, something Richardson is happy to hear about.  Richardson believes it will help to increase the number of children that are adopted and says it's good to see the federal government is thinking about the needs of families.

Slovak Legion Doing Fine

The Slovak Legion on Atlantic Avenue is doing well.   Officials say there are rumours flying that it is about to close which is not true.   They say such an urban legend only serves to have an negative impact on the organization at a time when legions are struggling to begin with. 

Community Auditorium Nominated For National Award

The Community Auditorium is nominated at the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Awards.  Manager of Marketing and Development Trevor Hurtig says it's the second year they're up for the Performing Arts Centre of the Year Award.  Hurtig says it's great to be recognized.

Baird Defends Budget

Regional Minister John Baird is selling his government's budget as good news for Northern Ontario.  The Foreign Affairs Minister is downplaying FedNor's budget being cut 10 percent.  Baird is also touting skilled trades training that will help the mining industry.

Celtic Fair Line-up Announced

Fort William Historical Park is celebrating summer with a Celtic Fair full of concerts and camping under the stars. July 19th will bring the Irish Rovers, as well as the group Celtica. On July 20th, they'll have a flash back night with Pat Benatar, Colin James and Glamrock group Sweet.

NAPS Tweet-A-Thon Today

Police in Northwestern Ontario will be participating in a global Tweet-A-Thon today.  The Nishnawbe-Aski Police are one of the many forces that will be posting on the social media website.  Sergeant Jackie George says people who don't use Twitter can also view similar posts on the NAPS Facebook page.

Health Unit Looking At Flu Shot Clinics

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is going to consider marketing their flu shot clinics differently next year.   The board recently received a review of their influenza program that suggests marketing the clinics differently.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they'll be getting more insight from a public survey.  The survey will ask locals why they chose not to get their flu shot from the Health Unit.

Hajdu Likes Funding For Homeless

The Harper government is pledging to extend funding for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy beyond 2014.  That is music to the ears of Patty Hajdu the executive director of the city's homeless shelter who says Thunder Bay benefits from that program.  Hajdu is also pleased the program will focus on "housing first" which she calls a proven idea.

Federal Budget Riles Local MPs

Thunder Bay independent MP Bruce Hyer is attacking the federal budget on several fronts siting no improvements to the Canada Pension Plan or tax breaks for small businesses.  He does however says there document does help the mining industry. Hyer is disappointed there are no tax reductions for small businesses.  Meanwhile, Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is calling the budget a shell game.

Geraldton Man's Body Found

OPP are reporting they found the body of missing 32 year old Erik Legarde.  Around 11 o'clock yesterday they found the body of Legarde on a bush trail in Geraldton.  The OPP are looking into the circumstances leading to his death and a post mortem exam is taking place over the next couple of days.

Man Charged In Viral Video Incident

Dryden Police are charging the man accused of assaulting a Pikangikum First Nations man at a local fast food restaurant.  22-year-old Christopher Donylyk of Geraldton made arrangements to turn himself in to Dryden Police after learning of the investigation.  The incident captured widespread attention on social media.  The incident was reported Tuesday night by a long time Dryden resident but the date of it isn't known.  Several witnesses came forward to assist in the investigation.  Donylyk will appear in Sioux Lookout court today for a bail hearing.

Mayor Moves To The Head Of The Cash

The latest figures from City Hall show Mayor Keith Hobbs was the highest paid elected city official last year at over 110 thousand dollars in salary and expenses. Number two was Councillor Joe Virdiramo at over 50 thousand dollars. The mayor also had the most expenses with over 15 thousand dollars. Councillor Mark Bentz was the only elected official with no expenses reported.

Northern Lights Education Initiative Back At It

The Northern Lights Education Initiative is looking for public support for an alternative education proposal.  They're holding a series of workshops at the Baggage Building at Prince Arthur's Landing starting in April.  The organization is hoping to team up with the Lakehead Public School Board to offer a new type of education.

Dryden Police Identify Victim

Dryden Police continue their investigation of an assault at a fast-food restaurant.  Chief Rob Davis says they have identified the accused and the victim, who is from Pikangikum First Nation.  Police say their names will be withheld as they continue to investigate.  Davis says they are still asking for the public's help identifying the person who shot the video, adding that they are not a suspect or in trouble with police for capturing the footage.

