Mayor Calls Royal Edward Arms A Cesspool

The days are numbered for the Royal Edward Arms apartments on May Street.   Mayor Keith Hobbs says the District Social Services Board will not renew the lease with the city when it expires, and you aren't hearing any complaints from the mayor who calls it a cesspool which will cost 10 million dollars to fix up.   Hobbs says there will be other housing found for the current tenants when in closes by 2015.

Local 10 Mile Runners To Remember Boston

Organizers of the annual 10 Mile Road Race on Victoria Day will pay respects to the Boston Marathon tragedy.   Ralph Hibbert says what form that tribute will take isn't known, and that it's still in the planning stages.   Hibbert says about 1 thousand runners are expected to participate.

Wunnumin Lake Fire Kills Three

Nishnawbe Aski Police are confirming a fatal fire in Wunnumin Lake First Nation 360 km northeast of Sioux Lookout. Sergeant Jackie George says three people are dead following a house fire early yesterday morning. All three are reported to be girls and aged 1, 6 and a 21 year old woman. Officials say the community of roughly 600-people is devastated.

CBSA Releases Border Stats

Canada Border Service Agents are being kept busy at the Pigeon River border crossing.  Last month a US resident tried to enter Canada and was referred to immigration where they discovered the traveler had been convicted for delivering LSD in the States.  She was turned away and returned to the US.  Meanwhile, in the Spring, two US residents crossing the border claimed they didn't have any firearms or weapons in their vehicle. Upon further examination it turned out they had a .38 calibre handgun in the centre console of the vehicle.  The driver was charged for failing to report his handgun to agents and paid fines over 3-thousand dollars.

Highway 593 Open

The Ministry of Transportation has crews working on Highway 593 today after water flooded the highway near the Highway 588 intersection.  The water has receded.  Highway 593, 7.8 km south of Highway 588 has now been re-opened to traffic in both directions.

Campbell Raises ELA Issue

The government may have said it will save the Experimental Lakes Area but the fight is continuing.  Speaking in the Legislature, Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell said that the Ontario government has failed to re-open the facility.  In response, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Laurel Broten says the ELA remains in control of the federal government and work on a deal is continuing to re-open the facility.

Treaty Three Vote To Be In PSAC

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is looking after the Treaty Three Police Service.  PSAC Regional Vice President Sharon DeSousa says majority of employees have voted YES to union protection.  DeSousa says the service still wants to fall under Provincial Jurisdiction, instead of Federal and number of issues will be resolved once the jurisdictional challenge has been rolled on.

Careful With That Axe...

A Dryden man's quest has resulted in some trouble with the law.  City Police were contacted on Monday regarding a man, who appeared to be drunk, wandering around Wilson's Trailer Park carrying a long handled axe.  Police arrived, and say that the man told officers he was looking for someone and was " going to chop them up into little bits".  As a result, police have charged 24-year-old Richard Halverson with uttering threats to cause bodily harm.

Rickford Reacting To NDP MPP

The MP for Kenora is reacting to comments made by MPP Gilles Bisson that both levels of government need to start thinking about relocating some First Nations communities in the far north because of annual spring flooding.  Greg Rickford says moving some communities would be part of a long term plan.  Rickford says the feds are currently helping impacted communities by investing in significant building and residential upgrades.

More Pigeon River Border Tales

A recent report from the Canada Border Service Agency tells of how two Canadian Residents picking up packages in the United States were left with a hefty fine.  The traveller was told to go into the office and pay the duty and taxes on their parcels when they told the border agents they didn't have their receipts and they would go to their car to look up the details on their cell phone.   Instead of returning to the office they ran away without paying.  OPP caught up to the man and as a result he was charged a thousand dollars on top of the taxes and duty on his goods.

Charge Laid In Tuesday Accident

Police say a 57 year old man is now charged in connection with a traffic accident at Ridgeway and Syndicate on Tuesday.  They say he's the driver of a pick up truck that collided with a motorcycle.   Police say the 60 year old motorcycle driver is recovering from a serious injury.  Police say the charge relates to a stop sign violation.

Centre To Become Fire Station.

The North Neebing Community Centre is about to be transformed into a fire hall.  Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says it's so the current Neebing Fire Station can be rebuilt.  Hankkio says the coverage area will not suffer as a result of the move since the community hall is only a block away.  Hankkio says the new Neebing fire hall should take about a year to complete.

Evacuees Set To Return Home

The stay is almost over for 150 residents of the Kashechewan First Nation.  They've been living in the city since the weekend after being evacuated from their flood stricken northern community.   City officials say the planning process is underway to bring them home within the next few days.

EMS Boss Admits To A Busy Monday

The city's top paramedic is playing down a report that ambulance service was delayed Monday night.   Norm Gale of Thunder Bay Emergency Medical Services says while his crews were busy,  all urgent calls were prioritized and answered immediately.  Gale stresses that at all times an ambulance was available that evening,  and there were no long responses to any call.  

