Thursday, November 15, 2012

McGuinty Sticks To His Guns

Premier Dalton McGuinty will not budge. He's standing by a decision to put a hold on the conversion the Mission Island power plant to natural gas for what experts say could be energy savings of 400 million dollars. Speaking in Thunder Bay, the outgoing premier says it's all about meeting the energy needs of the north. McGuinty says it would be reckless to proceed without looking at the advice of those experts.

Police Make Arrest In 2011 Traffic Death

Thunder Bay police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal accident last year on Victoria Avenue at Leland. It killed a 60 year old woman.  Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says the man was arrested late Wednesday afternoon on the city's south side. Charged is  Ashley Shabogomik of the Aeroland First Nation.  Hay says the investigation lasted over 400 days.

Woman Hit By Vehicle

City police are searching for a woman at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital after she was reportedly hit by a vehicle. Police say the incident was called in just after 2:00 o'clock this afternoon and happened at the corner of Oliver and High Street. Police say a witness was able to take the woman to hospital with unknown injuries and now officers are trying to find her.

Hospital Gridlock Continues

It's organized chaos at the Health Sciences Centre as staff are coping with the stressful situation of gridlock. That means that all the beds in the facility are taken and it's a juggling act with the patients. Hospital spokesperson Mark Henderson there's a faint light at the end of the tunnel with the construction of new beds coming, but that is not an immediate solution.  Henderson says there are about 60 patients at the hospital that are the cause of the overload

Manhunt In Lappe

O.P.P. are on the lookout for a man in Lappe. Officers are currently on foot trying to cordone off certain areas of the bush as they look for a man who is wanted on a number of charges. It stems from an incident early this morning when police say the man failed to stop for a routine check and proceeded to run into the bush. O.P.P. have since recovered the vehicle and have had a number of reports from nearby residents who said they had spotted the man.

Stop The Energy Politics Says Horwath

The leader of the Ontario NDP says it's time to take the politics out of the Mission Island power plant debate. The Ontario Power Authority is claiming the plants closure could save 400 million dollars. However on a visit to Thunder Bay Andrea Horwath would not say whether she would keep the plant open or closed if she were premier. Horwath says it's clear the issue has become a political football.

MP Rickford Says ELA Allegations Are Untrue

The MP of Kenora is very disappointed with a recent statement put out by the Coalition to Save The Experimental Lakes Area. Greg Rickford says that the statement made by Director Diane Orihel regarding a possible sale to an unknown buyer, is completely untrue. Rickford says there was no such thing, and that they are looking at the best option for the water research facility. Orihel also said that the government is striking down motions to save the ELA behind closed doors, and Rickford says that is not true either.

National Development Centre Team Announced

The National Development Centre's nordic ski team is embarking on a busy season. The 13 member team was introduced today and will take part in 15 to 20 events throughout the Winter months. Team Manager Amanda Holdsworth says the team will be eyeing the World Junior Under 23 Trials from January 3rd to the 6th at Lappe as one of their major events of the season. 

PARO Awards Tonight

Nine women business owners are being honoured this evening by the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise. They are being recognized as the top enterprising women of 2012.  The event takes place at the Victoria Inn

Politicians Visit City Today

Thunder Bay is a political hotbed today. Premier Dalton McGuinty is expected in the city later today, along with Liberal Leadership candidates Glenn Murray and Kathleen Wynne. They are here for a fundraising dinner for Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle.

Vehicle Crashes Into Light Pole

 City police say 4 charges are being laid against a man following an early morning collision. The man is facing two alcohol charges, a stolen vehicle charge and one count of dangerous driving. Police were called to the corner of May and Arthur Street at approximately 4:25 a.m. to a report of a vehicle crashing into a light stand. The man made an appearance in video court this morning.