National Day Of Honour

Thunder Bay's Royal Canadian Legion is hosting a National Day of Honour today at the Afghanistan Monument in Waverly Park. The event pays tribute to those soldiers who took part in Canada's mission in Afghanistan. Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says its great to see a local ceremony but notes the Federal day in Ottawa came under fire from former military officials and the National Legion. The event at 1 will honour three local soldiers killed in combat Corporal Anthony Boneca, Private Robert Costall and Private Josh Klukie.

NAN Meeting In T.Bay

First Nations leaders are in Thunder Bay this week to discuss the First Nations Education Act.  NAN leaders, as well as members from the Chiefs of Ontario continue to express their opposition to the piece of legislation. Bill C-33 was introduced on April 10th by the federal government, but has remained on hold since the resignation of National Chief Shaun Atleo.

National Day Of Honour Friday

Thunder Bay is holding a National Day of Honour Friday at the Afghanistan Monument in Waverly Park. The event kicks off at 1 and Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says its great to see the Federal Government deem May 9th the day of honour but adds it's come under some criticism from the National Legion and some members of our troops.  Our City's tribute will honour the three local soldiers killed in Afghanistan, Corporal Anthony Boneca, Private Robert Costall and Private Josh Klukie.

City Willing To Host Evacuees

The City says its willing to host 300 flood evacuees from James Bay. Kashechewan First Nation declared a state of emergency due to the flooding of the Albany River and is expected to begin evacuating vulnerable residents as early as today.  Thunder Bay, as well as Kapuskasing, Greenstone, Wawa, Fort Frances and Dryden have been asked to serve as host communities.  It's not yet confirmed that our City will host evacuees but they are prepared to do so if they are requested by the Province.

Bombardier Surprised By Strike Vote

Unionized workers at the local Bombardier plant are voting to strike if there contract needs aren't met.  The company says they were disappointed with the decision and adds they haven't even begun to negotiate with the union's bargaining committee. A spokesperson for the company goes onto say a vote to strike seems surprisingly premature. The current collective agreement ends May 31st.

Provincial Leaders Send Condolences

The leaders of the Ontario Liberals and NDP are both commenting on the tragic death of Thunder Bay Constable Joseph Prevett. Andrea Horwath says the death of Constable Prevett is reminder that the work done by police is rarely easy, even during training exercises. Meanwhile, Premier Kathleen Wynne also expressed her deepest condolences to Constable Prevett's family, friends and fellow officers.

CMHC Out With Housing Starts

Housing starts are down this month according to the latest Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation stats. The CMHC says there were 15 starts in April, down slightly from March. The CMHC adds that with the warmer weather, more starts are likely.

TBSO Loses Conductor

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is bidding farewell to its resident conductor. Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser is moving on to become the Assistant Conductor at the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony.  Poyser held the position with the local orchestra since 2011.

Not Guilty Verdict

A Thunder Bay police officer is not guilty of assaulting a 12-year old boy.  The three-day trial of constable Steven Oster concluded Wednesday with the not guilty verdict.  The incident took place in January of 2013 during a minor hockey tournament at the Neebing Arena.  The judge ruled that the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt there was a criminal assault.  The 43-year old Oster had been on administrative duty since the charges were laid.

K9 Unit Officer Passes Away

OPP and the Ministry of Labour are investigating the death of Thunder Bay Police Constable Joseph Prevett.  Police Chief JP Levesque says Prevett was participating in a K-9 training exercise in Gravenhurst. He was in the middle of a searching exercise with his dog Timber on Wednesday morning when he collapsed. He was rushed to hospital in medical distress. He died a short time later.   Prevett was 50 years old and started his policing career in 1998.

City Won't Give Up On Swing Bridge

Mayor Keith Hobbs says CN Rail is dragging its feet on the James Street Swing Bridge because they don't want to pay for the repairs to the structure. The company's engineering report to the City and Fort William First Nation calls for it to be closed indefinitely to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.  Hobbs says they're not giving up on the cause. The First Nation and the City are going to meet to discuss the bridge further on Thursday.

