Cliffs Mining Training Graduates More Youth

A step closer to working in Northwestern Ontario's mining industry for 14 students.  The youth from Webeuie First Nation are the latest graduates of the Mining Essentials Program, offered by Cliffs Resources and Oshki Training and Education Institute. Oshki Executive Director Rosie Mosquito says the students were able to learn a lot.  Once the mines are up and running, Cliffs has stated they will likely hire the students.

Strike's Impact Not Known

A spokesperson from Infrastructure Ontario says it's too early to speculate on how an elevator constructors strike will impact the work on the Consolidated Courthouse.  Jennifer Asals says they're hopeful the matter will be resolved soon and that there will not be any major impact on the schedule for the project.  levator union members and sheet metal workers went on strike last week.

Chamber Pleased With Idea Pick Up

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce is pleased their Provincial counterpart adopted two of their ideas at their recent meeting.  The province wide Chamber will be asking the Wynne Government to repeal the Far North Act.  They'll also ask the Province to reform Ontario's Apprenticeship system.

Health Unit To Conduct Inspection Blitz

Body art and beauty shops in the city better have their act together.   The Health Unit says it will be conducting an inspection blitz of them all this month.  It's to ensure they comply with infection prevention control laws laid out by the government.

MP Questions Reliability Of Census Data

 Next weeks data from the latest Canadian census will be the first since the questionnaire became voluntary to fill out.  MP John Rafferty is wondering if the information gathered from northwestern Ontario will be accurate enough. He says there will not be results to help northern communities get reliable data for future planning.  Rafferty it will also be difficult to compare the latest data to previous years.

Another City Mac's Robbery

The Mac’s store at Balsam and River Streets was the scene of an early morning robbery.  Police say a man entered the store at approximately 3 a.m.. The suspect demanded money and was armed with knife. There were no injuries and the man made off with a small amount of money and cigarettes.

Man In Critical Condition After Assault

A 36 year old man is in critical condition after he was beaten and robbed Sunday night.  Police say they found him lying in front of a home on McNaughton Street.  4 youths and an 18 year old man are charged with aggravated assault and robbery with violence.  Alcohol is thought to be one of the factors in the incident and the victim and the accused are all known to each other.

Cameron Street Bridge Under Repairs

The Cameron Street Bridge is down for repairs.  City spokesperson Mike Vogrig says that while the repairs will last until September, they shouldn't affect traffic too badly. The repairs will end up extending the bridge's lifespan.

Festival Breaks Attendance Record

Organizers of the annual Folklore Festival are basking in the glow of a successful weekend event.  They say all records have been thrown out the window with over 16 thousand people attending the 40th anniversary edition of the festival.

Councillor Looks To Keep Kids Safe

Councillor Brian McKinnon is going to ask staff to find ways of keeping kids safe at the intersection of Junot Avenue and Blucher Crescent. McKinnon says he'll present the matter at tonight's meeting. Staff will be tasked with looking for short term options for calming traffic.

Upgrades Coming To City Arena And Stadium

City Council is formalizing an agreement with FedNor over a million dollars in upgrades to the Delaney Arena and Fort William Stadium.Councillor Paul Pugh says the improvements are needed.The City's share of the million dollar project is 500-thousand.

SIU Looking Into OPP After Weekend Incident

The Special Investigations Unit is looking into an incident this weekend where a man was injured during an altercation with OPP.  OPP were called to deal with a suspected drunk driver on Highway 61 when they approached the driver he didn't listen to police when they asked him to leave the vehicle.  An altercation broke out and the suspect was taken to hospital for treatment of what the SIU says was a broken eye socket.  

City To Approve Construction Contracts

City lawmakers are set to put their stamp of approval on several construction contracts at their meeting this evening. Councillor Rebecca Johnson doesn't see any problem with councillors approving the five million dollars worth of work. Johnson says the work has already been approved during budget deliberations.

Thunder Bay Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Thunder Bay Hosts Evacuees

Mayor Hobbs signs emergency
declaration

Thunder Bay is hosting about 150 evacuees from the Kashechewan First Nation on the James Bay coast.   The community declared a state of emergency due to spring flooding along the Albany River.   Those who were flown out are considered the most vulnerable, that is, the elderly and the young.  It's not known how long their stay will take.

Walk For Suicide Prevention Today

The Out Of The Darkness Memorial Walk is happening today. This event is a three kilometer walk starting at Confederation College. Spokesperson Margaret Hajdinjak created the event as a way for people to celebrate the lives of people they've lost to suicide. The event will go from 6-8 pm.

Toronto Doctor Recommends New NWO CPR Guidelines

Healthcare guidelines specifically for Northwestern Ontario. Dr. Aaron Orkin with St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto believes that the current "hands only" CPR guideline may not work for local communities because it usually takes a lot longer for an ambulance to arrive. However, Orkin says any help is better then none at all. Orkin says people in Northwestern Ontario deserve guidelines that are designed with their needs in mind.

Navy Pays Tribute To Those Lost In WW2

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy are paying tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Commander of the HMCS Griffon Pete Flemming says Thunder Bay played a role in the critical fight. A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon today at 2.

Hike For Hospice Today

Hike for Hospice is taking place today at Boulevard Lake. Hike for Hospice is an event that helps raise money for Hospice Northwest, allowing them to continue providing services to over 300 people a year. This year's fundraising goal is 40-thousand dollars.

Local Grain Industry Changing

The grain industry continues to evolve. In the latest business move Parrish and Heimbecker and Cargill are proposing joining forces to streamline services which grainhandlers union boss Herb Daniher says will mean the closure of one elevator in the city. He says it's a sign of the times with a deregulated grain environment. He says it's too early to talk about possible job losses. The proposal still needs government approval.