Long Gun Registry Alive

The long gun registry lives.  MPs voted 153-151 Wednesday night to kill the Tory bill to scrap the program.  Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he's going to poll his constituents on what they would like seen  done with the registry in the future.  Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says his party will introduce a bill calling for changes to the registry.  Meanwhile, Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he's dissapointed and notes it was an emotional day.  All three Northwestern Ontario MPs supported scrapping the registry.

Environmental Report critical of MNR

Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller says ineffective oversight from the Ontario government is allowing mining companies to illegally construct mining camps and airstrips in the Far North. It was one of the many findings Miller noted in his annual report.  He says the Ministry of Natural Resources has no presence in the region and that's why these activities are happening.  Miller adds the ministry needs more money and funding levels should be brought back up.

Charges laid in City's 4th murder

A shocking development in city's latest murder.  Two girls aged 14 and 15 have been charged with 2nd degree murder.  The charges stem from a body found yesterday morning behind Wentworth Crescent.  Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident.  A postmortem on the 16 year old victim will be conducted tomorrow in Toronto.

Money to teach adults how to read

Adult learning centres in Thunder Bay's two provincial ridings are getting taxpayer funding to improve reading skills. There are a total of nine centres sharing almost 3 quarters of a million dollars. Confederation College will get the most money, close to 400 thousand dollars.

Fewer flu clinics this year

Expect a change to how the Health Unit runs it's flu clinics this year.    Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they're tentatively scheduled to start in November.  She says there will be fewer clinics, but the locations will be larger.   Binette says they're still waiting for instructions from the government on which groups will get priority for flu shots.

Air traffic volumes up

Thunder Bay's Airport has recorded record breaking August traffic volumes.  Last month saw a 6.6 percent increase with over 65 thousand passengers flying in and out of the local airport.  President Scott McFadden attributes it to a number of factors including the improved economy.  McFadden expects air traffic to continue to rise through the foreseeable future and will be tendering another parking and ground trasnportation project soon.

City hires expert to review wind park

The city is hiring an outside expert to review all the information they have so far on the controversial Horizon wind farm. Development Services Manager Mark Smith says the city doesn't have the technical expertise to review what they've received from the company.  Smith says the expert in wind energy will evaluate all the information especially the financial impact of moving turbine locations.   The issue comes back before city councillors on October 4th.

Canada's Worst Handyman

Thunder Bay is going to welcome producers of the show "Canada's Worst Handyman". Show representatives will be in the city in November to meet with show hopefuls.  A Thunder Bay woman was on the third season, and producers hope to find more wanna be handymen.  To nominate someone e-mail handyman@ propertelevision.com

Talks to resume in NOSM dispute

It's back to the bargaining table as negotiations are now planned in the School of Medicine dispute.   The school and OPSEU have agreed to continue bargaining for a first contract at the end of the month.   Two days have been set aside in Sudbury for this latest set of talks.    The 150 support workers have been on strike since August 16th.

Police investigating another murder

Thunder Bay Police are investigating the city's 4th murder of the year. They say the body of a 16 year old girl from Sachigo Lake was found in the bushes off the bike path behind Wentworth Cres. around 7:30 this morning. That's right behind Al Laird's house.  He says it was at about that time he heard something chilling while he was in his back yard.  He says he heard "some real loud screaming, a woman's voice"  in the bush.   He says that it lasted for about a minute or so and then there was silence.  Police expect to release more details later today

Legislation could hurt Thunder Bay Port

Three quarters of the Port of Thunder Bay's commercial business could be lost if the State of New York goes ahead with its ballast water treatment legislation.  C.E.O. Tim Heney says the legislation has wide implications for Thunder Bay since most of the grain ships travel the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Heney is calling on the Federal Government to work with New York State to find a solution to their proposed legislation.

Hannam explains lame duck council

Thunder Bay City Council could be deemed "lame duck" after the municipal election.  A lame duck council is formed if four or more of the current council isn't re-elected. City Clerk John Hannam says a lame duck council can not hire or fire personel, buy or sell land, or spend money over 50-thousand dollars.  As long as the current eleven members of council are re-elected they will maintain their decision making powers.  There are four meetings scheduled in November before the new council is sworn in in December.

We want Brits

The British are coming.  That's the hope of the new Northwestern Ontario Immigration Web Portal.  Spokesperson Kathy Woodbeck says they are actively targeting the UK.  Woodbeck says each day they have been receiving 4 e-mails a day from interested brits looking to relocate.  The immigration campaign is also aimed at the Phillipines and India.

Navy co-op program underway

The latest group of high school co-op students have signed up at the HMCS Griffon. The Navy is in the second year of a pilot program with the local school boards. There are 13 students taking part this semester.

Time of use rates in 2011

Thunder Bay Hydro is taking the wait and see approach when it comes to introducing time of use rates.  Spokesperson Eileen Dias says they'll be watching to see how other hydro companies deal with the new rates.  Thunder Bay Hydro is looking at starting an education campaign in the new year on the time of use rates.  Dias adds almost everyone in the City has a smart metre installed and the final 100 will be hooked up this fall.

TBSO reaching out for donations

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra is going to the community to raise some money. The goal is to celebrate the Orchestra's 50th anniversary by raising half a million dollars. General Manager Clint Kushak says that will be a one time effort.  He says that will cover operating costs and to make sure the TBSO has a solid financial footing.   Kushak says the effort will last through the new season with various events.

Science North is taking over PA days

Students have another option to occupy themselve during PA days this year. Science North will be hosting programs every PA day this school year. Spokesperson Emily Kerton says its a great way for kids to learn more about science and will be available for kids aged 4-12.   Kerton says it costs 45 dollars for non members and 39 dollars for members and includes before and after care.

Building Permits Up

It's been a busy year for the construction industry in Thunder Bay. At the end of August, building permits had been issued for more than 100 million dollars worth of construction.  City administration feels more construction activity has occurred in 2010 than in any one year over the last two decades.

CEDC wants more money from City

The Community Economic Development Commission wants to create a new mining division and hire a project manager.  Chair Ed Schmidtke asked council for an increase in their 2011 and 2012 operating budgets.  The CEDC would like 125 thousand dollars in 2011, and 250 thousand dollars in 2012.  The current council is unable to commit the funding because of the upcoming election and the possibility of a new council.  Council is approving the project in principal and wants the new council to address it in December.

Council tackles zoning again

The City of Thunder Bay tackled a number of zoning issues at Monday night's council meeting. Council is considering a re-zoning application for a piece of property at Ray Boulevard. The property owner would like to use the former school site to house a series of town houses and a community health resource centre. Two people came out to speak out against the application.  Both were concerned about the increase in traffic on the street since young children live in the area.