Liberals Meet In T.Bay Discuss Issues

Liberals appear to be getting ideas from northern Ontario.  Party members gathered in Thunder Bay on the weekend to discuss the regional response to Premier Kathleen Wynne's Common Ground initiative.  Regional Vice-president Anthony Leek says some key issues have emerged.  The Liberals are giving the public an extra week to submit ideas and vote for they review the suggestions.

Deer Hunting Blitz Leads To Charges

The Ministry of Natural Resources is touting the success of its weekend enforcement blitz on deer hunting safety.   The ministry says that their air and land effort lead to 11 charges being laid including, hunting without a licence, trespassing on private land and obstructing a conservation officer.

Hospital In Gridlock

Rhonda Crocker Ellacott

Thunder Bay's Hospital continues to operate in a gridlock situation. Three elective surgeries had to be cancelled last week because there was no beds for patients waiting admission. Spokesperson Rhonda Crocker Ellacott says they're trying to find other beds in the community and within the hospital for patients. Crocker Ellacott says they're not sure why they've had an influx in patients and says it's not attributed to the cold and flu season.

Wirkkala Pleads Guilty

A 46 year old City man is pleading guilty to 16 counts of uttering threats, Eric Wirkkala appeared in court Monday morning on the original 65 charges.  It's in connection to threats that were made to police, businesses, media outlets, politicians and others since June of last year. He'll be back in court on January 17th at 10 am for sentencing.

Gravelle Writes Open Letter To Rickford

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is being asked to take part in a one-on-one meeting to discuss the future of the Ring of Fire development in the Far North.  Ontario's Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle has made the request in an open letter to Rickford.  Gravelle states in the letter that the Ontario Government has asked the Federal Government to step to the plate with support on the project but notes the call has gone unanswered.  Gravelle says the province is prepared to make substantial investment in the project but notes they need the federal government to come to the table with matching funds.

Hospital Comments On Mazza's ER Shift

Gordon Porter

Thunder Bay's Hospital is commenting on the recent weekend Emergency Room shift that was filled by the former President and CEO of the Province's embattled Ornge Air Ambulance Service.  Dr. Chris Mazza worked in the ER this past weekend and Chief of Staff Dr. Gordon Porter says it went well.  Porter says he's hopeful Mazza will help fill future ER shifts.

Impaired Driving Hit & Run

A 44 year old Thunder Bay man is being charged with impaired driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision. It comes after officers responded to a single vehicle crash 8 am Sunday morning near a home on east Arthur Street.  Upon arrival, officers discovered that a silver Dodge Grand Caravan had skid off the roadway and into the front steps of a home. The driver attempted to flee with the vehicle, but when unsuccessful, abandoned it. Police located the man a short distance away and were able to arrest him for impaired driving.

Memorial Ave Boston Pizza Robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a man in connection to a robbery at the Memorial Avenue Boston Pizza on early Sunday morning.  Officers were called to the restaurant at 1 in the morning Sunday after it was reported that a man approached the hostess counter and demanded money. The suspect made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police or Crime Stoppers.

TSB Recommendations Result In Change

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says Keystone Air Service has addressed several of their concerns.  The TSB has wrapped up its investigation into a fatal plane crash at North Spirit Lake in 2012.  A build-up of ice was a main factor in the fiery crash and Peter Hildebrand says the operator has made changes to address the issue.   The North Spirit airport now has an approved instrument approach procedure which was missing at the time of the crash.

City Council Preview

A petition with 300 signatures opposing a proposed youth centre partnership between the City and the Indian Friendship Centre is going to City Council tonight.  Councillor Larry Hebert isn't sure how this might impact the proposed partnership.  The Friendship Centre wants 2 and a half million dollars from the City to purchase and renovate the Prosvita Hall on High Street and an extra 300 thousand dollars a year for operating costs. Meanwhile, City Transit wants to rename its HAGI transit division "lift+".  Councillor Larry Hebert isn't keen on the new name.  Council will vote Monday night on whether or not to approve the new name.

Snow Arrived...Finally

It took until the final week of November for Thunder Bay to go through our first blast of winter. Environment Canada officially recorded 1.4 millimetres of snow in our area on Sunday.  City Police reported a half a dozen traffic accidents, but there were no major injuries.  

Loch Lomond Ski Season Shaping Up

The arrival of winter has brought with it the opening of the Loch Lomond Ski Hill.  Owner Ward Bond says the hill is nearing its full use.  Bond says with upcoming forecasts they could open the north side of the hill this weekend.