Local Businesses Get Hydro Awards

Thunder Bay Hydro is recognizing 4 local businesses today for their leadership to save energy. It's part of the 2014 Retrofit Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Awards.  Jake Allen is Hydro's Energy Services Advisor and says the winners did a great job at conserving electricity.   Badanai Motors, Dufresne's, Smiths RV Centre and Lakehead Marina each participated in Hydro's saveONenergy RETROFIT program over the past year.

Attempted Murder In Nipigon

OPP are charging a 49 year old man with attempting to commit murder, mischief endangering life, attempted arson and damage to property. It stems from a report of mischief at a home on Highway 11 and 17 in Stirling. The home-owner says he tried to leave his house in the early morning on Monday but couldn't because the door was secured from the outside.  After forcing his way out, he found his gas line had been cut and an ignition source was placed beneath the propane fuel. The suspect remains in police custody and will appear in Thunder Bay court on May 13th.

Wilson Hits Campaign Trail

The Progressive Conservative candidate for Thunder Bay-Atikokan is kicking his election campaign with a visit to Atikokan Thursday. Harold Wilson says he's been chomping at the bit for several months to get his message out about the importance this election is to Ontarians.  Wilson faces Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro, and the NDP's Mary Kozorys.

OFIA Wants Forest Roads Pgm Restored

The Ontario Forest Industries Association is in shock. President Jamie Lim feels after the Liberal budget reduced the Ontario Forest Roads Program by 24 percent. Lim is calling out Northern leaders for hiding the facts. It's the second reduction to the program since 2011 when it was cut back by 36 percent.

Report Says F.N. Policing Has Issues

Canada's auditor general has identified a number of serious issues with the First Nations Policing program. Michael Ferguson released his spring report and says aboriginal police services are often not governed by the same standards as other police services in Ontario. The report also identified problems with shoddy buildings, a poor allocation of funding and a lack of transparency.

ONA Gets Contract

The wait is over for local nurses.  Members of the Ontario Nurses' Association have received an arbitration decision, resolving a contract dispute with Ontario hospitals.  The two-year award provides a 1.4-percent wage increase in each year.  The ONA says that barely keeps up with the rate of inflation.  The Association is disappointed with the ruling stressing registered nurses have already sacrificed wages with a 2-year freeze.

Port Authority Has Record Business Year

Thunder Bay's Port Authority ended 2013 in the black with over 40 million dollars.   The Port is holding its annual general meeting today.  C.E.O. Tim Heney says it was a good business year.   In 2013 capital spending totalled 1.6 million versus cash generated of 1.4 million. Major projects included roof and lighting upgrades.

Crime Prevention Training

Barry Horrobin of the Windsor Police Service is back in Thunder Bay to teach area residents about how to prevent crimes through better city planning.  He gave a similar presentation to police in September of 2012.  Acting Crime Prevention Co-ordinator Lee-Ann Chevrette says it's common sense planning. The talk will take place today at the Police Station on Balmoral.

Mental Health Awareness Week

Its Mental Health Awareness Week. To wrap up the celebration, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is hosting stand-up comic David Granirer, who teaches stand up comedy as away to deal with mental illness.  Granirer will speak at 6:30 Friday at the 3rd level of the hospital.

Fort Frances Mill Permanently Closed

Unifor Rep Stephen Boon is disappointed Resolute has decided to permanently close the Fort Frances Mill. Boon says in 2010, the union agreed to a number of significant sacrifices related to wages, benefits and future pension service in order to help the company restructure.  He adds the union will now work to ensure Resolute follows through on its commitment to provide new job opportunities for affected Fort Frances employees at the soon be to opened sawmills in Atikokan and Ignace.

Police Warn Of Animal Traps

City Police are looking into who placed an animal trap at the northeast side of Boulevard Lake near Cuyler Street and Birch Lane.  A grey squirrel that was injured in the trap had to be euthanized because his leg was cut off.  Constable Julie Tilbury says these types of devices can cause injury to animals and small children who may unexpectedly come upon the trap. Tilbury says they don't know if this is going to be a repeat incident or just the one trap.

