City Reopens Campground & Streets

The City is reopening some streets, trails and campgrounds after the weekend's heavy rain fall.  Chippewa Campground, Melbourne Road, Toms Road, Mapleward and all recreation trails are reopened.  The only exceptions include the trail under the Edward Street Bridge, Arundel Street and Kline Road remain closed.

Grant Buys Dance Floor

Chalk one up for the organizers of the popular Lakehead Music Festival.  They've scored a 93 hundred dollar grant from the Ontario government's Trillium Foundation according to MPP Bill Mauro who says the money will be used to buy a portable dance floor.

Wynne Tours Resolute FP

Kathleen Wynne's first official visit to Thunder Bay as premier is over.   After a morning trip to YES Employment Services the premier took in a tour of Resolute Forest Products where she got a look at the paper machine number five, the only paper machine in operation at the sprawling facility.  

Border Cats Expand Roster

The Thunder Bay Border Cats have added eight new players to their roster. The Cats signed back catcher Anthony Azar, pitchers Clint Knoblauch, Ryan Atwood, Chris Kerwood, Caleb Smith, Daniel Stoney, Clay Cinnamon, as well as infielder Derek O'Dell. The Border Cats open their season on June 1st against the Willmar Stingers at Subway Field.

DSSAB Takes Over Water Bills

From now on all social housing tenants in the city will have the costs of water added to their rent.   Bill Bradica of the District Social Services Board says it will eliminate problems when some tenants pay water bills and others don't.  He  says they will have the costs added to their monthly rent there-by saving administrative headaches for the board. Bradica says in some cases tenants will see a savings with the combination of costs.

Police Ask Public For Help

Thunder Bay Police are looking to the public for information about an assault on the city's south side. Police say a woman was assaulted near the 700 block of Syndicate Avenue South sometime before two o'clock on Monday morning. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Fishing Season To Bring Heavy Traffic

The Canada Border Service Agency is expecting higher traffic volume at the Pigeon River border crossing. CBSA officials say they are anticipating more travelers over the next three weeks due to the start of fishing season in Northwestern Ontario. Border officials are advising travelers to plan around peak traffic periods if possible.

Wynne Visits T.Bay

The Province is still in negotiations.  That's the message on several topics from Premier Kathleen Wynne.  At a news conference this morning in Thunder Bay, Wynne was asked about topics ranging from the Ring Of Fire to more money for local flood victims all with similar responses.  Wynne says the conversation about the conversion of the local Coal Plant is also ongoing.  Wynne was in the City to tout her government's youth employment initiatives in the Provincial budget.

Highway Closure

Highway 587 remains closed at Joe Creek, close to the Sleeping Giant Provincial park. The closure is due to a washout, due to recent heavy rainfall. For more information, call 511.

Fednor Provides Funding For NAN

60-thousand dollars of Fednor funding is going toward the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Fednor Minister Tony Clement announced it yesterday, saying the money will go towards Aboriginal Business management training. This funding will allow NAN to set up at least ten business management training summits throughout the region.

Active Transportation Corridor Discussed

An Active Transportation Corridor in the Bay Street area is garnering plenty of attention.  200 residents took part in a Red River Ward meeting last night that showcased the multi-year plan.  Councillor Andrew Foulds was also at the meeting and says people had a lot of questions about pedestrian safety.  The bike and walking plan spans an area from Bay Street to Marlborough Street and still needs to go before Council before anymore work can be done.

Premier Wynne To Visit City

Premier Kathleen Wynne is coming to Thunder Bay tomorrow.  It's her first visit to the city since becoming premier.  According to a notice from her office she will be at YES Employment Services in the morning and touring the Resolute Mill in the afternoon.

State Of Emergency Continues On FWFN

The Fort William First Nation remains in a state of emergency as the result of weekend rains.   Chief Georjann Morriseau says about 80 people remain away from their homes and there is still no firm time on when they will go back.     She says their homes need to be cleared by health officials before the evacuees can return.

