OPP Busy With Collisions

OPP are being kept busy today with several collisions being reported. On Highway 61 this morning a vehicle lost its wheel while driving. The accident happened just before Chippewa Road.  Meanwhile, Hwy 17 from Wawa to Batchawana is closed due to White out conditions.  Note to travellers heading west.  Traffic is moving again, albeit slowly, in the Dryden area this morning. The Trans-Canada was shut down in the Twin Towers area for over six hours last night due to what the OPP are calling a serious motor vehicle accident. The road was finally re-opened to one lane around 2:30 this morning, but police says only passenger vehicles are being allowed through at this time.

DSSAB Money Going To Two Projects

No change to the Chair of the Social Services Board. Bob Katajamaki was acclaimed as Chair and Aldo Roberto was acclaimed as Vice-Chair. Joe Virdiramo will act as the Secretary Treasurer.  Meanwhile, The Social Services Board is giving some money to two local homeless project. 35-thousand dollars will go towards the Shelter House's cold weather pilot program. CAO Bill Bradica says the money is coming from their provincial homelessness funding allocations. 105-thousand dollars will go towards the Lakehead Social Planning Council's Poverty Reduction Strategy.

To Borrow More Or To Borrow Less

City Council is going to decide whether they want to borrow 8.2 million dollars to pay for the next phase of the four-laning of the Golf Links-Junot Avenue corridor.  Staff are recommending the City pay for Phase 2 by borrowing just over 8 million dollars. Another option is to borrow 5.2 million dollars and use 3 million dollars from the Renew Thunder Bay reserve fund.  Whatever method councillors decide on Monday, the spending will be up for final approval during the budget process.

McLeod Honoured

A former city politician is now a member of an elite club.  One time Thunder Bay MPP and former Ontario Liberal Leader Lyn McLeod was one of 25 people given the Order of Ontario, the province's highest civilian honour.  The 71 year old McLeod was presented with the award by  Lt.-Gov. David Onley at Queens Park this afternoon.

Education Fair Tomorrow

Lakehead University is hosting it's education fair tomorrow for students.  This time around it will feature teacher recruitment agencies from the UK, China and Korea.  The annual Education Fair pairs students with school boards and other organizations looking for eligible candidates.

Bombardier Announcement Tomorrow

It looks like there could be some economic news coming tomorrow. Minister Michael Gravelle and MPP Bill Mauro are holding a joint news conference at the Bombardier plant tomorrow morning for what officials are calling a big announcement. There is no indication what it may be about, but according to the media invite, it will support jobs in the city.

Park Proposal For McKellar Island

The Friends of the Islands group is making a push to have an urban park developed on McKellar Island. Group Spokesperson Jack Remus says the park would involve public participation and be a gradual development taking place over several years. Remus says he will be meeting with the City of Thunder Bay and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the near future.

Animal Cruelty Charges

Two people facing charges after Thunder Bay Police were called to investigate a complaint of animal cruelty.  Police went to a residence on May Street shortly after 9 o'clock last night and found a dog and cat in an apartment.  The pets were turned over to Animal Services and both a man and woman face charges of cruelty to animals and obstruction of police.  The Rottweiler mix breed male dog is currently in stable condition at a local veterinarian hospital. The dog is very thin, emaciated and had significant trauma related injuries when located by the officers last night.  A second man was also arrested during the incident and faces weapons charges after he was seen carrying what was believed to be a buck knife.

Watkins Law Class Action

Watkins Law is launching a class action lawsuit against the Ontario Government.  The local firm is joining others claiming the Province has failed to take all necessary steps to protect the legal rights of children in their care.  The class action includes all children who were Crown wards at any time from January 1st 1966 to the time that the Province voluntarily accepted legal responsibility of Crown wards.  None of the accusations have been proven in court.

Save A Heart Car Raffle

The Fourth Annual Thunder Bay Save A Heart Car Raffle is contributing over 41-thousand dollars to the Northern Cardiac Fund. Spokesperson Kelly Rooney says that this years raffle raised more money then last years. In its four years of existence the Save A Heart Car Raffle has raised just under 170-thousand dollars.

CLE Meeting Heated

Danny Mosa is the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition's new President.  Around 70 members attended Wednesday night's annual general meeting with some voicing their anger over a variety of issues including the group's bar.  Mosa says that's why they invited the media to attend their meeting to show they have nothing to hide. Ex-board member Linda Gambee was reinstated as a member but can not run for a board election until 2015.  Meanwhile, The CLE finished 2013 in the black. The audited financial records from the previous year were approved at the AGM meeting. They show that the organization finished off the year with just over 4.4 million dollars.

