McCormack New Chair Of Ontario Chamber

Thunder Bay’s Ian McCormack is the new Chair of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.  He was elected at the organization's AGM this past weekend in Sault Ste. Marie.  McCormack is Registered Professional Forester and Director for Tetra Tech.

Oster Trial On This Week

City Police Constable Steven Oster is pleading not guilty in his assault trial. Sudbury Police charged Oster after a young boy alleged he was shoved by the off duty police officer at the Neebing Arena in January of 2013. On Monday, the Crown showed a video of the young man being interviewed by an investigator. In it he says he was pushed by Oster three times and he was warned to watch out. He said he wasn't hurt and didn't have any bruises from the incident but it made him sad. Testimony also revealed the young man and Oster's son went to the same school the year before and played hockey against each other.  Six witnesses are expected to be called this week.  

Overnight Fire

No one was injured following an overnight fire on the north side. City Firefighters were called to a fire in the basement of a home on Blucher Avenue around 2 o'clock this morning.  Crews were able to extinguish the blaze quickly, but not before half of the duplex structure suffered extensive fire and smoke damage.  All residents were able to escape thanks to smoke alarms in the home.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.    

Musselwhite Donates To College

Musselwhite Mines is making a donation to Confederation College. Students in the Motive Power Techniques - Heavy Equipment program are receiving equipment from the mine. The equipment will allow students to receive enhanced training in their field of study.

Highway 527 Open

The Ministry of Transportation says Highway 527 is now open to both lanes of traffic.  The highway was closed on Thursday to replace a culvert on the roadway.  One man was killed after an accident last week that was caused when a portion of the highway washed out about one kilometre south of the Kab River Bridge.  Gull Bay First Nation Chief Wilfred King Chief had declared a state of emergency in that community due to the highway closure.

Tbaytel Going Green

Tbaytel is going green and they need your help.  They are looking for ideas on how to improve the environment and the winning one will receive 15-thousand dollars to help create a healthier planet. Spokesperson Laura Foulds says you can vote for your favourite idea.  People can vote on the tbaytel for good website.

By-Law Officer Retires

The city is now without a full time by-law enforcement manager.   Ron Bourret retired on Friday and says it's possible that with the financial worries at city hall, his position may not be filled.  For the timing being, however, Parking Authority Manager James Coady will take over Bourret's job.

Sexual Assault Task Force Hard At Work

Lakehead University's Sexual Assault Taskforce is six months into its mandate. Chair Dr. Lori Chambers says they've got a long way to go before they unveil a draft sexual misconduct policy at the end of May. Chambers provided an update to the school's board of governors on Friday.

No Measles Reported

If you're concerned about coming into contact with someone who has, or might have the measles in Thunder Bay you can rest easy. Janet Demille of the District Health Unit says it's not here. In fact, Demille says in northern Ontario, there's only been one reported case of the measles and that was in Sudbury.

Kijiji Sale Leads To Fraud

The Ontario Provincial Police are reminding people to be extra cautious when making online purchases. This comes after a reported fraud in Sioux Lookout. Officials say a Sioux Lookout resident purchased tickets for a Winnipeg Jets hockey game from a seller on Kijiji, but didn't receive the tickets.

Leaf Collection Starting Soon

Curbside collection of leaves and yard waste has been delayed for several weeks. City officials say the extended winter weather is to blame for the delay in pick ups. The city says collection will now take place between May 27th and June 6th.

Battle of the Atlantic Remembered

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy will pay tribute to those involved in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. That battle was the longest continuous military campaign in World War II. Thunder Bay Naval Association Spokesperson Rob Cutbush says they have a number of officials on hand to commemorate the battle. A service will be held at the HMCS Griffon at 2 today.

Promoting Safe Neighbourhoods

The Crime Prevention Council is encouraging residents to explore area neighbourhoods this weekend. Several walks detailing the interesting histories of East End, Academy Heights and the Simpson/Ogden area among others will be held today. They're called Jane's Walks, and organizer Lee-Ann Chevrette says they'll tackle the North End on Sunday. Chevrette says exploring neighbourhoods is a way to prove to residents their streets are safe.

PC Candidates Gear Up For Election

With the provincial election slated for June 12th, local provincial candidates are preparing to campaign. Thunder Bay-Superior North PC candidate Derek Parks believes his experience in the mining industry will benefit his constituents. Parks says his campaign will start today. Parks will be up against the NDP's Andrew Foulds, and incumbent Mines Minister Michael Gravelle. Harold Wilson is the candidate for the Progressive Conservatives in Thunder Bay-Atikokan. He says he's been waiting more than a year to start spreading his message of the importance of job creation in the province. Wilson is in the race against the NDP's Mary Kozorys and incumbent Housing Minister Bill Mauro.

MPPs Ready For Election

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro thinks the Liberals are in good shape heading into the election. Mauro says the Liberal government has had a great track record since 2003, and is excited for the upcoming election. Mauro will face the NDP's Mary Kozorys and the PCs Harold Wilson. In Thunder Bay-Superior North, Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says he's eager and ready to go. Gravelle adds that he's won five previous elections in the riding, and is prepared for a summer election.

Provincial NDP Candidates Weigh In On Election

Thunder Bay-Atikokan provincial NDP candidate Mary Kozorys is ready for the upcoming provincial election. Kozorys says she wants to give Ontarians a voice. Kozorys will face incumbent MPP Bill Mauro and the PC's Harold Wilson. The NDP candidate in Thunder Bay-Superior North, Andrew Foulds says the province is ready for change. Foulds adds that there is a lot of work to be done, but says he's ready for the challenge. The election is slated for June 12th.

NOHFC Hands Out Cash

The province is announcing nearly 500-thousand dollars in funding for area businesses. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is dolling out the cash to create internship and co-op positions. The John Howard Society, Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Thunder Bay are all receiving cash. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is receiving 63-thousand dollars for two positions. The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph's Care Group, and the Lakehead District School Board are also receiving cash.

OPP Seize Cash

A Thunder Bay man is facing charges after a large cash seizure by the OPP. Officials say the 38-year-old man was stopped outside of Sioux Lookout on Tuesday, where the OPP seized 18-thousand dollars in cash. The OPP says the money was related to the sale of illegal drugs.

Provincial Election June 12th

We are heading to the polls June 12th. Premier Kathleen Wynne has confirmed that she will call an election for that date.  Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro thinks the Liberals are in good shape heading into the election.  Mauro will face the NDP's Mary Kozorys and the PCs Harold Wilson.  Meanwhile,  Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle says he's eager and ready to go. Gravelle will face the NDP's Andrew Foulds, and the PC's Derek Parks.

Mauro & Gravelle React To Horwath

Local MPPs are reacting to the defeat of the provincial budget by the NDP.   Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says the rejection of the budget hurts northern Ontario. Gravelle says he's prepared for a summer election. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro says he wasn't surprised Horwath didn't support the budget he's just disappointed.