We want Brits

The British are coming.  That's the hope of the new Northwestern Ontario Immigration Web Portal.  Spokesperson Kathy Woodbeck says they are actively targeting the UK.  Woodbeck says each day they have been receiving 4 e-mails a day from interested brits looking to relocate.  The immigration campaign is also aimed at the Phillipines and India.

Navy co-op program underway

The latest group of high school co-op students have signed up at the HMCS Griffon. The Navy is in the second year of a pilot program with the local school boards. There are 13 students taking part this semester.

Time of use rates in 2011

Thunder Bay Hydro is taking the wait and see approach when it comes to introducing time of use rates.  Spokesperson Eileen Dias says they'll be watching to see how other hydro companies deal with the new rates.  Thunder Bay Hydro is looking at starting an education campaign in the new year on the time of use rates.  Dias adds almost everyone in the City has a smart metre installed and the final 100 will be hooked up this fall.

TBSO reaching out for donations

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is going to the community to raise some money. The goal is to celebrate the Orchestra's 50th anniversary by raising half a million dollars. General Manager Clint Kushak says that will be a one time effort.  He says that will cover operating costs and to make sure the TBSO has a solid financial footing.   Kushak says the effort will last through the new season with various events.

Science North is taking over PA days

Students have another option to occupy themselve during PA days this year. Science North will be hosting programs every PA day this school year. Spokesperson Emily Kerton says its a great way for kids to learn more about science and will be available for kids aged 4-12.   Kerton says it costs 45 dollars for non members and 39 dollars for members and includes before and after care.

Building Permits Up

It's been a busy year for the construction industry in Thunder Bay. At the end of August, building permits had been issued for more than 100 million dollars worth of construction.  City administration feels more construction activity has occurred in 2010 than in any one year over the last two decades.

CEDC wants more money from City

The Community Economic Development Commission wants to create a new mining division and hire a project manager.  Chair Ed Schmidtke asked council for an increase in their 2011 and 2012 operating budgets.  The CEDC would like 125 thousand dollars in 2011, and 250 thousand dollars in 2012.  The current council is unable to commit the funding because of the upcoming election and the possibility of a new council.  Council is approving the project in principal and wants the new council to address it in December.

Council tackles zoning again

The City of Thunder Bay tackled a number of zoning issues at Monday night's council meeting. Council is considering a re-zoning application for a piece of property at Ray Boulevard. The property owner would like to use the former school site to house a series of town houses and a community health resource centre. Two people came out to speak out against the application.  Both were concerned about the increase in traffic on the street since young children live in the area.

Fire victim dies

Police say they are ruling out foul play in the death of man who was on fire outside the Arthur Street Courthouse on Friday. They say the man died on the weekend after being taken to hospital with serious burns. The fire had been extinguished by bystanders before police and fire fighters arrived.

LU reacts to serious assault

Lakehead University wants the public to assist police in their investigation of an assault over the weekend.  The altercation that took place at a north-side home over the weekend involved a Lakehead University student who was badly injured.  LU wants anybody who may have witnessed the serious assault to contact the police.

LU student victim of vicious assault

Police say that a Lakehead University student from Southern Ontario is in critical condition in hospital.  It  follows a weekend incident on Darwin Crescent.  Police spokesperson Chris Adams says it was the result of an assault by what's believed to be about 5 other LU students who tried to crash a party.  Police say no weapon was used and the victim sustained head injuries.

Conference attracts the world

A group of about 50 health scientists are in the city for a conference.   Michael Wood of the Health Sciences Centre says they are experts in medical imaging like MRI's and other scanners.  The conference is on until Wednesday at the Best Western Nor' Wester

Courthouse planning reaches next level

The proposed new courthouse in Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality. It comes with the government announcing that Plenary Justice is the preferred company to design, build, finance and maintain the building. Negotiations are now underway to determine the final contract. The new courthouse will be located in the downtown south core.

Bus talks set for Wednesday

The transit talks are going to continue on Wednesday. Amalgamated Transit Union boss Charlie Brown says that contract negotiations adjourned last week.Brown says there's not much he can say about talks so far.  Brown says the mediator will be back for Wednesday's discussions.

Mediation service a first for Counselling Centre

Families in Thunder Bay can now handle some of their legal disputes with the help of the Thunder Bay Counselling Centre. Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain says there are 9 new trained mediators who are available to help.  Program coordinator Connie McLeod says it's designed to keep families and children out of court. 

Hyer finalizes stand on gun registry

This week Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer, along with other MP's will be voting in the House of Commons on the future of the long gun registry. Today Hyer made his stand clear on how he'll vote on Wednesday, saying until there are new developments he will vote to end the registry. Hyer's stand came after he was pressured to change his vote by members of a coalition that included the City Police and Women's groups.

Police still looking for drug suspect

An arrest warrant remains out for a 27 year old man in connection with last weeks million dollar pot bust in the city. Police say it stemmed from a complaint one week ago, from a landlord of a home on the 100 block of Nelson. He suspected there was a grow op. Police seized about 114 pounds of marijuana with a street value of about 1 million dollars.

Miles with the Giant results

835 runners from 70 different communities took part in the first Miles with the Giant Marathon.   You can get race results from this link

First marathon in the books

The winner of the first Miles with the Giant Marathon is from Kenya. Philip Kipchumba completed the course in 2 hours and 29 minutes. The top Thunder Bay finisher was John Balabuck with Nicki Wilberforce of Thunder Bay the top female. Organizers are happy with the results and say they plan to be back next year.

Miles with the Giant off and running

The Miles with the Giant Marathon got off to a start shortly after 8 o'clock Sunday morning.. 835 runners are taking part in either the full or half marathons. For organizer Barry Streib it's the end of a 2 year effort and credits the volunteers for the success. He says the the satisfaction of getting it off the ground is amazing.