Brief Weather Reprieve On The Way

Expect a brief reprieve from the deep freeze.   While Thursday will still see below normal temperatures,  Environment Canada's Marie-Eve Giguere says we will get much warmer weather Friday with a high of minus 7,  and you should enjoy it while it lasts.  She says starting this weekend we will be back to much colder temperatures that will last into next week.   Giguere says to expect more frigid mornings with extreme wind chill values.

Pre-Apprentice Program Announced

Hydro One is giving Confederation College 750-thousand dollars to create a pre-apprentice program.  Utility President Carmine Marcello says it's an investment in possible future employees.  College President Jim Madder says the inaugural class should be in the spring.  The money is for a four year program that will focus on skilled trades.

No Date For RoF Meeting

There is still no formal meeting announced between Greg Rickford and Michael Gravelle on the Ring of Fire.   Both are their federal and provincial government reps  for the giant mining development.   Rickford says the two are still only exchanging information periodically and that Gravelle recently said he will be providing more materials on a number of policy options that the feds will consider in conjunction with all stakeholders including the provincial government.  Rickford says he and Gravelle continue to have conversations about the opportunities available for the project.

Paramedics Look To Do More

The head of the regional ambulance service is pumped about the government's moves to help streamline paramedic services in Ontario.  EMS Chief  Norm Gale says the province is making 6 million dollars available for that purpose.   It means each regional emergency service can apply for funding to design programs and do research into how paramedics can become better health care providers.   Gale envisions local paramedics becoming more of a support service for seniors and those who have barriers accessing health care.

Westbound Travellers Beware

Less than ideal travel conditions today if you're heading to Winnipeg.  The RCMP has issued a blowing snow advisory for the Steinbach and Riche areas.  Police say visibility is near zero at times. Environment Canada has also issued a windchill warning for much of
southern Manitoba including Winnipeg today.

Accidents Rule The Day

Police are reminding you to drive safely today because of the road conditions.   Around 11:30 this morning there was a single vehicle mishap on the Thunder Bay Expressway between Arthur Street and the Harbour Expressway.  They say that a woman lost control of her car and ended up on the side of the highway after hitting a light pole.  One official says the woman was shaken up and taken to hospital as a precaution.  City police also report at least a half dozen accidents by the lunch hour today.

Mulcair Visits City

NDP leader Thomas Mulcair is travelling the country promoting a party petition that speaks against unfair fees and consumer ripoffs. In Thunder Bay he stopped at the home of a local anti-poverty activist and said that getting out of the cycle of poverty isn't easy and requires action by the federal government especially when it comes to getting back into the funding of social housing. Mulcair says action has to be taken on rules that make it tough for many to get ahead in life.

Beardy Applauds Young

Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy is applauding Neil Young's "Honour the Treaties" tour. Beardy says the singer brought to the forefront important issues of environment and industry, but also recognizing that First Nations people are the rights holders of the lands. Young's tour ended on Sunday and surpassed its fundraising goal of 75-thousand dollars for the legal fund of the Athabasca First Nation.

Women In Politics

Even though females are continuing to make inroads in politics, there is still room to grow.   That's why a Thunder Bay group called Women in Politics is hosting a forum on the topic today.   The highlight is the return of Lyn McLeod who was the first woman elected as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party 22 years ago. The conference took place in Thunder Bay today.

Warning To Snowmobilers

OPP are reminding snowmobile enthusiasts to take precautions when out on area trails and frozen lakes.  It comes after four missing snowmobilers were reported to them recently.  The area lakes and rivers are covered in a thick layer of snow and slush that have caused drivers and their sleds to become stranded in remote areas. In all cases the snowmobilers were located safe and sound.

2 Vehicle Accident On High Street North

City police are on the scene of a two vehicle collision in the area of High Street and Red River Road. Two vehicles are involved there's no word on any injuries.

OLG Pays City 586K

The latest dividend to the city from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation works out to 586 thousand dollars.   The money is the City's share of the slot machine revenues from the local casino.

Events Centre Proposal Reaches Next Level

Gary Green

A huge step is being taken to make the new events centre a reality.    The city is partnering with a new consortium called Thunder Bay LIVE which will help develop the new arena.   The consortium includes True North Sports out of Winnipeg which promises to work with the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club to operate its American Hockey League Franchise out of Thunder Bay.   Also part of Thunder Bay LIVE are: Stadium Consultants International, Global Specturm which promises to bring top entertainment to the city and the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.   The group is headed by known Canadian Hockey mogul and former NHL coach Gary Green.      

