Thursday, May 31, 2012

Coroners Inquest Expands

Ontario's Chief Coroner is ordering a joint inquest into the deaths of seven First Nations young people in Thunder Bay.  All seven died after leaving their home communities to come to the city to go to high school.  The deaths happened between 2000 and 2011.   The inquest jury could be able to make recommendations aimed at preventing anymore deaths in a similar way.  No date has been set for the inquest. 

Gravelle Says Wheels In Motion For Disaster Relief

Michael Gravelle is applauding the city for requesting disaster relief from the provincial government. The Thunder Bay MPP says it means his government can now start the process of getting the city some financial relief in the wake of this week's massive storm. Gravelle can't say how long the process will take.

Progress Made But Still A Way To Go

As the state of emergency continues in the city due to this week's flooding crisis, there is some progress to report.  City official Darrell Matson says that while they still haven't been able to examine the crippled sewage treatment plant the pressure on it is easing somewhat because the water levels in city sewers are starting to decrease.  Meantime, the city is still asking you to conserve water the best you can.

Second Truck Helps Salvation Army Efforts

The Salvation Army remains on the job in flood affected areas of the city.   Manager Merv Halvorsen says the organization is increasing the frequency that a mobile food van will be making stops to feed the hungry now that a second truck has arrived from Winnipeg. 

City Contractors Asked To Reach Out

As the city flood crisis continues more and more organizations are stepping up to help and this time it's the Thunder Bay Construction Association.   President Harold Lindstrom says  he's asking some of his members to volunteer to help clean up homes which have been hit with flooding, two have already done so.

Spofford Street Home O.K.

The City's Building Inspectors say a Spofford Street home is not in danger of collapsing.  Chief Building Inspector Desmond Stolz says the homeowners felt the home might collapse due to the recent flooding.   Stolz says they haven't been run off their feed and there have been no other home inspections.

Mauro Tours Flood Zone

Thunder Bay - Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is now back in the city and is touring the flood ravaged areas of the City and other municipalities today. Mauro says the city declaring itself as a disaster area is the appropriate step in trying to access funds from the Disaster Relief Assistance Program. Mauro says municipalities within his riding have been successful in applying for provincial money in the past when facing a similar situation.




Pugh Talks McKellar Ward

The McKellar Ward is the hardest hit by the city's flooding.  Residents in the East End and Intercity areas are reporting massive amounts of water in their basements.  McKellar Ward Councillor Paul Pugh says he's spent a number of hours surveying the damage and is trying to relay information to flood victims about where they can turn to for help.

LU Closes Fieldhouse

Lakehead University has closed the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse because of some water damage. Spokesperson Hugh Briggs says the decision coincides with what the city is doing with some of their facilities. Briggs also says they've had to close another one of their buildings on Balmoral for the same reason.

Live Coverage Of City's Emergency News Conference

Live video from your iPhone using Ustream

Border Cats Lose Opener

The Thunder Bay Border Cats got off on the wrong foot last night, losing on the road in their Northwoods league opener 12-3 to the Alexandria Beetles. The Cats are still missing at least 12 players from their roster, 10 of which are still involved with N.C.A.A. playoffs. Their home opener at Subway field is on June 4th.

No Buses Running In Conmee Township

School Buses in Conmee Township will not be running today or tomorrow. All schools are open for the Lakehead Public, Lakehead Catholic and C.S.D.C. Aurores Boreales boards. Delays are however expected for students coming in from rural areas.