Fire on Balsam Street

A two storey building on Balsam Street had its kitchen and main floor severely damaged after a fire yesterday afternoon. Two children were treated for smoke inhalation, and then later released from hospital. Thunder Bay fire continues to investigate the cause.

Macaroni Salad Recalled

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning of a voluntary recall of Reser's Fine Foods Cheesy Macaroni Salad.  It's being recalled because of possible Listeria contamination.   The 454 gram and 1.25 kilogram containers are dated Oct. 20, 2013 with UPC codes 0 71117 18241 5 and 0 71117 61227 1, are being recalled.  The salad is sold at Wal-Mart stores in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as Canada wide in Loblaw stores.

Run for the Cure

Thunder Bay's Royal Legion Track will play host to the CIBC Run for the Cure this morning. The event takes place at the Delaney Arena starting with registration at 8:45 and the run at 10. Money raised goes towards breast cancer research.

Drainage Program Could Be Extended

City Council is considering opening up the Residential Drainage assistance program to all property owners City wide.   Staff are also recommending they operate the program longer into 2014.  The program was put in place after the 2012 spring flood and helps homeowners buy flood prevention devices. Council will vote on the matter Monday night which includes 76-thousand dollars in administration costs and another 674-thousand for drainage subsidies.

Fire Destroys Gazebo

An early morning fire on Paquette Road destroyed a gazebo.   There were no injuries involved and the fire does not seem to be suspicious.  It took three firetrucks to contain the fire.

Food Fundraiser Tonight

Investors Group is holding a fundraising campaign tonight for the Shelter House and the Kidney Foundation. In past years the comedy night event has raised 1 to 2 tonnes of food.  Over a thousand people are attending this year, and Investors Group is donating 500 dollars in cash to each charity.

KDSB Considers Managed Alcohol Program

A draft 10-year homelessness and housing plan has been unveiled by the Kenora District Services Board.  Manager of Integrated Social Services Dianne Apland says one recommendation is the creation of a Managed Alcohol program.  Kenora would act as the pilot for the proposal.

Leek Likes New Liberal Website

Area residents are being encouraged to get involved in sharing ideas with Ontario Liberals.  A new website has been set up to gather input.  President of the Kenora-Rainy River Liberal Riding Association Anthony Leek says the Premier is sincere when turning to the public.  Leek says the website is a good way for people who can't get to meetings to have a say.

Autism Ontario Walk Today

Autism Ontario's Thunder Bay office is holding it's second awareness walk. The walk starts at 11am at Boulavard Lake.  A variety of local organizations are taking part including staff and students from the Catholic School Board who are walking to support their peers living with autism.

T.Bay Man Will Serve Time

A Thunder Bay man will serve some jail time for distributing child pornography.  In a Thunder Bay courtroom recently, Justin Chabot was sentenced to spend 90 days behind bars and will also have to spend the next two years on probation.  Two other child pornography related charges were withdrawn.

NAN Comments After Fatal Collision

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation's Executive Council is showing support to Grand Chief Harvey Yesno after his son, Sheldon Yesno was charged in a fatal motor vehicle collision with a cyclist.  The Council is also expressing its condolences to the family of the deceased.  NAN calls the incident tragic and a personal matter.  They won't be commenting any further.

Rickford Wants Twinning Started By 2015

Twinning of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kenora is weighing on the minds of Kenora Chamber of Commerce members.    Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford addressed the chamber Friday and says he's disappointed the project hasn't started yet.  Rickford is optimistic that the project will get underway before the start of 2015.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will be wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness month. Tarja Heiskanen is the manager of Screening and Assessment Services and says the hospital will be actively involved in raising awareness all month. In Northwestern Ontario, only half of eligible women take part in breast screening mammography.

Driver Charged After Car Lands On Roof

A 51 year old woman is being charged with careless driving after she lost control of her car causing it to crash into the west side ditch of Mapleward Road this morning.  The vehicle landed on it's roof and the driver crawled out.   Police say the accident occurred when the driver was searching for an item in her car.

Sisters In Spirit Vigil Held Today

A vigil was held earlier today to honour murdered and missing aboriginal women. Maryanne Matthews is the Communications Officer at the Ontario Native Womens Association, she feels the number of those missing may be misleading.  The goal of the Sisters in Spirit Vigil is to have October fourth recognized as a national day of remembrance for aboriginal women.

