MNR Fire Safety Tips

Man made forest fires are a huge concern for the Ministry of Natural Resources this long weekend. Heather Pridham with the MNR says there is on number to call if you see a forest fire. Pridham says some very important tips to prevent a forest fire is to keep fires small and shelter them from the wind.

Fire Dept. Cautions Cottage Owners

The fire department is reminding people to make sure their camps and cottages are properly prepared against fires. Spokesperson Anthony Stokaluk says that fire safety is just as important at camp as it is at home. Stokaluk also says that it's important to have a carbon monoxide alarm in working order.

Campbell Calls For WSIB Reform

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River claims injured workers are being treated like criminals. Sarah Campbell makes that assertion in calling for reforms to the Workers Compensation Board. Campbell says it's disappointing that too many workers often have to fight for years to receive even the basic benefits.

Police Looking Into Assault

Thunder Bay Police are looking into the assault of a 31-year-old man. Police say the assault happened on Field Street on Saturday Afternoon. Officials say the victim was taken to hospital with serious facial and head injuries.

Long Weekend Shooting

One man is charged with Attempted Murder and Careless Use of a Firearm following a shooting at a long weekend get together. Ontario Provincial Police say two men got into a fight Saturday night at a party at Pace Lake, when a third man stepped in and fired a gun, hitting one man. A 28-year-old Thunder Bay man was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Dew Drop Inn's Millionth Meal

Monday marks a very important day for the Dew Drop Inn. This Victoria Day weekend, the Dew Drop Inn will have served one million meals since it was formed in 1981. 32 years later, the Dew Drop Inn still provides a hearty mid afternoon meal for the needy between 2:30 and 4pm.

OPP Reminds Drivers To Keep Their Eyes On The Road

Just like every long weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police are increasing their presence on area roads and waterways. Sergeant Shelley Garr with the Northwest Region says it's important for drivers to take it easy and keep their eyes on the road. Garr says the public is the first line of defense against any tragedy.

LRCA On The Watch

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is on alert.   Chair Bill Bartley says with a lot of rain predicted over the weekend there is the possibility that some isolated flooding could occur. Bartley says the Authority will be monitoring the situation all weekend.

Very Rainy Long Weekend In Store

Get ready for a potential soaking this long weekend.  Environment Canada's Geoff Coulson says it's not far fetched to say we could get up to 100 millimetres of rain when all is said and done on Monday.   He says however, that for now the heavier amounts of rain are more likely to our west in places like Dryden and Fort Frances.  Coulson says most of the rain is expected to fall Sunday night into Monday.

Yesno Calls Elijah Harper A Role Model

Elijah Harper

Nishnawbe Aski Nation  Grand Chief Harvey Yesno  calls Elijah Harper  a friend, a confidant who was an inspiration and his role model.  Harper died this morning at the age of 64.  He became a symbol of power for Canadian aboriginals when he scuttled the Meech Lake constitutional accord.

Strong Support For Class Action Suit

There's huge support for an 800 million dollar class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Apotex which originated with a Thunder Bay lawyer. Sandy Zaitzeff started the action after the company recalled the birth control pill Alysena.   Zaitzeff says 3 women in northwestern Ontario are part of the action which is on behalf of all women who took the pill and could now be  facing an unwanted pregnancy or be fearing an unwanted pregnancy.

FWHP Continues To Promote In Grand Marais

The Fort William Historical Park continues to promote themselves in Grand Marais.  That's despite a contract with the Canada Gateway Centre expiring.  Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they hope to get their heritage items back soon.  Mascarin says they already have an existing presence in the community and are looking for new ways to continue to promote the park.

Parks Open For The Season

The May long weekend means provincial parks will be opening for the first time this season. Bruce Van Staalduinen (Stall-Din-in) from Ontario Parks says you can get great information on campsites from their website. Van Staalduinen says the majority of parks in northern Ontario will be open as of tomorrow.

Movie Nights In The Park Returns

Movie Nights in the Park is back for another year. Organizer of the city event Sophie Best says they'll be putting up their movie selections for future shows on Facebook. Tonight's movie selection at Prince Arthur's Landing is E.T. and show time is just after sunset once it's dark around 9:30.

Firefighters Arbitration Begins

Thunder Bay firefighters are  one step closer to getting a new contract, but the head of the union is reluctant to talk  about it.    Dennis Brescacin is going into today's arbitration hearing knowing that it has the potential for controversy.     City firefighters haven't had a new contract since the end of 2010,  which brings with it talk of retroactive pay.  Brescacin says the issue is so sensitive he will not comment on it.    

Students Get Social Media Warning

A Canadian Social Media guru is taking his message to elementary school children this morning.  Chris Vollum is speaking to students at Kakabeka Falls Public School about how to safely use Facebook, Twitter and other Internet social sites.  Vollum says he also plans to alert the students to recent events in the news regarding the use of Facebook.

The Future Of Garbage Collection

The city is  about to look at the way it collects your garbage.   Roads Division manager Brad Adams says its part of developing a detailed plan to handle solid waste which may even include changing the way it's collected from your home. An open house is planned next month at the Italian Cultural Centre to get your feedback.

Eric Staal Injured

Bad news for Thunder Bay hockey fans. Eric Staal suffered a knee injury at the World Hockey Championship in Sweden today.   The captain of the Canadian squad was helped off the ice wincing in pain after a knee on knee collision with a Swedish player.  There is no immediate word on the extent of his injury.

Plan Your Return

Getting across the border into Canada this Victoria Day weekend could be a long process.   Tracey Gagnon of Canada Border Services says to expect long waits on your return and recommends arriving outside of peak times. She says the start of the fishing season in Ontario normally attracts a lot of Americans on Friday night and all day Saturday. Long lines are also expected Sunday and Monday afternoons because of returning Canadians.

More Upgrading At Thunder Bay Hydro

Fresh off the annual general meeting,  Thunder Bay Hydro boss Robert Mace says the utility is poised for renewal.   Mace says they will continue to modernize and upgrade any aging equipment or property in 2013. He says since 2007 they have more than doubled the amount of money spent on fixing aging infrastructure.