Low water levels

Thunder Bay's water levels are lower than normal and that's causing the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority to ask residents to cut back on their water use. Chair Bill Bartley says everyone needs to save water. The water shortage is being attributed to a lack of rainfall.

Good year for enrollment @ College

Confederation College continues to ride a 1st year enrolment wave.  Vice President of Student and Corporate Services Bob Backstrom says this year's levels have remained even with last year but they've been leading the province since the downturn in the Northern economy.  Backstrom says Confederation college is also better than the provincial average for both graduates getting hired and employers being satisfied with former students.

FedNor funding for T.Bay Metal Fabricators Association

The Federal Government is giving 195 thousand dollars to Thunder Bay's Metal Fabricators Association.  The money will be used to hire experts in oil and gas, mining and nuclear sectors and safety consultants.  It's believed the two year program will help increase export and job opportunities.

Infrastructure Open House

City administration wants to know how you would address Thunder Bay's 15 million dollar infrastructure defecit.  Manager Tim Commisso says they'll be holding an open house on the hot topic next Tuesday.  Council will deal with the infrastructure defecit at it's November 28th meeting.

Industrial Accident at Abitibi Bowater Sawmill

Thunder Bay Police say two people were involved in an industrial accident at the Abitibi Bowater Saw mill today. The Ministry of Labour has taken over the investigation and at this time police won't say what happened or the extent of the victims injuries.

Jury Rolls is back in the spotlight

Jury Rolls are once again causing trial delays in Thunder Bay.  Local Lawyer Chris Watkins says two of his trials are on hold because they will first need a trial on the make up of the Jury.  Watkins says having a jury properly represent the community is a cornerstone of the our society.

Low Flu Shot Numbers

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is reporting low flu shot numbers at 2010's influenza clinics.  Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams doesn't want a repeat of that this year and notes they've made it easier to get immunized.  Williams says they've started their clinics earlier in the year.  You can get your flu shot up until December 20th.

Teen girl escapes attempted abduction

City police are reporting a scary incident on the 200 block of Cumming Street Monday afternoon.   They say that a man came out of a vehicle and grabbed a 14 year old girl by the arm.  Police say she managed to break free and ran home.   She wasn't hurt.  Police are looking for a man in his mid 40's who may be driving a gold coloured SUV.

Thunder Bay Police are in the red

It looks like Thunder Bay Police are heading towards a budget deficit.  Chief JP Levesque says so far they are just over 1.2 million dollars over budget mainly due to overtime pay and an increase in legal fees.  Levesque says they didn't budget for overtime and because City Council asked them to cut back last year's projected budget.  He says when they make cuts overtime is the first thing they look at and it turns into a pay me now or pay me later situation once they run deficits.  Levesque says they are still waiting for some provincial and federal grant money that will bring the deficit down to around 3 percent.

Morning accident on River

There are no injuries to report, just a bit of a traffic headache for some motorists after a traffic accident around 8 this morning at River Street and Algoma.  

Bell towers get letter of concurrence

Council is sending a letter to the Federal Government so it can deal with two proposed cell towers in city limits. The towers are set for Algoma Street North and Highway 61. One concerned resident spoke out against the towers at Monday night's meeting. He's concerned the Federal Government might not be able to catch all of the health impacts the towers might have on residents.

Justice Lane not Chapples for road near Court house

The new laneway around the consolidated court house is going to be named Justice Lane.  Development Services Manager Mark Smith says they ruled out Chapples because there are other areas of town with similar names.  Three councillors wanted the roadway to be named Chapples but were voted down.

Council gives Shelter House money

City Council is giving money to Shelter House for it's George Street Alcoholic Treatment Centre. Councillor Mark Bentz feels the organization needs to ensure they receive funding from the Provincial Government as well. Bentz says the funding shouldn't fall solely onto the Municipality. The City is providing 270-thousand dollars towards renovating the George Street building.

Deer population meeting Thursday

Thunder Bay's deer population is warranting a public meeting on the topic this Thursday.  City Council wants to know what the public thinks they should do to manage the deer population.  Council is considering by laws prohibiting feeding deer and allowing hunting of deer in certain areas within the City.  The meeting will be held from six until nine at the Waverley Resource Library. 

8 pupil school on Peter Street not going forward

A teacher that planned to open an eight pupil school on Peter Street has withdrawn his application with the City. Tim Bernardi says he's backing out because his neighbours are not happy. Some neighbours were against the move saying the school would mean an increase in traffic and noise.

Fire Plan Open House Tuesday and Thursday

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue wants to know your thoughts on their service plans for the future.  Chief John Hay says everyone is welcome but they really want to hear from people living in North Neebing and West Fort because they will be impacted the most.  Tuesday night's open house is being held at the North Neebing Community Centre.  Another public hearing will be held on Thursday at the West Thunder Community Centre.

SIU releases the name of Kakabeka Falls victim

The Provinces Special Investigations Unit has released the name of the man who died last week at Kakabeka falls.  Spokesperson Frank Phillips says they still haven't determined how the man fell to the bottom of the falls but say 22 year old Kurtis McVittie of Huntsville died.  Phillips says the investigation is still ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the SIU.

Police to contact Mac's about robberies

City Police are saying enough. There have been a string of Mac's store robberies in the city lately and now Police spokesperson Chris Adams says they believe it's time for a different approach to help prevent more such incidents. They will be contacting the Mac's head office to express their concerns about security issues.

Police release robbery photos

Thunder Bay Police have released photos of the suspects in this weekend's Mac's Mart robbery.  Official say a pair of men around 5'10'' with similar builds are wanted in connection to the robbery that happened early Saturday morning.

HMCS Griffon has new Commander

A new Commanding Officer for HMCS Griffon is in place.  Commander Peter Fleming has taken over for Lieutenant Commander John Bell.  Fleming says his main priority will be to hire an additional 21 sailors.  Fleming served in Thunder Bay as a training officer from 1997 to 2001 and is happy to be back in the city.