DSSAB Unveils New Playgrounds

The neighbourhoods of Windsor Street and Limbrick Place are getting new natural playgrounds.  The Social Services Board unveiled the new green spaces on Wednesday afternoon.  The new spaces include a bike track, climbing walls, boulders, trees, cedar post seats, an art wall and other natural elements.

Council Considering Veterans Affairs Resolution

City Council is considering a resolution calling for the Federal Government to keep the Veterans Affairs office open in Thunder Bay. Council will tackle the topic at their meeting on Monday.  The local VA office is set to close in 2014.

Pair Of Overnight Stabbings

Two people are in hospital after two early morning stabbing incidents on the City's south side.  Just after 3:30 Wednesday morning, a man was stabbed multiple times inside the Odd Fellows Hall apartment building. Police then responded minutes later to a south side house where the homeowner found a second man in the bathroom suffering from multiple stab wounds to the neck.  Police say the two men are known to each other and alcohol played a factor in the incident.  Officers are trying to determine the sequence of events.

Engineering Fair At LU

Lakehead University is looking to advance the careers of their engineering students.  An Engineering Fair was held on Wednesday to help students explore their future.  Career & Employment Specialist Christina Buzzi says there's a big need for employees in this field.  Students visited with 14 employers.

Gravelle Makes More NOHFC Announcements

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is giving over a million dollars to several companies in the Greenstone area.  A million dollars is going to Havilah Holdings a new manufacturing plant in Geraldton.  Meanwhile, 125-thousand is going to First General Services, 100-thousand to the Municipality of Greenstone to finish a mining plan, and another 40-thousand to a Lake Nipigon First Nation.  Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle made the announcements this morning.

Fatal Collision In Kenora

OPP are charging a 59 year old woman with failing to yield to a pedestrian after a fatal collision in Kenora on Monday.  Two women crossing First Street South were struck by a southbound vehicle turning east onto the street.  79 year old Marlyn Lowes died from injuries sustained in the accident.  The other woman an 83 year old Kenora resident was treated and released from hospital.

Cinevate Launches Kickstarter Campaign

A movie industry company in Thunder Bay is launching a kickstarter campaign to raise funds for it's new product called "Morpheus". Cinevate Owner Dennis Wood says it's a product that will change the way you capture video.  Wood says they want to raise 25-thousand dollars in a months time.  For more information on the kickstarter campaign and the product click here.

Horwath In Thunder Bay Today

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is going to be in the City today.  She's meeting with the Regional EMS Chief and later holding a town hall on the Northern Economy in Nipigon.

Toys For Tots Is Back

Toys for Tots is back for another holiday season of fundraising.  Chair Paul Penna says they recently started offering a debit and credit card machine at their booth in the Intercity Mall.  Penna adds they raised 153 thousand dollars last year and hope they can match that this year.  Money raised goes towards buying toys and gifts that Christmas Cheer gives to kids in need.

Trowbridge Pedestrian Bridge Open

The Trowbridge Falls new pedestrian bridge is now open to the public.  City Spokesperson Brian Loucks says over 600-thousand dollars was spent to move the bridge from it's original spot.  The bridge connects Centennial Park and Trowbridge Falls campground.

Rail Traffic Moving Again In NWO

All appears back to normal in Fort Frances following a weekend train derailment in the community.    CN Rail spokesperson Louis-Antoine Paquin says as of this  afternoon  the track reopened, however the cause still remains a mystery.  About 40 carloads of grain parted with the track late Sunday afternoon. No one was injured.

Possible Problems On Board Plane

The Transportation Safety Board is now in control of investigating Sunday's plane crash in Red Lake that killed 5 people.  Spokesperson Peter Hildebrand says early indications are that there may have been some problems on board the plane just before it crashed 2 miles short of the runway.  Hildebrand says while the plane itself has had issues in the past they didn't relate to the airworthiness of the airplane

Operation Red Nose Gearing Up

Operation Red Nose is getting ready for another holiday season and they need volunteers. St. John's Ambulance Executive Director Diana Sustawenko says they're having an impact by preventing drinking and driving.  Last year 758 rides were provided. The safe rides will be offered starting on November 29th and 30th and then every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December excluding Boxing Day.

