Three More Wildfires In NWO

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting three new forest fires in Northwestern Ontario.One sparked in both Sioux Lookout and Red Lake, and the other one is in the Fort Frances District.
The Red Lake fire remains a priority and is believed to be lighting caused. Fortunately no communities are threatened by fires at this time.

Police Probe "Serious" Incident

We have a developing story this morning....Police say there has been a serious incident on Lake Street on the city's north side overnight.   There is no indication what it may be but one emergency official tells our newsroom that it's being treated as a crime scene.  Police are expected to release more information later this morning.

Police Release Video Of Hit And Run

Thunder Bay police are looking for the driver of a car that rammed into a couple of vehicles in the OLG Casino parking lot early Sunday morning.   It was caught on a video surveillance camera which police have released in hopes of finding the driver of what they believe to be a two door silver Mitsubishi Eclipse,

MPs React To Rickford Appointment

Greg Rickford

The appointment of Kenora MP Greg Rickford to the Harper Cabinet is getting a positive response from Thunder Bay NDP MP John Rafferty.  Rafferty says it's good to have someone from the north taking care of FedNor.  Meantime Independent MP Bruce Hyer says Rickford has been rewarded for being a "yes man" for the prime minister.

Float Plane Base Looking For New Home

Confederation College is looking for a new location for their Float Plane Base.  It comes after Eva Lake Cottagers complained about planes flying over head this summer.  President Jim Madder says they're looking for a community that has a lot of room and very little air activity.  The next float plane program will start in June next year.

Teen Robbery Suspects Caught

Two sixteen year old girls are in trouble with the law in connection with a County Park robbery.   Police say that two youngsters enjoying the splash pad had their back packs stolen  around 7 o'clock last night .  Police caught up with the two female suspects on the bike path behind the Landmark Inn. Both are charged with robbery.

Hit And run Suspect Comes Forward

Thunder Bay police say a male is claiming responsibility for last weeks hit and run that resulted in the death of two dogs.   They say he has now come forward.   The incident took place on Poleline Road as a 17 year old girl was walking the two Labs.   She says that a driver of a green pick up truck didn't stop after the vehicle struck the animals.

Sneak Peek At New Target Store

Inside the new Thunder Bay Target Store which opens at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning.
Thunder Bay Target Store on PhotoPeach

Rickford Reacts To His New Posts

Kenora MP Greg Rickford has been appointed to Cabinet.  Rickford has been named Minister of States for Science and Technology and Minister responsible for FedNor.  Rickford says he's happy to represent the Northwest at the cabinet table.  Rickford replaces Gary Goodyear as Minister of Science and Tony Clement as FedNor.

Missing Man In Emo

Police on both sides of the border are involved in a search for a man in the waters of Rainy River.  OPP say the unnamed 27-year-old was with another who attempted a swim into the river and back to the Emo public dock last night.  The one returned safely, but the other went under and never came back up.  An OPP Marine unit, with help from Koochiching County Sheriff's Department are patrolling the area.

Stolen Truck

Thunder Bay Police and Crime Stoppers are looking for your help in finding a stolen vehicle.  On May 29th the owner of a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Diesel truck finished working in a field close to Townline Road and John Street.  He locked the vehicle and left for the night when he returned the next morning the vehicle was gone.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

Sixties Scoop In Court

Efforts to certify a class action lawsuit  involving First Nations and the federal government resume today.  The lead plaintiff in the case is Beaverhouse First Nations Chief Marcia Brown Martel who says she wants the government to do the right thing.  The suit surrounds First Nations children in the 60's who were taken away from their parents and had to live in foster care.   

Valhalla Inn Under Renovations

The Valhalla Inn is using the summer to remodel the Timbers restaurant that was damaged by fire in January.  The renovations should be done by October.  In the fall, Runway 25 and Timbers will switch locations in the hotel with Runway 25 taking the former Timber's spot.

