No Foul Play In Kenora Death

Police in Kenora say it appears a recent death in the city was a tragic accident.  They found the man lying on the street under a broken forth floor window.   He was identified as a  construction worker from Toronto.  Police say a post mortem shows there was no evidence the death was the result of foul play

PSAC Ponders Legal Route

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is looking into legal action against the Treaty 3 Police Service. Judith Monteith-Farrell from PSAC, who represents officers in the service, says changes to employment conditions were made without consultation. Monteith says they had no options but to look at legal action. Monteith says the changes affect officers salaries, parental leave benefits, and include the laying off of 7 officers. However, Chief of Police Operations Terry Armstrong says the force was forced to take these actions, due to a lack of provincial and federal funding.

Elderly Man Struck By Car

An 83 year old man is recovering in hospital after police say he was hit by a car on the city's north side this morning.  They say the man was crossing on a green light at Balmoral and Beverly when he was struck by a car making a right turn.  The car driver, a 74 year old woman, is charged with careless driving.

It's Shoes And Champagne 2

A reality TV star in Canada is coming to Thunder Bay to help Habitat for Humanity raise money.   Jody Claman of the Real Housewives of Vancouver will be here on June 20th to take part in the second Shoes and Champagne event.   That's where designer shoes, signed by celebrities,  are auctioned off.

Readiness Strategy A Great Game Plan: Mason

The city's mining czar thinks our new mining readiness strategy puts Thunder Bay on the right track.   The strategy is a comprehensive blueprint of what needs to be done to prepare and promote the city for the anticipated mining boom.  John Mason says the report should make mining officials sit up and take notice calling it a great path forward and a great game plan. The report says 10 mining projects in the region will inject 1 billion dollars a year into the city's economy.

Sachigo Lake Teens Walking To T.Bay

Teens from Sachigo Lake First Nation are walking from their community to Thunder Bay starting today.  The youth are on a fundraising walk for the new Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School's residence.  They hope to be in Thunder Bay by April 27th by walking 60 km a day.

Bombardier Gets More Work

Southern Ontario will be getting another 28 Bi-Level Go Trains from Thunder Bay's Bombardier plant. Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says the purchase will boost the City's economy. Design of the cars is already underway, with production scheduled to begin this summer. The first delivery of the new fleet will arrive in 2014.

Greenstone Mayor Pleased With Mill Talk

The Mayor of Greenstone says nothing is a done deal yet when it comes to the reopening of Longlac's former Buchanan mill.  Ron Beaulieu says he's hopeful talks will go well between the parties involved in the deal. Beaulieu says Buchanan has already applied for a licence to open the mill.

Chief Collins Says Farewell

It's the last week in office for Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins. Fort William is holding it's election this weekend, with a new chief being crowned Monday afternoon. Collins fondly recalls his years as Chief. Collins will be saying goodbye to Thunder Bay city council Monday night.

Pick Up Truck Fire

City Police and Fire Crews are looking into a vehicle fire on South Algoma Street.  The pick up truck was parked behind an apartment complex and sustained extensive damage.  The call came in around 4:15 this morning and forced residents to vacate their apartments while the fire was put out.  Foul play is not being ruled out at this time.

Inspectors To Return To Derailment Site

Investigators will be back at the site of this weeks train derailment near White River Friday.   Rob Johnston leads a team of government safety inspectors who are trying to figure out what happened to thrown 22 CP freight cars off the track.   Johnston says some evidence at the scene will be sent to Ottawa for inspection and he doesn't expect to know the cause of the derailment for some time yet.

Police Make Arrest In Charity Theft

One person is charged in connection with the theft of a charity cash collection in the city last week.  Police say they nabbed the suspect while he was riding his bike in Westfort this morning.  The 28 year old is to make a court appearance tomorrow.   The charity jar was taken from the Frederica Street Robin's coffee shop. 