Respect Founder Honoured

The first ever Respect award winner is Thomas Russell of the Student Union at Confederation College. He is the originator of the Respect campaign against racism, homophobia and bullying which started at the college and spread to City Hall. Russell says the award is humbling.  It was given to him at the annual Diversity Thunder Bay breakfast this morning.

Consultant Comes In To Help Store Evidence

City Police continue to have too much evidence for the amount of storage rooms they have.  A recent audit shows they have just under 27-thousand items in their care and control.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says they've invited a consultant in to look for solutions.  Adams says the consultant is going to consider a new layout for their building.

Catholic S.B. Receives Report On Aboriginal Education

The Catholic School Board wants to include culturally appropriate education tools for its First Nation students.  They recently received a report on where First Nation students are doing well and where they struggle.  Spokesperson Omer Belisle says they're considering a number of new initiatives.  Belisle says they'll also bring in text books in First Nation languages.

MoneySense Magazine Releases Best Places To Live List

MoneySense magazine is out with its annual list of best places in Canada to live.  In the best Cities Overall category Thunder Bay is ranked number 92, and in the midsize market we are number 34.  The rankings take into consider the number of days with rain, the temperature, and the jobless rate. To check out the whole list click here.

Janzen's Robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a man they believe robbed the Janzen's Pharmacy on Frederica Street yesterday.  They say a man entered the store just after 5 o'clock and robbed the pharmacy at knife point.  There were no injuries in the incident.   The man made off with a small amount of prescription medication.

Health Unit Drops Program

The Healthy Child Development program is no longer going to be handled by the District Health Unit.   Spokesperson Doug Heath says it's hoped the program can be given to an organization that can put more focus on it. Health says it's not a program that they are required to provide. He says the board is recommending to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services that the program go to the Children's Centre.

Hobbs Encouraged By Wynne's Order

The mayor calls it encouraging.   Keith Hobbs is reacting to news that Premier Kathleen Wynne is ordering  Ontario Lottery and Gaming to rewrite its formula for locating new casinos so that all municipalities are treated in the same way. Hobbs says the news comes at the right time as the city prepares to negotiate a new agreement to begin in April.  Hobbs had been concerned that a new Toronto casino would get a sweeter deal from OLG than we are currently getting.

Cath Lab Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Regional Hospital officials are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the cardiac catherization lab.   The procedure allows a tube to be put into the heart to help provide treatment.   Since it was started officials say 27 thousand patients have had the procedure done.

Waterfront Project Almost Half A Million Over Budget

Remarkable is what city official Greg Alexander calls it. He says for phase one of the waterfront project to come in at only 1 per cent over budget speaks to how hard the project management team worked to keep costs down. Alexander hopes it silences any critics on city council. In dollar terms the variance works out to just under half a million dollars.

Viral Video Shows Assault

Dryden Police are investigating an assault at the Dryden McDonalds. The incident was captured on video and immediately went viral on social media. It shows a young man abusing a customer who was sitting down to eat. Police Chief Rob Davis says the incident was reported yesterday night but he believes the attack happened before that day. Davis is asking the public for help to identify who shot the video of the assault or who witnessed the incident. He says they have been able to identify the victim and the accused and notes charges are likely going to be laid.

Snowy Spring

The first day of spring brought with it cold temperatures and snow still on the ground.  Our newsroom went to City Hall to ask residents what they thought about the lack of warm weather.

Future Of Power Plant Still In Limbo

Uncertainty continues to surround the future of the Mission Island power plant. Councillor Andrew Foulds listened to the update from Ontario Power Generation officials this morning and says the conversion of the plant to natural gas remains on hold with no plans to change that. Foulds says the decision makers in southern Ontario don't appear to realize the energy challenges the region faces in the future.

Police Spending Over 2012 Budget

Thunder Bay Police are finishing off last year's budget year in the red.  They ran over their 34 million dollar budget by 179-thousand dollars.  Chief JP Levesque says they've worked really hard to keep their cost over-runs modest.  Levesque provided the Police Services Board with an update on their spending at yesterday's meeting.