Government Building Remains Closed

The government building on James Street remains closed because of a water main break this week.  A spokesperson for Infrastructure Ontario says the problem is closer to getting fixed after the leak was found and isolated.   He expects that water service to the building will be restored later today and that government offices will be back in business tomorrow.

Johnson Ponders Mayor's Job

A veteran Thunder Bay politician is considering a run at council's top job.  Rebecca Johnson tells our newsroom  she hasn't finalized her political plans for this election yet but running for mayor is not out of the question.  However.  she says that she wants to weigh all her options before deciding on exactly what she will do.  Johnson says many people have asked her to take a shot at the mayor's chair.

Police Chief Favors New Law

The Conservative Government is considering more lenient laws against the possession of marijuana. The new law looks to allow police to ticket anyone caught with small amounts of marijuana rather than charging them criminally. Thunder Bay Police Chief JP Levesque is in favor of the proposed law, but says it is too early to comment on specifics. Levesque says loosening the law would make for less resource-intensive punishment and keep police budgets in toll.

Facebook Page Addresses Civic Election

There's more and more movement on the civic election front these days.  Former Shuniah councillor J-P Fraser is hosting a Facebook page that allows candidates new and old to have a voice on the Internet.  It is set up to allow candidates to state their platform and get their information out to a wider audience.   Fraser says you can also get politically active on Twitter with the hashtag #nwoelections.

Anti-Hudak Campaign Coming Here

The Ontario Federation of Labour's  Rights At Work drive is coming to Thunder Bay next month.  It's a campaign that is designed to draw attention to what they believe is a plan by Progressive Conservative leader Tim Hudak to dismantle the union movement in the province. The gathering is happening Tuesday, April the first at the Lakehead Labour Centre form 7 until 9 pm.  

Vantroba Shows Up

The search is over.  A city man who didn't show up for his court case this week has turned himself into police.  Frank Vantroba was charged in connection with a dog attack in Tarbutt Park in 2012 that seriously injured an 11 year old boy.    When he didn't appear for his trial,  a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.  The 59 year old will be in court this morning.

Wirkkila Sentenced

A quick end to a city court case.   Only 4 months ago Eric Wirkkila was charged with numerous count of uttering threats, and now he finds himself staring at 18 months behind bars.    Wirkkila was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to 16 of those charges.  The incidents spanned a period from July 2012 to October of last year involving letters written and sent by the 46 year old to police, businesses, media outlets and politicians.

House Fire On Ryerson Crescent

Thunder Bay Fire officials are investigating a morning house fire at 436 Ryerson Crescent. Crews responded at 8am and began to fight the blaze in the basement. The fire made it into the wall and extended into the attic causing significant damages to the buildings roof and interior. No one was home at the time and nobody was injured.

Video Shows NWO Crash

A Sioux Lookout man and his wife are glad to have come out of a traffic mishap on the Trans Canada Highway near Kenora recent.  Ralph Ireland posted the dramatic video on his Facebook page

College Tight Lipped About Excursion

Confederation College says it will not confirm a report that some students in  a winter survival training course on the weekend suffered from frostbite.   The course is supervised by the Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit.   The College will only say that the staff along with members of  Lakehead Search and Rescue will review current protocols-ensuring that the health and safety of students and instructors will continue to be a priority.

Municipal Leaders Meet

Beginning today, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Board of Directors is meeting in Thunder Bay. The 75 member Board will meet to discuss important questions of how the federal government's New Building Canada Fund will help to meet local needs, and will also talk about the growing housing crisis facing Canadians. The meetings will continue from March 5-7.

Thunder Bay Man Charged

A Thunder Bay man is pleading guilty to hunting-related charges. The man is being fined $625 for hunting a furbearing mammal without a license. He is also being fined $1250 for making a false statement to an MNR conservation officer after telling officers he did not have a gun in his vehicle on November 16, 2013.

Government Building Closed

The Ontario  Government building on James Street is closed because of a water main break.   We are told by an worker that the water main problems began late yesterday afternoon.    Employees are being told to work from home.  