More Reaction To Cliffs Withdrawal

One of the city's louder voices in mining feels Thunder Bay's economy could take a punch if Cliffs Natural Resources continues with their decision to pull out of the Ring of Fire mining project. Mining Services Manager John Mason describes the project as having world class potential. Mason feels that other major players pulling out of the project is unlikely.

Poverty Reduction Funding

City council is considering giving the Lakehead Social Planning Council thirty-five thousand dollars to implement the city's Poverty Reduction Strategy. If approved the money would be put aside in the next budget. Future councils would also have to consider putting money aside from both 2015 and 2016 budgets.

Business Closure

The Finnish based company Metso is looking to save on annual costs and that will mean fifteen jobs being cut in the city. Metso is currently leasing a Thunder Bay facility, work will continue until April 30th when the lease expires.

Bridge Closure Keeps Causing Concerns

The Chief of the Fort William First Nation hopes to get answers December 5th from CN Rail about when the James Street Bridge will reopen to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.    Georjann Morriseau says with the main bridge to the community out of service since last month's fire, there is concern about getting emergency vehicles there in a timely manner. She says they might consider having emergency vehicles stationed in the community.  Morriseau says there is also the option of having temporary traffic lights at Highway 61 and Chippewa Road because of increased traffic at that intersection as a result of the bridge closure.

Lions Club Supports Hospital

The local Lions Club is giving $104,450 to the hospital's eye care program. The money will be used to help in the purchase of a new laser camera. Lions Spokesperson Robert Michels says the camera will make treatment more comfortable and speed up the process. Total cost for the camera is $185,000.

RIDE Program Partnership

Thunder Bay police services are partnering with Mac's Milk for this holiday season's RIDE campaign, aimed at stopping impaired driving. Traffic Sergeant David Bell says responsible drivers will be rewarded at their spot checks with a coupon redeemable for a hot beverage from Mac's. The Operation Heat Program runs from November 23rd to January 2nd.

JFK 50th Anniversary

Today marks the 50th anniversary of US President John Kennedy's assassination.  We spoke to several prominent figures in the City to see what they were doing 50 years ago today and how they were impacted by JFK's death. We spoke to Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle, Confederation College President Jim Madder, Mayor Keith Hobbs as well as City Councillors Iain Angus, Joe Virdiramo and Ken Boshcoff.
Kennedy was assassinated at 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.

Christmas Tree Lighting Tonight

The Fort William Business District and Victoriaville Centre are kicking off the Christmas season tonight with the 19th annual tree lighting at Paterson Park.  Fort William BIA Member JP Fraser says its a popular event.  Meanwhile, a Taking Back Downtown Peace Walk will also take place at City Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ending at Paterson Park.

Hernandez Trial Back December 10th

The trial of 28 year old Christian Hernandez will continue in two weeks time.  The one time Thunder Bay resident 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. Court met today to review what evidence will be allowed in the case before Justice Joyce Pelletier will make her verdict. Hernandez's blood alcohol level test results will be allowed into evidence as will the 911 call his then girlfriend made after the collision.  The comments Hernandez made to the police officer who attended his home that night will not be allowed into evidence.  The case will start back up again on December 10th.

Law School Tweaks Curriculum

It's the best of both worlds for students at Lakehead University's new law school.   Professor Lee Stuesser says we are the first law school in Canada to offer both in-class and off site learning as part of the curriculum which Stuesser says,  will get them into the working world in three years instead of four.

Police Bravery Honoured

Thunder Bay Constable Tom Armstrong is the recipient of an Ontario Medal for Police Bravery.  He was given the award Thursday, which is recognized as the province's highest honour for officers demonstrating outstanding courage on duty.  Armstrong was joined on the honour roll along with Dryden constables Denise Szachury, Jonathan Allen, and Terry Menard

NWMO Selects Nuke Communities

The Township of Ignace has been selected to move forward in a study to establish a host site for used nuclear fuel. Schreiber and Hornepayne are also on the list.   Nuclear Waste Management Organization Michael Krizanc says the next step for them  and the  other Canadian communities selected is to get into more in depth consultations with a wider range of communities including First Nations.  The NWMO is providing 400-thousand dollars to allow each community to continue in the study.

New Research For Early Detection Of Breast Cancer

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is providing a 450-thousand dollar grant, spread over three years to help in the research of a new cancer imaging technique. Dr. Alla Reznik is a professor at Lakehead University and Senior Scientist with the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. Reznik will lead the research team in the development of the Portable Positron Emission Mammography device designed to detect tumors in younger women. The portable device would also be used for screening in remote communities. 

