Johnson Out As PC Candidate

A PC source in Toronto is confirming that Provincial Conservative Tamara Johnson is out as candidate for Thunder Bay Superior North. The announcement comes following statements Johnson made on Facebook, regarding businesses in the Fort William First Nation. A nomination meeting will be held at a later date.

Highway 11 Closure

OPP have closed Highway 11 near Reflection Lake, just prior to the community of Macdiarmid. Crews are working on removing a tractor-trailer unit. The closure is expected to last another hour.

Additional Charges For Sioux Lookout Man

OPP in Sioux Lookout are laying additional charges on 39-year old Armand Cummings in relation to an incident that happened on Friday. Police say they observed Cummings while he bought liquor from an LCBO, and then sold it behind the store. They add that when they approached him he claimed he was robbed. Cummings is facing charges of unlawfully selling liquor and public mischief. Cummings was also charged with unlawfully selling liquor ten days prior to the incident.

Cultural Sector Recognizes Contributers

The city's cultural sector is recognizing several individuals who have made contributions to its development. An awards evening was held Thursday at the Prince Arthur Hotel and included awards for performing and media arts, visual arts and cultural heritage. Awards include cash prizes of either 5-hundred or 1-thousand dollars.

Sexual Charges Laid

City Police are charging a 27 year old man with a variety of sexual related offences.  It came after someone reported a Kijiji ad that called for young boy models between 6 and 13 years of age.  The investigation led detectives to communicate with the suspect via text messages. The man is charged with invitation to sexual touching, luring a child, breach of probation, and failing to comply with undertaking.

Highway Closures Updated

OPP are asking motorists travelling to call 5-11 for updated highway road conditions.  Highway 11 has been totally reopened at the Hwy 11/17 Junction in Nipigon to Hearst.  Meanwhile, west of Thunder Bay, Kenora OPP have reopened Highway 17 near the junction of Highway 71.  It was closed this morning because of a jack-knifed tractor trailer unit.

HWY 17 Open To One Lane

Highway 17  is now open to one lane at Tower Hill.  It was closed just east of Ignace due to a five vehicle motor vehicle collision involving two tractor trailer units, one snow plow and two passenger vehicles. The eastbound lane of Highway 17 is open near Tower Hill.

Gas Leak Investigated At Victoriaville

Union Gas is confirming that they have not found anything out of the ordinary following a suspected gas leak at the Victoriaville Mall. District Manager Dave Sword says they did a thorough search but didn't find anything. Emergency Operations have ceased at the building however the Victoriaville mall will remain closed for the day.

Ride Check Nabs No One

The Canadian Women's hockey teams gold medal win at the Olympics yesterday caused celebrations across Canada.  As a result, Thunder Bay Police took precautions and held a RIDE check last night to ensure no one was drinking and driving from any celebrations. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says thankfully they didn't nab anyone with drinking and driving, and no one was in the penalty box.  Porter says with the cruddy weather today people should stay home if they can and watch the men's hockey team play the US.

Hwy 17 Open Near Upsala

Highway 17 is now open at Upsala.  It was closed after a transport pulling out of the gas station got stuck in the ditch.

Snowfall Makes Travel Hard

City Parks Manager Werner Schwar decided to utilize the winter weather this morning and ski to work.  The dump of snow made it difficult for many residents to make it to work.

All Schools Closed

It is a full snow day for all students across the Thunder Bay area.  All Lakehead Public, and Thunder Bay Catholic Schools are closed as well as the education centres.  Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed.
City Transit buses are running this morning.  All City of Thunder Bay run Day Care Centres are also closed today.  

Cancer Care Consultant Speaks In Thunder Bay

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy may be reducing the effectiveness of their treatments by smoking. This comes from Cancer Care Consultant Dr. Bill Evans who spoke in Thunder Bay yesterday. Evans adds that even some doctors need to be updated on the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

United Way Campaign Falls Short

The United Ways 2013 fundraising campaign fell just short of their goal set at 2.7-million dollars. Chair Walter Flasza says they are not disappointed with this years total of 2.5-million dollars. Flasza adds that they will analyse this years campaign to see where they can improve and why they couldn't raise the extra money.