OPP Looking For Missing Man

The OPP's Marine Unit is continuing its search for a 20 year old man missing on the Winnipeg  River in Keewatin.  Officers were initially stopped shortly after 9:00 Saturday morning on the Darlington Bay Bridge.  Witnesses say they saw a man jump off the bridge, but he failed to surface.  The OPP are continuing to patrol the area and an Underwater Search and Rescue Unit has also been called in.

Northern Ontario Angels Recognized

The Northern Ontario Angels group is being ranked as one of the top investing groups in Canada.  Local Angels group Executive Director Mary Long-Irwin says it's great for their national body to recognize their hard work.  Long-Irwin says the 51 deals they made created a thousand new jobs in Northwestern Ontario.

Quiet Weekend For Fires

A quiet weekend on the forest fire front in northwestern Ontario.  Just one new fire was reported with the number of active down to 32.  However, the effects of rain in the far north were short lived and the hazard there is back to the high range.  The central and southern portions of the region are in a low to moderate fire hazard.

Target Opens Tuesday

Thunder Bay's new Target store is one day away from its grand opening.  A sneak peak of the Intercity Mall store was provided to media this morning and Spokesperson Lisa Gibson says the store has 170 employees. Gibson says they'll be offering Target specific brands and unique American products Target made famous.

City Hosts Fun Day At Chippewa

Chippewa Park is a buzz with people today during Family Fun Day. With events and entertainment organizers are hoping to draw those people who rarely or never go to the city owned park.   Organizer Bonnie Shipston says they'll be offering an educational scavenger hunt.  There is also a vintage car display and free cake. Shipston says it's great to see new families taking part and learning about the park.

Dogs Killed In Hit And Run

Thunder Bay police are asking for your help in solving a hit and run that resulted in the death of two dogs.   A 17 year old girl was walking the Labs on Poleline Road on Thursday afternoon when she says a green pick up truck drove by an hit the dogs who died at the scene.   The driver of the truck drove away without stopping.

Groups Get EA Grants

The Federal government is allocating more than 126-thousand dollars to four groups to allow them to participate in an environmental assessment of the proposed Goliath Gold project in the Wabigoon area.
Eagle Lake First Nation is getting more than 41-thousand dollars, while the Metis Nation of Ontario is welcoming 40-grand. The Aboriginal People of Wabigoon is seeing nearly 35-thousand dollars.
Wabauskang First Nation has received more than 10-thousand dollars.

Swimming Safe At Boulevard Again

Just in time for the weekend health officials are lifting the swimming advisory for Boulevard Lake.   It was imposed earlier this week after high e-coli bacteria levels were discovered.  However subsequent testing has shown the levels are not a concern anymore at any of Boulevard's three beaches.

Kenora Officer To Stand Trial

A Kenora OPP officer will have to stand trial on a charge of dangerous driving causing death. Constable Troy Bender was charged by the Special Investigations Unit last fall after the cruiser he was driving collided with a semi tractor trailer unit at the intersection of the Redditt Road and the Kenora By-pass on September 23rd, 2012. A prisoner in the back of the cruiser, 42 year old Gloria Assin, was killed in the collision
So far, no trial date has been set.

TBPS Officer Charged With Assault

A Thunder Bay police officer is being charged by the Special Investigations Unit. In May, the OPP brought a man into Thunder Bay Police custody where the SIU says Constable Andrew Johnstone used subsequent force with him. Johnstone is facing one charge of Assault and will be in Ontario Court of Justice on August 20th. .Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Police say Johnstone is on desk duty and isn't suspended.  He's been with the Police force for 9 years.

Woman Dies After Tuesday Collision

One person is dead as the result of Tuesday afternoon's traffic accident at Brock and Ford.  City police say 80 year old Ellinor Christiansen was a passenger in one of the two vehicles involved in the mishap.  They say she died Thursday morning in hospital.  Police say so far no charges have been laid, but they haven't finished the investigation. 

MNR Crews Out Of Province

The Ministry of Natural Resources is sending some of its fire crews out of province.  Twenty firefighters, along with support staff, are being dispatched to lend a hand in the Northwest Territories and Quebec.  There are 41 active fires in northwestern Ontario, the largest being an 11-thousand hectare blaze, 50 kilometres northwest of Red Lake.

