City Man Escapes Fire

A car and garage in the city's East End are totally destroyed after an fire yesterday afternoon.    Camille Landry was doing work in the vehicle when the blaze broke  out and he made it out just in time.   He says faulty wiring in the vehicle is to blame.  The fire took place behind 535 McPherson Street.

Zone Watch Training Starts Today

Training begins tonight for 84 residents enrolled in  the new police Zone Watch program called The Academy.  Constable Julie Tilbury says so far the program has exceeded volunteer expectations, and admits they're going into uncharted territory.  She says they will be looking to the citizens to tell police what is needed to keep the program running.   More training will take place later this year in the fall.

PEI Man Falls Asleep Driving

A Prince Edward Island man and his friend are lucky to be alive after he fell asleep at the wheel on the Trans Canada Highway near Upsala on Sunday morning.  Police say the 30 year old nodded off around 6:30 and woke up when the vehicle hit the gravel shoulder and it rolled in the ditch.   Police say the driver and passenger were not injured.   The man has been charged with careless driving.

NOSM Inspired TV Show Begins Sunday

A television series with a northern Ontario flare makes its debut on TV Ontario this Sunday. It's called Hard Rock Medical.   Actress Tamara Duarte,  who plays Gina Russo, a first year med student, feels its a good portrayal of the medical challenges facing the north. The show is based on the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Tbaytel Examining CRTC Ruling

TBaytel has not yet responded to news Ottawa is making changes to wireless contracts.    The C-R-T-C says as of December, customers will be able to cancel their cellphone contracts after two years without anypenalties, even if they've signed up for longer terms.   Tbaytel's Katie Crowe says the city run wireless company is looking over the decision, but early indications are,  it is in line with what the company is doing already.

Consultant To Review Garbage System

Everything appears to be on the table, including privatization,  now that a consultant has been hired by City Hall to look at garbage collection.    Cathy Smith of Stantec Consulting says we might even get a new system like the one her company recommended for Winnipeg.  That's where everyone is assigned the same garbage containers.  Smith says  automatic collection is considered a best practice for an number of reasons.  As well she says if privatization makes sense in certain areas it will be considered.  The process begins with a public open house Tuesday night.

Domestic Violence Unit In The Works

City police say they are unveiling a new Domestic Violence Unit .   It will be responsible for handling what they say is a major concern for police and people in community.   Details are being revealed on Wednesday morning.

Garbage Meeting Tuesday

The City wants you to have your say on how it collects your garbage. City staff want to hear the public's thoughts on a variety of garbage related topics.  An open house is being held at the Italian Cultural Centre.

Man Turns Himself In

A 32 year old man is charged with theft under 5-thousand dollars in connection to the theft of an Alzheimer's donation box from the North Cumberland Husky gas station last month.  The Thunder Bay man turned himself into Police yesterday and has been released with a July court date.

New Name Takes Time

People are still talking about the merger between the Canadian Autoworkers Union and the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union.  CAW President Ken Lewenza says the new name Unifor might take some time to get used to.  The new mega union now represents over 300-thousand members.

Eye On The Street To Be Discussed

The City is getting a review of its Eye on the Street Program surveillance camera program.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says it's an annual look at how the program is operating.  The report comes before Council tonight.

New CPR Program In The Region

Local high school students will be trained to save lives.  Over one-thousand-students each year between 3 area schools boards will be receiving CPR and defibrillator training from the ACT Foundation.  Executive Director Sandra Clark says it's very important for everyone to know CPR.  Clark says 10 high schools are receiving CPR mannequins and AED training units.

Two Bodies Recovered

The Ontario Provincial Police have recovered two bodies from a fatal plane crash in Northwestern Ontario. OPP Officials say an Underwater Search and Rescue Team found the bodies of a 58-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man, both from Phoenix, AZ., who died in a float plane crash in Red Lake on Thursday.  The Transportation Safety Board is continuing their investigation of the crash.

