OFAH Calls For Spring Bear Hunt...Again

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says the motion to create a bear management committee will do nothing to control the bear population.  Dr. Terry Quinney says reinstating the spring hunt is the best solution.  Quinney says the hunts brought much needed business to hunting lodges during the slow shoulder seasons.

DSSAB Boss Stays Mum On Program

The head of the local social services board is not about to get involved in the politics over the city's homemaker program, which the board runs for the city.  Bill Bradica says to extend the program would require the board to reverse a decision it made earlier this year, something he is not about to comment on.   Bradica's comments follow concerns of city councillors of the board's decision to stop delivering the program at the end of the year.

Rafferty Glad NWO Doesn't Have T.O. Problems

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is joining the many others to comment on Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's recent confession of smoking crack cocaine.  Rafferty says he was shocked and couldn't believe he announced his plans to continue acting as Mayor. Rafferty says it's not good for Toronto to be joked about in world wide coverage of the story and hopes Toronto City Council can take action against Ford.  He adds he's glad Thunder Bay and other Northwestern Ontario communities aren't having issues like Toronto is.

Moonias Inquest Coming To A Close

Coroner Dr. David Eden

Closing arguments brought an end to the Coroner's inquest into the death of 27 year old Bruce Moonias. The jury heard that 53 shots were fired the night Moonias died after an encounter with police.  Presiding Coroner Dr. David Evans charged the jury with making a decision in the death of Moonias.  The jury is expected back with a set of recommendations by one o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

Rob Ford Admits To Smoking Crack

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is admitting publicly that he has smoked crack cocaine.  Many news sources covered an impromptu press conference today where he said “Yes, I have smoked crack cocaine.”  He told reporters that he probably tried it during one of his drunken stupors over a year ago. He also reiterated that he is not an addict.

Wood Bill Comes Up This Week

Vic Fedeli

A significant forestry industry bill is set to be debated in the Ontario Legislature this week. Bill 13 would amend the Ontario Building Code to allow for wood frame construction to be used in mid-rise buildings up to 6-stories, instead of the current four stories. Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli is bringing forward the bill for second reading on Thursday and he maintains the change is needed to boost the Northern forest industry, and create jobs and growth. Fedeli calls it a win-win solution. He says it helps northern Ontario by providing jobs, and it helps southern Ontario meet targets to reduce urban sprawl and reduce construction costs. Fedeli adds that wood-frame construction can reduce the carbon footprint and increase the energy efficiencies of mid-rise buildings.

Communities Meet To Make EDO Plan

12 First Nation communities are working together to create a economic development plan.  The Robinson Superior communities are meeting this week in Thunder Bay to brainstorm.  Spokesperson Catherine Banning says it's going to take some time to create the plan over the next six months.  A consultant will be visiting all of the communities to get their feedback on what they would like to see in the plan.

RFDA Sees Usage Decline But More Food Needed

The number of people going to the food bank is on decline however those who do use it are needing more food more often.  That's one of the findings of Ontario Association of Food Banks "HungerCount 2013" report.  The Regional Food Distribution Association is included in the document and Executive Director Volker Kromm says they're following the same provincial trend.  Kromm says people who have been able to find employment have been replaced with others who have fallen on hard times.

LU Gets New Teepee

Lakehead University is getting a new teepee thanks to a generous donation.  It was donated after recent damage to the current teepee located on the University's ceremonial grounds.  The new teepee will be installed in the spring.

Re-Store Closed

Officials at Habitat for Humanity say the Re-Store is going to be closed today and possibly longer.     A major water line is being put through the Squire Street facility and it means an inconvenience for customers until it's complete.   They encourage anyone to call ahead of time before making a trip to the store.

Parade Of Lights Coming Soon

The Thunder Bay Police Association subscribes to the old adage "if it isn't broke don't fix it."  Their Parade of Lights is going into its 15th year and Parade Coordinator Greg Stephenson says they haven't changed much over the years. Money raised from the event goes towards Autism Ontario, George Jeffery Children's Centre, Special Olympics Ontario and the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association.  The parade is set for December 7th at 7 pm.  The route goes from Manitoulin Transport, over the Main Street Bridge, down the Harbour Expressway until it turns to head north on Memorial Avenue to Queen Street.  It will then follow Fort William Road to Water Street.