Report Predicts Huge Economic Impact From ROF

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is out with a report that suggests the Ring of Fire mining project will generate benefits far beyond mining and the north. Charla Robinson of the Thunder Bay Chamber says the study will help sell the project to the provinces broader business community. The study shows that the Ring of Fire will create up to 9.4-billion dollars in economic activity in its first 10-years.

Charges Laid In Accident

The OPP are charging a 51 year old man with several traffic offences after a collision Wednesday at the intersection of Highway 61 and Chippewa Road.  The man is charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident, driving without insurance and following too close.

Chemo And Smoking Don't Mix

A Cancer Care consultant is travelling the province with a warning about smoking during cancer treatment.  Dr. Bill Evans says that studies show clearly that smoking helps to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.  He says that even some doctors need to be taught about the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

Benny Birch Retiring

Benny Birch is calling it a day.  The St. Joseph's Foundation is retiring the mascot.  This year will be his 33rd and final birthday party that helps raise money for St. Joseph's.  The event has raised over a million dollars.

E.C. Funding Creates Buzz

The city's proposed event centre is now into the next phase with both the federal and  provincial governments providing 1.1 million dollars for a design study.  Minister of State Greg Rickford says it's a project that's worth funding because it will have a benefit for the entire region, not just Thunder Bay. Rickford says the centre will provide an important economic opportunity for northwestern Ontario.  Mayor Keith  Hobbs says he's pleased to see both levels of government coming together to help the city and  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the design phase is a positive step forward in getting the project off the ground adding, the city is taking the right steps in guiding the project along.

Tbaytel Sponsors Golf Tournament

Tbaytel is presenting the upcoming PGA Thunder Bay Classic golf tournament.  The company is providing 150 thousand dollars over the next three years.  Organizer Scott Smith says it's win-win for both parties involved. The tournament will be held for the first time this summer.

Dryden Worries About MPAC

The provincial Government has alerted local leaders of a plan to implement 26-recommendations to improve the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.  The move will change the way MPAC does business and will allow for more transparency, Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says recent mill assessments have handcuffed several communities including Thunder Bay.  A letter released by the government states they are confident that implementing the recommendations and working with area communities will result in a fair, accurate and predictable system.

Northern Look At Wireless Auction

Tbaytel was shut out in the recent sell-off of wireless services in Canada. The regional company participated in the auction but failed to win any bids. Bell, Rogers, Telus and Bragg Communications received the winning bids for licenses in northern Ontario. A total of 97-licenses were awarded to 8 companies. The auction netted the federal government more than 5.2-billion dollars.

Osisko Ramps Up Attack On Goldcorp

Opposition to an unsolicited take-over bid from Goldcorp continues from Osisko Mining. Chief Executive Officer Sean Roosen says the bid is preventing shareholders from getting a dividend on their investment. Roosen says Osisko planned for a significant dividend policy, but claims that some of the money is now being spent on lawyers and bankers dealing with the legal challenge against Goldcorp. A Quebec court is to hear the matter March 3rd. Roosen is again urging shareholders to reject the bid.

OPP Warn Drivers

OPP are cautioning motorists to drive with extra care in preparation for a winter storm that is expected to hit our city. Police are asking people to postpone all non-essential travel until conditions improve, and asks for motorists to slow down.

Hospital Addresses Fire Code Violations

Hospital CEO Andree Robichaud admits they violated the fire code by treating patients in alcoves. Staff had to treat patients in the alcoves during times when the facility was overcrowded. At a news conference Thursday, Robichaud says while they were looking for alternatives to the alcoves they were fined. Robichaud says they did the best they could with the decisions they had to make.

1.1 Million For Events Centre

The Provincial Government and FedNor are giving the City 1.1 million dollars for the proposed Event and Convention Centre. Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says the funding will help take the heat off the City. Both levels will pony up their share of the funding which will allow Thunder Bay to complete a detailed design of the centre.

