Monday, July 29, 2013

Dilico Workers Ratify New Deal

A strike by 350 Dilico workers is over.  CEP Spokesperson Marvin Pupeza says it's good news with 80 percent of employees voted to ratify their new deal.  The employees head back to work on Wednesday.  
   
   

Golf Links Road Construction Continues

Drivers take note...starting on Wednesday the intersection of Golf Links Road and the Harbour Expressway is going to be closed to all turning traffic.  The intersection will remain open to east-west traffic.  City officials say the turning area is being closed to allow for repaving of the expressway's eastbound lanes.  The closure should remain in effect until Sunday.

Hebert Happy With OEB Decision

The Ontario Energy Board is confirming the need for the Thunder Bay Generating Station.  In a decision made last week the OEB ordered Power Generation to enter into an operating contract for the remainder of 2013.  Councillor Larry Hebert says it's good to hear but notes it still isn't a decision to convert the plant to natural gas.  The OEB says the removal of the plant would have a bad impact on electricity reliability in the region.

Open Spot On Con College BOG

There's an open spot on Confederation College's Board of Governors.  The three year term starts September 1st and the deadline to apply is by August 31st.

Superior North EMS Gets Funding Boost

Superior North EMS is getting a boost in their funding.  The Provincial Government announced a 4.8 percent increase in land ambulance funding.  EMS service in the region will see just over a 11 million dollars in funding for 2013.

Coroner Inquest Starts Today

A coroner's inquest into the death of a man who was killed while inspecting a bridge over the Mackenzie River starts today.   Gustavo Argueta died in June 2011 while on the job.  The inquest is expected to continue throughout this week with 15 witnesses taking the stand.

Dilico Contract Could Be Ratified Today

The three week old strike at Dilico could end as early as today as voting on a new proposed deal wraps up.  The 350 workers went on strike citing low wages and poor working conditions.  If the recommended deal is approved workers will go back on the job August 6th.   
   
   

Sister City Partnership Renewed

It's another five years.   Thunder Bay has renewed its sister cities agreement with Duluth.  Mayor Keith Hobbs calls Duluth a true sister city.   Aldo Ruberto, Chair of  Sister Cities Advisory Committee. says it shows a long-lasting relationship between ourselves and our closest international city.

MNR Gets Provincial Cash

The Ministry of Natural Resources fire attack base in Armstrong is getting a 9 and a half million dollar face lift.  Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says it's going to be a complete rebuild.  Gravelle says the reason for the upgrade is to help improve the province's forest fire fighting abilities.  

City Council Meets Tonight

E-Bingo is up for discussion at city council tonight.  Thunder Bay Community Bingo has proposed an agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to implement Electronic Bingo in the city.   Councillor Ian Angus says Thunder Bay Community Bingo helps local charities.  Angus says he believes council will approve the agreement.  Meanwhile, the city is on pace to be 2.5 million dollars over budget, and it may be because of the late start to spring.  Angus says the odd weather played a role in the budget with the increased cost in snow removal.