Power Restored

Over a thousand Hydro customers were without power Monday evening following an outage on the south side.  Thunder Bay Hydro say a pole was found on fire south of the Harbour Expressway near Innovation Drive causing the large power outage.  The outage affected customers in the College Park and Northwood area. Most of Westfort was also without power for parts of Monday night.  Power was restored around 11:30.

Water Financial Plan Passes

The City's water system financial plan is calling for our water rates to increase over the next couple of years. The plan was presented to Council Monday with staff saying  operating revenue is  expected to increase but not as much as they had hoped since water use is on the decline.  Councillor Joe Virdiramo noted promoting conservation has come back to bite them with higher water rates.  Council approved the financial plan and is submitting it to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

At Large Debate Postponed

City Council is going to have to wait two weeks to discuss Councillor Ken Boshcoff's suggestion to move to an At-Large Council system.  Boschoff wants a question posed to the voting public asking if they would support having councilors elected at large.  The issue is being postponed until the November 18th meeting.

Council Round Up

The City is putting money aside in the 2015 budget to maintain the Heath Park and Widnall Pools.   A replacement strategy for the Dease Pool is also going to be included in the budget as well.  A petition with 48 signatures in support of Dease was presented to Council Monday night.   Meanwhile, A public meeting looking into how the City can offer more events where streets are open to people and closed to cars is going to be held Tuesday night.  It's part of a partnership between the City, EcoSuperior and 8-80 Cities.  An open house being held Tuesday night at the Italian Cultural Centre.  Reps from 8-80 cities spoke to Council Monday night.

Bare Point Marina Spending Approved

The City is spending 1.2 million dollars on repairs to the Bare Point Watermain.  The work is going to Nadin Contracting.  Council approved the contract at it's meeting Monday night.

City Hopes DSSAB Will Have Change Of Heart

Council is asking the Social Services Board to keep running a homemaking program for the City.  The program helps feed, bath, and dress 34 clients who rely on the extra help in their lives. The board plans to stop providing the program as of December 31st but the City is hoping they'll either change their mind or continue to provide the program for another six months while the City negotiates with the local health authority over who else can help the City run the program.

Council Supports Provincial Draft Plan

Common Voice's Energy Task Force is responding to the provincial government's North of Dryden regional electricity plan.  Thunder Bay Council is showing their support of the plan. Council will share their feelings on the plan with the CEO of the Ontario Power Authority and Minister of Energy.

College Park Area Without Power

Over a hundred customers are still without power in the College Park area.  Thunder Bay Hydro say a hydro pole was found on fire south of the Harbour Expressway near Innovation Drive causing the large power outage.  Most of Westfort was also without power for parts of tonight but it's since been restored. Crews are on site and are working on restoring the power in the College Park area by 11 pm.

Crime Prevention Awards 2013

Derek Khani

The City is celebrating its third annual Crime Prevention Award winners. A special ceremony was held Monday night with several local residents honoured for their involvement in community programs that help curb crime. Derek Khani is the recipient of the Community Hero Award and was chosen for his community building through the arts.  Allison Lamb is the winner of the Young Leader Award.  Roots to Harvest is the Outstanding Community Project winner.  The Outstanding Community Project award goes to Pride Central, the I am a Kind Man program and the We Stand Up! program.

Missing Man

City Police are looking for a missing Thunder Bay man.  Travis Hodgson was last seen around his Westfort home at 10 o'clock Wednesday night. His family has set up a Facebook page for him and are looking for any help in finding him.  A link to the Facebook page can be found here.

Recall Of Macaroni Salad & Coleslaw Expanded

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning of a voluntary recall of Reser's Fine Foods Cheesy Macaroni Salad and Coleslaw.  It's being recalled because of possible Listeria contamination. The salad is sold at Wal-Mart stores in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as Canada wide in Loblaw stores.  For a complete listing of recalled salad products including their codes click here.

Fires From Last Week Suspicious

Two fires from last week are being treated as suspicious.  Fire Service Spokesperson Eric Nordlund says the local investigation is complete and the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office and City Police are now reviewing the cases.  Nordlund says they haven't found a natural cause for both the fire at the upholstery shop and the auto body shop.

2013 Forest Fires Not As Costly

It wasn't a very costly year in fighting forest fires in northern Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources says it spent slightly more than 110-million dollars on firefighting operations this season.  That's down 60-million from last year. There were fewer than 600-fires across the north this year, barely one-third last season's total.