WSIB Hearings Today

Thunder Bay's Injured Workers group is hosting a series of public hearings today on the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.  The meeting will focus on how far the WSIB has come since it was formed over a 100 years ago today.  The hearing is being held at the Lakehead Labour Centre from 2 until 5 and 7 until 9 tonight.

St. Anne Gets Money

Future Shop is giving almost 20-thousand dollars to St. Ann School today.  Teacher Peter Rzeszut applied for the funding from the tech company and says the money will be used to create a tech lab that includes smart boards, e-readers and digital cameras. Rzeszut says it's a great opportunity for the school and the community.

Highway 11 To Be Repaired

The Provincial Government is fixing up a stretch of Highway 11 west of Atikokan.  Pioneer Construction is getting the 6.7 million dollar contract that will create 67 jobs.  More than 20 kilometres of Highway 11 is being repaved.

KBM Resources Wins At NOBA

Thunder Bay's KBM Resources Group  is celebrating its victory at the Northern Ontario Business Awards.  The company walked away with the Export Award.    It was recognized for the way it successfully diversified after the downturn in the forest industry and branched out into the mining and energy sectors.  The awards were handed out in North Bay last night.

KBM Resources Wins At NOBA

Thunder Bay's KBM Resources Group  is celebrating its victory at the Northern Ontario Business Awards.  The company walked away with the Export Award.    It was recognized for the way it successfully diversified after the downturn in the forest industry and branched out into the mining and energy sectors.  The awards were handed out in North Bay tonight.

Cyclist Dies..Murder Charge Laid

A thirty-two year old Thunder Bay man is facing a second degree murder charge in connection with this week's hit and run on South Algoma. Sheldon Yesno was charged following the death of thirty-eight year old cyclist Richard Vrastak of Thunder Bay from injuries he sustained after he was struck by a mini-van.  Yesno made his first court appearance on the charge Thursday and will be back in court Monday.

PSAC Holds Veterans Townhall

Military veterans are standing up against the planned closure of some Veterans Affairs Offices in Canada. The office in Thunder Bay is among them. Second world war vet Roy Lamore says refocusing some the government current spending could help keep the office open.  As an example he says that just ordering one less new fighter jet would help keep the offices open.  The Public Service Alliance of Canada says closure of the Thunder Bay office will force veterans from northwestern Ontario having to access services in Kirkland Lake which has experienced its own staff cuts. The veterans held a townhall meeting today at the Slovak Legion.

Sisters in Spirit Vigil

The Ontario Women's Association is hosting a vigil tomorrow in unity with the Native Women's Association of Canada. The vigil is to honour murdered and missing Aboriginal women and will be held at noon, at 380 Ray Boulevard. The "Sisters in Spirit Vigil" has made it their goal to have October 4th as a day of remembrance for Aboriginal women not only in Canada, but worldwide.

Treaty Three Recognized

First Nations leaders with Treaty 3 aren't calling it a celebration. Its been 140 years since chiefs with Treaty 3 signed the treaty with the Canadian government. Grand Chief Warren White says there's been a lot of frustration with the Treaty since. He says his people have lived up to the Treaty, but says the Crown hasn't This afternoon, Treaty 3 is honouring the chiefs and Grand Chiefs for their roles in the Treaty.

Moose Died Of Liver Failure

The Chippewa moose probe is over and a local vet says that the animal's recent death was the result of liver failure.    The official from the Slate River Veterinary Clinic added that  the seven-year-old moose was adequately cared for throughout its life at the city's Chippewa Wildlife Exhibit.  He notes however,  that moose are notoriously hard to care for in captivity.

Police Say Incident Not Criminal

 Thunder Bay police are closing the book on Wednesday's early morning incident at the Kamview Overlook Park at the end of Donald Street.  That's where police say a man was injured and sent to hospital in critical condition.  Police say that the incident is not considered a criminal matter

Bottled Water Warning

Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health is warning consumers and businesses not to consume or serve bottled water manufactured by Blue Glass Water Co. Ltd., also known as Caledon Clear Water Corporation, based in Caledon.
Officials say that samples of water taken from the company's products have been found to be heavily contaminated with bacteria and say there is a potential health threat posed by these products.