Million Dollars Provided To New LU Daycare Centre

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is giving a million dollars to Lakehead University to help build their new childcare centre.  Dr. Brian Stevenson says the new 82 hundred square foot building on campus is going to improve the lives of students with kids.  Stevenson says it will allow more students to come to University and bring their children with them to the on site daycare.  It will also be used as a training opportunity for early childhood education students.  40 day care spots and a new infant care program are also included in the Nanabijou Childcare Centre. The facility will open it's doors in the fall of next year.

Homeland Concerns For Local Filipinos

Members of the local Filipino community are watching events from their homeland anxiously.   Reuben Villagracia is the head of the local Philippine Association and says news of last weeks tragic typhoon is  hard to watch for many.   He says it really hits home when you see the television footage over and over again. Villagracia says there are fundraising events planned including one on Saturday at the farmer's market at the CLE

Dryden Police Like Camera Idea

Possible cameras for police officers across Ontario.  The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police is conducting a pilot project, where the officer wears a camera.  Dryden Police Chief Rob Davis says it's being done in Toronto, but he would be in favour it.  Davis says there are number of legalities that have to be looked at first before the Dryden Police Service considers it.

New Fire Bases Coming Soon

The Ministry of Natural Resources will be getting an upgrade of its fire fighting facilities across northwestern Ontario next year.  Two new bases are expected to be opened in the region.  Fire information officer Heather Pridham says the new bases will be located in Sioux Lookout and Armstrong.  Pridham says the Armstrong Fire Base should be ready by September 2014.

Survey Says...

The website our-health-system dot ca shows the Northwest Local Health Integration Network, which includes Thunder Bay, has fewer people that have a family doctor, 83 per cent compared to 85 per cent in Canada and 91 per cent in Ontario.   As well the stats show that life expectancy in our region is about 78 and a half years compared to about 81 years in both Ontario and Canada.   As for our regional hospital, it ranks better than the rest of the province and the country in hospital deaths and the average cost of staying in the hospital but lags behind in the number of patients who urgently have to go back to hospital within one month of being discharged.   A link to the survey can be found HERE

Moustache Riders On The Road

The Moustache Bike Riders are now back on the road.   They left Thunder Bay this morning as they continue their cross-Canada trip ending in Toronto. They started the fundraising excursion in Vancouver and rider Jordan Gildersleeve says they've had a warm response from the communities they've stopped in and is confident he'll be able to raise 100-thousand dollars for Movember.

Bearskin Staff Devastated By Tragedy

The vice president of Bearskin Airlines is expressing his condolences to the family of the 5 people who died in Sunday's plane crash in Red Lake.   Cliff Friesen says the tragedy is a tough time for staff within the company.  He says many are very devastated by what happened and it's very difficult for them.  Counselling is being provided for those who wish it. Friesen says while the exact cause of the crash isn't known, there have not been any mechanical problems with the type of plane that was involved, a Fairchild Metroliner.

Shovel/Knife Wielding Teen Arrested

Police say they have a teenage boy from Marten Falls in custody after a strange incident in Geraldton over the weekend.   They say on Saturday night the 14 year old  was  walking down Main Street carrying a knife and a shovel. It was reported that the youth had allegedly  robbed one person and chased two others with the weapons.  Police say no one was hurt.

Five Dead In Plane Crash

More information is being released by the OPP about who was on the Bearskin Airlines plane that crashed Sunday night in Red Lake. Deceased is the two pilots, a 25 year old man from Mississauga and a 34 year old man from Winnipeg.  The three passengers who died are a 53 year old woman, 53 year old man and a 64 year old woman from Red Lake.  Sgt. Shelley Garr says they're continuing to investigate the scene of the accident alongside the Transportation Safety Board.  The deceased identities have yet to be confirmed.

Thunder Bay Remembers

Hundreds of people braved the cold to take part in this morning's Remembrance Day service at the Waverley Park Cenotaph.  They took time to remember those who lost their lives in battle for this country.   The first wreath was laid by this year's Silver Cross Mother Carol Klukie, the mother of local fallen soldier Josh Klukie.   Services were also held at the Fort William Gardens and the on the Mount McKay Cenotaph.   Below is Corporal Joseph Petch who played the Last Post at the north side service.