College Gives Out Cash

Confederation College President Jim Madder says its a chance to recognize top students and local donors. Over 250 students were given a total of 120 thousand dollars yesterday to help them continue learning at the college. Madder says the donors are made up of former students and others in the community who believe in what the college is doing

Winter Storm Warning For Tbay

Old man winter just won't go away as a winter storm warning is in effect.  Environment Canada Meteorologist Marie-Eve Giguere says two systems one from Alberta and one coming up from the Southern U.S. will hook up and dump 25-30 centimetres of snow on us. The heavy snow will likely start tonight and last well into Friday night.

More Vandalism At Silver City

Another night of vandalism at Silver City.  Two more vehicles were spray painted in the parking lot between 7:00 and 9:30 last night.  The vandals are also going through vehicles, stealing valuables and then spray painting them.  Police have adjusted the total and are now saying that is seven incidents in the past two nights.  Anyone with any information is asked to call Thunder Bay Police or Crimestoppers at 623-TIPS.

Hospital Faces Code Violation

The Thunder Bay Regional Hospital is facing a fire code violation.   Chief John Hay says it's because patients are being placed in alcoves not designated  for their care.    The hospital is currently facing an overcrowding problem, but Hay says that doesn't matter,  and that officials should maintain safety standards at all times.

Positive Job Growth Predicted

A report from BuildForce Canada is predicting big times ahead for northern Ontario. The report states that a number of large resource and infrastructure projects will boost the construction sector in the north. It sites projects such as the Ring of Fire, the Energy East pipeline and ongoing transmission work. BuildForce Canada says that will bring new workers to the region over the next five years and will force the area to concentrate on recruitment efforts.

Nurses Hold Info Picket

Public health nurses in the city are sending a message to their employer.  They held an information picket at the District Health Unit on Barton Street today.   Michelle McColl of the Ontario Nurses Association says it's to draw attention to their contract talks with the Health Unit which recently broke off over the issue of wages.  The close to 60 nurses  have been without a new contract since the since end of 2012.

Taxpayers Group Wants Events Centre Vote

A local citizen activist is determined to force the city into having a question on this falls election ballot on the proposed events centre.  Ray Smith says his group, Concerned Taxpayers of Thunder Bay, is holding a meeting next month to press their case for a plebiscite.  He believes it should come in two parts, first asking if voters support a new events centre and if so, where?   The meeting takes place at the Mary J. L. Black Library March 11th at 6:45

Dryden Treasurer Resigns

Another member of Dryden's senior management team is leaving. Treasurer Adrienne Bodnarchuk has announced her resignation effective April 30th. Officials with the financially crippled community are searching for her replacement.

Gravelle Defends ROF Progress

At  Queens Park the NDP are accusing the province of dragging its feet on the Ring of Fire mining project pointing to a lack of progress with establishing the development corporation.   However Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle fired back by saying there is plenty going on behind the scenes to come up with a transportation route.Gravelle says the hiring of the consulting firm Deloitte is an important part of the equation

Conmee Councillor Dies

The community of Conmee is in mourning today following the death of councillor Robert Rydholm after a brief illness...he was 93.   Mayor Kevin Holland says Rydholm has a long history in township politics having served as councillor and reeve for over 3 decades.    No arrangements have been made for his funeral.  

Hunter Fined

The hammer is coming down on more illegal hunting in the region.  This time it's a southern Ontario man who has been fined a total of 37 hundred dollars for illegally hunting two cow moose and for shooting across a road.   He has also been banned from hunting for a year.   The Ministry of Natural Resources says that the incidents happened at a resort in the Lac des Mille Lacs area, west of Thunder Bay last fall.

Police Investigate Mischief

City police are investigating several cases of mischief from last night. They say someone spray painted around a half a dozen vehicles parked at Silver City. Police feel more vehicles may have been targeted and the owners have yet to report the incident.

Alberta Clipper Coming

Environment Canada is now calling for ten to twenty centimeters of snow for the Thunder Bay area. Meteorologist Ria Alsen says the snow is on its way Thursday afternoon.  Alsen adds the snow should end sometime Friday afternoon.

