Horizon Walks Out Of Talks With FWFN

Horizon Wind isn't commenting on why it walked out of a meeting that included Fort William First Nations Chief Georjann Morriseau.    Morriseau says the meeting was called to discuss treaty rights with Horizon and the Ministry of Environment  before any decisions are made  on the company's proposed wind farm on the Nor' wester Escarpment.  She says that shortly after the meeting began company officials walked out without giving a reason.  Morriseau considers the consultation process with Horizon to have broken down.

Casino Staff Vote To Join USW

Office staff at the OLG Casino want to join the United Steelworkers Union.  In a certification vote on Monday, staff voted 83 percent in favour of joining the USW.  The administration staff vote comes after the casino's gaming floor employees voted to join the union as well. The union now represents 210 casino employees.

Mazza Hiring Creates Political Storm

The Wynne government is getting hammered over the decision by the Health Science's Centre in Thunder Bay to hire former Ornge CEO Chris Mazza for work in the ER.   Progressive Conservative Frank Klees is especially critical of the move  since Mazza had such a tainted past with the provincial air ambulance service.  Klees calls the hiring of Mazza a complete disrespect for the taxpayers of the province. Health Minister Deb Matthews says the decision to hire Mazza was a local one.

Horizon Wind Meeting Held Today

The Fort William First Nation, Horizon Wind and the Ministries of Environment & Natural Resources are meeting in Thunder Bay today.  They're discussing the planned wind farm on the Norwester Mountains. Escarpment Committee Spokesperson John Beals says they held a rally outside the meeting this morning to support the First Nation. The Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing Horizon Wind's renewable energy application.

Matthews Questioned Over Hospital Crisis

The provincial government is under pressure to ease the gridlock situation at the Health Science's Centre in Thunder Bay.   Health Minister Deb Matthews, under questioning at Queen's Park, says the government is trying to make sure the health authority is very focused on finding ways to resolve the overcrowding problem and calls it  a top priority

Rafferty Weighs In On By-Elections

Thunder Bay Rainy River MPP John Rafferty is weighing in on the results of last night's Federal By-elections. The Liberals retook Toronto Centre and the Montreal riding of Bourassa while the Conservatives reclaimed two Manitoba ridings. Rafferty says the NDP have no regrets. Rafferty notes it's too soon to say if last night's election results will be an indicator of how the next Federal Election will go.

City Plans Out Appeal Strategy

City Manager Tim Commisso is playing his cards close to his chest.    City councillors held a closed door meeting last night with Commisso and the city lawyer about the Resolute Forest Products tax assessment appeal.  And while councillors approved a course of action for administration to take,  Commisso won't say what that is. Commisso says we will likely find out the city's position when the appeal hearings continue in the Thunder Bay next year.

Councillor Wants City Logo Changed

Councillor Aldo Ruberto thinks the city logo should be changed to include the sleeping giant.  He made his pitch to fellow councillors at City Hall last night.  While some like Iain Angus and Rebecca Johnson think it's a waste of time there were others supporting the idea like councillor Brian McKinnon. City administration is now going to look at the proposal and will come up with a recommendation in September of next year.

Friendship Centre Pleads For Support

The head of the Indian Friendship Centre plans to tackle opposition to a proposed youth centre on High Street head on.  Bernice Dubec told councillors she doesn't believe there will be an increase in vandalism in the neighbourhood as a result of the new facility.   Meantime the councillor for the area, Paul Pugh, came out in full support of the project saying it will be a community building in a residential area.  
Officials are asking city councillors to support the proposed 9.8 million dollar centre.  The issue will be back before councillors in the new year.

Sally Ann Will Not Change Sobriety Policy

L to R Patty Hajdu, Rob Kerr

The Salvation Army admits a proposed Cold Weather Plan may conflict with its no drunks policy.   The plan is being set up by Shelter House to get the homeless off the street during the winter months. Rob Kerr of the Salvation Army says they will not change the sobriety rule as part of the plan. He says it's because many of those people who come to their shelter are trying to get away from those influences.  Organizers of the pilot project are asking the city for 35 thousand dollars

Campbell Wants Stories

Local residents are being urged to speak up about the state of road conditions in northwestern Ontario.  Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is taking to social media to bring our concerns to Queens Park.  Campbell has put out a Facebook message asking constituents to share their stories about the state of local highways.  She's responding to Transportation Minister Glen Murray's promise to come to northwestern Ontario and talk to local road maintenance contractors if the situation doesn't improve.

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.