Rafferty Calls Treatment Of Vets A Shame

It's Remembrance Day a time to honour our veterans. Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says its an extra sombre day because the Federal Government still insists on closing Thunder Bay's veteran affairs office in 2014. Rafferty says he's not going to give up the fight to keep the local office open. The Thunder Bay office serves most of Northwestern Ontario.

Train Derailment In Fort Frances

Officials with the Transportation Safety Board are investigating a train derailment in Fort Frances.  They're deploying a team of investigators to look at why 40 carloads of grain came off the track over the weekend.

More Threat For Species At Risk

The province's environmental watchdog is not impressed with how the government is dealing with species at risk. In a report Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller says changes made to regulations are making it much easier for companies to bypass legislation. Leaving the Ministry out of the loop in most cases

Ellie Stokes Found

Thunder Bay Police would like to thank those who helped in finding missing sixteen-year old Ellie Stokes. Stokes went missing after leaving her mothers home October 26th. She was located Saturday night and taken off the missing persons list.

Confederation College Anniversary

Today is the 40th anniversary for Confederation College's Aviation Program. The event will include Canadian Forces planes and pilots in a special celebration taking place at the school.

Communities Look To Withdraw From Board

There appears to be support for a proposal to pull six communities out of the District Social Services Administration Board. Conmee Reeve Kevin Holland says he has received positive feedback from those he has spoken with for the motion. Holland is leading the group of communities who don't believe they are receiving their moneys worth from the board. The group is still waiting for a consultants report on the issue.

Missing Teen

Thunder Bay police are asking for your help in trying to find a missing 16 year old girl.  They say that Ellie Stokes was last seen leaving her Mother's home located on Thunder Bay's north side, Saturday October 26 around 7 in the evening.  She is described as caucasian, 5 feet-2 inches and with dark hair.  

Mines Minister Gravelle Is Optimistic

The province is looking at creating a development corporation that will be used in the Ring of Fire project. The corporation would include all parties involved in the Ring of Fire and aims at addressing issues that may arise during development. Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is optimistic that the Federal Government will agree, and states that the move should clear any issues surrounding finances and infrastructure.

Cliffs Welcomes ROF Plan

The biggest player in the Ring of Fire mining project is welcoming a plan by the province to set up a development corporation to deal with the giant venture.   In a prepared statement, Jennifer Mihalcin of Cliffs Natural Resources said the news is encouraging.  She says the company looks forward to working with all parties to advance the project.  The mining giant has threatened to pull out of the project if there is no government infrastructure support.

Premier Requests ROF $

Premier Kathleen Wynne figures what's good for other parts of Canada should be good enough for northern Ontario.  Wynne is pleading with the Harper government for money to develop the Ring of Fire mining project.   She says it requires 2 and a quarter billion dollars for infrastructure development including a new road.   Wynne points out the feds have come through for other big projects in Alberta, B.C. and Labrador.

New General Manager For The TBSO

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra has a new General Manager. Shannon Whidden brings with him over fifteen years of experience. He most recently served as Orchestra Manager for the National Arts Centre.

No Frills Opening November 15th

Thunder Bay's new No Frills grocery store on Edward Street will be opening a week from today.   The company says the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 7:45 in the morning.  The second No Frills location on Dawson Road in the County Fair Plaza is going to open on November 29th.  

Housing Starts Down For October

 On the economic front, the city looks to be keeping pace with last year for the number of new houses being built.  Canada Mortgage and Housing says that from January to October of this year there were 300 housing starts which compares almost equally to last year at the same time.   October was still a rough month for total housing starts though.  This year there were 21 starts compared to over 100 last year.

Forestry Bill Over One Hurdle

A bill that will help the forestry industry and Northern Ontario has passed second reading. Bill 13, also known as the  Ontario Forestry Industry Revitalization Act, was brought forward by Nippissing MPP Vic Fedeli. Fedli says this is a huge step towards providing a much needed boost to the Northern Ontario economy, however he notes more work still lies ahead. The bill will focus on amending the Ontario Building Code to allow mid-rise wood frame construction up to six-storeys, instead of the current 4.

Jobless Rate Down

The latest government statistics show that unemployment in Thunder Bay dropped slightly from September to October.   The jobless rate in the city last month was 6.3 per cent a drop of point 1 per cent. Nationally the rate remained unchanged at 6.9 per cent.