Winnipeg Man Victim Of Fatality

OPP are releasing the name of the man who died in a collision on Highway 17 west of Ignace. 53 year old Cordell Majcher of Winnipeg was the driver of the pick up truck that hit a transport. Police are continuing to investigate the collision.

Treaty Three Speaks Out

The Treaty Three Police Service board has finally broken its silence surrounding its decision to close down the aboriginal police department.  A week after announcing the closure, the board has issued a press release saying government underfunding and not financial mismanagement were responsible for the decision.  The board says a number of factors played into their decision, including an arbitration ruling which gave the Treaty Three officer wage parity with the OPP.

Paxton Out On Bail

A 46 year old Thunder Bay man is due back in court next month on numerous sex related charges involving young boys.  Jeff Paxton is now free after a bail hearing in court yesterday.   Police say the charges stem from incidents that took place between 1983 and 2004.

March At Dilico Today

There's a move on to get both sides back to the bargaining table to end the strike at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.  Tannis Smith runs an Aboriginal counselling agency in the city and says the strike is hurting families in the region.  Smith is organizing a protest in front of the Dilico offices on the Fort William First Nation at 10:30 this morning. 

Good & Bad News For Bombardier Workers

It's a mix of good and bad news for the local Bombardier plant.  Waterloo has decided to purchase 14 light rail transit vehicles from the company at the cost of 92.4 million dollars.  However, CAW Union President Dominic Pasqualino says they also found out the Company is laying off 130 workers starting at the end of next week.  50 of the 130 employees laid off will be called back in the fall.

Reeve Says Little About Dorion Decision

Shuniah Reeve Maria Harding  is saying very little on the decision by Dorion not to amalgamate with her community.   Harding says since her council hasn't even had a chance to even discuss it seriously, it wouldn't be right to express her opinions on the issue.  Dorion officials have decided they will be able to run the township after all,  since  a hiring crisis has been averted.

Cross Canada Bike Ride For Alzheimer Society

 

Two brothers are riding their bikes across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver in 30 days.  It's all in support of raising awareness and money for the Alzheimer Society.  They'll be stopping in Thunder Bay today.

E-Charts Used By Nurses

Nursing staff in Northwestern Ontario will now be using electronic charts.  It's part of the the Northwest Health Alliance's paperless medical record program. It involves 13 hospitals in the region including the Health Sciences Centre.

Energy Meeting In August

A chance for leaders across the northwest to bring concerns about a looming energy shortage forward.  The provincial government has started 2-months of consultations on a long-term energy plan.  Local leaders have been warning for months about an energy crisis and the potential for rolling blackouts.  Members of the public, aboriginal leaders and municipal reps are encouraged to chip in their opinions through information sessions or by submitting comments through the Ministry of Energy's website. The only information session in the north is August 7th in Thunder Bay.

Citizen Tries To Save Treaty 3 Force

It appears some communication channels have been opened with the Chief of the Treaty 3 Police Force.  It's all thanks to a concerned citizen who is leading an independent crusade on the issue.    Tania Cameron says she's working to make sure that there is transparency between all of the parties involved with the planned closure of the force. She says she's had one meeting with Chief Conrad Delaronde.  Cameron is on a campaign to have the public more involved in efforts to save the Treaty 3 Police Force.

Lyme Disease In NWO

A bug expert is warning Northwestern Ontario residents about the threat of lyme disease.  Dr. Curtis Russell says people should cover up bare skin if they’re walking through bush or tall grass, to avoid ticks that cause Lyme Disease.   Russell says while these blacklegged ticks are most common in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario, they make their way north as well. Russell adds the Lyme-carrying ticks are highly prevalent as well in the northeastern United States.   

Port Says Grain Shipments Are Down

Thunder Bay's Port Authority says they're experiencing a slower than normal shipping season.  Grain shipments are down so far this year and Spokesperson Time Heney says it could be due to the changes to the Wheat Board.    Heney says it could also be due to the cooler spring and a late planting season.

