Fire Hazard Extreme

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting the fire hazard across northwestern Ontario is high with pockets of extreme found in the Thunder Bay area.  Rain is expected later this week but the amount of rain and where it will fall is questionable.

Oliver Paipoonge Road Closure

There's a rural road closure today in the community Oliver Paipoonge.  Monteith Road between McCluskey and Boundary Drive is off limits from 8 am this morning until 5 tonight.  Crews are replacing a culvert during the closure.

Residential Tax Rate Going Down

The city's tax policy is changing in favour of residential property owners.   The new rate for the average city ratepayer is going down from 3 and a half per cent to and even 3 per cent much to the delight of Councillor Andrew Foulds who says residential taxpayers deserve a break. Under the new policy, the rate for business owners will go up just by point one per cent.

Whelan Building Renos Approved

The second phase of renovations to the Whelan Building are going ahead, but not all city councilors  like it.   Mark Bentz and Rebecca Johnson say spending the million dollars for renovations  will unfairly benefit a private business.  But the city's Mark Smith says  administration believes it's worth supporting and has the potential to create 240 new jobs.  In the end only Councillor Johnson voted against the renovations.

Virdiramo Opposes Site For Explanded Program

Expanding the alcohol management program by the city's homeless shelter is not sitting well with all city councillors.   Joe Virdiramo says allowing the program to expand to the old EMS building on George Street is only going to make problems in that area of the city worse.   He says it's because there's an overabundance of social services in the area the city may be creating a ghetto.  Shelter House officials made their case for expanding the program to the new facility, but Councillor Virdiramo says another location would be better 

Study Will Prove Program's Success

The head of the city's homeless shelter is claiming a new managed alcohol program is a success...and she plans to prove it. Speaking to city councilors last night  Patty Hajdu of Shelter House says a new  study will show how many emergency services are used by those on the street and how the program is helping to ease the problem.  Hajdu pleaded her case for additional space to help expand the program for destitute alcoholics.

Black Eye For Hospital

Dr. Gordon Porter, CEO Andree Robichaud

The Regional Health Sciences Centre is reporting a breach of patient confidentiality.  500 patient records including MRI images were shared with a doctor who had no authorization to look at them. Hospital President Andree Robichaud calls it a very serious issue and patients will be notified.  Robichaud says the doctor involved has been dealt with but wouldn't say exactly how.

Kasabonika In A State Of Emergency

There's another evacuation of First Nation residents from a northwestern Ontario community.   150 people have been taken from Kasabonika to Hearst and Greenstone because of flooding.  Emergency Management Ontario says the community is currently under a state of emergency because of the situation.

OPP Probe Suspicious Fire

OPP in Greenstone are looking into what they believe was an arson in Geraldton.  They say that an abandoned home in the community may have been torched on the weekend.  No one was hurt in the blaze and no arrests have been made.

No Driving On Closed Roads

City Police say people are not getting the message about driving on closed roads.  Police ticketed 50 people with driving in zones they shouldn't be.  Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says that includes Arundel Street.  Eight drivers were also ticketed for speeding in the area of the Golf Links Road construction site.

New Drug Overdose Program

The City's Drug Strategy is launching a new overdose prevention program.  Coordinator Cynthia Olsen says they'll be offering a kit that helps people with substance abuse problems spot the signs of an overdose.  The new kit also comes with a drug that will help reverse an overdose.  Overdose training will start June 5th.

Local Bees Threatened By Parasite

There's a new threat for honey bees in Thunder Bay. A deadly parasite known as the destructor mite has caused the bees to weaken during winter months. The local beekeeper association is offering to replace for free any infected hives that are destroyed to prevent their spread.

Forest Fires Over The Weekend

The forest fire hazard is moderate to high with some areas tipping up into the extreme range.  There were 4-new fires in the northwest region over the weekend.  5-fires continue to burn but no problems are anticipated.

Hunting Draw Info

Attention hunters, you can still apply for the 2013 Big Game Draws.  Ministry of Natural Resources Spokesperson Michelle Nowak says residents in Northwestern Ontario can hunt moose or antlerless deer.
Applications for moose can be made till May 31st and antlerless deer till July 2nd.   Paper applications are no longer being accepted, instead they are being done online or over the phone.

Internet Voting A Possibility

The city may be about to take the first step to allow Internet voting in the next election.   Councillor Rebecca Johnson says her colleagues  will be asked to support alternate voting methods for upcoming  elections...something she fully backs.  The other methods include voting by phone or by mail.