Dryden To Get $ Reality Check Nov. 13th

The picture of future operations in Dryden will soon be a little clearer. A public meeting is planned for November 13th to release the recommendations of KPMG. The consulting firm has spent the past couple of months picking apart City departments, facilities and operations in a bid to find roughly 2-million dollars in savings over the next 3 years. Council is not bound to the recommendations but all members have stated that they will take the report seriously. Labour relations, personal and land issues will be dealt with in a closed door meeting the same day between Council and KPMG.

Man Arrested For Threats

Police say they have arrested a city man whom they allege is connected with threats to police, businesses, media outlets, politicians and others since June of last year.   They believe anonymous letters to these people and organizations originated with one person.  Charged with 21 counts of Uttering Threats is 46 year old Eric Wirkkala.

Terrace Bay Mayor Steps Down

The mayor of Terrace Bay has resigned, citing what he calls "irreconcilable differences" with councillors over a potential reassessment of the town's pulp mill. Michael King is upset that Council has opted to negotiate a settlement with the owner of the mill. AV Terrace Bay has decided to file for a reassessment of its municipal tax rate with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. King says he would rather see council fight the company's application. In a statement, the township's four councillors predicted the review will likely result in a drastically reduced tax rate for the mill, since recent applications from similar operations in Dryden and Espanola have led to decreases in excess of 65 per cent.

Board Regrets Staffer's Comment

The catholic school board is expressing regret  to three students at Pope John Paul the Second school who were offended by the remark of a staffer.   The board says the staff member was referring to the last week's fire on the James Street Bridge.   The students are from the Fort William First Nation and they were asked if they had purchased some beef jerky before or after the bridge fire.   The board says it has spoken with the families of both students about the incident and looking at the matter very closely.

Hernandez Verdict Postponed

It will be another two weeks before Thunder Bay's Christian Hernandez learns his fate.   The 28 year old is charged with impaired driving causing death in connection with a collision in December of 2010 that resulted in the death of 45 year old Richard Carmichael. Carmichael was walking across the street at the time. Justice Joyce Pelletier was to have delivered her verdict in the case today,  but says she will have it ready on November 18th instead.

Mishaps Send Half Dozen To Hospital

Police say two separate traffic mishaps on the weekend sent a total of 6 people to hospital.  The first happened on Saturday night on Oliver  Road near Jackpine Road when they say an SUV collided with the rear of another vehicle.  Four people in the SUV were taken to the regional hospital for treatment.    Later that evening on the highway at Sistonen's Corner two tractor trailer units collided sending two people to the Health Science's Centre. 

Pedestrian Struck

City Police continue to investigate an accident that involved a pedestrian last night.  Police say around 10 o'clock a 26-year old Thunder Bay man was hit by a vehicle in the 200 block of Robertson Street.  The man was taken to Regional Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. Anyone who may have information on the accident is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police.  

Working with the James Street Bridge

With the James Street Bridge expected to be closed a little while longer for cars and trucks Councillor Joe Vidiramo says drivers must remain patient. The Councillor believes given the bridges history it's worth it to take the extra time needed to ensure the job is done right. Vidiramo also mentioned replacing the bridge as a possibility that should not go overlooked.

Addition to Mission Island

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority will continue to add to the Mission Island lookout. Donna Blunt is the groups Vice-Chair and spoke at the Thunder Bay District Municipal League this past weekend. Along with increased maintenance and planting, the group will introduce four new interactive panels in the new year.

Pumpkin Compost

Now that Halloween has past doesn't mean you need to throw your Jack-O-Lantern in the garbage. The Great Pumpkin Compost is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of your old pumpkin. Collection bins are placed at the County Fair Mall on Dawson Road, the Lakehead Labour Centre on Fort William and the Westfort Playfield off Neebing Avenue. The bins will be open until November 15th.

Cell Phone Protection Bill Passes

The Provincial Government is supporting cell phone users by passing the new Wireless Services Agreements Act.  The final vote on the legislation was held last week and Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says they'll be protecting wireless customers by ensuring contracts be written in plain language with all the basic fees and extra charges clearly spelled out.  Mauro adds the new law will mean fewer surprises for people when they enter into cell phone and wireless service contracts in the Spring of 2014.

FedNor and the Agricultural Showcase

A variety of businesses from northwestern Ontario will be featured at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto over the next couple of days. Greg Rickford is the minister responsible for FedNor, and says they have sponsored a major exhibit at the showcase. The Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion runs until November 10th. Products like barbeque sauce, salad dressing and wild rice are just some of the things that will be on display at the exhibit.