Charges Laid In Cyclist's Death

A Texas man is facing careless driving charges from the O.P.P. Sixty-five year old Robert Booth and sixty-nine year old Irene Booth were taking part in a cross country tour with twenty-five other cyclists. While passing through Red Rock in July the two were hit by a pickup truck and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver is scheduled to appear in Nipigon Provincial Offence Court on March 24th.

Chamber Reacts To Cliffs Announcement

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is adding its voice to those who are disappointed by Cliffs Natural Resources decision to pull out of the Ring of Fire mining project.  Chamber president Charla Robinson is hoping for a continued dialogue between all those involved and adds we cannot afford to let this opportunity pass us by.

NAN Wants In On Case

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is seeking to intervene in a landmark case as the Supreme Court of Canada will hear an appeal on the under representation of First Nation People on jury rolls.  The case R v. Kokopenace will see 9 judges consider the critical issues identified in a report on the lack of aboriginal people on Ontario juries.

T.Bay SongQuest Entry

A Thunder Bay man is entering the CBC SongQuest competition.  Jim Hamilton's entry is called "For the Love of Hockey".  Voting begins on November 23rd and the more plays a song gets the better chance it has making it to the final rounds.  To listen click here.

Red Cross Raffle Launched

The Canadian Red Cross Society is starting to sell its tickets for the Northern Raffle.  The organization hopes to sell over 4-thousand tickets.  Disaster Manager Coordinator Dave Wright says the fundraiser is vital to their operation. Tickets can be purchased at Halfway Motors and the Canadian Red Cross Office.

TSB Releases More On Keystone Crash

The Transportation Safety Board has ruled that operational pressures, adverse weather conditions, and a lack of experience factored in a fatal plane crash in northwestern Ontario.  The pilot and three passengers died when the Keystone Air Service aircraft went down in a snowstorm about 2-kilometres shy of the runway at North Spirit Lake on January 10th, 2012.  36-year-old Brian Shead was the only survivor of the crash.

College And FWFN Sign Education Deal

The Fort William First Nation and Confederation College are partners in education.  The two have signed a deal which will see First Nation students get skills training on the reserve.  Chief Georjann Morriseau says it's a first step in building a relationship between the two groups.  College President Jim Madder says it will help the students become a part of the growing First Nations economy.  The program is expected to get up and running in the new year.

Fire Service Puts Out Blaze On Lydia Ave

Thunder Bay Police are treating a fire at the home of Councillor Trevor Giertuga as suspicious. One vehicle in the Lydia Avenue driveway was completely destroyed by the fire and a second vehicle in the driveway also received damage as a result of the blaze. The preliminary investigation of the early Thursday morning fire shows that it looks to have been deliberately set.

Reaction To Cliffs Announcement

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath isn't surprised by the decision of Cliff's Natural Resources to indefinitely suspend its Chromite Project in the Ring of Fire.  Horwath says the blame is solely on the Provincial Government. Meanwhile, Cliff's Spokesperson Pat Persico says they're not bluffing and will pull out of the project by the end of the fourth quarter of this year. Around 40 jobs will be lost because of this decision. Perseco says they will be open to further discussions with the Provincial Government and First Nations.

Art Gallery Looking For Input

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is asking the public for ideas when it comes to a possible move along the waterfront.  Gallery Director Sharon Godwin says the community will play a big role in the decision making process.  Godwin added that they are still early in the planing process, with designs expected to start in the middle of 2014.

Christmas Wish Bag Campaign Launched

Dilico Anishnabek Family Care is in its fifth year of their Christmas Wish Bag campaign.  This year's goal is to fill six-hundred gift bags for kids in need  Tausha Esquega is Case Manager and says it's sometimes family's just need a little help.  Those looking to help have until December 13th to register.

Noront Consults T.Bay

Noront Resources continues to consult the public about their Eagle's Nest project in the Ring of Fire. An open house on the environmental assessment of the project was held Wednesday night in the City.  President Alan Coutts says the draft version of their Environmental Assessment report should be complete by mid December.  Many of the people who took part in last night's session were industry stakeholders with the Provincial Government and Mining industry.