Fort Frances Mill Permanently Closed

Unifor Rep Stephen Boon is disappointed Resolute has decided to permanently close the Fort Francis Mill. Boon says in 2010, the union agreed to a number of significant sacrifices related to wages, benefits and future pension service in order to help the company restructure.  He adds the union will now work to ensure Resolute follows through on its commitment to provide new job opportunities for affected Fort Frances employees at the soon be to opened sawmills in Atikokan and Ignace.

City Eliminates 1 General Manager Position

The City continues to streamline its corporate structure.  Council recently approved the restructuring that will see the City downsize from 5 to 4 departments. Greg Alexander the General Manager of Community and Emergency Services is retiring at the end of June and his position will not be filled.  The new combined departments will be called Community Services, Development & Emergency Services, Infrastructure & Operations and Corporate Services and Long Term Care.  The changes will save the City 80-thousand dollars in 2014.

Folklore Festival A Success

Organizers with the Folklore Festival are deeming the recent go-round a resounding success. 14-thousand people took in the cultural 3 day event this past weekend.

HWY 61 Lane Closure

The Ministry of Transportation is advising motorists that Highway 61 at the Kaministiqua Bridge will temporarily be reduced to one lane of traffic. Temporary lane restrictions will occur from 6:30pm Tuesday to 6:30 am Wednesday while routine bridge inspection is completed.  Drivers are asked to obey traffic signage and flag persons through the duration of work.

Tbaytel Employees Back To Work

Tbaytel employees are back in their office after an electrical problem this morning.  Emergency crews were on the scene and evacuated the building as a precaution. Media Spokesperson Katie Crowe says there is no truth to an on-line rumour that said the incident involved a disgruntled worker. Crowe says a smoke alarm went off because of an electrical problem in their corporate offices.  Crowe says any of their services that were affected should now be back to normal.

Chamber Gets Their Ideas Out

The local Chamber of Commerce is pleased their provincial counterpart is adopting three of their ideas. Over the weekend the local members pitched several ideas that will now form the Ontario Chamber's policy. One of those ideas is asking the Province to lower energy prices and developing an energy strategy that supports economic development.

Dead Baby Discovered

Police are keeping a wooded area between the Legion Track and Tarbutt Street closed.  It will be secured by police while investigators continue to piece together what happened to a deceased infant found Monday afternoon in the area.  Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says more details will become available after the investigation is completed. A post mortem exam is scheduled for Wednesday in Toronto.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS.

LHIN Offers French Active Program

Health care services for Franco-phones in the city are becoming easier.  That's thanks to a program called Active Offer, from the Northwest Local Health Integration Network and a french health care organization. Executive Director Diane Quintas says the new program will benefit french speaking people in northern Ontario.  Quintas adds that there is still more work to be done.

Nipigon Drug Bust

A Nipigon man will appear in court for drug charges.  This comes after a month long investigation by Nipigon OPP. Officials say the 37-year-old man is charged with three counts of trafficking a controlled substance.

Police Monitoring Dump

It's free dump week in the city, and police are giving dump users a chance to avoid costly fines.  Police say avoiding a fine is simple, as long as you cover and tie your loads, and drive street legal vehicles.  Officials add that all loads will be under inspection.

Feast With Friends

Fort William First Nation is hosting Feast With Friends today.  Communications Officer Kristy King says students and staff from St. Ann's school will be in attendance, among many other community members. King adds that the students will also be making a presentation at the event.

Accessibility Open House

The City's Accessibility Advisory Committee is holding two open houses this week to promote barrier-free recreation and leisure. Municipal Accessibility Specialist Scott Garner says they're trying to make recreation more accessible for everyone.  One open house is being held today at the Italian Cultural Centre at 1:30, the other is on Thursday at 6:30 at the Victoria Inn.

Free WiFi At Airport

No more paying for WiFi at the Thunder Bay International Airport. The Airport is joining tbaytel's WiFi hotspots, providing free internet to travellers. President and CEO Scott McFadden says positive customer experience remains a high priority for the airport.

No One Asks For It

Two local groups are partnering to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  The Centr'elles and the Thunder Bay Sexual Assault Centre are holding informational sessions around the city throughout the month of May to raise awareness about sexual assault. The "No one asks for it" campaign kicks off today.

