Dryden Opposes Domtar Assessment

A major setback for Dryden. The City has failed in its first attempt to overturn the property assessment of the Domtar Mill. Mayor Craig Nuttall says they aren't giving up the fight. Nuttall says the City can't afford to repay Domtar 5.4-million dollars and notes he wants to wait and see what happens with the appeal.

MNR Gives Canada Day Safety Tips

You can never be too safe. That's why the Ministry of Natural Resources is out with some reminders this Canada Day long weekend. Spokesperson Deb Mclean says if you're lighting fireworks, do them in a safe location. McLean says the wet weather should help the fire hazard, but it doesn't change the fact that people have to be responsible in how they handle their outdoor fires.

Keeping Canada Day Safe

City police say they're going to make sure everyone who attends tomorrow nights Canada Day activities at Marina Park is safe.  Glenn Porter of the city police says there will be lots of officers on duty to keep things under control. Porter says there will be an alcohol ban at the park and bags will be checked.

Rickford Comments On Spending Scandal

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says spending rules for Senators and MP's need to be fixed. Rickford says the recent spending scandal shows that there are gaps in the system. Rickford says he wants people to have a clear understanding on how their tax dollars are being spent.

Fireworks Safety

City officials are preaching fireworks safety this Canada Day long weekend.   Anthony Stokaluk of Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue says it's important that the rules are followed in private fireworks displays. Stokaluk says only low hazard fireworks are allowed in private displays.

OPP Looking For Bad Drivers

The long weekend is here. Sergeant Shelley Garr of the OPP Northwest division says officers will be out looking for aggressive driving. Garr says that means they'll be looking for bad driving habits in motor vehicles, boats and all terrain vehicles.

Shuniah Facing Million Dollar Suit

The Municipality of Shuniah is staring at a 1 million dollar lawsuit.   The legal action's been filed by a group of Shuniah property owners at O'Conner Point lead by Greg Birston.  They're saying they can't enjoy their lakefront cottage because of some rowdy behavior that is allowed on neighbouring land.   They say that their enjoyment of O'Conner Point is being spoiled by among other things drunk lewd and obscene behavior and that years of pleading with the municipality has done nothing to solve the problem.  None of the claims have been proven in court and neither the municipality or Birston's lawyer will comment.

It's Back To Work For Scott Potts

The Regional Hospital's loss is St. Joseph's gain. Scott Potts is one of two recent senior managers to resign from the Health Sciences Centre under a cloud of controversy.  However, it didn't take him long to find another job.   St. Joseph's Care Group CEO Tracey Buckler says Potts is one of two vice presidents she has just hired for the health care organization.  The other is Myrna Holman who comes to the city from B.C. 

Police Looking For Robbery Suspect

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a 40 year old man who they say robbed another man earlier this morning near an ATM machine at the North Superior Credit Union on Syndicate.  A man holding a knife demanded money from the victim and took off running towards Victoria Avenue.  The suspect is described as bald, wearing a white t-shirt over a red shirt and blue jeans.

Next Phase Of Event Centre Started

Event Centre Open House

The City is looking for interested potential Event Centre partners.  Potential partners could help in the operation, programming or financing of the facility including the spectator arena and convention centre components.  Part of the third phase of the project includes funding applications to the Provincial and Federal Governments.

County Park Splash Pad Open Soon

The County Park Splash Pad is finally opening!  City Spokesperson Werner Schwar says the project faced over a years worth of delays and will officially be unveiled Friday, July 5th.  Final construction work is currently underway and is expected to be completed this weekend.  Three extra days are required to test the water quality at the splash pad.

Illegal Visitor

A change for Dryden Police, someone who's actually cooperative!  A 20-year-old man came into the station on Wednesday morning, saying he was from Wisconsin and came into the country illegally.  He told police that he had jumped on a train Sunday morning with the intention of going to California, but the train stopped in Winnipeg and he decided to head back home.  Police turned the man over to the Canada Border Services Agency in Ignace.

CEP Takes Aim At Rickford

The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union is taking aim at Kenora MP Greg Rickford.  Local representative Stephen Boon says they are upset with Rickford for supporting Bill C-377.  Boon says the bill singles out unions as some of the only organizations in Canada that would be required to publicly disclose all details of every single purchase made over 5-thousand dollars.  Boon is hoping Rickford will stand-up for the local union movement at that time.

Art Gallery Gets Award

The Provincial Government is giving props to Thunder Bay's Definitely Superior Art Gallery.  The Premier's Awards for Excellence in the Arts was held last night with Definitely Superior taking home the Arts Organization Award.

S&P Give City Good Rating

A financial institution is giving the City a good credit ranking.  Standard & Poor’s has raised the City’s credit rating from A plus to double A.  City officials say it reflects that we have a healthy and sustainable community.

LU Researchers Report On Farmers Markets

A new report suggests a need for enhanced regional partnerships in northern Ontario's agri-food sector.  The report by two Lakehead University researchers was done as part of a greater effort looking at farmers’ markets, co-ops and other sustainable food systems province wide.  Co-author Mirella Stroink says greater collaboration would strengthen those groups.  The researchers found many groups now struggle with trying to access funding, marketing and administrative support.

Busy Weekend Expected At The Border

The Canada Border Services Agency expects a busy Canada Day long weekend at the Pigeon River border crossing.   Spokesperson Tracey Gagnon says it's good to be prepared when you come back from the States. She says you can speed up the process by having proper I.D. and all your shopping receipts handy. Gagnon adds the most traffic is expected Sunday between 4 and 7 pm and again on Monday between 11 am and 6 pm.

Mac's VP Defends Alcohol Request

A top official with Mac's Convenience Stores says Thunder Bay residents should not be concerned if alcohol is sold at its stores here. While the stores have been robbery prone, company vice president Tom Moher says alcohol sales would not increase the frequency of hold ups.  He says they have operated two LCBO outlet stores in the province and there has been no increase in robberies at either location.  The company is asking the province to allow alcohol sales at all its Mac's stores in the province.

New Cancer Screening Bus

The new Regional Cancer Centre screening bus hits the road in northwestern Ontario next month.  Spokesperson Allison McMullen says along with a flashy new one and a half million dollar coach,  is some new equipment as well.  She points to a new mammography unit.   The bus will be heading to Dryden, Ear Falls and Red Lake starting July 15th.

Mayor Wants Vacant Buildings Assessed

The mayor says it may be time to look at the status of vacant buildings in the city.  Following this week's wall collapse at the abandoned Empire Hotel Keith Hobbs is concerned there may be more danger lurking around other such buildings, so they should be assessed.   He calls it a concern that requires proactive measures.  The city will be demolishing the rest of the Empire this weekend.