A Major Player Is Out

There's a big question mark hanging over the the Ring of Mining Development following a surprising decision by Cliffs Natural Resources. Cliffs has announced it will suspend indefinitely its Chromite Project in Northern Ontario by the end of the fourth quarter of this year.  The company has decided not to sink any more capital into the Ring of Fire due to the uncertainty of the timeline and necessary infrastructure to bring the project on line.  Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle, says the government is still committed to the project and the development is about more than just one company.  The suspension of operations affects 14 employees here in Thunder Bay and 17 more workers in the field.  

Mill To Re-Open

It's back to the job for workers at the Resolute Forest Products Sawmill.  The mill was suddenly shutdown and workers were sent home Tuesday following a recent string of accidents at the facility.  Company Spokesperson Xavier Van Chau says the company went through a review of its health and safety procedures.  The sawmill will be back in operations this Sunday.  About 200 workers were affected by the shutdown.

Shelter House Wants Help

Shelter House is looking for the city's help in starting up a cold weather pilot project to house as many  homeless as possible during the winter months. Spokesperson Patty Hajdu says it has various components to it which are designed to get the homeless a place to stay over the winter months. The proposal will be pitched to councillors on Monday night.

Fort Frances Hospital Gets Money

Riverside Health Care in the Fort Frances area is getting over 12-thousand dollars from the Northern Cancer Fund.  The Regional Health Sciences Foundation helped them purchase the new equipment for chemotherapy including an IV pump and specialized pharmacy cart.

Connect The Dots Open

There's some new life in the Park Avenue area.  A new business called "Connect The Dots" is now open at 206 Park Avenue.  It's a nature inspired play centre that provides children with hands-on playing. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier today.

Hwy Open

Everything is back to normal on Highway 11/17 between Upsala and Ignace.  The highway was closed earlier today while a transport was pulled from a ditch.  A man was sent to the hospital for treatment.

OLG Employee Wins Green Award

An OLG Thunder Bay Casino employee is the WWF Canada's 2013 Champion of the Year for its living planet at work program.  Alan Forbes is being awarded for his efforts in mobilizing his colleagues into environmental action.  The gaming site's Cage and Coin Shift Manager helped curb the casino's paper usage and committed them to recycle.

Snowmobile Club Complaints Heard

Complaints from Ontario snowmobile clubs has forced the provincial government to reconsider a controversial policy.  Transportation minister Glenn Murray confirmed that a decision to charge snowmobile clubs for use of hydro right-of-ways is under review.  NDP critic Michael Mantha says its just one of a long line of policies that's hurting winter tourism in Ontario.  Murray says the policy was put in place because of liability concerns raised by the Ministries of Infrastructure and Energy.

ORNGE Report Cites Safety Issues

Federal investigators have cited a number of safety issues with the Ornge ambulance service.  The Report by Human Resources Skills Development Canada was conducted following the crash of an Ornge helicopter last May in northern Ontario.  Ontario's health minister Deb Matthews says she's aware of the report and says they are already taking action to address some of the deficiencies outlined.

Rentech On Track To Produce Wood Pellets

Encouraging news for Atikokan.  Published reports indicate Rentech is on track to begin producing wood pellets at the former coal-fired plant next year.  The company is also projecting the Atikokan facility to produce roughly 100-thousand tonnes.  45-thousand tonnes would go to fulfilling a contract with Ontario Power Generation.  The company also identifies European-based Drax Power as a customer.

LU Researchers Get Cash

Lakehead University researchers are getting over 1.4 million dollars from Canada Health Research Institute. Three doctors will be sharing the money to conduct research into helping injured workers, improving the lives of seniors and improving the health of Aboriginal people.

Sawmill Takes Safety Break

The Resolute Forest Products Sawmill is being shut down after an employee broke his nose on the job Monday.  Xavier Van Chau is the Director of Corporate Communications for the company and says they're taking a safety break.  There isn't a time frame for how long the mill will be shut down.  Calls to Unifor the union representing the workers have not been returned to our newsroom.

DSSAB CAO Not Coming Back

The former CAO of the local Social Services Board isn't going to return to work.  Melissa Harrison was on leave and has decided to remain at home for the early years of her children.  Harrison will also work on her Masters' Degree.

Murder Charge

A 21-year old woman is facing a second degree murder charge following a death on Kasabonika Lake First Nation.  The OPP say 20-year old Courtney Mamakeesic died from her injuries sustained in an altercation at a residence last Sunday.  Charged is 21-year old Clarissa Anderson of Kasabonika Lake First Nation.  She'll appear in a Kenora courtroom on November 22nd.  A post mortem exam has been completed but the cause of death has not been released.