Friday, December 10, 2010

Injured workers confront Gravelle

Injured workers advocates in Thunder Bay are getting a promise from Michael Gravelle. The group protested in front of the MPP's office demanding better treatment from the Workers Safety and Insurance Board. Gravelle says he hears their plea. The injured workers want the WSIB to index their benefits to inflation.

New fire truck on the way

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue Service is buying a new Pumper Rescue Fire Truck.  The five hundred thirty thousand dollar truck is coming from Carl Thibault Fire Trucks.  Administration is recommending council approve the purchase at it's Monday night meeting.

OFSC trails still not open

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is urging snowmobilers to stay off their trails.  The group is reminding the public that most of Northwestern Ontario's trails are not open. Regionals Spokesperson Gail Sayers says travel is not advised.  Sayers recommends snowmobilers get in contact with their local clubs for trail conditions.

Triple Nickel site to be cleaned

The site of the former Triple Nickel bar on Simpson Street is going to be cleaned up.  Licensing and Enforcement Manager Rob Bourret says they've been asking the owner to clean up the property for almost a year. Administration is recommending council approve the almost 40-thousand dollar contract to Nadin Contracting. The owner of the property will have the cost added to his taxes.

Adoption fees could rise for pets

Thunder Bay's Animal Shelter wants to double its adoption fees for cats and dogs.  The shelter is asking council to approve the rate increase.  A spokesperson with the shelter says they need to recover the cost of the vet exam and fixing the animal.  The fee increase is expected to bring in 19-thousand dollars in revenue each year.

Safe Community Report Card

Thunder Bay's Safe Communities Committee is being graded by the National Organization.  The group scored around fifty percent on its report card. The city's final score was 27.3 out of 50 which is below the National and Provincial levels.  The local committee had a perfect score under priority settings, and seventy percent under leadership. The group was designated a safe community in 1999.

Fraud strikes not for profit daycare

A fraud scandal at a local daycare.  City police say the former executive director of Footsteps Daycare is facing theft and fraud charges.  An investigation found over 15 thousand dollars was stolen between May 2008 and March of last year.  Police say Sherrel Pucci will be in court December 20th.

Crash closes Trans Canada Highway

A head on collision closed a portion of Highway 11\17 for a few hours overnight.  Two transport trucks collided head on near Raith and then a third transport smashed into the trucks.  There is no word yet on possible injuries.