Northwestern Ontario Immigration Portal is officially online

North Western Ontario has a new tool to attract immigrants to the region, the Immigration Portal is online. 32 communities contributed to the website that has more than 500 pages of information and translates into 11 languages. Spokesperson Karen Honan says its the largest web portal in Canada. Honan says the next step is a major international marketing campaign.

Acting Mayor takes part in Mayors for Meals Day

Its Mayors for Meals Day and the Thunder bay meals on wheels program is taking part. Acting Mayor Larry Hebert helped deliver meals to seniors today. Hebert says meals on wheels is a great program for the community, because it lets seniors and people living with disabilities the opportunity to remain independent. Mayors across the country took part in the event.

Thunder Bay is fighting against racism

A large crowd gathered for the 4th annual Elimination of Racial Discrimination breakfast. Executive Director of the African Canadian Legal Clinic Margaret Parsons spoke to the gathering and says even though we have made great strides as a country, we can't forget about racism. Parsons says there is a lot of talk about diversity but that only goes so far and doesn't cover racism and discrimination.

Matawa first nation holding 2nd annual Governance and Economic Development Conference

The Matawa first nation are holding the 2nd annual community governance and economic development conference this week. Manager of the Matawa First Nation Tribal Council Brian Davey says these issue needs to be looked at to ensure his people are prepared for future business ventures like the Ring of Fire. Davey says the conference will also involve a large number of youth because they are the future leaders and need to be prepared.

Man suffers serious head injuries in hit and run

One man is in hospital with serious head injuries after being the victim of a hit and run. Thunder Bay police say a car hit a pedestrian just before 2 o'clock this morning, on the 100 block of Secord Street. When officers arrived they found the victim at the side of the road and rushed him to the Health Sciences Centre.

Stabbing lands a 40 year old woman in court

Police also had to deal with a stabbing this morning. Just after midnight police were called to an apartment on West Frederica Street were they found a women suffering from a stab wound. A 40 year old women was arrested and will appear in court today. The victim was treated and released.

Single Day passes are on sale for Cavendish Cup

Single day passes are up for grabs for the Cavendish Cup. With just two days to go before the tournament gets underway organizers have put the single day passes on sale. Thunderwolves Executive Director Jason Mallon says so far ticket sales have been great and are slightly ahead of last year. Mallon says there will be great hockey all weekend and a number of other great events taking place.

Volunteers are Raising the Rent for the Shelter House

Over 40 participants are working the phones to Raise the Rent. Its the annual fundraiser for Shelter House were entrants have to raise 592 dollars which is the average rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city. Those who can't raise enough money will stay the night at the shelter.  Executive Director Cal Rankin says he hopes to see 40 thousand dollars raised this year up from last year's 37 thousand.  Rankin says the Shelter has been busier than ever and the funds are greatly needed.

Earthwise Thunder Bay launches Go Green Expo

A new type of trade fair is coming to Thunder Bay and this is one has a Green theme. The First ever Go Green Expo is taking place from September 10-12 at the CLE grounds and is being put on by Earthwise Thunder Bay. Organizer Ruth Cook says there are a number of businesses in Thunder Bay that are setting an example that people can learn about. Cook says there will also be a number of workshops and other displays.

Province imposing levy on hydro bills

If you notice your Hydro rates increase in the near future its likely because of a new provincial levy. The McGuinty government is placing the levy to off set costs of the Green Energy Act. Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says while the levy will cost extra they are funding programs that can save you money.  Gravelle says the levy will add up to a 33 cent monthly increase for the average household and will also impact industrial users.  Meanwhile the Canadian Paper Workers Union is unhappy with the Levy.  National Rep Marvin Pupeza says this will compound the problems already facing the industry in Ontario. 

Fire crews deal with small fire

Thunder Bay fire and rescue dealt with a small fire at a house in the 500 block of Egan Street yesterday. Crews extinguished a fire that started under the front stairs of the house. No one was injured the and the damage was limited to the stairs.

Versa Care has a clean bill of health

The outbreak of Gastrointestinal outbreak is over at Versa Care Thunder Bay. Officials are asking anyone who is feeling ill or who has been recently been sick to stay home to prevent the spread of infections.

Location chosen for temporary bus terminal

North Street will be the new location for a temporary South Core Bus Terminal. Council made the decision last night after several businesses and residents came forward against the other options being considered. It will take a few months before the site between Violet and North Streets is ready and since it the Brodie street terminal will be close March 29th, City Hall will be used as the terminal until the new site is ready.

Shingabis gets life in prison

The man who murdered Sybill Stoney in a Thunder Bay apartment last year has learned his fate. Michael Shingabis was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 14 years after being convicted of 2nd degree murder. Shingabis also received 5 years for indignity to human remains. Stoney was found in her apartment in January 2009.

Thunder Bay participating in Earth Hour

For the third year in a row Thunder Bay is taking part in Earth Hour. Global event to raise awareness on climate change happens at 8:30 in the evening this Saturday. Earthwise Thunder Bay's Charles Campbell says to take part all you have to do is shut off your lights and reduce your electricity load anyway you can.  Campbell says there will also be a moonlight walk at Centennial Park during the hour that everyone is welcome to attend.

Cancer Society Launches Daffodil Days

Yellow flowers will be blooming across the city over the next week as the Canadian Cancer launches the annual Daffodil Days. Bunches of the flowers will be sold across the city over the next week to raise money for Cancer Research and other services. The Cancer Society's Dana Levanto says all the money raised will stay in the region. Levanto hopes last year's total of 30 thousand dollars will be surpassed this year.

A new arena project could be part the this fall's election

A proposed new multiplex arena could garner some discussion at tonight's council meeting. Administration will be presenting council with a public consultation strategy. Larry Hebert says while public consultation is key in a project this large, but he is hoping for a different approach. Hebert says he wants the issue to go to the polls in this falls municipal election. He says while he may support the project there is only one way to know for sure what residents want.

Thunderwolves fall in CIS consolation semifinal

The Thunderwolves men's basketball team worked hard but in the end just didn't have enough in the tank as they bowed out of the CIS nationals in the consolation semi final to Cape Breton 87-65. The Wolves lost their first game Friday afternoon to UBC who went onto lose to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in the final.

Second wolf sighting in the city

A recent wolf sighting at Boulevard Lake is the second in the city in the last month. The first was when parents of students at Nor' Wester View School were given notices about a wolf and told the school was taking precautions. The latest sighting in Current River was made by a woman walking her dog. The Ministry of Natural Resources is telling the public to be cautious if you spot a wolf. Because a wolf is a wild animal it can be unpredictable, so the MNR recommends not running away and to leave room for it to escape on its own. No one has been hurt in any of the cases.

Investment update and arena consultation highlight meeting

City councillors get the low down Monday on how your tax dollars are being invested. Accounting manager Lynne Martin says investment advisors and managers will be there to make a presentation. Martin says councillors will hear results of how those investments performed last year. Also Monday, City Manager Tim Commisso will brief councillors on public consultations for a proposed new arena