Accident Victim Identified

Officials are now identifying the Thunder Bay man who died in a traffic accident on Highway 11 west of Hearst.  Dead is 24 year old Patrick Quessy-Briere.  Police say that he was the driver of a pick up truck that collided head on with a transport on Sunday.

Mauro Introduces Can-Con Bill

Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is introducing a private members bill that if passed will ensure that more of the money Ontario municipalities spend on mass transit vehicles will stay in Ontario. The Buy in Canada for Mass Transit Vehicles Act, would require that at least 60 percent of the cost of mass transit vehicles purchased by Ontario municipalities with the assistance of provincial funding be made up of Canadian labour costs, material costs, overhead, and profits.  Also, the legislation would require that the final assembly of these mass transit vehicles take place in Canada.

Stabbing On North Side

A 40 year old woman is in custody this morning facing a charge of aggravated assault after what police say was a stabbing last night in the Windsor Street area.   A 35 year old woman was treated in hospital for her injuries,  which are not considered life threatening.   Police say the two were known to each other and that alcohol was a factor.

The Blitz Is On

Beauty and body art shops are being told to be on the alert.  Health inspectors are spreading across the city conducting an inspection blitz.  It's to highlight the importance of infection prevention and control practices.  Those services include tattooing, piercing , hair styling and manicures.

Staffing Concerns At Nipigon Hospital

The Ontario Nurses Association is concerned about the staffing levels at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital.  They feel workloads are unsafe and have compromised patient safety. Nurses have called for an independent assessment committee to examine their work issues. The review will be held from today until Thursday.

OEB Holding Meetings

The Ontario Energy Board is releasing information about it's next steps in consultation with Ontarians regarding the proposed Energy East Pipeline.  The $12 billion project will transport crude oil from from Western Canada through Northern Ontario to Quebec and New Brunswick.  The board will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the proposed pipeline route. They will be Thunder Bay on March 26th.  Separate meetings will be held during the same period  with First Nation's and Metis communities to seek their views on the project.

Six Dogs Put Down

Animal Services is temporarily suspending any dog adoptions for the time being after a Parvo Virus outbreak at their centre.  Supervisor Jody Kondrat says six dogs had to be put down.  Five were puppies and one was an older dog who was too weak for the treatment.  Six dogs who are not vaccinated will stay at the New Hope Dog Rescue, while six healthy vaccinated dogs will stay at the animal services shelter.

Grace Remus Ending June 30th

The city is putting an end to the Grace Remus Evening Program pilot project as of June 30th.  Councillor Ken Boshcoff says it will save the city money without leaving parents scrambling to find a program to watch over their children.  The city would have been on the hook for 100-thousand dollars a year in costs if the program was picked up permanently.

Budget Ratified

City council is officially ratifying the 2014 budget. There was some opposition to the budget felt at council last night that was already approved in principal in February. The tax levy is set at 1.69 percent.

Commisso Brings MPAC Report

The city is responding to a provincial report that would change the assessment of grain elevators in the city. City Manager Tim Commisso says any change would result in significant financial losses for the city. The city will submit their own report in response to the Special Purpose Business Property Assessment Review to the Minister of Finance.

Construction Set For Court St. Bridge

The city is approving funding for the reconstruction of the Court Street Bridge over McVicar Creek.  The city will put 238-thousand dollars towards the project while asking for an additional 2-million from the province.

Golf Links Work Cost Overruns

The contract for phase one of the Golf Links/Junot Road corridor is exceeding original estimates by nearly 1-million dollars. Underestimates for material are being blamed for the overage. Councillor Andrew Foulds says the 980-thousand dollar difference is simply unacceptable. The city will use over 500-thousand dollars from its Renew fund to pay for two resurfacing projects that would have been postponed because of the overage.

Council Passes Design Policy

Council is passing a facility design standard policy that will make buildings more environmentally friendly. Manager of Construction Services Gerry Broere says the city can make some significant savings by making its building more efficient.  A 2012 report found that municipal buildings in Thunder Bay were responsible for nearly half of all greenhouse gasses emitted from local government buildings.

T.Bay A Blue Community?

Council is considering having the city deemed a Blue Community which would carry with it three resolutions to show its commitment proper water treatment.  One of those commitments would be phasing out the sale of single use water bottles in their buildings, something Blue Planet Chair Ann McGoey says will save people money. McGoey adds that less than fifty percent of plastic water bottles are recycled after their first use.