Work Resumes At Accident Site

It's back to business at the construction site of the new courthouse on the city's south side.   Matt Blajer of the Ministry of Labour says one week after last week's crane accident, the whole site has been deemed safe after the stop work order was lifted yesterday. Blajer says the ministry is continuing its investigation into what caused the crane to tip over

Well Owners Advised To Boil Water

The Health Unit is strongly advising well owners in any areas affected by this past weekend’s high water levels to boil your water before you drink it.   Officials say well water used for brushing teeth, making baby formula, washing foods and cooking should also be boiled.

PARO Gets More Money

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is giving just over 352-thousand dollars to PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise. PARO Executive Director Rosalind Lockyer says the three year grant will be used to provide training for would be young entrepreneurs in Northwestern Ontario.  Lockyer says the money will go along way with covering the costs of salaries, training opportunities and producing materials for their training programs.

Fire At Mobile Home Park

No injuries to report after a fire on Pamona drive off Rosslyn Road this morning.  One fire official  says it started in the crawl space of a mobile home.  Captain Chris Beaucage says damage is minimal and that the floor of the home never caught fire.   The cause is under investigation.

Kenora Council Says No To More Lake Front Cottages

Kenora City Council has voted against a moratorium for developments on Black Sturgeon Lake.  Dan Olscamp, president of the Black Sturgeon Lake Property Owners Association says the lake is at a critical point.   Council has confirmed the city will include water testing on the lake as part of the 2014 budget.

A Tale of Three Mayors

The Mayors of two cities that were devastated by flooding last year are getting together tonight to share their experiences. Don Ness of Duluth, MN, and our very own Keith Hobbs will share their stories about springtime flooding in their communities. Salvation Army Major Roy Langer will also be discussing the forest fires that ravaged Slave Lake, AB. "A Tale of Three Mayors" Red Shield fundraising dinner will be held tonight at the Valhalla Inn.

Nukes Designation Antiquated: Hobbs

The Mayor says it may be time to change the city's designation as a so called "nuclear free zone"   It was passed by a previous council, but Keith Hobbs suggests it's only symbolic right now.  He says if you only knew what went through Thunder Bay Bay on the highways there's lots of nuclear material that comes though.  Hobbs calls the designation antiquated.

Students Enter The Den

It's time to enter the den for five would be high school entrepreneurs to strut their stuff.  Caralee Rousell of Thunder Bay Ventures says the 5  are vying for cash prizes if the judges chose their business proposals. She says they include beef jerky and dog treats. The presentations are taking place at Hammarskjold High School starting at 1 o'clock this afternoon.

Gliddy Back Behind Bars

City police are reporting an especially violent  long weekend.  It included  several assaults, two of which resulted in the arrest of Thea Gliddy.   She is the thirty one year old woman who was originally charged in connection with a 2010 murder at the Inntowner Hotel.  She was released after charges in the case were stayed.    Gliddy is now charged with 3 counts of aggravated assault  in connection with incidents at the Memorial Avenue Bridge and at a May Street apartment which sent three people to hospital.

Former CIBC Investor At Hearing

A former Thunder Bay financial advisor is before a National Discipline Hearing this week in Toronto.  Pirkko Ann Ramsay is facing allegations that she borrowed funds from two clients without their knowledge and misused it.  Ramsay was a CIBC Investor Service Representative.

Resolute Refuses To Sign "Draconian" Deal

Resolute Forest Products is refusing to sign on to the new Boreal Forest Agreement effectively killing the proposal. The deal was designed to prevent the over-harvesting of trees.  Spokesperson Seth Kursman says it would have had a detrimental affect on communities and First Nations throughout the north. He says the demands from  many environmental groups were draconian and would have lead to the cancellation of company projects in Ignace and Atikokan. The deal had been signed by seven environment organizations and 19 forest product companies in Canada

Tactical Service Unit A Boon To Police Force

Thunder Bay's 14 member Tactical Service Unit is talking up their recent accomplishments.  Sgt. Rino Belcamino spoke to members of the Police Service Board today and says they offer one of the most successful K9 units in the Province.  They are also the only hostage rescue unit in Northwestern Ontario.

