Grits cool on addressing forestry concerns

Ontario's governing Liberals are not addressing a number of forestry questions put to the main political parties by Northwestern Ontario municipal and industry leaders.   Out of thirteen questions posed to the parties, the Liberals only answered one.   However,  the author's of the survey refused to be critical, saying some of the questions are complex and they hope they'll be addressed before the election.

Mauro gets his star

Thunder Bay's Arthur Mauro now has a star on the Walk of Fame at Victoriaville Mall.   Mauro is the Chancellor of Lakehead University and has served on several government commissions and committees.  He currently lives in Winnipeg.

Cooler temps and rain ease fire concerns

Cooler temperatures and rain are helping to keep the forest fire hazard at low in Northwestern Ontario.  There are currently 40 active fires burning, compared to over 100 during the height of forest fire activity in the hot summer months. No new fires have been reported.

Robbery suspect caught

A 20 year old man appears in court Thursday after police say he was caught following an attempted armed robbery at a north side convenience store Wednesday night.   They say a man wearing a mask and brandishing a knife left the store empty handed.  Police believe the same person may be charged with a similar robbery on Tuesday

Mining boom has 20 year shelf life

The President of the Ontario Mining Association is predicting the current mining boom only has a 20 year shelf life.  Chris Hodgson says we need to strike while the iron is hot.  Hodgson adds in order for the region to provide a solid workforce more women need to consider careers in mining.

OFIA unveils election asks

The NDP, PC's, and Liberals are being put on notice from the Ontario Forest Industry Association. Spokesperson Scott Jackson says they want to see better provincial government policies. Jackson says they also want a buy Ontario policy for the Forest Industry.

Power outage plaguing North side

Around 150 Thunder Bay Hydro customers are without power on the North side of town.  According to the company's outage line, the homes on the Northwest outskirts of town lost power at around 3 o'clock and officials aren't sure when power will be restored.

Fatal fire under investigation

OPP in Kenora are investigating a fatal fire.  Officials say the fire happened Monday at a cottage on an island on Lake of the Woods.  One person died and another is in critical condition.  No word on the cause of the fire. 

Fire rips through duplex

No injuries after a two alarm blaze tore through a duplex on the city's southside.  The inferno started just before 11:30 on Sherbrooke street and Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Captain Rick Kerley says when crews arrived they saw blackened windows and smoke in the area. Kerley says they found extensive damage in the house but managed to confine most of the damage to the main floor.  There is no word on the cause at this time.

Canfield suspects McGuinty will be last minute show

There are still some members of NOMA that think the Premier will show to the first ever Northern Ontario Leaders Debate. Vice President Dave Canfield has a sneaking suspicion that Dalton McGuinty will have a change of heart. The Mayor of Kenora believes even though the Premier has said he won't attend; he might find a way in the long run. Canfield feels any Premier needs to be engaged with the region since we have all of the resources.

Business needs to grow Northern Communities

The Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is rallying the business community to support remote communities.  Elyse Allan spoke at the Prosperity Northwest Conference today and says Government and Business have a role to play.  Allan says investments need to be made in skills training and basic infrastructure.  Allan is also the President and CEO of GE Canada.

Airport sets new record

Thunder Bay's airport has set a new record.  During the month of August just over 67 thousand people went through the airport which is the highest ever.  Officials believe the airport will see over 700 thousand passengers this year.

Inflation jumps in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's inflation rate is even with the national rate for August at 3.1 per cent.  That is an increase from 2.9 per cent the month before.  Government statisticians tell us it's the result of increased prices for gasoline and food. 

The longtime face of CF dies

Condelences are pouring in on Facebook for a  Thunder Bay woman who grew up in front of our eyes on local television.  Carla Long has died at the age 35.   She passed away last night at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto.   Long was one of the local residents who appeared yearly on the Cystic Fibrosis Mother's Day Telethon.

Marten Falls tries addiction treatment program

The First Nations community of Marten Falls is trying a new way to get their members off their prescription pain killer addictions.  They are trying out a 30 day program which will provide Oxycontin addicts with a drug that will taper them off the hard stuff.   Marten Falls is 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

Tai Chi Park Grand Opening Friday

Thunder Bay is working on cementing it's reputation as the Tai Chi City in China.  The Tai Chi park and moon gate will be unveiled this Friday and Organizer Brian Nieminen says they'll welcome a wide range of delegates.  The park includes a 60' diameter pad for Tai Chi and a large Moongate that frames a view of the Sleeping Giant.

Advance Polls start Wednesday

You can now cast your ballot for the 2011 Provincial election. Thunder Bay Superior North Returning Officer Peter Doig says advance poll locations open at 10 today. If you live in the Superior North riding you can vote at the returning office or at the County Fair Mall. In the Thunder Bay-Atikokan Riding you can vote at the Slovak Legion, and at the Redwood Returning Office. Advance polls are running for 10 days.

Greenstone makes its case for a smelter

The community of Greenstone feels it now has a leg up in attracting a Ring of Fire refinery. Consultant George Smitherman says his study shows that the town of Exton should be the top choice for Cliffs Natural Resources when it makes a decision on a smelter location.  He says at the heart of the Exton's strength is its proximity to the mine site and its relations with First Nations. Cliffs hopes to make a decision by the end of the year.

Police lead the province in alcohol related arrests

Thunder Bay Police are leading the province in a very dubious category.  According to the 2010 annual report officers made more alcohol related arrests per capita than anywhere else in Ontario.  Chief JP Levesque says it's a social problem and is keeping officers from focusing on crime prevention and enforcement.   He says adding more detox beds would go a long way to relieve some of the pressure on police.

Feedback invited on urban forestry

The city is looking for your input on a new management plan for our urban forest. A pubic session is taking place tonight at Thunder Bay's 55 Plus Centre. The public meeting takes place between 7 and 9 pm. That feedback will be used by a consulting group when it draws up a final report to council next month.