Cold Weather Program Ends In April

Shelter House wants to continue their cold weather program in the future.  The pilot project comes to an end in April and Executive Director Patty Hajdu says they need to find some money to continue to offer it. Hajdu says they've been extremely busy during the cold weather picking up homeless people and bringing them to the appropriate treatment centres.

12 Hour Shifts Going Good

City Police are getting accustomed to working new 12 hour shifts.  They've been on the new work schedule for two weeks now.  Chief JP Levesque says it's been going well.  Levesque says it also helps clear up of backlogged cases between the day and night shift officers.  Police used to work 10 hour shifts.

Mayor Clarifies

It's getting heated around the City Council table. Councillor Ken Boshcoff is taking issue with Keith Hobbs stating that he is the hardest-working Mayor in the History of the City and feels its insulting to those who have served in the role before. Hobbs is clarifying his statement saying he didn't mean to offend anyone he was speaking about how hard he feels he works.  Hobbs says the former Mayor Boshcoff misunderstood his statement.

Rickford Announces TBRRI Cash

The Harper government is putting money into the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.   Minister of State Greg Rickford has announced 1.4 million dollars towards an new MRI creating 16 direct and 40 indirect jobs.  He says the new jobs will be high tech and attract students from across Canada and around the world.   Rickford says the equipment will help the regional hospital to expand the scope of its research.

ATU Deal Ratified

It's now official, city council ratified a five-year agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union during last nights council meeting.  Mayor Keith Hobbs took the time to thank those involved in the negotiations.  The deal provides a 1.75 percent general annual wage increase to all members.

Apartment Building Approved

Council is approving the development of a 4-unit apartment dwelling on Hutton Park Drive.  One of the main concerns raised by residents living near the proposed site includes an increase in traffic. Don Manahan is a consultant involved with the project and says it won't be an issue. Manahan adds the project will be even smaller than the maximum size allowed on the lot.

Public Art Debate

Funding for public art at the Transit Building Renovation is being brought into question by some city councillors.  Councillor Paul Pugh says changing funding for the transit building would make the City look bad. Currently the City is spending 80-thousand dollars for public art at the transit administration building.

Time Is Ticking

Fort William First Nation's frustration is growing over CN Rail's inaction over repairing the James Street Swing Bridge.  Chief Georjann Morriseau says they have safety concerns about the increased traffic on Highway 61 and the junction to their community.  She would like to see a slower speed and other traffic controlling measures.  Morriseau expects a meeting to be held between the City, CN and themselves in the near future.

Building Bridges

The City and Fort William First Nation want to eliminate racism.  They held a special round table discussion yesterday to discuss where the two communities go after the James Street Swing Bridge Fire last year sparked racist comments on social media websites. Fort William Chief Georjann Morriseau says the only way to eradicate racism is to talk about it.  The event is meant to shed some light on the issue and foster open communication between the two communities.

Pre-Budget Hearing Today

The Provincial Government will hear from Thunder Bay organizations about what they would like to see in the upcoming budget.  The local Alzheimer Society is going to present today and President Alison Denton says they'll ask for more financial support for their clients.  Poverty Free Thunder Bay, the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and the Thunder Bay Health Coalition will also present their requests at the Valhalla Inn today.  Meanwhile, The Ontario Nurses' Association will call on the government to end cuts to registered nursing positions and to hire more RNs.

OPP Investigating Two Deaths

Provincial Police are investigating two deaths along with the Forensic Unit, Sioux Lookout Police and North Caribou Lake Police in the Weagamow Lake First Nation.  Police responded to a disturbance call and when they arrived at the residence they found a deceased woman.  Early this morning a pickup truck believed to be involved with the incident was found along with a deceased man nearby.  The identities of the victims are being withheld.

Hobbs Files Papers

Mayor Keith Hobbs making it official today.   He filed his papers this morning to stand for re-election in October and says he's counting on voters to give him another 4 years in office.  Hobbs says he's taking nothing for granted and plans to work hard to get his message across.

Flu Outbreak Over At Lakehead Manor

The flu outbreak at Lakehead Manor has been called off meaning all admissions, discharges and social activities are allowed to resume.  The Health Unit reported the first signs of the outbreak January 10th on the fourth floor of the facility, before it spread throughout the building.

LU Researchers Launch Palliative Care Kit

There's a new toolkit for long term care homes who want to offer palliative care to their residents. The kit was developed by a group of people at Lakehead University.  Dr. Mary Lou Kelley says there really wasn't anything like this in Canada before.  Kelley says thanks to their research they can tell Long Term Care homes how they can create their own palliative care programs in their facilities.