Police Offer Gun Amnesty

There will be a firearms amnesty for aboriginal communities in northwestern Ontario next month. Treaty Three Police says it will be collecting illegal, damaged or unlicenced firearms during the amnesty. Anyone who surrenders a handgun or rifle will not be charged. There is also an incentive involved.
Anyone who turns in a firearm during the amnesty will receive a gift card from an area business.

Chamber's Mining Proposal Passed

The president of the local Chamber of Commerce is back from the annual meeting of the Canadian Chamber.  Charla Robinson says Thunder Bay was successful in having a resolution adopted that calls on the federal government to invest in roads and energy to support mining development. She  says it's important for governments to partner with the mining companies to get their projects off the ground.   Robinson notes there was also discussion about the lack of skilled workers in the country.

84 Year Old Charged In Collision

OPP are charging an 84 year old Shuniah man after a two vehicle collision at the intersection of McKenzie Station Road and Highway 11/17 on Wednesday.  It involved a truck and an SUV.  A passenger in the SUV was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

Contract Talks Stalled

Talks have broken off between the Amalgamated Transit Union and the City.  Bus drivers have been without a contract for sometime and voted recently to take strike action if a deal can't be reached.   ATU President Sheila Kivisto says it's unfortunate they couldn't reach an agreement on Wednesday.  Kivisto says they are taking a wait and see approach since the mediator may pull them into another meeting in the near future. Kivisto adds they're fed up with being the second lowest paid bus drivers in Ontario.

Hit & Run Suspect Found

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 37 year old man after a hit and run Tuesday night in the area of Algoma and John Street. The man is charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm and fail to remain. The cyclist remains in hospital in critical condition.

T.Bay Author Up For GG Award

A Thunder Bay author is up for a Governor General's Award.  Jean E. Pendziwol is one of five author's on the children's literature shortlist.  Her book Once Upon a Northern Night is one of five finalists.  The Governor General Award winners will be announced November 28th in Ottawa.

Man Injured At Kam River Park

Police are releasing more information about an incident at the Kamview Overlook Park.  A man was injured early Wednesday morning and was sent to the hospital where he is in critical condition. The area has been secured by police in order for the investigation to continue.

E.D. Of Ontario Food Bank In T.Bay

The Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Food Banks is in Thunder Bay today.  Bill Laidlaw is taking part in a round table discussion with the Regional Food Distribution Association.  Laidlaw says he is examining northern food bank issues. Laidlaw says transportation is one stumbling block in getting food to remote communities.

Local Woman Charged With Abduction

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 27 year old woman with abducting a six year old girl from the Lanark Crescent area last night.  Police found the girl in the custody of the woman in the area of Bay and Algoma Streets. The young girl has been returned to her guardian and was unharmed.

Cockburn Has Eco Message

An environment message from Bruce Cockburn as he travels through northwestern Ontario. He's helping the group Environmental Defence with its campaign to remove toxic chemicals found in many common household products. During the performance, concert-goers were asked to join in the campaign.  Cockburn plays in Thunder Bay on Friday night

CLE To Review Their Bar

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Board of Directors is sending their bar issue for review.  President Reta Stoger was visibly upset with media after their meeting last night and says they've sent the issue to the policy committee and they'll be looking at the fate of the bar.  No other comments were made after the meeting about the future of the CLE bar.

LU Pitches New Aboriginal Complex

Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson is trying to attract government funding for a new Aboriginal complex on the campus.  Stevenson says he went to Queens Park this week to sell the idea to politicians within the government.   Stevenson says the building would cost about 32 million dollars with about 25 million coming from the province and the rest from fundraising.  He says the building would put all the Aboriginal programs into one location with the aim of attracting more First Nation students.

Union Gas Gives Hospital Money

Union Gas is giving the Thunder Bay hospital 100 thousand dollars in energy rebates.  The money will go towards upgrades to hot water boiler controls and air handling units.  The improvements are expected to save enough natural gas to fuel the equivalent of almost 10-thousand homes.