Water Problems At New Courthouse

Officials are still trying to tally the damages at the new courthouse building on Miles Street following a wet weekend.   The Attorney General's Ministry says that on Friday evening a main floor water pipe burst in the southeast corner of the building.  They say there's damage to two offices and an elevator shaft.    The cause of the leak  hasn't been determined.  Plans are for the courthouse to be fully operational in mid-April.

First Nations Sign On For Land Agreement

Nearly twenty first nations communities across the country, including three in Ontario are joining the First Nations Land Management Regime today. Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Bernard Valcourt says the program opens doors for communities.  Valcourt says they now have over one hundred communities under the First Nations Land Management Regime. Long Lake 58 First Nation signed on to the agreement on Monday.

OPP Charge Drunk Drivers

OPP are charging two people with drinking and driving related offences. It stems from two incidents on Sunday. One incident involved a woman driving her vehicle into a snowbank near the Highway 11/17 and Hodder Avenue ramp. Another involved a tip from the public about a man driving a vehicle out of a business on the Fort William First Nation.

More Emergency Care Needed

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is releasing its Community Based Emergency Care report that recommends having local health care training programs in place in remote First Nations.  Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler says having local health workers would improve the health and safety of those living in these communities. Nearly thirty First Nations in Northern Ontario are without access to 911 or paramedic services.

Rickford Makes Mining Announcement

FedNor Minister Greg Rickford is announcing an investment for Northern Ontario firm Penguin Automated Systems.  The investment will help develop robotics technology to be used in underground mines. During development the firm expects to hire thirty engineers and technical workers.

Police Investigate Sexual Assault

City Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving the University of Ottawa's men's hockey program. University officials received information from a third party on February 24th regarding an incident involving some members of the  team.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says they're working closely with Ottawa police. Adams says the alleged incident occurred on the weekend of February 1st when the Ottawa team was in Thunder Bay to play the Lakehead University Thunderwolves.  Ottawa University is conducting an internal review in conjunction with the police investigation. The Ottawa University men's hockey program has been suspended.

Companies Graduate From Program

Several Thunder Bay companies are graduating from the Provincial Government's mining supply and export program.  Activation Lab, Maki Bay Solar, KGS Consulting, Abitibi Geophysics, Kozar Engineering and Digital Engineering are just a few of the local companies that took part. The program was made possibly through funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

Local Diver Does Good

A 15 year old diver from the local club is now part of the Youth Olympic Games she earned her qualification recently in Mexico.  Molly Carlson was among the four athletes were selected to represent Canada in Mexico at this qualifying event.  Carlson left Mexico on Monday but before she arrives back home, she has a weeklong stopover in Saskatoon to compete at the Winter Senior Nationals.

T.Bay Man Dead In Sunday Collision

OPP are confirming that a 24 year old man from Thunder Bay is dead after a fatal collision on highway 11 between Longlac and Hearst.  A total of three vehicles were involved in the collision.  It appears that an eastbound pickup truck crossed the centre line and sideswiped a westbound transport then collided head on with another westbound tractor trailer.  The woman passenger of the pickup truck was transported to Notre Dame Hospital in Hearst with non-life threatening injuries.

Students Want Tuition Fees Cut

Students from across Ontario are meeting with MPPs this week to present recommendations for the upcoming budget. The Canadian Federation of Students Chair Alastair Woods says they want something to be done to help improve post secondary education. The group is calling on the Province to cut tuition fees by 30 percent over three years and end illegal internships.

Ukraine Ripe For Invasion

With the crisis in Ukraine deeping by the day, world leaders, including Prime Minister Harper, are condemning Russia's actions there.  President Vladimir Putin says he has the right to protect Russian interests.    Lakehead University political science professor Laure Paquette believes Putin is in the for long haul.  Paquette also thinks that Ukraine is ripe for invasion, and short of that Russia will install a puppet regime in Kiev. 