Mayor's Hike For Charity Today

Thunder Bay is hoping to start a new annual event today. The Mayor's Hike for Charity is dedicated to supporting local charities. Participants donate half of their pledge to the charity of their choice, while the other half goes to Volunteer Thunder bay for organizing the event. The hike will be taking place at Centennial Park.

The Relay Is On!

The annual Shelter House Relay takes place today at Chippewa Park.   It's the annual fundraiser for the city's homeless shelter and Executive Director Patty Hajdu admits participation is down from previous years, but they expect to  bring in about 140 thousand dollars.   She says next year they hope to breathe some new life into the event on its 20th anniversary.  The relay is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Shelter House.

Martin Receives Honourary Degree

Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin now has an honourary degree from Lakehead University.   Martin calls it a great honour from a great university.  Martin praises LU for setting a standard for the education of Aboriginal Canadians. Martin received the degree at the morning ceremonies which took place at the Community Auditorium.

Highway 587 Now Open

The Ministry of Transportation is reporting that Highway 587 near the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is open again. The highway was closed due to road washouts from recent heavy rainfall.

Hospital To Enforce Smoking Ban

A smoking ban on the grounds of the Regional Health Sciences Centre will soon be enforced by officials.   Spokesperson Allison McMullen says as of September 30th patients and staff will no longer be able to light up on hospital property.   McMullen  says the long lead time is for everyone time  to prepare.

The Thunder Bay Sets Sail

The Thunder Bay has set sail on its maiden voyage.   The Canada Steamships Lines laker left a port in China this week and is expected in Montreal in late July where it will operate the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.   It's expected to take up to two months to complete the trip.

Rickford Breaks Silence On Senate Scandal

Kenora MP Greg Rickford believes it's time to move forward.  Rickford says the government want to see the latest Senate scandal taken care of, and hopes they can make the Senate a more accountable part of parliament. The Conservative MP says the Senate has had some disappointing expenditures in the past.

Fatal Fire In Fort Frances Area

There has been a fatal house fire in the Fort Frances area.   OPP say that the blaze happened early this morning in the township of Devlin.   Police say that one occupant of the house died, but they have not identified the victim.   The cause of the fire is not known and police remain at the scene.

Police Search For Charity Thief

It's the lowest of the low when someone steals from a local charity.  This time police are asking for your help in locating  the person responsible for  the theft of an Alzheimer's Society donation box from the Cumberland Street Husky gas station last night just before 10.   Police have issued a picture of someone they'd like to question.

Vienna Bakery Closing Today

It's the end of an era .   After over 50 years at the same Cumberland Street location. Vienna Bakery is closing up shop at the end of today.   Co-owner Betty Krebbs says there there have been a lot of tears shed today by customers who are coming in for the last time.   She says it's possible the bakery will reopen under new ownership, but that won't be known for several weeks.

Half A Million Goes To Oliver Paipoonge

Half a million dollars is going towards Oliver Paipoonge's industrial park.  The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund made the announcement this morning.  Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis says the money will be put to good use building roads, installing utilities and lighting.  Kloosterhuis says they've already sold one lot in the expanded park.

4 Dead In Ornge Air Crash

Four people are dead following an Ornge air ambulance helicopter crash near Moosonee.  CFB Trenton Search and Rescuers say the crash site was located this morning and all four people on board are confirmed dead.    
The Ornge air ambulance service says two pilots and two paramedics were on board the aircraft, but no patients.  The helicopter crashed shortly after taking off for Attawapiskat.  The Transportation Safety Board has been notified and will be investigating.

Float Plane Crash In Red Lake

Provincial Police say they are searching for 2-people following a float plane crash in Red Lake.  OPP says the plane took off from the waterway of Red Lake last night.  The aircraft was en route to a tourist camp north of the community when it went down 200-metres from shore in the Bruce Channel around 5:30.  OPP believe a man and a woman from the United States were the only two people on board.  The identity of those on board hasn't been confirmed at this time.

