Friday, March 16, 2012

City Council to look at new subdivision

A developer will ask council to approve a new subdivision on Mountain Road next to the Fort William Country Club.  Ryan Jones is looking for support to create a 25 unit project on 18 acres of land.  He originally presented this proposal in 2005 but it was turned down by council.  Jones has since undertaken a number of studies to meet some objections to his initial plan.

NDP Leadership contender makes late campaign stop in Tbay

Despite both our MP's already backing different NDP Leadership candidates the youngest contender is looking for support in Thunder Bay.  Niki Ashton was in town Friday and says she respects the decisions of both Bruce Hyer and John Rafferty and is looking for the support of all NDP party members in the Northwest.  The 29 year old believes it's time we look to the future to ensure her generation has the same opportunities that have been available in this country for decades.

Police Service wants Mauro demoted

City Police Sgt. Jim Mauro will find out his fate April 5th. An adjudicator has found Mauro guilty of discreditable conduct following a Police Services Act hearing. Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says they are asking that Mauro be permanently demoted to the rank of constable instead of an outright dismissal. Evidence at the hearing showed that Mauro presented letter at a 2009 arbitration proceeding and falsely claimed it was from then Police Association President, Keith Hobbs. Meantime the Mauro family says the proceedings were an "incredible" waste of taxpayers dollars.
Deputy Chief Hay discusses the fact Sgt. Mauro has been suspended with pay for the two years Mauro's case has been outstanding.

Shipping Season about to open

The start of the shipping season is coming early.  Port Authority CEO Tim Heney says an ice breaker will be here this weekend to get the port ready for the season that'll open on the 25th after the Sault Locks open. Heney says it looks like most people inside the grain industry think the Wheat Board ending could be good for Thunder Bay.

Man falls through floodway ice

A highly questionable decision has left one man wet but safe.  The man was walking across the Neebing McIntyre floodway when he fell through the ice.  Police say with the warm temperatures the ice in the area is NOT Safe.

NAN Women's Council

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation Women's Council is fresh off a two day election.  Four women from First Nations in the east of NAN's territory and four from the west were elected.  The council serves as the voice of women and families.

TVO show loosely based on NOSM

TVO is launching it's very own medical drama show based on the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.  Spokesperson Paul Ginnis says it's like a northern Ontario version of Grey's Anatomy.  The show will follow first year students working in the remote communities in the North. The production of the series is taking place around Sudbury.

Heart to Heart bonspiel cancelled

There will not be a Heart to Heart Charity Bonspiel this year. Organizers cancelled the long time event that was to raise money for the Northern Cardiac Fund. Officials say they needed 72 curlers to put on the event and as of yesterday only 34 people had shown interest. Due to the lack of interest final logistics could not be finalized.

Pain med shortage impacts Fido

A local veterinary hospital says they're starting to feel the impact of pain medication shortages.  Production cuts at a factory in Quebec are impacting human hospitals and now the treatment of animals as well. A local vet says they've been unable to get some of the medications they require but the purchasing companies they work with are looking for substitutes.  The vet clinic did not want their name used.

New iPad on store shelves

The new iPad has arrived in Thunder Bay but to very little fanfare.  Walmart Electronic's Department Manager Donald Bates says they expect to get more customers in the afternoon.  The new model comes with a faster processor and a much sharper screen.

Possible casino privatization concerns MPP

The possible privatization of Ontario Lottery and Gaming facilities in the province is catching a local MPP's attention. The idea was floated in this weeks OLG announcement of sweeping changes. Bill Mauro says he is unsure if that will mean the casino in Thunder Bay is going to land in private hands or not, and says he is having discussions on the issue since he hasn't seen any details of the proposal just yet.