Joint Funding For Greenstone

The Provincial and Federal Government are giving Greenstone's Community Forest 3.5 million dollars to open a training centre.  The money will be used to open a regional skills training centre at the Greenstone airport.

Top 20 Under 40 Celebrated

Northwestern Ontario's young movers and shakers were honoured on Saturday in Thunder Bay.   The top twenty professionals under the age of 40 were named in the second annual event which is sponsored by the Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Chambers of Commerce and  SHIFT the Young Professional's Network.    Here are the winners:                                                                    



Thunder Bay                                       
Anthony Marrelli                                        
Ashleigh Quarrell                                          
Chris Fralick                                                
Colleen Peters
Curtis Hildebrandt
Daniel Skaarup
Dave Thomas
Derek Lankinen
Marcus Luft
Meaghan Sharp
Michelle Mack
Nadia Kurd
Nadia La Russa
Nikos Mantis
Robert Animikii Horton
Teri Joseph
Thomas Russell

Regional 
Annabella Zwada, Terrace Bay
Daryl Skworchinski, Marathon
Jessica Lunday, Kenora

WestJet Brings New Service To T.Bay

WestJet Airlines is bringing a new service to Thunder Bay. The company announced this morning that it will start Encore routes between Toronto and Thunder Bay and between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.  WestJet says the new service will start in June.

Police Find Hikers

City Police say two 17 year olds are safe after getting lost at the Cascade Conservation Area on Sunday afternoon.  The two teens took their dog for a hike in the trail system, got lost and called home for help. Police went out on snow machines and found them in the area of the Shuniah Mine. Both the hikers and the dog were very cold and possibly suffering from frost bite. Police are urging people who are heading out for hikes to be adequately dressed for the weather and to stay on a trail system that they are familiar with.

Drivers Approve Deal

City buses are rolling today after a strike by transit drivers was avoided over the weekend.  An all night mediated session led to an agreement early Saturday morning.  Drivers with the Amalgamated Transit Union, local 966, voted 76 percent in favour of the new deal Sunday.  Transit workers had been without a contract since June of 2012.  City Council will vote to ratify the contract at its meeting tonight. ATU President Sheila Kivisto says the five year deal includes an increase in wages.

Missing Teen Found

A teenager is home safe after going missing over the weekend.  Thunder Bay Police found 17-year old Rayna Johah in the company of another female last night on south May Street. Jonah, who was uninjured, was reported missing on Friday after last being seen at the County Fair Walmart.  

Light Night At Council

It's a light night at City Council tonight. Up for discussion...a request to allow a 4 unit apartment building on Hutton Park Drive.  City Staff were also scheduled to talk about a by-law issue dealing with the number of pets a person can own but that topic is being put off for the time being.

Head Lice Policy Changed

The Catholic School Board is changing its head lice policy. Spokesperson Omer Belisle says it was their approach to keep kids with head lice in school as long as their parents were taking action to stamp out the bugs. However, some parents were not taking the appropriate actions. Belisle says they will keep kids in school as long as their parents vow to treat the head lice.

Model Ship Finds Home

A model of the ship MV Thunder Bay will soon be on display at the Mariner's Hall at Prince Arthur's Landing.  City Archivist Matt Szybalski says Canada Steamship Lines presented the City with the model of the Laker on a visit to the Port of Thunder Bay in September. The MV Thunder Bay made its maiden voyage in 2013.

Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Coming To T.Bay

Diversity Thunder Bay will have a prominent figure attending their March 20th 'Celebration Breakfast'. Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is a three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and will be speaking at the event in support of ending racial discrimination.  Chair Tina Tucker says their guest speaker brings with him first hand experiences. Abuelaish is now an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.

Moose Populations

The Ministry of Natural Resources is conducting aerial surveys this winter, determining the local moose population in Northwestern Ontario. Spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski says the survey will have an impact on how hunting tags are distributed. Currently there are roughly forty-six thousand moose in hunting regions.

Ischkinakker Shaker

Just under ten-thousand dollars is going towards the United Way's Community Fund following the 11th annual Ischkinakker Shaker on December 23rd. The money will be spread between sixty-four human service programs. Roughly six-hundred people were in attendance.

Missing Person

Thunder Bay Police are asking for your help in locating 17 year old Rayna Jonah who was reported missing on Friday. Jonah is described as being aboriginal, 5'7 140lbs, with long black hair. She was last seen wearing a blue jacket around the County Fair Wal-Mart that evening. Anyone with information is being urged to contact police.