Police Awards Being Given Out

It's a special evening for several local law enforcement agencies.  The Kiwanis Club of Westfort is handing out its annual police appreciation awards.   The recipients this year are, Normand Roy of the RCMP, Carol Michtics of the OPP, Jeff Saunders of the city police and Jackie George of the Nishnawbe Aski Police.

Letter Carrier Duties Change

You may notice some changes to the way your mail is being delivered in Thunder Bay.   Starting today,  John Caines of Canada Post says the letter carrier making those deliveries has more responsibilities including sorting their mail along the route.   He says the carriers are now driving vehicles and performing several duties like delivering and collecting mail and parcels.  Caines says it will enable letter carriers to stay on the road longer.

Evacuation Complete

Thunder Bay is now hosting close to 600 evacuees from the James Bay community of Kashechewan.   It follows a state of emergency called by First Nation officials due to flooding from the Albany River.   City Deputy Fire Chief Dave Paxton says no further evacuees are being accepted The evacuees, mostly the elderly and the young, are being housed in a couple of city hotels.

Horwath Pledges HST Break

NDP leader Andrea Horwath is continuing her northern Ontario election swing.  Today she went to a home on University Drive in Thunder Bay to make her hydro announcement.   She says under an NDP government the HST would be eliminated from all hydro bills starting in 2016 saying the average family will gain about 120 dollars a year on their household budget.   As for the other leaders....The PC's Tim Hudak is in southern Ontario campaigning in  the Niagara Region with Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne on the hustings in the Toronto area.

Horwath Visits City

Provincial NDP candidate Andrew Foulds' campaign office is now open. Many supporters were on hand for the opening, including provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath, who says northerners are ready for change adding that residents in the region are frustrated with the current government. Foulds is running against Liberal incumbent Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, and PC candidate Derek Parks in the Thunder Bay-Superior North riding.

Kashechewan Evacuees Arrive

Up to 160 evacuees from Kashechewan First Nation are expected in the city after the community re-declared a state of emergency due to potential flooding of the Albany River. The state of emergency was lifted last week after water levels had receded. A state of emergency was called for the second time in a week on Saturday, after flooding in the community became a possibility. Thunder Bay has agreed to host 600 evacuees if requested by the province.

College Student Wins Award

A Thunder Bay student is a winner at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition. Confederation College's Tyler Brown won gold in Aircraft Maintenance. He now moves onto the National Competition in Toronto in June.

City Adds To Women's Exhibit

Thunder Bay's Archives division is looking to build its online exhibit for Women's History Month. The archives division is accepting nominations of women to be included in the exhibit until July 1st. New biographies will be added by the archives division to the online exhibit during Women's History Month, which is in October.

UMD Helps Local Football Players

The Thunder Bay Minor Football Association is aiming to make football more than a one-season sport in the city. Coaches from the University of Minnesota Duluth football team will be at the Lakehead University hangar this weekend to put on a clinic for minor football coaches and players. One session will be held for 8 to 13-year-olds, and another for 14-18 year old players.

Waterfront Event Centre Rally

A rally in support of the waterfront event centre is happening today. The Citizens for a Waterfront Event Centre Committee are putting on a rally to show City Council and other residents that a majority of the public supports a potential event centre. The rally gets under way at 1 o'clock today, and will feature several guest speakers including Mayor Keith Hobbs.

Man Sentenced In Child Luring Case

A 27-year-old man is serving 12 months in jail, and 3 months of probation after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a police sting operation in February. Matthew Lovering was charged with child luring and failing to comply with a court order, after undercover detectives responded to an online ad on Kijiji. The ad asked for young boys between the ages of 6 and 13 to model for photographs.

$212,000 In Drugs Seized

City Police and the OPP seized a sizeable amount of drugs. 8.5 kilograms of marijuana, 7.4 kilograms of cocaine and 100 grams of Ecstasy, worth a street value of close to 215-thousand dollars, were seized from a south side home yesterday afternoon. Police have charged a 27-year-old local man with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Foulds Kicks Off Campaign

Provincial NDP candidate Andrew Foulds is starting his election campaign. Foulds, a high school teacher and city councillor, says his attention is on the election. Foulds is up against incumbent Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, and Conservative candidate Derek Parks for the Thunder Bay-Superior North riding.

Hwy 17 Closed Near Ignace

Highway 17 is closed 20 km east of Ignace. OPP say it's due to a transport that is fully engulfed in flames.

Army Vets Remembered

Local Afghanistan War veterans who lost their lives in the war are being remembered during the National Day of Honour at Waverly Park today. Many service members were on hand, including Afghanistan veteran Corporal Robin Rickards. Rickards served three tours of duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and says it's important to remember those lost in the war. Rickards says that days like the National Day of Honour keep the sacrifice these soldiers made in the front of mind. Nearly 300 people were on hand for the ceremonies to remember Corporal Anthony Boneca, Private Robert Costall, and Private Josh Klukie.

Chiefs Meet On Education Act

Delegates with the Chiefs of Ontario developed an alternative proposal to First Nations Education. They reject the Federal Government's Bill C-33. They now plan to move forward with a confederacy of nationss meeting on the issue on May 14th in Ottawa.

Funeral Arrangements Set

The funeral arrangements for K9 Unit Constable Joseph Prevett are made.  His police funeral will be held on Thursday with a march from 1805 East Arthur Street to the St. Patrick's Cathedral. A mass will be held at the Cathedral and a formal reception at the main ballroom of the Valhalla Inn.  500 police officers from across North America are expected to attend.

Flooding Recedes

Thunder Bay is on stand down mode as a state of emergency in the far north has eased. Residents from Kashechewan and Fort Albany First Nations are terminating their states of emergency now that the flooding in the James Bay area has receded. Our city was asked to look at the possibility of hosting some 600 evacuees.  The emergency has been downgraded and flooding in the communities has stabilized.

Post Mortem Results Not Being Released

The Criminal Investigations Branch, and Coroner's Office continue to urge the mother of a dead baby to seek medical help. The police investigation is continuing and the results of a post-mortem exam is not being released at this time. The scene where the baby's body was found is no longer blocked off by police.

Fort Frances Moving On

The town of Fort Frances is accepting a decision from Resolute to close down the idled pulp and paper mill for good. Mayor Roy Avis says the news is disappointing, but the focus now is working on new initiatives to offset the economic loss. Avis adds knowing the company's directive after years of lay-offs and temporary shut-downs, it allowed them to focus their attention elsewhere.

Run For Women Registration Tomorrow

The Thunder Bay Run For Women is going into it's 34th year. Organizer Gordie Garriock says the rain in the forecast this past week didn't help with pre-registration. Garriock says you can register Saturday starting at 9 at St. Ignatius School. The 5K Run/Walk for Women is held at Boulevard Lake.

Safer Environment For Gay Students

An effort to make the learning environment of students who identify as being gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or trans-gender safer. About 80 gathered in Fort Frances for a regional conference Wednesday. Human rights-consultant Chris D'Sousa says having school administrators and teachers on hand is encouraging. D'Sousa encourages students work with their teachers in promoting dignity and human rights within their schools.

Moose Tag Numbers Unknown

There's growing frustration among tourist camp owners on the upcoming moose hunting season. Jacqui Haukeness is the President of the Kenora District Camp Owners and says they are in the dark on how many tags outfitters will receive. Most Wildlife Management Units saw major drops in tag numbers and Haukeness says it will be a tremendous blow to the tourist industry if the same holds true for camp owners.

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.