Suicide Prevention Task Force Updated

Thunder Bay has seen an increase in support for youth suicide prevention. Youth suicide prevention task force co-chair Sheila Hansen says over thirty organizations are partnering up to help tackle the issue. This partnership includes ten more organizations than the original, signed in 2009.

CMHC Low Housing Starts

The poor weather conditions in April are having an impact on the latest Canada Mortgage and Housing Statistics. Analyst Warren Philp says so far 2013 has seen 11 housing starts compared to 24 last year. Philp says we saw four new housing starts last month.

Construction Closes Roads

Officials with the City say Central Avenue to Fanshawe is closed today while construction crews work in the area. Local traffic can still get to the College and Fanshawe via detours. Central Avenue to the Harbour Expressway also continues to be closed.

City Can Host 300 More Evacuees

The city says it will be able to handle an additional 300 northern flood evacuees if necessary.  Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says  the decision follows a meeting of emergency officials this afternoon.   He says it means if Emergency Measures Ontario needs to evacuate more residents, then Thunder Bay has the room for 300 of them.  The city is already hosting 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation.

McHappy Day In Thunder Bay

Today is McHappy Day in Thunder Bay. McHappy Day is a fundraising event that gives one dollar from most McDonalds purchases to Ronald McDonald house and Easter Seals. Spokesperson Kathy Bukovy says they've raised millions of dollars nationally. Bukovy says that in the last month, three local families have gotten help from the Ronald McDonald house.

RFDA Asks You To Give It Up

The Regional Food Distribution Association is asking you to "Give It Up" today for Hunger.  The Hunger Awareness day will include local residents giving up food by fasting for the day.  RFDA Spokesperson Volker Kromm says it will help teach people what it's like to go hungry.  Kromm says besides fasting you can also donate food to your neighbourhood food bank.

Collision Sends One To Hospital

One person is recovering from injuries sustained in a south side traffic mishap.   Police say it happened Tuesday afternoon at Syndicate Avenue and Ridgeway when a motorcycle and car collided.  The motorcycle driver was sent to hospital with injuries that are not considered a threat to his life.

City Can Host 300 More Evacuees

The city says it will be able to handle an additional 300 northern flood evacuees if necessary.  Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio says  the decision follows a meeting of emergency officials this afternoon.   He says it means if Emergency Measures Ontario needs to evacuate more residents, then Thunder Bay has the room for 300 of them.  The city is already hosting 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation.

Street Sweeping Starts

City street sweeping is underway.   Officials say it takes approximately six weeks to complete the work along main roads and other major streets. Once these roads are done, crews will move into residential areas.

Sgt. Defends Police Checks

 A concern is being raised about how police inspect vehicles heading to the city's Solid Waste and Recycling facility on Mapleward Road.  A listener believes police are being too intrusive and overstepping their boundaries, but City Traffic Sgt. Glen Porter says not so.    Porter says officers are going by the book as they check drivers who are taking advantage of free dumping this week.

Victim's Condition Improves

City police say the 36 year old victim of a weekend assault is now in fair condition.   He was originally listed in critical  after being found injured outside an East End house on Sunday night.  Five teenagers are charged in connection with the violent incident.

Rickford In Kapuskasing

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is in Kapuskasing today on behalf of the Prime Minister overseeing the evacuation of flood victims from Kashechewan First Nation.  600-people have been forced from their home and have been relocated to Thunder Bay, Kapuskasing and Cornwall.  Rickford says it's been a fairly smooth transition.  Rickford says it's not yet known how long the evacuation order will remain in place.

Habitat For Humanity Women Only Build

Local women are trading in their heels for work boots.  It's part of Habitat for Humanity's first ever women build in the City.  CEO Diane Mitchell says often women are intimidated by men at the build sites and that's why they are holding a women's only build.  The Mary Street East home is going to a single mother with four sons.  The single mother came from Burma seven years ago with her husband and the boys but shortly after arriving in Canada her husband passed away.

Cliffs Mining Training Graduates More Youth

A step closer to working in Northwestern Ontario's mining industry for 14 students.  The youth from Webeuie First Nation are the latest graduates of the Mining Essentials Program, offered by Cliffs Resources and Oshki Training and Education Institute. Oshki Executive Director Rosie Mosquito says the students were able to learn a lot.  Once the mines are up and running, Cliffs has stated they will likely hire the students.

Strike's Impact Not Known

A spokesperson from Infrastructure Ontario says it's too early to speculate on how an elevator constructors strike will impact the work on the Consolidated Courthouse.  Jennifer Asals says they're hopeful the matter will be resolved soon and that there will not be any major impact on the schedule for the project.  levator union members and sheet metal workers went on strike last week.

Chamber Pleased With Idea Pick Up

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is pleased their Provincial counterpart adopted two of their ideas at their recent meeting.  The province wide Chamber will be asking the Wynne Government to repeal the Far North Act.  They'll also ask the Province to reform Ontario's Apprenticeship system.

Health Unit To Conduct Inspection Blitz

Body art and beauty shops in the city better have their act together.   The Health Unit says it will be conducting an inspection blitz of them all this month.  It's to ensure they comply with infection prevention control laws laid out by the government.