Minister Selling F.N. Education Act

The Federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs is trying hard to sell his government's plan for First Nation Education. Bernard Valcourt met with the Chief of the Fort William First Nation and Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno this morning in Thunder Bay. Valcourt says he's heard their concerns and feels the plan will allow adequate funding and First Nation say in the education system. Valcourt was a guest speaker at a luncheon put on by the Chamber of Commerce.

Ski Races Are Set

One of the premier crossing country skiing races  in the area, the Sleeping Giant Loppet,  is set to go.    Organizer Marianne Stewart says they're hoping for a great turnout since there's so much snow this season they can guarantee a near perfect course.   She is hoping that there will be 800 to a thousand participants this year.  The loppet takes place at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park March first.

Potential Mining Jobs Explored

Members of Aboriginal communities in the region are in Thunder Bay this week to learn about what potential jobs are available in mining.  Francis Wesley of the city's Urban Aboriginal Strategy says about 150 delegates are here for the conference. She says it will help bridge the connections for Aboriginal people so they can find successful career paths in mining.  The two day event is taking place at the Victoria Inn.

New Computers On The Way

City Police are spending over 60 thousand dollars to upgrade their computers in preparation for next generation 911 service. The upgrade will include the leasing of four Dell PowerEdge servers that will replace old IT equipment. The new tech is scheduled to be delivered and installed by March 3rd.

Board Asking City To Take Back Taxis

The Police Services Board is officially asking City Council to take back the job of policing taxis.  Board Chair Joe Virdiramo says if Council takes back the responsibility it will free up officers time and allow them to get back to keeping the public safe. The board is now writing a report on the history of the taxi by-law and will deliver it to Council in the next six months.

Evidence Audit Findings Released

City Police are currently in charge of looking after almost 23-thousand items of evidence.  The results of an evidence audit were presented this morning at a Police Services Board meeting.  The police station is currently running out of space to hold the items but in the coming budget years money will be set aside to create more room.

Use of Force Report Released

City Police are reporting they used force in 110 cases in 2013.  Speaking at Tuesday morning's Police Service Board meeting, Deputy Chief Andy Hay says that's up slightly from the previous year with 97 reports. Use of force includes pointing a firearm at a civilian, drawing their handgun, using a taser, or their bare hands. Police pointed their firearms at a civilian 30 times last year and drew their handguns 62 times. A taser was used 7 times in 2013.

OPP Announce New Program Today

OPP and the National Crime Prevention Centre are unveiling a new program today to help the youth of Pikangikum First Nation. Sgt. Shelley Garr says the new initiative will run for five years. The young people taking part in the program range from 6 years old to 18. An announcement is being made here in Thunder Bay today at noon at the OPP Northwest Region Headquarters.

NOMA Readies For Roma/Ogra

Municipal Politicians are putting together their wish lists for the annual Ontario Good Roads Conference. President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Dave Canfield says improving infrastructure in the region will be their biggest issue. He says not only do road and bridges need upgrades, but so does our electrical infrastructure to feed the Ring of Fire.  Canfield will be a member of a panel discussing infrastructure at the Good Roads Conference, which gets underway next Sunday in Oakville.

Four Bodies Confirmed

The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Force are confirming that a house fire in the community of Mishkeegogamang is responsible for four deaths. The service along with several other agencies have located four bodies.  The investigation is ongoing with post mortem examinations taking place in Toronto later this week.

City Hosting Baseball Tournament

Thunder Bay will host the 2017 World U-18 Baseball Cup. Spokesperson Warren Philp is confirming the announcement that Baseball Canada made through Twitter. The city had made a push to host the tournament in 2015 but fell short to the Baseball Federation of Japan.

Driven To Quit

The deadline to enter the Driven to Quit Challenge is fast approaching.  It's the Canadian Cancer Society contest that encourages smokers to quit the habit for at least the month of March. Senior Coordinator at Smokers Helpline, Naomi McNeill says participants can win a new vehicle or cash prizes up for grabs. Deadline to enter is February 28 and is made through the contests website or by calling the Canadian Cancer Society's smokers helpline.