Monday, October 18, 2010

City works to be more accessible

The City of Thunder Bay continues to work towards making the community more accessible. Council provided 120 thousand dollars towards accessibility improvements set out in the 2011 capital and operating budgets. The accessibility committee provided an update to council last night and released the city's 8th accessibility plan.

Underground Gym no longer requires city funds

The Underground Gym is no longer looking for bridge funding from the City of Thunder Bay.  The gym had asked for 15 thousand dollars from council, but has since received the funds from an anonymous sponsor.  Councillor Rebecca Johnson took the time during the meeting to thank that person for their contribution to the Underground Gym.

Thunder Bay Police review complaints

Thunder Bay Police have released a quarterly review of complaints they've received from July to September of this year. The local police force received 12 complaints over that time period. Only 3 will continue to be investigated, seven were not accepted, and two are awaiting word from the Office of the Independent Police Review Director. The list of complaints range from excessive force, deceit, harassment, conduct, neglect of duty and exercise of authority. The report is being presented Tuesday morning at the Thunder Bay Police Services Board meeting.

OPP Copper Thefts

Thieves continue to target copper wire as a source of easy money. OPP say that three men were arrested in connection with the theft of the metal in the region. They say a probe uncovered 14 hundred pounds of copper wire stolen from the CP Rail line east of the city.

Library launches $ campaign

The Thunder Bay Public Library is trying to raise a quarter of a million dollars in the community. The campaign is in support of the new Mary J-L Black Branch. Chief Librarian Gina La Force is confident residents will step up.  The money raised will be used to help furnish the new branch.  The Friends of the Public Library kicked the campaign off with a donation of 50 thousand dollars.

Retired general says scandal will not taint the forces

A retired Brigadier General in Thunder Bay doesn't think the Williams scandal will shake confidence in the military. Colonel Russell Williams has pleaded guilty in a Belleville court  to killing two women, sexually assaulting two others and a string of break-ins. Thunder Bay's  John Litt admits, there will be a few who see this as a stain on the forces, but others should see the crimes committed by Colonel Williams as ones performed by an individual.   Litt doesn't agree with stories that say the incident has shaken the military to it's core.

Waste Reduction Week kicks off in Thunder Bay

The City is teaming up with EcoSuperior this week for waste reduction week. EcoSuperior Spokesperson Karen Copeland says the week will include a number of events including a bunch of talks with local school students. Copeland says its a great opportunity for people to learn more ways to reduce the amount of waste they produce. One of the highlights is a workshop this Saturday at Intercity Mall.