Police Services Board Roundup

Thunder Bay's Police Chief says the force's 2013 budget is on the right track.  JP Levesque presented a financial update to members of the Police Services Board earlier today.  The nearly 36 million dollar budget is operating in the black.  Meanwhile,  A drug abuse treatment centre in the City would like 12 unclaimed bikes from the Police Service.  They've asked for the bikes for the 16 to 25 year old First Nation Youth who stay at their facility.  The Police Services Board is working with the treatment centre and will consider the request.

New Board Member?

Thunder Bay's Police Services Board should have a new member soon.  A position is open ever since Deborah Johnson's term expired at the last board meeting.  Chair Joe Virdiramo says the Attorney General will hopefully make an announcement soon.  Virdiramo says hopefully the Attorney General received lots of applications.

Zone Watch Deadline May 27th

The City's Police Service is pleased with the number of people who have applied for their new online "Zone Watch" program.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says 62 applications have been sent in so far.  The deadline to apply is May 27th.

Hudak Has Plans For Ring Of Fire

Ontario's PC leader says he would make changes to advance the Ring of Fire.  Tim Hudak says his party would make 4 key changes including putting a Minister in charge of the mining project.   Hudak believes the Ring of Fire can be to Ontario what the Oil Sands are to Alberta.

Hyer Objects To Radio Station Move

A local MP is wading into the fight to keep the radio station in Marathon operating out of the community.  Bruce Hyer says he has filed an objection with the Canadian Radio and TV Commission over the plan by Dougall Media to have the station broadcast all programming out of its studio here in Thunder Bay.  He joins MPP Michael Gravelle who has also fired off a letter to the CRTC objecting to the plan

City Dodges Rainfall Bullet

City officials are expressing extreme relief that we were spared from heavy rains overnight.  Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Chair Bill Bartley we dodged a bullet.  He says, as a result,  the flood warning for the city has now been lifted.  Bartley says while there has been some localized flooding the city is being spared because of the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway.  There are still some roads in the city that are closed due to flood damage and they will reopen after repairs.

5 To 10 MM Of Rain Last Night

Environment Canada says the City saw an additional 5 to 10 millimeters of rain last night and not the 70 mm that was originally forecasted.  Meteorologist Arnold Ashton says we'll see the rain go away later in the day.  A severe rainfall warning for the region ended over night.

Officials Keep Eye On Rising Water Levels

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and the City are keeping a close watch on rising water levels in area waterways.  50 to 60 millimeters of rain was recorded over the weekend with 70 millimeters more forecasted for last night.  City Infrastructure Manager Darrell Matson says they're on high alert and the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Plant is performing as they expected.  Roads in and around the City are experiencing ponding and flooding.  Any roads covered with water should be avoided and you should seek alternate routes.  Local roads that are closed include: Arundel Street near Toledo Street, and Melbourne Road near Hazelwood Drive intersection, Chippewa Road at the City Road intersection and at the Chippewa Park Wildlife Exhibit.  The recreation trail under the Edward Street Bridge is also closed.

OPP Say Only Some Back Roads Still Washed Out

OPP are reporting that all major highways remain open and previous washed out rural roads are now passable.  Police say only some small back roads are still treacherous.

FWFN State Of Emergency

Fort William First Nation is in a state of emergency.  170 members of the First Nation have been evacuated since yesterday. Chief Georjann Morriseau says they'll be meeting today to review the flood situation.  Homes were damaged and several roads are closed due to washouts in the community.

Leaf And Yard Waste Starts Today

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste starts this week. Spokesperson Brad Adams says the collections will take place on your regular recycling day, between today and the end of the month. Adams also says each bag has a weight limit of 40 pounds.

FWFN Residents Evacuated

There are about 170 residents of the Fort William First Nation who are spending the night away from home. They have been evacuated and are being put up in a local hotel due to flooding. Chief Georjann Morriseau says the situation will be reviewed in the morning after the overnight rain. She also says there are numerious road closures in the community due to washouts.