Power Company Formed With First Nations

Thirteen First Nations and mining giant Goldcorp say they now have an agreement to incorporate a new power company called Wataynikaneyap Power.   This new company is developing a transmission line that will connect remote First Nations communities in the northwest currently powered by diesel generators.   The eventual aim is to have the First Nations ownership at 100 per cent.

MOE Says Oil Spill Didn't Harm Environment

Government scientists say there is no harm to the environment as the result of a train derailment and oil spill on the CP rail tracks near White River. Kate Jordan of the Environment Ministry says there is no impact to the nearby river, which is the source of the communities drinking water.  She says the spill has been contained and that ministry personnel are at the site. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation by authorities.

Campbell Calls For Help For Libraries

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River says public libraries are more important than ever before. However, Sarah Campbell says that funding for libraries has been ignored by the province. Campbell is calling on the provincial government to come up with a new funding strategy to make sure libraries can thrive despite tough times for many municipalities.

LHIN Looking To Improve Diabetes Care

The number of people living with diabetes in Northwestern Ontario is among the highest in the province. To combat that, the local health authority continues to provide more coordinated diabetes care. Susan Pilatzke is the Senior Director of Health System Transformation, and says they are looking at how they can improve patient care. In 2012, the local health networks took over the role for diabetes services from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

College Funding

Confederation College President Jim Madder has a wish list for the upcoming Provincial Government Budget. At Pre-Budget consultations yesterday, Madder told the Province he would like to see more funding for a rebate program for students who attend college directly after high school. Madder is also asking for a dual credit program for high school students expanded as well.

Experimental Lakes Area Closure

Fresh water impacts everyone's daily lives. That's a message from the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association regarding the closure of the Experimental Lakes Area. Susan McLeod with the Property Owners Association says the research is important to everyone. Mcleod says they continue to push the importance of the facility through discussions with MP's and letter writing campaigns.

White River Oil Spill

Canadian Pacific says an oil leak from a freight train that derailed in a remote stretch near White River has been contained and poses no risk to the public. Spokesperson Ed Greenberg says 2 of the 20 or so cars that came off the tracks contained light sweet crude that temporarily leaked. He says it's believed about four barrels escaped and cleanup procedures are underway. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the derailment.

TBDHU Concerned About Strep Outbreak

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is looking into a death at Lakehead Manor retirement home following an outbreak of group A strep. Health Unit spokesperson Darlene Binette reminds people to help stop the spread of disease. Binette says Lakehead Manor is the only facility in the city to be affected by group A strep.

New Online Mining Directory In The City

Thunder Bay is launching it's new interactive online Mining Sector Goods and Services directory. Mining Services Manager John Mason says they've already got 400 companies listed on the site. Mason says the directory is easier to navigate and can be found on the Community Economic Development Commission's website.

Aboriginal Liason Strategy Anniversary Being Celebrated

The City is celebrating the anniversary of it's Aboriginal Liason Strategy. Clerk John Hannam says the plan outlines four roles for the City and he feels they've come along way since its inception. Hannam says the relationship between the City and area First Nations has greatly improved since the plan was put in place.

Former AIDS T.Bay E.D. Serving Time

Former AIDS Thunder Bay Executive Director Lawrence Korhonen is serving 90 days in jail after being sentenced March 14th in Ontario Court.  Korhonen was found guilty of invitation to sexual touching stemming from an incident in a restroom at the Grandview Mall last year.  Officials say when Korhonen is released he won't be able to be alone with anyone under the age of 16.  AIDS Thunder Bay released a statement saying he is no longer employed with them.

LU Hands Out Honorary Degrees

Lakehead University is handing out honorary degrees to some prominent Canadians. Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin is one of four people receiving honourary degrees from LU. Thunder Bay's Mining Development Manager John Mason also received a degree.

Clement Fires Back At Mulcair

FedNor Minister Tony Clement is striking back at NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair.  Clement says the leader of the Opposition is purposely misleading Northerners about cuts made to FedNor's budget.  Clement's statement comes after Mulcair's visit to Thunder Bay yesterday.