It's Graduation Day

Derek Burney

Graduation is taking place for Lakehead University students.    Ceremonies are being held today and tomorrow at the Community Auditorium.   LU President Brian Stevenson says one of the highlights will be the installation of Derek Burney as the new chancellor.   As the ceremonial head of the university he is allowed to confer degrees. Also attending the ceremonies will be former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin.

Sod Turned On New Senior's Facility

Work is set to begin next month on phase two of a huge St. Joseph's Care Group senior's housing project.   The sod was turned on the future long term care facility on Lillie Street this morning.   Executive Director Tracey Buckler is just happy the wait is over.   It will compliment a nearby 130 bed seniors project which is still getting finishing touches put on it.  While the latest building will house over 400 patients, it will not be adding extra beds to the system when it's completed since it will replace three current senior homes in the city.

Police Get Sneaky

City police now have a new way to catch cell phone and seat belt violations by local drivers.   Sgt. Glenn Porter says on Wednesday they put  a plain clothes cop on the sidewalk on Arthur Street relaying violations with a hand held radio to an officer further down who pulled over the vehicles.  About 40 tickets were issued.  Porter says it's a tactic they hope to use on a regular basis.

Woman Recovering After Fire

One person is recovering from suspected smoke inhalation after a fire at a house at 261 South Algoma Street this afternoon .   Fire Platoon Chief Dan Hyvarinen says when they arrived smoke was coming from the upper floor of the home.   He says a woman who was in the house at the time of the fire was taken to hospital as a precaution.  Hyvarinen says there is some smoke and fire damage inside the house.   He says the blaze was started by a kitchen grease fire.

Unifor New Super Union

The super union created by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and the Canadian Auto Workers has a new name.  The new name and logo was unveiled this morning.  They'll go by the name Unifor.  The new union will represent over 6-thousand in Thunder Bay and the region.

OPP Report Two Area MVC's

Police are investigating a two vehicle collision at the Chippewa Road/Highway 61 intersection. The mishap occurred yesterday at 3:30 pm. Both drivers were transported to hospital with  injuries which  OPP say are not life threatening.  A 75 year old city resident is charged.   Also yesterday afternoon a 52 year old Thunder Bay man was flown to the Regional Health Sciences Centre as a precaution after the fuel truck he was driving left the road and hit a rock cut 100 kilometres up Highway 527.  Police say a small fuel spill was also cleaned up.

Lighthouse Negotiations Continue

The Friends of Trowbridge Lighthouse are continuing talks with the Federal Government to acquire 10 area lighthouses. The Feds deemed the Thunder Bay Main lighthouse as well as 9 others in the region surplus. Lighthouse Spokesperson Paul Moralee says they've formulated a business plan to operate the lighthouses in one form or another. Moralee says they're going into their second meeting with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans next week.

Fundraiser Saves Dryden Fireworks

There will be Canada Day fireworks this year in Dryden after all.   The city was forced to cancel the event because of budget cutbacks, however a fundraising campaign, lead by Acadia Broadcasting,  helped raised 11 thousand dollars from the community to hold the event.

Child Porn Charges Face Local Man

A Thunder Bay man is due back in court June 7th after appearing this week on kiddie porn charges.   46 year old Michael Payne was charged in January of this year after police say they conducted an online investigation.  They say computer data was seized at the time of the arrest.   Payne faces two charges, possession and distribution of child pornography.

MNR Forest Fire Hazard

The forest fire hazard in Northwestern Ontario remains high.  Heather Pridham with the Ministry of Natural Resources says the wet weather should help a bit.  There are currently two active fires, one in the Dryden District and the other in the Nipigon area.

Proposed New Rules May Impact Tourism

A Ministry of Natural Resources proposal to reduce daily catch limits from four walleye to two for non-resident anglers will hurt camp owners.  So says Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell.  Speaking in the Legislature, Campbell stated the MNR is designed to prevent fish stocks from diminishing.  Campbell is urging the government to review their decision.

Family Memorials Wants To Buy Remco

Thunder Bay's Family Memorials wants to purchase western headstone company Remco.  The two businesses signed a letter of intent recently.  The proposed sale is subject to regulatory approvals.

