DSSAB Looking At Draft Budget Today

The Social Services Board's 2014-2015 budget is coming in at just over 73 million dollars.  The board will discuss the fiscal document at it's meeting today and CAO Bill Bradica says there are some savings that will bring the total cost down.  The board is looking at decreasing the amount area municipalities pay by two and a half percent.

Rickford Not Amused With Province

The federal minister responsible for the Ring of Fire says he's not amused by some of the rhetoric coming out of Queen's Park this week.  Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford is responding to premier Wynne's invitation to come to the table.  Rickford says they've been a willing participant all along.  Rickford says he was caught off guard by the announcement of a development corporation for the Ring, because the federal government was not consulted beforehand.

Horwath Says Open Government Meeting Is Interesting

Thunder Bay is going to play host to the Provincial Government's first "open government" engagment team meeting that's taking place on Monday at the Valhalla Inn.  NDP Leader Andrea Horwath thinks its interesting that the Liberals need to create a committee to find ways to become more open. The meeting will take place from six until 9.

Alzheimer Rendezvous Tonight

The Alzheimer Society is hosting an evening with TVO's Steve Paikin.  The host of "The Agenda" is speaking at the 12th annual Alzheimer Rendezvous. Spokesperson Ashleigh Quarrell hopes the event will raise 50-thousand dollars.  The event gets underway tonight at the Victoria Inn.

Local Officer Honoured

City Police Staff Sergeant Ryan Gibson is being honoured for his part of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run. He took part in the Torch Run's International Conference in Orlando, Florida. Gibson was selected to take part because of his volunteer involvement with Special Olympics Ontario.

Charges Laid In Suspicious Death

A 26 year old Seine River man has been charged with 2nd degree murder following a police investigation in Fort Frances. Provincial Police say they have arrested Peter Deafy for the death of 45 year old Leo Whitecrow. Whitecrow was found dead at the Midtown Motel on the morning of November 2nd, last year. Deafy is set to appear in court tomorrow to answer to the charge.

Bearskin Execs Get Award

Bearskin Airlines top execs are being honoured for their charity work. President Harvey Friesen and VP Cliff Friesen won the Jim Glass Humanitarian Award.  The award is presented by the Air Transport Association of Canada and Transwest Air.

United Way Needs Help

The United Way Campaign is closing in on the halfway mark for their fundraising campaign with five weeks to go. Campaign Chair Walter Flasza says there will be several events in December to help them reach their goal. There has been just under one and a half million dollars raised so far, the goal is to reach two point seven million.

Salvation Army Gets Money From Target

The Salvation Army's breakfast program in Thunder Bay is benefiting from a charity donation by Target Canada.   The department store giant is splitting the 160 thousand dollar donation among 23 Salvation Army programs in the country.

T.Bay Man Charged In Collision

OPP are charging a 24 year old Thunder Bay man with a drinking and driving related charge.  It stems from a single motor collision on Highway 622 just north of Atikokan. He'll appear in Atikokan Court on January 23rd.

Safe Drivers In T.Bay

Thunder Bay drivers are being recognized as some of the country's safest. The Safe Driving Study comes from Allstate Canada and is based on the amount of collisions per one-hundred cars the company insures. Thunder Bay placed tenth amongst communities with the best collision rates at 4.3 percent between 2011-2013.

DSSAB Meeting To Discuss Pets

The Social Services Board is going to discuss how best to deal with client's pets ruining their housing units. In some cases the board has been left with a 30 thousand dollar repair bill. CAO Bill Bradica says it's a tricky situation. Bradica says there's been reports of staff being bitten by animals and even some tenants being hurt by other people's pets.

Police Seize 50K Worth Of Drugs

 A 44 year old Montreal man is facing a variety of drug related charges after a search of a North side hotel room on Monday.  Staff Sergeant Murray Brown says they seized 50-thousand dollars worth of crack cocaine and prescription Fentanyl powder. The man will be in court on Friday and Police are asking the court to deny his bail.

NOMA Meets With Premier & Ministers

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is pleased with their recent meetings with the Premier and Natural Resources Minister. President Dave Canfield says they spoke about the Thunder Bay Generating Station and the property reassessments on large industrial properties. Canfield says talks with the MNR's David Orazietti went ok and notes there are still some struggling points with the Forest Industry.

Mass CPR Training Session Planned

Superior North EMS, the City and the Heart and Stroke Foundation are working together to provide a mass CPR training session this Saturday.  Deputy Chief of EMS Wayne Gates says it's important for the public to know what to do when someone is having a heart attack. The free mass training session will take place this Saturday at Westmount Public School from 10:30 until 12:30.

LU Signs Agreement With Aboriginal Leaders

Lakehead University is signing an agreement with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation as well as several other First Nation groups.  The agreement is meant to set up a respectful working relationship regarding the Faculty of Law. Aboriginal leaders will meet on a semi-annual basis to discuss issues relating to Aboriginal perspectives of the law.

Hospital Gridlock Gets NDP Attention

The over crowding at the local hospital is reaching the ears of Provincial politicians at Queen's Park. NDP Health Critic France Gelinas says cancelling surgeries because there aren't enough beds is unacceptable. Gelinas feels if there were more community supports people wouldn't have to rely so heavily on the hospital's emergency department.

Chiefs Reject Education Act

Regional Chiefs meeting in Thunder Bay this week are rejecting the Federal Government's First Nations Education Act.  The Ontario Regional Chiefs held a news conference on Wednesday to say they have plans to implement their own education vision through a direct action strategy which will be implemented by communities across the province.

Vets Get NOMA Support

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is backing local veterans and calling for the Federal Government to keep the Thunder Bay Veterans Affairs office open. NOMA passed a resolution today calling for the Feds to change their mind on the scheduled office closures. World War 2 Veteran Roy Lamore says the Federal Government's planned closure of the local office is disrespectful.

Energy Task Force Video Sent To Province

The region's energy task force is spreading their message through a new online video.  Members of the group delivered a copy of the 16 minute video to members of the Provincial Government.  The video outlines Northwestern Ontario's electrical system and the role that the Thunder Bay Generating Station plays in the region.

Northwestern Ontario - A Place to Grow Electrically from Generator on Vimeo.

Horizon Wind Releases Statement On Meeting

Horizon Wind isn't giving much credence to word they walked out of a meeting with Fort William First Nation Tuesday.  The company released a statement about the meeting and said it was clear the community wanted to speak to the Province about its perspectives on the wind farm project and clarify the process. They say they are still willing to speak with the First Nation and carry out any on-going discussion. The release goes on further to say they are actively looking for participation on a Community Liason Committee that will allow for two way communication and  make sure problems that come up are raised and addressed. The company adds they welcome further conversation with members of the Fort William First Nation.

Marathon OPP Report Incidents

Marathon OPP are reporting several collisions on Highway 17 recently. Police dealt with transports hitting rock cuts, a truck hitting a guide post, and a cattle vehicle hitting a rock cut on Monday. The OPP are encouraging drivers to drive at appropriate speeds considering road conditions, visibility and driver experience. Meanwhile, OPP are also reporting a pick up truck hit a woman as she was walking across the road in the Pic Mobert First Nation. The incident happened early Tuesday morning and EMS brought the injured woman to the Wilson Memorial Hospital. Police have interviewed the driver and will be following up with further interviews of people on the scene.

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.