Lakehead Introduces New Hockey Coach

Bill McDonald is being introduced as the new coach of Lakehead University Men's Hockey team today. McDonald says he's trying to get a feel for his new team. McDonald says he will be implementing a gritty style of hockey for the upcoming season.

Mauro Happy Consultation Happening

Thunder Bay is playing host to a pre-budget consultation today. The Provincial Standing Committee on Finance is listening to the public's comments on the budget at the Airlane Hotel. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says its the second time they've spoken with local groups this year. The consultation session is scheduled from 9 until 5.

Toronto Man Found Dead In Kenora Named

Kenora OPP have named a Toronto man who died in Kenora on Sunday. Officials say 36-year-old Michael Sylborne was found dead on the street under a broken fourth floor window at the Best Western Lakeside Inn. Police had been called to the hotel to respond to a disturbance around 3:45 in the morning on Sunday. Police added Sylborne had been in Kenora while working on a construction project in the area.

Arrest Made In Connection With Robbery

Thunder Bay Police have made an arrest in connection with a March 28th robbery from the May Street Mac's. Officials say an off duty officer noticed the suspect on Victoria Avenue and notified police. Police say 28-year-old Blake Nicholas Kowalchuk was arrested without incident.

Charity Donation Jar Stolen

Thunder Bay Police are investigating a theft from Robin's Donuts on Thursday. Officials say a man stole a "Change for Autism" charity donation jar from the Robins on Frederica Street. Police are describing the man as a Caucasian male with scruffy facial hair, wearing a striped toque and a green hoodie.

Foul Play Not Suspected In Death Of Dryden Man

Ontario Provincial Police are looking into the death of a Dryden man. Police say the man was trapping animals on Jumping Lake, and that his body was found in the snow near his cabin. Officials have identified the man as 43-year-old Derrick Lancaster.

Vickers Arson

A fire that occurred at a vacant Donald Street house is being investigated as a case of arson. Spokesperson Eric Nordlund says there were signs of forced entry and all signs pointed towards someone starting the fire. Nordlund says Sunday's fire started in the basement.

First Foreign Ship To Load At Port

Thunder Bay's Port has welcomed the first foreign flagged vessel to its Port.  Harbour Master Guy Jarvis says the Isadora was the first international ship to pull into Thunder Bay this morning.  Other international ships making their way into the port today include Makagawa and the Federal Hunter.

Tom Mulcair In The City Today

A stop in Northwestern Ontario for the leader of the Opposition Party. Tom Mulcair is in Thunder Bay today to tour the Bombardier Plant, as well as meet with Nishnawbe-Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Harvey Yesno and the Port Authority. Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell and Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty will join Mulcair in his visits.

Accurassy Opens New Facility

Thunder Bay is now home to a one of a kind mineral assessment facility. Accurassay is opening its new sample crushing facility. The facility was made possible through funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Kenora Hotel Victim From Southern Ontario

OPP have identified the victim of a death at a Kenora hotel as a man from Toronto. The incident at the Best Western Lakeside Inn took place around 3:45 on Sunday morning where it appears a man fell from a room on the 4th floor. The victim's name is being withheld until the family is notified.

Credit Union Amalgamation Gets Regulatory Approval

Regulatory approval is paving the way for Kenora's Copperfin Credit Union and Thunder Bay's Superior Credit Union amalgamation to proceed.  Member and Shareholder voting will take place April 9th in Kenora, and April 11th in Thunder Bay.

Crimestoppers Video Challenge

Thunder Bay's Crimestoppers is pleased with the seven entries they received for their first Safe Schools Video Challenge.  They asked local schools to create video public service announcements.  Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School won first place for their "Hate Hurts" video.  Second place went to Westgate for their "Deadly Bullying" video.

Cancer Society Launches Daffodil Days

Yellow flowers will be blooming across the city over the next week as the Canadian Cancer launches their annual Daffodil Days fundraiser. Spokesperson Maria Cabrel says this is the last year they are selling live flowers and hopes to sell every last one.  Bunches of the flowers will be sold across the city over the next week to raise money for cancer research.