MP Questions Reliability Of Census Data

 Next weeks data from the latest Canadian census will be the first since the questionnaire became voluntary to fill out.  MP John Rafferty is wondering if the information gathered from northwestern Ontario will be accurate enough. He says there will not be results to help northern communities get reliable data for future planning.  Rafferty it will also be difficult to compare the latest data to previous years.

Another City Mac's Robbery

The Mac’s store at Balsam and River Streets was the scene of an early morning robbery.  Police say a man entered the store at approximately 3 a.m.. The suspect demanded money and was armed with knife. There were no injuries and the man made off with a small amount of money and cigarettes.

Man In Critical Condition After Assault

A 36 year old man is in critical condition after he was beaten and robbed Sunday night.  Police say they found him lying in front of a home on McNaughton Street.  4 youths and an 18 year old man are charged with aggravated assault and robbery with violence.  Alcohol is thought to be one of the factors in the incident and the victim and the accused are all known to each other.

Cameron Street Bridge Under Repairs

The Cameron Street Bridge is down for repairs.  City spokesperson Mike Vogrig says that while the repairs will last until September, they shouldn't affect traffic too badly. The repairs will end up extending the bridge's lifespan.

Festival Breaks Attendance Record

Organizers of the annual Folklore Festival are basking in the glow of a successful weekend event.  They say all records have been thrown out the window with over 16 thousand people attending the 40th anniversary edition of the festival.

Councillor Looks To Keep Kids Safe

Councillor Brian McKinnon is going to ask staff to find ways of keeping kids safe at the intersection of Junot Avenue and Blucher Crescent. McKinnon says he'll present the matter at tonight's meeting. Staff will be tasked with looking for short term options for calming traffic.

Upgrades Coming To City Arena And Stadium

City Council is formalizing an agreement with FedNor over a million dollars in upgrades to the Delaney Arena and Fort William Stadium.Councillor Paul Pugh says the improvements are needed.The City's share of the million dollar project is 500-thousand.

SIU Looking Into OPP After Weekend Incident

The Special Investigations Unit is looking into an incident this weekend where a man was injured during an altercation with OPP.  OPP were called to deal with a suspected drunk driver on Highway 61 when they approached the driver he didn't listen to police when they asked him to leave the vehicle.  An altercation broke out and the suspect was taken to hospital for treatment of what the SIU says was a broken eye socket.  

City To Approve Construction Contracts

City lawmakers are set to put their stamp of approval on several construction contracts at their meeting this evening. Councillor Rebecca Johnson doesn't see any problem with councillors approving the five million dollars worth of work. Johnson says the work has already been approved during budget deliberations.

Thunder Bay Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Thunder Bay Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Walk For Suicide Prevention Today

The Out Of The Darkness Memorial Walk is happening today. This event is a three kilometer walk starting at Confederation College. Spokesperson Margaret Hajdinjak created the event as a way for people to celebrate the lives of people they've lost to suicide. The event will go from 6-8 pm.

Toronto Doctor Recommends New NWO CPR Guidelines

Healthcare guidelines specifically for Northwestern Ontario. Dr. Aaron Orkin with St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto believes that the current "hands only" CPR guideline may not work for local communities because it usually takes a lot longer for an ambulance to arrive. However, Orkin says any help is better then none at all. Orkin says people in Northwestern Ontario deserve guidelines that are designed with their needs in mind.

Navy Pays Tribute To Those Lost In WW2

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy are paying tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Commander of the HMCS Griffon Pete Flemming says Thunder Bay played a role in the critical fight. A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon today at 2.

Hike For Hospice Today

Hike for Hospice is taking place today at Boulevard Lake. Hike for Hospice is an event that helps raise money for Hospice Northwest, allowing them to continue providing services to over 300 people a year. This year's fundraising goal is 40-thousand dollars.

Local Grain Industry Changing

The grain industry continues to evolve. In the latest business move Parrish and Heimbecker and Cargill are proposing joining forces to streamline services which grainhandlers union boss Herb Daniher says will mean the closure of one elevator in the city. He says it's a sign of the times with a deregulated grain environment. He says it's too early to talk about possible job losses. The proposal still needs government approval.

NOHF Promotes Funding Opportunities

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is out promoting new funding opportunities for this region. Executive Director Bruce Strapp is encouraging communities to take the next step forward on a regional economic development initiative. Strapp says they will be consulting with municipalities and first nations the next couple of weeks to raise more awareness on the programs.

Awards For Keeping Work Green To Be Given

The Municipal Green Awards are being presented at City Council Monday night. Nominated organizations are the Airlane Hotel, The Green House and Agnew H. Johnson public school. The awards are handed out to organizations that act in environmental ways.

Officer Not Guilty X2

 An OPP constable is not guilty on two counts of assault causing bodily harm and a charge of public mischief.  Both charges were dismissed against Brian Bellefeuille in a Thunder Bay courtroom today.   Bellefeuille was charged by the province's Special Investigations Unit after a complaint from a man who says he was roughed up by the constable after being arrested in Geraldton in February of 2012.