Strongmen Flex Muscles And Raise 4K

On the charity beat, the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization is getting a boost thanks to a recent strongman competition.  Participants raised 4 thousand dollars for the group which was presented at a ceremony this morning.  

NAN Wants Right to Control Own Education

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is calling for the right to control their own education on NAN territory. More than two-hundred delegates met this past week at the Chiefs Summit on Education in Thunder Bay. Grand Chief Harvey Yesno says it's important to have control over their education system to give youth a sense of identity. Yesno says communities must work together, and that it is his role to engage other Grand Chiefs across the country.

CEDC Happy To See New Businesses Open

The Community Economic Development Commission is pleased a new company is setting up shop in Thunder Bay.  Timeless Shoe Repair held it's grand opening on Thursday and Development Officer Stacia Kean says more people should follow suit and start their own business.  Kean says since April she's seen 7 new businesses open up.

CN Keeping Bridge Closed Awhile

The James Street bridge is going to remain closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic until at least next week.   Lindsay Fedchyshyn of CN Rail says it's still up to the experts to decide when or if it should open.  The bridge caught fire last week and so far only trains are being allowed to cross.

Twitter on the New York Stock Exchange

Twitter is now a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. Share prices were expected to open at twenty-six dollars, a figure that has jumped to forty-five dollars. Mark Piovesana is Senior Wealth-Advisor at Thunder Bay's ScotiaMcLeod and says the excitement surrounding the announcement is similar to when Facebook went public.

Highway 17 Open

Highway 17 is now open to one lane between Vermillion Bay and Kenora.  14 transports were involved in an early morning crash causing the closure of the roadway for most of the morning.  Police closed the highway just before 2 o'clock this morning.

Grain Elevators Re-Open

A grain elevator has reopened and is seeing service for the first time in three years.  Richardson International bought the elevator from Viterra this past summer.  Gerry Heinrichs is the company's Thunder Bay manager and says there is still some work to be done.  The elevator loaded its first ship this past Tuesday.

Workshop On City Development

A workshop is being held in the City tonight to discuss an upcoming review from the Provincial Government into how cities plan and fund their development.  Ontario is going to review its land use planning system and the Development Charges Act.  The review is meant to ensure municipal planning decisions support livable communities, attract jobs and encourage economic growth.  A regional workshop on planning and development charges is being held tonight starting at 6 pm at Thunder Bay's Airlane Hotel from 6 until 9:30.

Taxi Group Meets For The First Time

A Police Services Board committee that's looking at the future of taxi service in the City is fresh off its first meeting.  The group is considering allowing more licenses and having the City's by-law office govern the taxi service rather than the police.  City Councillor Brian McKinnon says no decisions have been made and notes it's a lengthy process. The group will meet again in a months time.

South Side Stabbing

A 22-year old man is in hospital with serious injuries following a stabbing on the south side last night.  City Police say at around 8:20 Wednesday evening the man was stabbed in the lower back by a large hunting knife in the 200 block of South May Street.  Investigators are looking for a lone male in connection with the incident.  The suspect is known to Police.  

Healing Circle Planned

An Aboriginal healing circle is planned by the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board this week.  It's to help three Fort William First Nation students at Pope John Paul the Second school.   Education director Joan Powell says it's to allow them to overcome their concerns after a staffer made a  reportedly offensive remark.   She says two trained facilitators will lead the circle, one of them is Aboriginal.   The principal and staff member from the school will also be present. The healing circle takes place Friday at the board office.

Small Decrease In Hydro Bills Proposed

Thunder Bay Hydro is asking the Ontario Energy Board to decrease its distribution rates.  Spokesperson Tim Wilson says if approved, it means customers will pay 56 cents less each month.  Wilson adds they're able to lower their rates because they've finished installing their smart meters.  The new prices would come into effect on May 1.

Love An Experienced Cat

The City's Animal Service is kicking off a new two week campaign called "Love and Experienced Cat". The adoption fee for senior and long term shelter cats will be dropped to 50 dollars. Manager Jody Kondrat says older cats make good companions. Love an Experienced Cat starts Friday and runs until Nov. 22.