City Council Round Up

From tonight's City Hall agenda, one Councillor is questioning the wisdom of paying one million dollars so a private company can move into the Whelan Building.  Rebecca Johnson says the money would be for the second phase of renovations to the building.  Another 2 million dollars for the renovations would come from other government sources.  Meanwhile, Officials at Shelter House are planning to expand the fledgling  managed alcohol program.  Executive Director Patty Hajdu is to appear before city Councillors tonight with a plan to take the program into the vacant EMS building on George Street.

No Flood Costs Tonight

City council will not be dealing with the costs of last years flood at this evening's meeting.   They were going to get a report stating the total price tag for the May 28th disaster is about 44 million dollars.  However that report will now come up at next weeks meeting.

Two New Fires Reported

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting two new fires in the Thunder Bay area. MNR officials say one of the fires was a brush fire in Oliver-Paipoonge, but is now out. The other was located in the Gorham Township.

Local Fundraiser For Ski Ninjas Strip

A Thunder Bay based comic strip artist is launching an Indiegogo campaign to fund the printing and production of  his first collection.  You can kick in some cash to Kyle Lees' Ski Ninjas campaign from now up until July 5th. Lees says the book will showcase his strips and much more.  Lees fundraising goal is 2 thousand 500 dollars.

Splash Pad Now Open

The attractions at Prince Arthur's Landing are now open for the season. The city has opened up the splash pad from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the summer months.

Slight Changes To Transit

City Transit has announced altered schedules for a few routes for the summer months. The #2 Crosstown now comes every 30 minutes rather than 15. Also, there are slight improvements to the #7 Hudson route.

Planting New Trees For Arbor Day

The city is planting new trees in support of Arbor Day. A vacant lot on the Memorial and High intersection will be filled with new trees, as a demonstration of how trees can be used to create beautiful space with meaning. The event will run from 1-3:30 today.

Fire Season Starts Slow

To the relief of  the Ministry of Natural Resources the fire season continues its slow start. There were three new fires reported in the Northwest Region as of today.   Two were in the Red Lake District and one in the Dryden District. There were two additional active fires in the Red Lake District that began yesterday.  To date, there have been almost 70 fires burning an area of  just over 60 hectares in the Northwest Region.

Flood Report Postponed

An update from city councillors on last years flood will now take place at  the June 3rd council meeting and not Monday night as scheduled.   The report states that the total price tag for the disaster is pegged at about 44 million dollars.   City Councillor Rebecca Johnson says that administration postponed the presentation.

Private School Causes Buzz

The education community is buzzing with word that a  private high school is about to open at the former Quetico Centre near Atikokan.   It's the brainchild of Toronto's Michael Heaton who says he's shooting  for a September opening.   He says a number of teachers from outside the province are expressing interest in the new facility.   Heaton says tuition for the new school will be 39 thousand 500 dollars a year.

Collision At William & Balmoral

A two vehicle accident at the intersection of William and Balmoral is causing traffic to be slowed down.   The mishap is in the area of the Golf Links road detour.  Traffic is backed up in the area.  A witness says there are injuries, police can not confirm the extent of injuries.

Inquest Complete

The provincial government is being asked to improve communication from within. That's one key recommendation from the jury hearing the case of Edwin Davis, who died on a Dryden area lake while building an ice road for Manitou Lake two years ago. Ministry of Labour Lawyer David McCaskill admits its an issue that's been addressed for the first time in this type of inquiry. Another key recommendation is having all mining operations provide and develop more training programs for ice safety.

Lac Seul First Nation Man Found Dead

Provincial Police have found a man who was reported missing from Lac Seul First Nation. Police say that 47-year-old Dion Morrision was found dead in a wooded area on Manitoba point on Lac Seul. Morrison was missing since Monday. Police say foul play is not suspected, however police are continuing with the investigation.

Suspicious Vehicle Stopped Near Upsala

Reports of a suspicious vehicle in the Dryden and Ignace Area has lead to the arrest of three men near Thunder Bay. Provincial Police noticed a Ford Mustang Wednesday afternoon on Highway 17 east of Upsala and signalled it to pull over. As the officer was about to exit his cruiser, the car sped off and headed north. While searching the vehicle, police found 68 grams of marihuana and have charged three people from Winnipeg and Calgary with flight from police and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Closed

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is closed due to a highway washout. Several employees of the park and visitors were stranded up until last night when they were able to get out using a temporary road fix. Park Supervisor Greg Wilson says the park is now off limits. Wilson says a skeleton crew is staying at the park to keep the facility in good shape.

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.