Decision on temporary bus terminal put off for a week

It will be next week before city councillors decide on a temporary site for a south side bus terminal while a new courthouse is being constructed. Councillors voted Monday to send back the issue to administration for more information. There was concern about the preferred site on Donald Street from Archibald to Syndicate Avenues, which was selected by Transit. It followed a presentation by area residents who were concerned what such a terminal would have on their quality of living. Instead some councillors appeared to favour a temporary site at City Hall and wanted to hear back from administration on the pros and cons of that location.

Councillors say yes to giving pools heritage designation

Two city pools have now come under the umbrella of the citys' Heritage Advisory Committee.   The Dease and Heath pools have been given heritage designation.   Committee chair Andrew Cotter and member Gloria Cyr stressed that the designation doesn't mean that the pools are protected from being closed down.  Instead Cotter says it will simply allow for the sites to be recognized as significant.   If the pools are considered for closure the appropriate steps can be taken to give the sites their historical due.

Emergency plan gets thumbs up from local EMO head

The federal government now has a national emergency response plan aimed at making sure key decisions are made quickly when disaster strikes. The move is getting praise from the city's top emergency planner. John Coupland says it will have a trickle down effect. He says it will be now easier for the provinces to get disaster assistance, and in turn it will get to the municipalities faster. The new plan outlines the responsibilities departments and agencies have in national or provincial emergencies

Bus accident sends a few riders to hospital with minor injuries

No comment from Thunder Bay Transit following a collision between two of its's buses. Three city bus riders were taken to hospital on Monday afternoon with minor injuries. It took place around 2 pm on Algoma in front of the Italian Hall. A police spokesperson says one of the bus drivers was charged with an improper lane change.

Ross gives props to Canada for UN vote

A local handicapped spokesperson says it's about time. Ron Ross of the lobby group PUSH is happy Canada has now voted in favour of a United Nations agreement on the rights of the disabled. Ross calls the move great. He says signing the contract shows that Canada respects the legislation necessary to help those that are handicapped. Ross says the agreement is a historic moment for disability rights.

Plasma centre hours being tweaked

Canadian Blood Services is changing the hours of operation for its Thunder Bay plasma centre. Spokesperson Michael Hyduk says it was the result of public demand.  The clinic hours will be as follows:   Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from Noon until 7:30 pm.   Thursday and Friday from 7:30 am until 2 pm.   On six select Saturdays 8 am until 11:30 am.  Hyduk says the new hours take effect March 29th.

Stimulus cash for the outdoors

One provincial park and a camp in northwestern Ontario are getting a facelift thanks to your tax dollars. Neys Provincial Park near Terrace Bay and a Ranger camp near Sioux Lookout are getting 700 thousand dollars in federal and provincial cash. It will be used to make upgrades to both areas.

So You Think You've Got Talen Auditions underway at Intercity

If you're looking for something to do for the March break and are good at something head down to the Intercity mall.  Auditions are underway for So You Think You've Got Talent.  Childrens of all ages and even Adults can show their stuff today until Wednesday.  The winners of each age group will win a $300 Intercity gift card and $200 Bounce Productions Scholarship.  Deadline to enter is tomorrow at 5pm.

International Days hit Lakehead University

International Students are taking centre stage at Lakehead university this week. Bagpipers, African Dancing and Aborginal singing were on display as part of the opening ceremonies for international days. Organizer Tanka Awosika says its important to recognized the around 100 international students at the school. Awosike says different events will be happening throughout the week as part of International Days.

CAs lend their services to immigrants/less fortunate

For the 42nd year, chartered accountants in Thunder Bay will be offering their services for free. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week they'll be doing taxes for immigrants to the city and those who are on low incomes. The free tax clincs will take place from 6 to 9 pm both evenings at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association building on North Court Street. The service is offered by appointment only. The number to call is 345-0551

Would be thief busted in the act this morning

Thunder Bay Police caught a would be thief in the act this morning. At around 12:30 officers responded to an alarm at a bar on Cumberland and found the back door open. Inside the bar they found the culprits bag with his photo ID. The Canine Unit was called in and quickly located a 28 year old and arrested him.

Thunderwolves fall in Queens Cup

It was a disappointing end to the OUA season for the Thunderwolves who fell to McGill 3-1 in the Queens Cup Saturday. Kris Hogg scored the loan goal for the Wolves who fell behind early and couldn't find space to score the equalizer.  Andrew Wright scored two goals for the Redmen to pace them to the win.  The Wolves will get a chance for redemption in two weeks time at the Cavendish Cup.

Thunderwoles Men's Basketball team advance to the Nationals

For the first time in 33 years the Thunderwolves Men's Basketball team is off to the CIS nationals. They beat the Ottawa Gee Gees 78-73 to advance to the tournament being held in Ottawa this weekend.  The Carleton Ravens beat Windsor over the weekend to win the OUA championship and will host the nationals.   

Kick off for new cultural plan this month

The city is developing a cultural plan and very soon you'll have a chance to have your say. A community open house is planned later this month. It's being organized by Leah Bayly the supervisor of cultural services. She says the plan will be all encompassing and a final report will be presented to city council in January or February. The open house takes place March 29th at the Community Auditorium from 6:30-9 pm.

Renown Metis author speaks to students at Ogden School

Students at Ogden School heard from a renowned Metis Author this morning. David Bouchard spoke to students about the importance of reading as part of the schools Indigo Love of Reading Grant. Bouchard says reading is vital for future success because it gives you better communication skills and freedom to travel the world at anytime. Ogden school was given a grant of 150 thousand dollars to buy books and to host literacy programs over the last three years.

Lakehead Men's Basketball team goes for CIS championship berth in Ottawa

The Thunderwolves men's basketball team won't be taking home an OUA championship this weekend but they still have a chance to make it to the CIS championships.  The Wolves visit Ottawa tomorrow to battle the Gee Gees with the winner earning a spot at the nationals.  Lakehead lost in the OUA west final last week to Windsor but since the OUA gets three teams at the nationals, the T-Wolves have one more chance to advance.

Donald street could be the location for a temporary south core bus terminal

Donald street is likely the new temporary location for a South Core Bus Terminal. Council will be given a recommendation to adopt a portion of Donald street for use as the south terminal effective March 30th. The Brodie location will be permanently closed March 29th to make room for the new Consolidated court house. A permanent location will be chosen after the completion of a major study being done on the city's bus routes.

Thunderwolves host McGill for OUA championship

One more day to go until the Thunderwolves faceoff against the McGill Redmen for the Queens Cup. The Wolves host the Redmen tomorrow night at the Gardens for the second time for the OUA championship. Its a rematch from the 2006 final were the Thunderwolves beat McGill 4-0. Thunderwolves Head Coach Joel Scherban says there are a lot of similarities between the two teams but says playing in front of the home crowd definitely is an advantage. Game time is 730 Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens.

Border Cats games to start earlier

The Thunder Bay Border Cats games will be starting earlier this year. The baseball club says that evening games Monday thru Saturday will now begin at 6:35 pm. The first pitch for all Sunday games will be at 5:05 pm. The Cats home opener takes place on June 2nd against the Duluth Huskies.

Outbreak at St. Joe's over

The illness outbreak at St. Joseph's Hospital is now over. The Health Unit says it had taken place on the inpatient unit on 5 south of the Algoma Street facility. To help prevent further outbreaks health officials urge people who have been sick or aren't feeling well to stay away until they recover.