McCormack New Chair Of Ontario Chamber

Thunder Bay’s Ian McCormack is the new Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.  He was elected at the organization's AGM this past weekend in Sault Ste. Marie.  McCormack is Registered Professional Forester and Director for Tetra Tech.

Oster Trial On This Week

City Police Constable Steven Oster is pleading not guilty in his assault trial. Sudbury Police charged Oster after a young boy alleged he was shoved by the off duty police officer at the Neebing Arena in January of 2013. On Monday, the Crown showed a video of the young man being interviewed by an investigator. In it he says he was pushed by Oster three times and he was warned to watch out. He said he wasn't hurt and didn't have any bruises from the incident but it made him sad. Testimony also revealed the young man and Oster's son went to the same school the year before and played hockey against each other.  Six witnesses are expected to be called this week.  

Overnight Fire

No one was injured following an overnight fire on the north side. City Firefighters were called to a fire in the basement of a home on Blucher Avenue around 2 o'clock this morning.  Crews were able to extinguish the blaze quickly, but not before half of the duplex structure suffered extensive fire and smoke damage.  All residents were able to escape thanks to smoke alarms in the home.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.    

Musselwhite Donates To College

Musselwhite Mines is making a donation to Confederation College. Students in the Motive Power Techniques - Heavy Equipment program are receiving equipment from the mine. The equipment will allow students to receive enhanced training in their field of study.

Highway 527 Open

The Ministry of Transportation says Highway 527 is now open to both lanes of traffic.  The highway was closed on Thursday to replace a culvert on the roadway.  One man was killed after an accident last week that was caused when a portion of the highway washed out about one kilometre south of the Kab River Bridge.  Gull Bay First Nation Chief Wilfred King Chief had declared a state of emergency in that community due to the highway closure.

Tbaytel Going Green

Tbaytel is going green and they need your help.  They are looking for ideas on how to improve the environment and the winning one will receive 15-thousand dollars to help create a healthier planet. Spokesperson Laura Foulds says you can vote for your favourite idea.  People can vote on the tbaytel for good website.

By-Law Officer Retires

The city is now without a full time by-law enforcement manager.   Ron Bourret retired on Friday and says it's possible that with the financial worries at city hall, his position may not be filled.  For the timing being, however, Parking Authority Manager James Coady will take over Bourret's job.

Sexual Assault Task Force Hard At Work

Lakehead University's Sexual Assault Taskforce is six months into its mandate. Chair Dr. Lori Chambers says they've got a long way to go before they unveil a draft sexual misconduct policy at the end of May. Chambers provided an update to the school's board of governors on Friday.

No Measles Reported

If you're concerned about coming into contact with someone who has, or might have the measles in Thunder Bay you can rest easy. Janet Demille of the District Health Unit says it's not here. In fact, Demille says in northern Ontario, there's only been one reported case of the measles and that was in Sudbury.

Kijiji Sale Leads To Fraud

The Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people to be extra cautious when making online purchases. This comes after a reported fraud in Sioux Lookout. Officials say a Sioux Lookout resident purchased tickets for a Winnipeg Jets hockey game from a seller on Kijiji, but didn't receive the tickets.

Leaf Collection Starting Soon

Curbside collection of leaves and yard waste has been delayed for several weeks. City officials say the extended winter weather is to blame for the delay in pick ups. The city says collection will now take place between May 27th and June 6th.

Battle of the Atlantic Remembered

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy will pay tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. That battle was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II. Thunder Bay Naval Association Spokesperson Rob Cutbush says they have a number of officials on hand to commemorate the battle. A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon at 2 today.

Promoting Safe Neighbourhoods

The Crime Prevention Council is encouraging residents to explore area neighbourhoods this weekend. Several walks detailing the interesting histories of East End, Academy Heights and the Simpson/Ogden area among others will be held today. They're called Jane's Walks, and organizer Lee-Ann Chevrette says they'll tackle the North End on Sunday. Chevrette says exploring neighbourhoods is a way to prove to residents their streets are safe.