Sexual Charges Laid

City Police are charging a 27 year old man with a variety of sexual related offences.  It came after someone reported a Kijiji ad that called for young boy models between 6 and 13 years of age.  The investigation led detectives to communicate with the suspect via text messages. The man is charged with invitation to sexual touching, luring a child, breach of probation, and failing to comply with undertaking.

Highway Closures Updated

OPP are asking motorists travelling to call 5-11 for updated highway road conditions.  Highway 11 has been totally reopened at the Hwy 11/17 Junction in Nipigon to Hearst.  Meanwhile, west of Thunder Bay, Kenora OPP have reopened Highway 17 near the junction of Highway 71.  It was closed this morning because of a jack-knifed tractor trailer unit.

HWY 17 Open To One Lane

Highway 17  is now open to one lane at Tower Hill.  It was closed just east of Ignace due to a five vehicle motor vehicle collision involving two tractor trailer units, one snow plow and two passenger vehicles. The eastbound lane of Highway 17 is open near Tower Hill.

Gas Leak Investigated At Victoriaville

Union Gas is confirming that they have not found anything out of the ordinary following a suspected gas leak at the Victoriaville Mall. District Manager Dave Sword says they did a thorough search but didn't find anything. Emergency Operations have ceased at the building however the Victoriaville mall will remain closed for the day.

Ride Check Nabs No One

The Canadian Women's hockey teams gold medal win at the Olympics yesterday caused celebrations across Canada.  As a result, Thunder Bay Police took precautions and held a RIDE check last night to ensure no one was drinking and driving from any celebrations. Traffic Sgt. Glenn Porter says thankfully they didn't nab anyone with drinking and driving, and no one was in the penalty box.  Porter says with the cruddy weather today people should stay home if they can and watch the men's hockey team play the US.

Hwy 17 Open Near Upsala

Highway 17 is now open at Upsala.  It was closed after a transport pulling out of the gas station got stuck in the ditch.

Snowfall Makes Travel Hard

City Parks Manager Werner Schwar decided to utilize the winter weather this morning and ski to work.  The dump of snow made it difficult for many residents to make it to work.

All Schools Closed

It is a full snow day for all students across the Thunder Bay area.  All Lakehead Public, and Thunder Bay Catholic Schools are closed as well as the education centres.  Thunder Bay Christian School is also closed.
City Transit buses are running this morning.  All City of Thunder Bay run Day Care Centres are also closed today.  

Cancer Care Consultant Speaks In Thunder Bay

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy may be reducing the effectiveness of their treatments by smoking. This comes from Cancer Care Consultant Dr. Bill Evans who spoke in Thunder Bay yesterday. Evans adds that even some doctors need to be updated on the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

United Way Campaign Falls Short

The United Ways 2013 fundraising campaign fell just short of their goal set at 2.7-million dollars. Chair Walter Flasza says they are not disappointed with this years total of 2.5-million dollars. Flasza adds that they will analyse this years campaign to see where they can improve and why they couldn't raise the extra money.

Report Predicts Huge Economic Impact From ROF

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is out with a report that suggests the Ring of Fire mining project will generate benefits far beyond mining and the north. Charla Robinson of the Thunder Bay Chamber says the study will help sell the project to the provinces broader business community. The study shows that the Ring of Fire will create up to 9.4-billion dollars in economic activity in its first 10-years.

Charges Laid In Accident

The OPP are charging a 51 year old man with several traffic offences after a collision Wednesday at the intersection of Highway 61 and Chippewa Road.  The man is charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident, driving without insurance and following too close.

Chemo And Smoking Don't Mix

A Cancer Care consultant is travelling the province with a warning about smoking during cancer treatment.  Dr. Bill Evans says that studies show clearly that smoking helps to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy.  He says that even some doctors need to be taught about the latest studies. Evans was invited to the city by the regional hospital to speak to doctors and staff in the local cancer program.

Benny Birch Retiring

Benny Birch is calling it a day.  The St. Joseph's Foundation is retiring the mascot.  This year will be his 33rd and final birthday party that helps raise money for St. Joseph's.  The event has raised over a million dollars.

E.C. Funding Creates Buzz

The city's proposed event centre is now into the next phase with both the federal and  provincial governments providing 1.1 million dollars for a design study.  Minister of State Greg Rickford says it's a project that's worth funding because it will have a benefit for the entire region, not just Thunder Bay. Rickford says the centre will provide an important economic opportunity for northwestern Ontario.  Mayor Keith  Hobbs says he's pleased to see both levels of government coming together to help the city and  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the design phase is a positive step forward in getting the project off the ground adding, the city is taking the right steps in guiding the project along.

Tbaytel Sponsors Golf Tournament

Tbaytel is presenting the upcoming PGA Thunder Bay Classic golf tournament.  The company is providing 150 thousand dollars over the next three years.  Organizer Scott Smith says it's win-win for both parties involved. The tournament will be held for the first time this summer.

Dryden Worries About MPAC

The provincial Government has alerted local leaders of a plan to implement 26-recommendations to improve the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.  The move will change the way MPAC does business and will allow for more transparency, Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says recent mill assessments have handcuffed several communities including Thunder Bay.  A letter released by the government states they are confident that implementing the recommendations and working with area communities will result in a fair, accurate and predictable system.

Northern Look At Wireless Auction

Tbaytel was shut out in the recent sell-off of wireless services in Canada. The regional company participated in the auction but failed to win any bids. Bell, Rogers, Telus and Bragg Communications received the winning bids for licenses in northern Ontario. A total of 97-licenses were awarded to 8 companies. The auction netted the federal government more than 5.2-billion dollars.

Osisko Ramps Up Attack On Goldcorp

Opposition to an unsolicited take-over bid from Goldcorp continues from Osisko Mining. Chief Executive Officer Sean Roosen says the bid is preventing shareholders from getting a dividend on their investment. Roosen says Osisko planned for a significant dividend policy, but claims that some of the money is now being spent on lawyers and bankers dealing with the legal challenge against Goldcorp. A Quebec court is to hear the matter March 3rd. Roosen is again urging shareholders to reject the bid.

OPP Warn Drivers

OPP are cautioning motorists to drive with extra care in preparation for a winter storm that is expected to hit our city. Police are asking people to postpone all non-essential travel until conditions improve, and asks for motorists to slow down.