Red Lake Becoming Smokey

Smoke from an 11-thousand hectare forest fire continues to blow into Red Lake. The fire poses no threat to the community but the Ministry of Natural Resources states that the smoke isn't expected to leave anytime soon. Information Officer Heather Pridham says this fire is their number one priority. Reports from Minnesota indicate that smoke from the fire is also blowing into several communities in that state.

Metis Nation Signs Mining Deal

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Metis Nation of Ontario and Rainy River Resources. The deal will result in a close working relationship between the two parties in the development of a proposed gold mine near Barwick.  The agreement allows for ongoing consultation and addresses potential impacts on Metis rights and interests.

Highway Open After Fatal Collision

Highway 17 is now open between Dryden and Ignace.  The Trans-Canada was closed yesterday due to a fatal collision, about 15-kilometres west of Ignace.  Provincial Police are confirming one fatality.  Witnesses say the collision involved a half ton truck and a transport.

Charity Golf Tournament Today

34 hockey players will be taking part in this year's Freedom 55 Hockey Celebrity Golf Classic at the Whitewater Golf Course today.  Spokesperson Tom Mihaljevic says one hockey celebrity will join each team of four golfers.  Money raised through the event goes to the Northern Cancer Fund.

Dilico Management Speaks Out

Both sides remain far apart in the labour dispute involving workers at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care .  Acting Executive Director Darcia Borg says they are still willing to get back to the bargaining table, but not at any cost.   Meantime Borg is rejecting any reported union claims that management got 4 thousand dollar bonuses last year.

Swimming Advisory At Boulevard Lake

You are swimming at your own risk if you go to Boulevard Lake.   The Health Unit has issued an advisory for the main beach, Sandy Cove and Sunny Side.   It's because of high e-coli bacteria levels.

Condolence Book Set Up At City Hall

A book of condolences for the people of Lac Magentic, Quebec is now open at City Hall for you to sign.   Deputy City Clerk Sheelagh Hendrick says it will be on display until July 19th.  Hendrick says it's an opportunity to extend our sympathies to the residents in that community.

Fatal Accident Closes Highway

Highway 17 is closed between Dryden and Ignace. The Trans-Canada is closed due to a fatal collision, about 15-kilometres west of Ignace.. Provincial Police are confirming one fatality. Witnesses say the collision involves a half ton truck and a transport. No other details are known at this time There is no word on when the highway will reopen.

City Offering Free Compost Again

The City is offering free compost at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility. The pick up area is located just east of the old landfill entrance on John Street Road. Quantities are on a first come first serve basis and is limited to a maximum of one half ton load per resident.

Local Musician Honoured

Local musician David Smyth (Smy-the) now has a Life Membership in the Canadian Federation of Musicians.  He was awarded the honour at an anniversary event held in Thunder Bay recently.  Smyth says he's happy to get the support from the organization and notes it's nice to have your peers honour you.  Smyth joined the Thunder Bay local back in 1968.

OLG Casino Gets RG Accreditation

Thunder Bay's Ontario Lottery and Gaming Casino is getting it's Responsible Gambling accreditation.  According to the company the accreditation program is one of the most rigorous in the world.

Big Fire In Red Lake

A large forest fire near Red Lake has become a priority for the Ministry of Natural Resources.  The lightning-caused blaze has scorched more than 11-thousand hectares and is listed as not under control.  The fire is 50km northwest of Red Lake and 30 kilometres northeast of Pikangikum First Nation, but neither community is currently at risk.

Schreiber Man Charged With Mischief

A 23 year old man is in police custody after OPP charged him with mischief, possession of a weapon and breach of probation.  Police say Schreiber residents heard loud shots and noticed damaged property in the residential area.  Officers eliminated the possibility that firearms were used in the incident and charged the Schreiber man who will appear in court today.

Party City Coming To T.Bay

A party supply and costume discount store is looking to set up shop in Thunder Bay at the Thunder Centre next to Toys R Us.   City Spokesperson Alan Bygate says Party City Canada recently took out a building permit that's worth a million dollars.