LRCA Issues Flood Warning

The city is now under a flood warning from the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. The warning also includes all the municipalities surrounding Thunder Bay. The Authority says 50 to 60 millimetres of rain has already fallen and another 40 millimetres is forecast to fall this evening and overnight. It says flooding is imminent or already occurring with the the Authority's area of responsibility

FWFN Declares Emergency

The Fort William First Nation is in a state of emergency.   Chief Georjann Morriseau says flooding of homes in the community and washed out roads forced her to sign today's declaration.

Road Washouts The Results Of Heavy Rain

The Ontario Provincial Police are warning of potential road washouts in the area, saying that Highway 527 about eight and a half kilometers from Highway 11/17 is washing out, but still passable. Elsewhere, Mountain Road at Tuxedo Drive is washed out, and no traffic is able to pass through.

City Infrastructure Running Properly

Following steady rain over the last day, and more rain coming,  city staff are monitoring city infrastructure. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations Darrell Matson, says that everything is running how it should be, and that the sewer system is running properly. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a ‘Flood Watch’, which indicates the potential for flooding.

City Residents Prepare For Flooding

Some Thunder Bay residents are preparing for flooding. Mary Street resident Rod Skirving says water is already making its way into his basement. Skirving says they still have some of their stuff in storage from the flood last year.

Kiptoo Wins Ten Mile....Again

Gilbert Kiptoo

Gilbert Kiptoo, of Kenya, is the winner of this year's Firefighter Ten Mile Road Race, running the race in just over 51 minutes. Dominique Aulagnon was the first local runner to cross the finish line in just over 53 minutes, and says the race was a bit grueling because of the weather. Aulagnon says the race was exciting, and is happy with his results.

Ontario Parks Reminds Campers Not To Drink

Ontario Parks is offering some much needed advice to campers this weekend. Bruce Van Staalduinen says there is an important drinking ban in place at most provincial parks. Van Staalduinen also recommends inspecting all your camping gear to prevent any problems once you get to the campsite.

Ten Mile Road Race Underway

Despite the rain and poor weather, the Firefighters Ten Mile Road Race is underway. The race started with a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston bombing. Over one thousand runners are taking part in this year's event.

It Takes Two To Help At Risk Youth

The CEO of a youth leadership institute is currently riding his bike across Canada in support of at risk youth. Derrick Shirley will be in the city today to promote his organization's signature "It Takes Two Program", that has police officers and at risk youth riding on tandem bikes. Shirley is scheduled to be in thunder bay from today until Wednesday.

MNR Fire Safety Tips

Man made forest fires are a huge concern for the Ministry of Natural Resources this long weekend. Heather Pridham with the MNR says there is on number to call if you see a forest fire. Pridham says some very important tips to prevent a forest fire is to keep fires small and shelter them from the wind.

Fire Dept. Cautions Cottage Owners

The fire department is reminding people to make sure their camps and cottages are properly prepared against fires. Spokesperson Anthony Stokaluk says that fire safety is just as important at camp as it is at home. Stokaluk also says that it's important to have a carbon monoxide alarm in working order.

Campbell Calls For WSIB Reform

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River claims injured workers are being treated like criminals. Sarah Campbell makes that assertion in calling for reforms to the Workers Compensation Board. Campbell says it's disappointing that too many workers often have to fight for years to receive even the basic benefits.

Police Looking Into Assault

Thunder Bay Police are looking into the assault of a 31-year-old man. Police say the assault happened on Field Street on Saturday Afternoon. Officials say the victim was taken to hospital with serious facial and head injuries.

Long Weekend Shooting

One man is charged with Attempted Murder and Careless Use of a Firearm following a shooting at a long weekend get together. Ontario Provincial Police say two men got into a fight Saturday night at a party at Pace Lake, when a third man stepped in and fired a gun, hitting one man. A 28-year-old Thunder Bay man was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries.