Thunder Bay Votes 2010

Thunder Bay's returning officer is gearing up for the upcoming municipal election.  John Hannam says the city is the first in the country to offer a mobile polling station.  Hannam says they'll be driving the voting van around the city during advance polls.  The van will be parked for a full day at both Confederation College and Lakehead University as a way to promote the youth vote.  If you're not sure if you're registered to vote in the upcoming municipal election; you can find out by checking the voter's list at City Hall or any of Thunder Bay's libraries.  More information on the upcoming 2010 municipal election is available at http://www.thunderbay.ca/

Industry Minister vists Northwest

It was a campaign-style visit to Northwestern Ontario this week for Industry Minister Tony Clement. Clement spoke to a group of area leaders asking for their help in electing Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman. Clement is backing Stehman who is carrying the Conservative banner in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding. Clement criticized MP John Rafferty for the decisions he's made in Ottawa, suggesting they're not consistant with the values and principals of the riding. Meanwhile, seven groups around the Thunder Bay area are receiving FEDNOR dollars to hire youth interns. Clement says the organizations are taking advantage of a program that helps give young people some much needed work experience.

Focus North Forum comes to end

Canada's Northern Development Ministers are leaving Thunder Bay with a better sense of how they can help the north. Ontario's Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle says they're going to tackle the north's infrastructure deficit.  Gravelle says many communities have a hard time coming up with their share of funding for infrastructure projects.  Each provincial minister had the opportunity to speak with Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan earlier in the day.  Gravelle used his time with the Minister to discuss the Northern Growth Plan.

Rogers and TBayTel are making strides on a Northwestern 3G network

TBayTel and Rogers are making progress on their joint project that will see a 3G network cover the region. Starting this month Rogers customers will start their transition into TBayTel coverage. TBayTel President Don Campbell says work on turning over the 3G network is on target and should be operational in Thunder Bay and other bigger centres in the region by November. Campbell says the partnership will also give customers a greater selection of hand held devices and services.

The Waterfront Project is facing cost overruns

The Prince Arthur landing project has seen a few ups and down recently on the financial front. A number of tenders have come in over budget forcing some alterations and postponements. Project Manager Katherine Dugmore says costs overruns are being dealt with by removing portions of the tenders or putting off  work to later dates. Dugmore says if council adds to the budget, 50 percent of the additional costs would come from taxpayers.

Terry Fox's parents remember

Today marks the day Terry Fox was forced to put an end to his cross Canada Marathon for Hope.  It was 30 years ago when Fox stopped in Thunder Bay.  His parents say today is bittersweet, and they'll be using the anniversary to pay tribute to him.  No official ceremony is planned in Thunder Bay.

Harvey wins conservative nomination

Richard Harvey needed two tries but he was finally chosen as the conservative representative for Thunder Bay Superior North at yesterday's party nomination meeting. Harvey lost last year to Michael Auld but had another chance after Auld bowed out due to health problems. Harvey defeated Richard Longtin for the federal nomination.

City unveils new voting machine

A new voting machine will make it easier for people with disabilities to cast their ballot during the municipal election. The City unveiled the unit at city hall yesterday. The machines cost between 35 and 40 thousand dollars to lease and support services for the machines will cost around 80 thousand.

NAN still against far north act

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation plans to voice their concern about the far north act at Queen's Park this fall.  Grand Chief Stan Beardy says they'll be holding a rally once the legislature resumes.  Beardy notes they want to work these issues out with the Provincial Government.

Yogi Bear in Dryden

They say Yogi is smarter then the average bear but he may now have some competition.  A bear was seen this morning camped out near the Welcome to Dryden sign, on the east end of Town.  The Ministry of Natural Resources responded and set up a trap.  The curious bear decided to park himself by the trap and stare at it for roughly 45-mintues.  Apparently he was plotting a strategy.  The bear got up, circled the trap and then ran in and out while grabbing the food inside.  The proud bruin then walked into the bush, with food in mouth.

Michael Chan visits Thunder Bay

The Minister of Tourism says the naysayers who were against the province's new regional tourism zones are now on board. Michael Chan says he had a chance to dispell their fears during a recent visit to Thunder Bay. The funding is expected to be rolled out for the zones this fall.

Focus North held in Thunder Bay

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers are meeting in Thunder Bay today.  The Focus North forum will tackle the region's social, economic and fiscal issues.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle will be holding a wrap up session tomorrow at the Bestwestern Nor'Wester Hotel.

Small business community is unhappy with council

The small business community is apparently not happy with city council. A new survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says businesses in Thunder Bay feel council isn't meeting their needs. Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson says he feels the survey isn't completely accurate but it is a very important issue.  Wilson says many of the questions in the statement were very open ended and could have been taken from a provincial or federal standpoint instead of municipal.

PC's attack Ontario Government's LHINS

The Progressive Conservatives are not a fan of the Ontario government's local health integration networks.  PC Democratic Reform Critic Steve Clark says so much money was wasted by the Northwest LHIN.  The Northwest LHIN spent 4.8 million dollars on administration costs and 1.5 million on consultants.  Clark feels the money could have been better spent providing front line medical care.

Waterfront project hits a snag

There are more pricing issues for the city's waterfront development project. The tenders for two landscaping projects came in over budget. The work on Pier three will be put off to next year after tenders came in over double the estimated cost. Work on the spirit garden will take place this year but a portion of Pier one was also dropped for this year.

Veterans honoured with new memorial in Thunder Bay

Second World War naval veterans were honoured yesterday with the reintroduction of Paterson park. The Paterson Sailors Memorial monument was unveiled at 1918 Yonge Street and honours 6 Paterson shipping vessels that were sunk during the second world war.

Public comment on comprehensive zoning by-law

Just one person made a deputation in favour of the city's comprehensive zoning by-law, while many were against it.  Peter Kuzak spoke against the proposed legislation that he calls a moving target.  Kuzak notes people need time to read the document and see how it will impact their land.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson says she's not ready to vote in favour of the comprehensive zoning by law and is worried they haven't consulted enough with the public.  Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern reassured council they have spoke many times with the public.

Zoning by law has many sticking points

There seems to be one major sticking point in the proposed comprehensive zoning by-law. Councillor Larry Hebert says many people are concerned about the new enivronmental protection and overlay zones where people are not permitted to build. Planning Division Manager Leslie McEachern says the new zones point out where the city allows construction; but the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority does not. McEachern says the environmental protection zones identify boundaries of flood areas, wetlands and hazardous slopes. Some councillors were also concerned about a lack of legislation which would allow four plexes to be built on corner lots in areas with character homes. McEachern adds fourplexes will only be allowed in areas such as the east end.

Zoning by-law under construction

The City of Thunder Bay's new zoning by-law continues to be under construction. Administration provided an update to council on Monday night on the legislation in process. The new comprehensive zoning by-law offers simpler maps and less zones. The city has already held a number of public meetings on the proposed legislation.  The comprehensive zoning by law was approved in principal last night and will be sent back to council at a later meeting. The document will also be posted on the city's website for public consultation for four weeks.

Paterson Sailors Park

Thunder Bay has honored its sailing history. The former Paterson shipping company site has been renamed the Paterson Sailors Memorial Park. A monument was placed at the Yonge street site on Monday night.