Hit And Run

City Police are appealing for witnesses following a scary hit and run incident.  Just after 6:30 last night, a light coloured mini-van was driving down the wrong side of the street before serving into a parking lot in the 200 block of South Algoma and intentionally running over a male on a bicycle.  The male driver then sped away down a laneway northbound towards Bay Street.  The vehicle has damage to the driver's side bumper.  The 38-year old cyclist is in critical condition at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.  

Local Teen Unveils Music Video

A Thunder Bay teenager now has a music video for her song in support of breast cancer research.  Capri Ruberto-Anderson wrote a song called "Hope" for her Mother and now it has an official video of her family's story.  

Bus Drivers Closer To Striking

The City's bus drivers are one step closer to striking.  The Amalgamated Transit Union held a strike vote and 99 percent were in favour of taking job action.  ATU President Sheila Kivisto says they'll be heading into mediated talks Wednesday.   Kivisto says a stumbling point includes wages and notes they are the second lowest paid transit members in Ontario.  No strike date has been set.

St. Joe's Hospice Care Beds Open

St. Joseph's Care Group's 10 bed Hospice Palliative care Program is now complete.  Clients will move in starting tomorrow.   CEO Tracey Buckler says it took several months and 800 thousand dollars to complete the renovations.  Upgrades include new family day beds, a room refrigerator, new ceilings, lighting, night tables and window coverings.

Rickford $pends The Most Of NWO MPs

Northwestern Ontario Members of Parliament are not the most thrifty in the country. The three M.P.'s spent a little more than average to run their constituency offices and to travel to and from Ottawa last year. Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford had the highest expense total at 480 thousand dollars. The average M.P. spent 399 thousand dollars for the fiscal year ending March 31st. Rickford's expenses were slightly higher than Thunder Bay-Atikokan M.P. John Rafferty, who spent 459 thousand, and Thunder Bay-Superior North M.P. Bruce Hyer who came in at 428 thousand.

Thunder Bay Drivers Still Text And Drive

It appears Thunder Bay drivers still aren't getting it.    Allstate Canada asked teens from St. Patrick's High School to stake out the intersection of Arthur and Selkirk Streets for one hour today.  Company spokesperson Tony Bossio  says out of the 185 distracted drivers spotted 7 were talking on their cell phones and over 25 were texting.  Bossio calls the results astounding.

Shooting In Greenstone

OPP are probing a shooting in the community of Caramat last night.  They say that a man was shot in the leg on his Highway 625 property last night by a man with a long gun after a confrontation.  Police say the suspect was wearing a black ski mask and ran off towards a bush road.   Police say they are still trying to locate the gunman.

NWO Innovation Offers Accelerator Program

Calling all entrepreneurs.   The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre is teaming up with a variety of investors to help kick start five businesses.  Spokesperson Terry Smith says applications for the accelorator program open today.  15-thousand dollars will be provided to each business. The three month program starts in January.

Smoke Free Grounds Approved

The City is giving the hospital the go ahead to ban smoking on their property.  An amendment to City smoking by-laws will allow hospital security staff and Health Unit officers to ticket anyone found smoking on the hospital grounds. City Councillor Andrew Foulds was uncomfortable with the outright ban and asked hospital officials why they didn't create a designed smoking area on the grounds.  Health Sciences Centre Spokesperson Tracie Smith says they consulted the public and heard loud and clear that having a 100 percent smoke free grounds was the way to go.  City staff will be coming back to Council in six months time with hospital data on how many tickets were issued and if people have been going to Oliver Road to smoke.

Women's History Month Celebrated

The City is celebrating Women's History Month by launching a web exhibit of the contributions of women in Thunder Bay.  Included in the City Archive website will be librarian Mary J. L. Black, hockey player Hilda Donati, Fur trader Marguerite McLoughlin and former Mayor Dusty Miller.  A link to the web exhibit can be found here.

Infrastructure Priorities Meeting Called

City Council will take their infrastructure priorities to the public.  Council heard from City Manager Tim Commisso about the 175 million dollars in infrastructure upgrades that are needed over the next four years.  A public meeting on future infrastructure projects will be held within the next three weeks.  Meanwhile, the City has heard from it's staff about their budget priorities for the next year and will vote on it at it's October 28th meeting.