New Board Member?

Thunder Bay's Police Services Board should have a new member soon.  A position is open ever since Deborah Johnson's term expired at the last board meeting.  Chair Joe Virdiramo says the Attorney General will hopefully make an announcement soon.  Virdiramo says hopefully the Attorney General received lots of applications.

Zone Watch Deadline May 27th

The City's Police Service is pleased with the number of people who have applied for their new online "Zone Watch" program.  Spokesperson Chris Adams says 62 applications have been sent in so far.  The deadline to apply is May 27th.

Hudak Has Plans For Ring Of Fire

Ontario's PC leader says he would make changes to advance the Ring of Fire.  Tim Hudak says his party would make 4 key changes including putting a Minister in charge of the mining project.   Hudak believes the Ring of Fire can be to Ontario what the Oil Sands are to Alberta.

Hyer Objects To Radio Station Move

A local MP is wading into the fight to keep the radio station in Marathon operating out of the community.  Bruce Hyer says he has filed an objection with the Canadian Radio and TV Commission over the plan by Dougall Media to have the station broadcast all programming out of its studio here in Thunder Bay.  He joins MPP Michael Gravelle who has also fired off a letter to the CRTC objecting to the plan

City Dodges Rainfall Bullet

City officials are expressing extreme relief that we were spared from heavy rains overnight.  Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Chair Bill Bartley we dodged a bullet.  He says, as a result,  the flood warning for the city has now been lifted.  Bartley says while there has been some localized flooding the city is being spared because of the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway.  There are still some roads in the city that are closed due to flood damage and they will reopen after repairs.

5 To 10 MM Of Rain Last Night

Environment Canada says the City saw an additional 5 to 10 millimeters of rain last night and not the 70 mm that was originally forecasted.  Meteorologist Arnold Ashton says we'll see the rain go away later in the day.  A severe rainfall warning for the region ended over night.

Officials Keep Eye On Rising Water Levels

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and the City are keeping a close watch on rising water levels in area waterways.  50 to 60 millimeters of rain was recorded over the weekend with 70 millimeters more forecasted for last night.  City Infrastructure Manager Darrell Matson says they're on high alert and the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Plant is performing as they expected.  Roads in and around the City are experiencing ponding and flooding.  Any roads covered with water should be avoided and you should seek alternate routes.  Local roads that are closed include: Arundel Street near Toledo Street, and Melbourne Road near Hazelwood Drive intersection, Chippewa Road at the City Road intersection and at the Chippewa Park Wildlife Exhibit.  The recreation trail under the Edward Street Bridge is also closed.

OPP Say Only Some Back Roads Still Washed Out

OPP are reporting that all major highways remain open and previous washed out rural roads are now passable.  Police say only some small back roads are still treacherous.

FWFN State Of Emergency

Fort William First Nation is in a state of emergency.  170 members of the First Nation have been evacuated since yesterday. Chief Georjann Morriseau says they'll be meeting today to review the flood situation.  Homes were damaged and several roads are closed due to washouts in the community.

Leaf And Yard Waste Starts Today

Curbside collection of leaf and yard waste starts this week. Spokesperson Brad Adams says the collections will take place on your regular recycling day, between today and the end of the month. Adams also says each bag has a weight limit of 40 pounds.

FWFN Residents Evacuated

There are about 170 residents of the Fort William First Nation who are spending the night away from home. They have been evacuated and are being put up in a local hotel due to flooding. Chief Georjann Morriseau says the situation will be reviewed in the morning after the overnight rain. She also says there are numerious road closures in the community due to washouts.

LRCA Issues Flood Warning

The city is now under a flood warning from the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. The warning also includes all the municipalities surrounding Thunder Bay. The Authority says 50 to 60 millimetres of rain has already fallen and another 40 millimetres is forecast to fall this evening and overnight. It says flooding is imminent or already occurring with the the Authority's area of responsibility

FWFN Declares Emergency

The Fort William First Nation is in a state of emergency.   Chief Georjann Morriseau says flooding of homes in the community and washed out roads forced her to sign today's declaration.

Road Washouts The Results Of Heavy Rain

The Ontario Provincial Police are warning of potential road washouts in the area, saying that Highway 527 about eight and a half kilometers from Highway 11/17 is washing out, but still passable. Elsewhere, Mountain Road at Tuxedo Drive is washed out, and no traffic is able to pass through.

City Infrastructure Running Properly

Following steady rain over the last day, and more rain coming,  city staff are monitoring city infrastructure. General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations Darrell Matson, says that everything is running how it should be, and that the sewer system is running properly. The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a ‘Flood Watch’, which indicates the potential for flooding.

City Residents Prepare For Flooding

Some Thunder Bay residents are preparing for flooding. Mary Street resident Rod Skirving says water is already making its way into his basement. Skirving says they still have some of their stuff in storage from the flood last year.

Kiptoo Wins Ten Mile....Again

Gilbert Kiptoo

Gilbert Kiptoo, of Kenya, is the winner of this year's Firefighter Ten Mile Road Race, running the race in just over 51 minutes. Dominique Aulagnon was the first local runner to cross the finish line in just over 53 minutes, and says the race was a bit grueling because of the weather. Aulagnon says the race was exciting, and is happy with his results.

Ontario Parks Reminds Campers Not To Drink

Ontario Parks is offering some much needed advice to campers this weekend. Bruce Van Staalduinen says there is an important drinking ban in place at most provincial parks. Van Staalduinen also recommends inspecting all your camping gear to prevent any problems once you get to the campsite.

Ten Mile Road Race Underway

Despite the rain and poor weather, the Firefighters Ten Mile Road Race is underway. The race started with a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston bombing. Over one thousand runners are taking part in this year's event.

It Takes Two To Help At Risk Youth

The CEO of a youth leadership institute is currently riding his bike across Canada in support of at risk youth. Derrick Shirley will be in the city today to promote his organization's signature "It Takes Two Program", that has police officers and at risk youth riding on tandem bikes. Shirley is scheduled to be in thunder bay from today until Wednesday.