Council's Back Bill's Bill

Several Municipalities are throwing their support behind Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro's private members bill calling for the Spring Bear Hunt to be brought back.  Thunder Bay's City Council recently sent a letter of support to the Ministry of Natural Resources backing the bill.  Mauro says it's good to get support from the region and suspects other town councils are following Thunder Bay's suit.  The bill comes up for debate on December 14th.

Call For Unity

The Mayor and the Chief of Fort William First Nation are standing side by side and calling for unity in the wake of racist comments.   In a symbolic show of support the two held a joint news conference holding eagle feathers in Council Chambers. Several racist tweets and facebook messages were posted after the James Street bridge fire.

LU Maclean's Magazine Ranking

Rave reviews for Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.  Maclean’s magazine’s annual University Rankings places Lakehead in second place among Ontario’s primarily undergraduate universities.  When compared to all Canadian universities in this category, Lakehead climbed two spots from last year’s results to rank tenth overall. L-U finished first in social sciences and humanities grants, total research dollars and in library services.

Hep A Case In T.Bay

The Health Unit is investigating a case of Hepatitis A of a Wendy's employee.  The worker at the Red River Road location tested positive and anyone who consumed any food from that restaurant between Oct. 11th to 26th may have been exposed to the virus. People who consumed food from this restaurant during this period should watch for signs of illness and contact their health care provider if they experience any of the following: fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice). Symptoms can develop anywhere from 15 to 50 days after exposure to the virus.

UA Changes Flight Time

There's a new departure time coming for flights to Chicago from Thunder Bay.   Airport officials say that starting December 19th the United Airlines flights will depart at 7:20 each morning.  Right now that flight leaves at 6 am.    There is no change to the time the flight from Chicago arrives in Thunder Bay.  It remains at 9:05 pm.

Trains Going Over James Street Bridge

Trains are now going over the James Street bridge following this week's fire. Lindsay Fedchyshyn of CN Rail says the damaged portion of the rail line was fixed by this morning, however vehicle traffic is still not being allowed to cross. Fedchyshyn says the consultant will prepare recommendations on what work needs to be done to the road portion of the bridge.

Golf Links Opening Soon

Golf Links Road should be back open to traffic in two weeks time.   City Engineering Manager Rick Harms says they're on schedule and are putting the finishing touches on the road.  Harms says weather permitting we could see Golf Links open the week of November 18th.

Needle Found In Candy

City Police say a needle was found in Halloween treats Thursday night.   A parent told officers her kids were trick or treating in the Kakabeka Falls Village when they came home and found the needle in their loot.   Police are encouraging parents to make sure all treats are carefully looked at and any questionable pieces should be thrown out.  This incident is being followed up by police to try to determine if it was intentional or accidental.

BB Gun Seized

Police are investigating a weapons incident from Tuesday that saw a 16 year old man sent to hospital.   A group of friends were at the John Kusznier Memorial Park area when a BB gun was fired and hit the youth in the face near his eye.  The weapon used in this incident has been seized by police and the investigation is continuing.

Movember

It's Movember, and local men will be growing their facial hair to raise awareness about Prostate Cancer. Movember Campaign Chair Jon Hendel says there's many ways residents can take part in the fundraising effort.  Last year's local Movember campaign raised almost 30-thousand dollars.For more information visit www.movembertbay.com and www.movember.com.

Fall Feast Away For People To Come Together

The City's 3rd annual Fall Feast is on today at the Lakehead Labour Centre.  The event is meant to bring both First Nation and non aboriginal residents together as a community.  Aboriginal Liaison Officer Ann Magiskan says it's important for the community to work together especially after offensive comments were made on social media sites about the James Street bridge fire.  The event runs until six tonight.

Two Morning Fires

City fire crews are on the scene of a major fire at Frankie and Johnny's Auto Body shop at 830 North Vickers Street.  Fire units arrived at the blaze at 6:40 this morning and a second alarm was called in immediately.  No injuries have been reported and North Vickers Street is closed between Forest Avenue and Northern Avenue.  Meanwhile, there was extensive damage to an upholstery store in the 400 block of North May Street following an early morning fire.  Four pumpers and an aerial platform truck were called to the scene around 3:40 this morning and battled the blaze for close to two hours. Fire investigators will be on the scene today to determine the cause.  There were no injuries.