School Board Finds Savings

The Lakehead Public School Board is reporting it spent almost 5 million dollars on school bus transportation in the 2012-2013 school year.  Superintendent of Business David Wright says that's less than they've paid in previous years and attributes the decrease to a number of reasons.  Wright says they've been using a mapping program to find efficiencies in their bus routes.

OPA Symposium In T.Bay

Advancing towards production in the mining industry.  That's the theme of this year's 2013 Mines and Minerals Symposium held by the Ontario Prospectors Association.  Executive Director Garry Clark says they are hoping for a great turn out.  The event is being held in Thunder Bay tomorrow and Wednesday.

Kenora OPP Investigate Death

Kenora O.P.P have confirmed that a death has taken place outside the Best Western Lakeside Inn.  The incident took place on Sunday morning around 3:45 after police were called about a disturbance inside a hotel room.  Constable Dave Cain says that upon arrival officers found a male lying on the sidewalk underneath a broken window in the 4th floor.  The man was taken to the hospital where he died a short time later.

Mission Island Collision

A 24 year old man is charged with impaired driving causing bodily harm after an early morning collision on Mission Island.  Police were called to 106th Street just before six in the morning Sunday.  A west bound vehicle left the road, crossed the ditch and hit the railway tracks.  Three people were in the vehicle, two were taken to the hospital with one man in serious but stable condition.

House Fire At Donald and Vickers

Thunder Bay's Fire Department says Sunday's vacant house fire is suspicious.  Crews were called to the scene of a blaze at the corner of Donald and Vicker Street around 3:25 yesterday afternoon. Spokesperson Eric Nordlund says they've completed their on site investigation of the blaze and maintains the fire is questionable since there was no power to the home.  He adds the home was broken into and they've decided not to ask the Fire Marshall's Office to investigate.  Nordlund says it could be several days before they have an exact cause of the fire.

Quiet Start To Fire Season

April first is the start of the new forest fire season and so far all is quiet.   Deb Maclean of the Ministry of Natural Resources says it's in stark contrast to last year at this time when there were 14 fires even before the season even began. Officials will be working with a budget of about 60 million dollars this year.

Transit Fare Go Up Today

The city is reminding bus riders that fares are going up today April first.   Among the highlights, the exact cash fare goes up five cents, a 20 ride pass increases by five dollars and a row of 10 tickets will cost 4 dollars more. As well all the prices will be available to Handicapped Transit customers.

Dew Drop Inn Serves Easter Dinner

The Dew Drop Inn will be feeding the needy this weekend. They will be serving Easter dinner this afternoon for about 300 people. Dinner is being served at 2:30 today.

First Nations Save Energy

First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario have a chance to save energy through a new program. The "saveOnenergy Aboriginal Conservation Program" is offered by the Ontario Power Authority and First Nations Engineering Services. Director of First Nations and Métis Relations with the OPA Hilary Thatcher encourages communities to get involved. Thatcher thinks First Nations from across the region should apply for the program.

Lakehead University Skiers Win Big

Lakehead University's Men and Women Nordic Ski teams are Overall Team Champions at the Canadian Varsity Cross Country Championships in Whistler B.C. Coach Adam Kates is very proud of his skiers. Kates says the program will continue to grow in coming years.

Canfield Backs Government Budget

Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says the government is doing the right thing by investing more money into aboriginal communities. Speaking about the federal budget, Canfield says the government is addressing some pressing issues. Canfield says the funding for skills training is very important in the region with the mining and forestry sector expected to boom.

Last Year For Daffodils

This is the last year you can buy daffodils to support the Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Campaign. Starting next year, pins will be available for a small donation. Sioux Lookout Branch President Lisa Husak says 100-percent of the proceeds go to cancer care programs. Husak says the reason they won't be giving out daffodils anymore is due to cost and transportation factors.