Friday, June 21, 2013

NWO Native Says Calgary In Panic

A Northwestern  Ontario native living in the heart of Calgary says he's one of roughly 75-thousand people being told to leave their home due to massive flooding. Most Calgary streets have turned into rivers and Shaun Capovilla says there's absolute panic in the City. Canadian Armed Forces troops and helicopters are covering all areas of southern Alberta and the Canadian Red Cross is already starting relief efforts.

Fiddler To Co-Chair Gov't Panel

A top Northwestern Ontario Aboriginal leader will co-chair a panel that will oversee tackling the crisis facing First Nations in Ontario's justice and jury system. Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief Alvin Fiddler will lead the committee. Fiddler hopes that with his first hand experience he will be able to contribute significantly to the discussion.  Fiddler will head the committee along with Irwin Glasberg, an assistant deputy minister.

Search For Diver Continues

An OPP dive team continues its search of the McKenzie River for a missing cliff diver.   Police say the team made one dive this morning without finding anything.   They are still at the site and are being helped by a helicopter. Police say  26 year old Larry Larivee was with 4 other friends when he dove into the river and failed to resurface on Wednesday afternoon.

Harbour X & Golf Links Open

Good news for city drivers.    Golf Links Road is now open between William Street and the Harbour Expressway.   It had been closed as part of the Golf Links Road work that has been taking place for the last month or so.  

Aboriginal Day At Hospital

Aboriginal Day is being celebrated today at the Regional Health Sciences Centre. Spokesperson Tracie Smith says in addition to prayers and drumming there is one other highlight.  Smith says the day is a chance for the hospital to advance Aboriginal culture and health.

Highway 11 Partially Closed

Highway 11 is closed at Camp 93 road south of Beardmore. OPP say two transports collided earlier this morning causing the closure. Police are reporting that no one was badly hurt and the highway will be closed until both vehicles can be removed. Meanwhile, Hwy 11- 17 at Black Bay Drive is back open to both lanes. It was closed for several hours last night due to an accident as well.





Northwood Continues To Struggle With Flooding

The Northwood ward continues to deal with flooded basements.  A meeting on drainage issues was held last night.  Councillor Mark Bentz says they're already taking steps to improve drainage in the area. Bentz says they'll continue to work to find ways to improve drainage and prevent flooding in the neighbourhood.

TBRRI Wants To Hear From You

Thunder Bay's Regional Research Institute wants you to have your say when it comes to their new cyclotron facility. Starting at the end of July they'll be offering a series of public meetings on the medical machinery. Spokesperson Michael Campbell says people are going to have safety related questions. Construction has already begun at the site that will house the medical machinery.




Hospital Board Fills Vacancies

Thunder Bay's Hospital is filling three, three year vacancies and two one year vacancies on their board.  Sharon Cole-Paterson, Nadine Doucette and Karen McDaid will be back for three year terms.  Doug Shanks and Sharon Pitawanakwat will serve for one year.

Science North Office Turns 3

Thunder Bay's Science North office is celebrating its three year anniversary today.  Spokesperson Emily Kerton says it means a lot for them to be able to reach out to Northwestern Ontario youth.  Science North's Thunder Bay office services most of the smaller communities in the Northwest.