Flood Watch Remains In Effect

The Lakehead Region Conservation Area is still maintaining a "Flood Watch" for this region. Waterways eased yesterday slightly but the rain overnight is wreaking havoc on area tributaries.Waterways such as the Neebing, McIntyre and Current River, along with McVicor Creek are all higher than usual and are expected to increase throughout the day with the overnight rain. Chairman Bill Bartley of the L.R.C.A. says caution is the word of the day if you are around a water way. The Kaministiquia River is flowing at an especially high rate and the Falls at Kakabeka are flowing at a rate not seen in years.

Townships Declare States Of Emergency

The Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge has declared a state of emergency. Most main roads have had multiple wash outs due the rain and flooding. They include; Hwy 11-17, Oliver Rd, Twin City Crossroads, Fraser Rd, Boulter Rd, Poleline Rd, Veley Lane, Maki Rd, Mud Lake Rd. Reeve Lucy Kluisterhuis has not yet had a chance to inspect the damage personally but says there were multiple reports of flooded basements, roads and culverts in the township. Highway 590 at 102 is closed this morning as Conmee Township has also declared a state of emergency. They are urging people to remain indoors because of the poor road conditions.

Flood Watch In Effect

A flood "watch" is now in effect for the entire area that the Lakehead Conservation Authority looks after. 35 to 60 millimetres of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours and the Kaministiquia River is rising. L.R.C.A. Chairman Bill Bartley is warning people to stay away from waterways, especially with up to 100 millimetres of rain in the forecast. Bartley says localised flooding is already happening in areas west of the city.

College Inks Deal Helping Reservists

Confederation College was the scene of a unique military ceremony today in which the College formally adopted new military leave policies. Confederation College President Jim Madder and Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, met for a brief ceremony in which commemorative certificates were signed and presented to the College. New policies now set out in detail the leave provisions for Reservists who are on staff and attending the college.

L.U. Partners With Parks Canada

Parks Canada and Lakehead University signed an agreement today that will partner the two in collaborating on research efforts aimed at better understanding Lake Superior’s coastal environment and its watershed. L.U. is hoping the partnership will attract international researchers and increase enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs, while Parks Canada is looking to identify research opportunities and the sharing of scientific knowledge to better understand Lake Superior and its effect on the communities along the shores.

Huge Drug Bust Worth $934,000

A 22 year old from Weagamow First Nation has been arrested following a massive drug bust here in the city. A hotel room raid was conducted and police found more than 1400 oxycodone pills worth an estimated street value of $841,000. Police also seized a large sum of cash, which needed to be examined. The total currency seized was $93,905. Police believe the pills were on their way to a remote First Nation community. They also seized 427 pills of unknown origin and have sent them away for examination. The woman will next appear in court on May 29th.

Teleperformance Workers Headed Back

Nearly 100 laid off workers at Teleperformance here in Thunder Bay are going back to work this Summer. Employees with the contact centre have been notified to return during the first week of August. C.E.O. of Teleperformance Canada, Charlotte Gummeson also announced that 100 to 150 new jobs will be available thanks to a new contract. The Teleperformance workers have been laid off for a couple of months.

IBC Upset With Private Members Bill

The Insurance Bureau of Canada is speaking out against an NDP private members bill on auto insurance. Vice President Ralph Palumbo says if the bill is passed it would mean Northern Ontario drivers would subsidize the insurance rates of GTA drivers. The bill comes back to the Ontario legislature for a second reading June 7th.

OPSEU Worried About MNR Cuts

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union is sounding the alarm over the Province's plans for the Ministry of Natural Resources.  President Smokey Thomas says the government has already cut back the MNR so much that any more cuts will jeopardize our ability to respond to emergency situations like forest fires.  Thomas says the Provincial Government has left fire fighters alone but they've continued to cut their support staff.

Premier Pays T.Bay A Visit

Thunder Bay's Bombardier Plant is getting some more work.
The Premier toured the facility this morning and announced the purchase of 60 new Go Train Passenger Cars. Work has already begun and the cars will be delivered to Southern Ontario in the Spring of 2015.

Roads Washed Out

Heavy rain is wreaking havoc with area rural roads. Thunder Bay Police are reporting Harstone Drive in Oliver Paipoonge is closed due to being washed out. It's washed out just west of Luckens Road. The Oliver Paipooge Board of Works is working on repairing the road.

Kolody Faces Extra Charges

Thunder Bay Police are adding extra charges to the 20 year old man who is already charged with criminal negligence causing death and possession of stolen property.  Police are painting a picture of a weekend crime spree that includes stealing a truck, gas, breaking into another vehicle, and ending in a fatal motor vehicle collision on Northern Avenue Sunday.  On top of his previous charges; Shane Kolody faces several additional charges including resisting arrest.  Kolody's bail hearing is set for Monday.

Premier Visits Bombardier Tomorrow

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty will be visiting Thunder Bay Tomorrow. He is scheduled to tour the Bombardier plant at 9:00 in the morning. McGuinty will be accompanied by local M.P.P.'s Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro. The Premier is expected to make an announcement following his tour.

Whalen Building Damage

The City is still trying to determine the total cost to repair the Whalen Building after it was struck by lightning yesterday afternoon. The bolt blasted terra cotta from the roof and scattered debris onto St. Paul Street, damaging some vehicles. No one was Hurt. Facilities General Manager Michael Smith says they're still trying to determine the amount of damage sustained to the building. Smith says, to his knowledge, it's the first city run building to be struck by lightning.

Event Centre Presentation Delayed

Another delay for Thunder Bay's proposed new event centre. The Phase 2 feasibility study was to be presented to council next month but has now been pushed back until September. City Manager, Tim Commisso says "Given the importance of the study, we need to allow the consulting team the time required."

Drug Strategy Praise

High praise for the City of Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy. Director of the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition Donald MacPherson was in the City recently and says Thunder Bay's Drug Strategy has been influenced by Vancouver's. He adds the City's drug strategy is viewed as one of the most progressive in the Country.

CEDC Launches New Entrepreneur Plan

A new logo and a new direction. The Community Entrepreneur Development Centre unveiled both today. Development Officer Ron Humphreys says they too need to be able to adapt and change with the current economic climate. Humphreys says they're encouraging local entrepreneurs to "Imagine, Plan and Execute" as part of their new branding strategy.

MNR Wants Info From Kam River Anglers

The Ministry of Natural Resources wants to hear from anglers on the Kam River. Spokesperson Eric Burgland says they're surveying people fishing on the river this summer and will be looking for anglers who've caught tagged fish or one of 50 walleyes with antennas attached. It's legal for you to keep tagged or fish with antennas but the MNR is asking you to throw them back.

Employment Insurance Cuts

The Federal Government's new rules for collecting employment insurance are not sitting well with everyone. Ontario Public Service Employment Union President Smokey Thomas says reducing the benefits of repeat E.I. applicants will punish seasonal workers. Thomas says fire fighters are a perfect example, they would love to work year round but they can't since they're only needed in the Spring and Summer.

Police Charge Woman In Brawl

A 54 year old woman is in hospital after a late night fight on the City's North End.  Police responded to a call about a woman who was assaulted and bleeding at a home on South Algoma Street.  Officers found the woman had been cut on the side of her neck.  A 31 year old woman is charged with Assault Causing Bodily Harm and Failing to Comply with an Undertaking.  Police says the two women knew each other and they appeared to be drinking.