Chief Concerned About Future Of Bridge

Fort William First Nation Chief Georjann Morriseau plans to continue to pressure CN to open the James Street Swing Bridge to vehicle traffic.  The community is fresh off a meeting with CN officials.  Morriseau says she's not optimistic about the company's plans for the bridge. The engineering report on the bridge is to be released at the end of March and CN officials are expected to release a statement to the public sometime this week.

FCM Meeting In T.Bay

Thunder Bay is playing host to municipal leaders from across Canada this week.  The Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference is on all week at the Valhalla Inn.  City Councillor Rebecca Johnson the FCM meetings will also coincide with a Women In Politics Workshop on International Women's Day March 8th.  The FCM conference will bring 150 municipal representatives to the City.

Chill Get New Sponsor

The Thunder Bay Chill have a new sponsor to help expand their brand across the northwest.  Gillons Insurance is announcing a 3-year 45-thousand dollar commitment to the soccer club.  Dave Colistro is head coach of the girls reserve squad and says he expects to see the club benefit from the announcement. Soccer camps will be expanded to Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances.

NDP Call For Propane Cost Cut

The NDP are calling on the Federal Government to cut the cost of propane.  The request comes during one of the coldest winters in recent memory.  NDP MP Claude Gravelle raised the issue in the House of Commons recently. The NDP are calling for an oil and gas ombudsman to ensure fairness for consumers being squeezed by high prices.

Fraser Institute Releases Rankings

St. Ignatius High School is tops in the city when it comes to the Fraser Institute's most recent rankings of secondary schools across the province.  St. Ignatius scored 7.5 out of 10.  Director of Performance Studies Peter Cowley says even with the high score their is a concerning trend taking place with area high schools. The average provincial score is 6 out of 10.

Citizen Wojak To Run For Mayor

Wojak: Centre

There's going to be another name on the election ballot for mayor.   Citizen activist Henry Wojak says he's running because he wants to see more transparency at City Hall especially when it comes to the budget.  He doesn't consider himself a fringe candidate, rather someone who can speak for the people at the council table. Wojak is currently banned from City Hall property and plans to make his announcement this afternoon  on the sidewalk in front of the building.

Pedestrian Struck On South Side

A woman is in hospital with serious injuries after an auto-pedestrian accident on the city's south side last night.  Police say that at around quarter to 10 a man driving a vehicle backed over the victim at the intersection McKellar and Miles.   A 34 year old man is charged with Impaired and Dangerous Driving Causing Bodily Harm.

Fire Sends Infant To Hospital

A 10 month old infant is recovering from smoke inhalation following a fire last night in a basement apartment on the 300 block of South Archibald Street.   The blaze was reported at 10:20 pm.   While the fire was quickly put out,  the residents of the 3 story building had to be evacuated until it could be cleared of smoke.   Damage is minimal and the cause is not known.

Arson Charge Laid

Thunder Bay Police have a 24 year old man in custody charged with Arson and Mischief after a weekend fire in Westfort.  Police say that early Sunday morning there was an apartment fire on the 1900 block of West Frederica Street.   Minor damage is reported and no one was injured.   The man is to make a court appearance this morning.

City Council Preview

City Council is expected to ratify their 2014 budget tonight. The fiscal document was already approved in principal in February. The City's 2014 tax levy is set at 1.69 percent. Meanwhile, City Manager Tim Commisso says they'll present a review of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. The report includes recommendations on how MPAC can be changed to benefit area communities in fights with their industrial taxpayers. If council likes the report they'll send it to the Province.

March Is Easter Seals Month

The local Easter Seals organization is gearing up for their upcoming fundraising month.  March is Easter Seals month across the Province.  The organization will be participating in a direct mail campaign asking for funds as well as a Paper Egg campaign at participating businesses such as the Bargain Shop.

LU Research Week Continues

Lakehead University's Research and Innovation week will take to the Fort William Historical Park Tuesday evening.  Erica Sawula is Student Ambassador at the school and says researchers from across the province will be speaking.  Those unable to attend can watch a live stream at your ontario research.ca

Energy Plan Signed

Ontario and Manitoba are working together to find new clean, renewable power for both provinces.   Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Canadian Energy Innovation Summit.  The agreement will enable Ontario and Manitoba to collaborate on growing the energy sector in a number of key areas, including conservation, efficiency, security and reliability.