Marina Opens Wednesday

The marina is set to open tomorrow even though there is still ice in the harbour.  City spokesperson Paul Fayrick says while it may be a problem now, he doesn't anticipate it will be long before boaters begin docking their vessels.  He says the slips in Pier 3 are free of ice, the only problem is getting there.   Fayrick says staff will be ready to take in boats when they start arriving.

Crane Tips Over At Courthouse

The crane at the Consolidated Courthouse construction site has tipped over.  Construction worker Mike George says the crane did not make a loud noise, and came as a shock to the workers. No one was hurt. The Ministry of Labour is investigating, and says that the 90-tonne crane was moving a concrete wall panel up to the top level of the new courthouse when the crane fell.  Meanwhile, a witness at the scene, Frank Zawadzki says the workers scattered like mice when the crane came down.  He adds it looks like the crane's weight wasn't balanced and that could have lead to why it tipped over.  As a result of the incident, Brodie Street is closed from Miles Street to Victoria.

Local Liquor Workers Set To Strike

A strike by Liquor Control Board workers is still set for this weekend.  In Thunder Bay, unionized workers have set up strike headquarters at the Labour Centre.   Union spokesperson Robert Lorkowski says the dispute centers around the increased use of part time workers.  Lorkowski says out of the province's total LCBO workforce of 7 thousand about 4 thousand are part time.

Test Your Well Water

The Health Unit is encouraging well owners to test their water this spring.  Public Health Inspector Abbey Mackie says it's important to get your water tested.  Spring run off from melting snow can bring contaminants with it into local wells.

Tourism Slowed By Late Spring

A cool spring isn't doing Thunder Bay's Tourism market any favours. Manager Paul Pepe says it's been a slow start to the tourism season. Pepe expects their outdoor experience visitors to pick up in the warmer months.

Upass Renewal Plans

The City is looking to renew its deals with Confederation College and Lakehead University for student transportation. Councillor Rebecca Johnson says the Upass agreement provides students with yearly bus passes that are paid for through tuition fees. If council approves the three year term it will start this September.

Books Without Bounds In City Today

Two teenaged Oakville, Ontario sisters who collected books for kids living in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation are in Thunder Bay today. Emma and Julia Mogus bought books with their own money and accepted donations leading to over 18-thousand books being sent to NAN communities. They'll fly out to Fort Severn with Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy.

Crime Of The Week

Time now for our Crime of the Week. Sometime between May 3rd and 5th someone gained access to a Hydro One storage compound in Dryden. The suspects stole 17-thousand dollars in chainsaws and drills. Anyone with info is asked to call Crimestoppers.

CAW Elections Today

The local Canadian Autoworkers Union is holding its executive elections today. Voting takes place at the Lakehead Labour Centre from 10 until 8.

MNR Fire Deals With Blazes

Thunder Bay's MNR fire crews are finally seeing some action.  The first fire they dealt with was a lightning strike to a dead tree in the area south of Garden Lake.  The second blaze on Sunday was a human caused grass fire on Mountain Road at Fort William First Nation.

T.Bay Hydro Electricity Rate Increases

The Ontario Energy Board is giving Thunder Bay Hydro approval to increase their electricity rates.  The 6.35 percent increase means most residential hydro bills will go up almost 7 dollars a month.  For businesses that increase will look like almost 14 dollars a month.

OPP Launches Recruitment Campaign

The Ontario Provincial Police are launching a recruitment campaign in Thunder Bay. Constable Erin Huckell with the Dryden Detachment says it's a "Northern Policing Experience", and runs from May 25th to 26th. Huckell says travel and accommodations will be taken care of.

New Centre CEO Eyes Region

The new CEO of the George Jeffrey Children's Centre is Juliana Jason.   She says it's important for her to keep Centre's good reputation in Thunder Bay intact.   Jason says a priority for her will be reaching  out to special needs children in northern communities and looking at rural services.

More Evacuees Arrive

The city is hosting yet another set of evacuees from the James Bay area.   This time 120 First Nation residents from Attawapiskat are now in the city after being flown in last night and this morning.   As with the Kashechewan evacuees, who left yesterday, the current group is here because of the threat of flooding in their community.

South Side Grass Fire Controlled

Grass fire season is back again.   Firefighters on the city's south side now have a sprawling fire next to the Resolute paper mill complex under control.   At one point, just after the noon hour, white smoke was billowing over much of Westfort.   There are no injuries to report.  

Cops For Cancer

Cops for Cancer is happening today. The event will see local police and regular folks shave their heads to show support for those who are fighting cancer. The event will be going on from 11-3 at Intercity Mall.

Fire Fighter Recruitment Tests Begin

Are you interested in becoming a firefighter? The Preliminary Firefighter Recruitment tests are being held today at Lakehead University. Fire Chief John Hay says anyone interested in joining the department is encouraged to take the test.

Crime Stoppers Drug Drop Off

Thunder Bay Crimestoppers are holding a prescription drug drop off this weekend. Constable Jason Disher says it's a great way to reduce drug abuse. The drop off will be located near the Dove building at the Farmer's Market Saturday from 8 until 2.

Angus Disputes Mayor's Comments

The Mayor's comments that the Royal Edward Arms is a cesspool continues to get reaction.   Councillor Iain Angus sits on the District Social Services Board and doesn't believe the comment is accurate.  He does admit there are problems and safety concerns, but says it plays a vital role in the city.  Angus is only one of four board members who voted to renew the apartment's social housing lease with the city when it expires in 2015.

Angus Disputes Mayor's Comment

The Mayor's comments that the Royal Edward Arms is a cesspool continues to get reaction.   Councillor Iain Angus sits on the District Social Services Board and doesn't believe the comment is accurate.  He does admit there are problems and safety concerns, but says it plays a vital role in the city.  Angus is only one of four board members who voted to renew the apartment's social housing lease with the city when it expires in 2015.