Evacuation of Canada Games Complex

Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue Hazardous Materials Response Team was called to the Canada Games Complex shortly after eight o'clock yesterday evening. An im-proper mix of chemicals resulted in a chlorine gas leak. The building was evacuated, it took personnel five hours to safely remove the chemicals. One staff member at the complex was taken to hospital. The building was back to normal operations shortly after.

Highway 11 Closed

OPP have closed a stretch of Highway 11 two kilometers west of Beardmore. Two tractor trailers collided early this morning, one of which has been flipped on its side and is completely blocking the highway. The closure began at 5:55am.

Armed Robberies

Thunder Bay Police have a suspect in custody and continue to investigate two armed-robberies. Last night corner stores on River and North Cumberland were robbed within five-minutes of one another. The suspects drove off and then crashed. Two males and one female were in the car and ran off. The weapon used has been seized by police. No one was injured, and Thunder Bay Police ask that anyone with information contact them.

More Green Space

New green space is being unveiled by the city at the intersection of Beverly and High street. Earth Care Sustainability Coordinator Brad Doff says the green space was designed specifically to handle stormwater. The project is partially grant funded with the remaining costs being covered by the city.

The Hunger Is Back

Over 4-thousand Halloween revellers are expected to take over the City's north side bars and streets tonight.  The Hunger is back for it's 8th year and Definitely Superior Art Gallery Director David Karasiewcz says it's their major fundraiser.  The hunger is at 7 venues this year and will boast 52 live performances. 

Screen For Life Coach Back In Town

The Screen For Life Coach is back in Thunder Bay for the winter months.  It tours the region during the summer screening women over the age of 50 for cancer.  Spokesperson Lauren Beach says they're taking appointments at 684-7777.  Nurses on the van normally see 20 to 30 women in a day.

Planning Review Coming

The Provincial Government is reviewing the way Cities plan and pay for development.  Ontario is going to review its land use planning system and the Development Charges Act.  The review is meant to ensure municipal planning decisions support livable communities, attract jobs and encourage economic growth.  A regional workshop on planning and development charges is being held in Thunder Bay on November 7th but a location has yet to be set.

City Looking For Applicants For Royal Edward Arms

The City is accepting expressions of interest from anyone who might want to utilize the Royal Edwards Arms.  Information posted on the City's website says they will consider the sale of the building, leasing, or a partnership.  The deadline to apply is Monday, November 25th.

Bob Rae Speaks at Confederation College

Negotiator for the Ring of Fire project Bob Rae does not agree with a rail line proposed by KWG Resources. Speaking at Confederation College today Rae says that road access is needed for the communities within the Ring of Fire, that includes five communities with no connection at all. Rae also touched on the education of Aboriginal students, saying more support is needed for students moving to bigger cities.

New Lawsuit For Ontario

Ontario taxpayers will be on the hook following the latest lawsuit against the province.  NDP Northern Development and Mines Critic Michael Mantha is reacting to news that North Superior Resources out of Sudbury has filed a 110-million-dollar lawsuit.  The company says the government has failed to discharge its "constitutional duty" to engage First Nations on its behalf, and claims they have now lost their right to explore a vast area of northwestern Ontario. None of the claims have been proven in court.

Moonias Inquest Back On Monday

The coroner's inquest into the death of 27 year old Bruce Moonias is off to a bumpy start.  It was adjourned today because a witness wasn't told the correct date to be at the hearing.  The hearing will reconvene on Monday morning. Moonias died in December of 2006 at the regional hospital after his involvement with the police.

Indecent Act At Boulevard Lake

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a man that's alleged to have performed an indecent act in the bushes just south of the Boulevard Lake dam.  The incident occurred on Wednesday just after 7 pm.  Police checked the area but could not find him.  Anyone who may have seen the suspect is asked to call police, he's described as a white man with a heavy build.

More Reaction To Aboriginal Education Study

A new report says Ontario schools don't do enough to create more educational opportunities for Aboriginals.    Omer Belisle of the catholic school board says the report is very accurate when it comes to what's happening within the board's system locally.   Belisle  says the board is committed to doing what's necessary to reduce the learning gap between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

Break-In Leads To Swim In River

Thunder Bay police have a 33 year old man in custody after a house break-in Thursday afternoon on the city's south side.  They say a 9-1-1 call from a distraught woman  on Bernard Street resulted in  a foot chase that ended at the McIntyre River near Vickers Street. They say the man jumped in the river and swam to the other side where he was met by waiting police and was arrested.

Rickford On Senate Suspensions

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is all for the suspension of three senators involved in the spending scandal.  A vote could come today, suspending Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau without pay.  Rickford says it's only appropriate.  Rickford says this is what Canadians expect when inappropriate claims are made.

Tbaytel Looking For Answers

Tbaytel technicians are hard at work today trying to figure out what caused yesterday's service outages.   Spokesperson Katie Crowe says  the landline, internet and digital tv service disruptions were scattered throughout the city.   Crowe says they will work to make sure the problem doesn't creep up again.

Big Lots Open In Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's Liquidation World is now a Big Lot store.  Big Lots Canada President Joe Cooper says it's been a lengthy process of opening up Canadian stores.  A grand opening celebration was held this morning. Thunder Bay's store is the fifth to be opened in Canada.

Board Defends Its First Nations Teachings

A new report says Ontario schools don't do enough in teaching Aboriginal students about their culture.  But Sherri-Lynne Pharand of the Lakehead Public School Board suggests the study by People for Education may not have it right when it comes to the local board. She believes they go over and above what's required for Aboriginal students.  She adds however,  that there is always more work to be done. The study says half of elementary  schools surveyed and 40 per cent of high schools don't have First Nations opportunities.

Tbaytel Service Disruption

Tbaytel is reporting disruptions in landline, internet and digital TV service. Some customers may notice poor service while technicians continue to work in resolving the network problem.

Crash Victims Names Released

Provincial Police have identified the four other men who were killed in Saturday's crash on Highway 17, near English River.  They are 26-year-old Brady Ostell, 27-year-old Andrew Ostell, both from Kitchener, 42-year-old Kyle Prince from Waterloo and 44-year-old James Jackson from Fort Erie.  They were all in the pick-up truck that collided with a transport truck.  The driver of the transport, a 43-year-old man from Cambridge, was also killed.