Local Gallery Up For Premier's Award

The Definitely Superior Art Gallery is getting some recognition again.   The government has selected the local gallery as a finalist for a Premier's Arts Award.    Gallery director David Karasiewicz says this nomination is good for the city because, not only does it raise the profile of the gallery, but of Thunder Bay as well. The ceremony will take place on June 27th in Toronto.

Morgentaler Called A True Canadian Hero

A Thunder Bay feminist says pro-choice people all across Canada are saddened by the death of Henry Morgentaler on Wednesday at the age of 90.  Sara Williamson says he will always be remembered for his strong stand for abortion rights and calls him a true Canadian hero because he saved the lives of many women at great personal sacrifice to himself.  Williamson says the free access to abortions  has benefited women and society.

South Side NDP Still Wait For Candidate

The provincial NDP on the city's south side is still not ready to select a candidate to take on Bill Mauro in the next election.  Robin Rickards of the Thunder Bay-Atikokan Riding Association says there are currently two candidates in the running, school board trustee George Saarinen and Mary Kozorys.  Rickards says two are waiting to be vetted by provincial party officials. Until that happens, no date can be set for a nomination meeting.  

Bishop Reacts Carfeully To Morgentaler's Death

The death of Dr. Henry Morgentaler is being treated with mixed reaction .  He died yesterday at the age of 90. While Morgentaler is lauded by supporters as a hero for the right of women to have abortion on demand,  on the other side of the debate is the Catholic Church.  When asked for his reaction to the news of Mortgentaler's death, local local Bishop Fred Coli searched carefully for words.   Coli says he could never agree with  the doctor's attitude and approach to abortion , but agrees he was definitely a newsmaker in his time.

Anti Wind Turbine Rally Tonight

The Nor'Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection group is rallying in protest of Horizon Wind's project on the Loch Lomond Watershed.   The fundraising event will be held at the Neebing Road house tonight from 5 until 7:30.  Spokesperson Irene Bond says they need to raise anywhere from 5 to 10 thousand dollars to hire an expert.  The expert will be hired to review the company's Renewable Energy Approval document.

Korkola Back In The System

A Thunder Bay man facing child pornography charges is back in the court system.  43 year old George Korkoka failed to show up for a scheduled court appearance earlier this year and had a bench warrant issued for his arrest   Police say that Korkola was finally picked up,  appeared in court this week and is scheduled to be back again on Monday.

Hyer Calls For End Of Confidence Motions

Independent MP Bruce Hyer is calling for an end to motions of confidence in Parliament.  Hyer has introduced a private members bill aimed at restricting the Prime Minister's ability to trigger an election over confidence votes.  Hyer hopes to get support from the opposition parties.

3 F.N.'s Sign Deal With Wisk Air

Three First Nation communities are signing multi-year agreements with Wisk Air Helicopters. The agreements will enable the First Nations communities to participate in helicopter services within their traditional territories, focusing on the Ring of Fire. Marten Falls, Fort Hope and Webequie First Nations all signed agreements with their helicopter company recently.

Campbell Calls For More In Budget

The provincial budget has some room for improvement.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is also urging the government to develop a better relationship with first nation communities in the region so that major projects such as the Ring of Fire and the twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora, can move forward without delay.

Hudak Calls Out Province On MNR

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak is against possible increases in Ministry of Natural Resources service fees.  In an interview with our newsroom, Hudak says it doesn't surprise him the Liberals have polled anglers and hunters in the northwest about what service fee increases they might accept.  Hudak says the Ministry of Natural Resources is becoming more and more like the Ministry of Environment.

Mauro Private Member's Bill

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is calling on the Government to improve access to testing for Celiac Disease.  Mauro introduced a private member's bill yesterday to expand Ontario's health coverage for the tests.  He introduced a similar bill several years ago.

New Student Trustee At LPSB

The Lakehead Public School Board is welcoming a new student trustee.  Sir Winston Churchill Grade 11 student Logan Turner is the latest teen to step into the gig.  Turner starts his duties on August 1st.