Thursday, January 2, 2014

First Day For Municipal Election Registration

2014 is a municipal election year.  Today marks the first day when candidates can register to run in the October election.  City Clerk John Hannam says after they register candidates can start to campaign. Hannam doesn't expect too many people to register today but notes they usually see one or two eager beavers.

Study Likes Hwy Approach

A recent study finds that of six proposed transmission routes that would be used to supply energy from Ignace and Dryden to Pickle Lake only one would pose minimum risk to caribou. The Canadian Wild Lands League's Crossing Caribou Country study found that having a route following Highway 599 would be the best option because it is an existing, permanent road. Spokesperson Anna Baggio says the other proposals would interfere with lands that have been described as some of the best for caribou populations.

New Years Baby Unveiled

Thunder Bay Hospital's New Year's Baby is Nevaeh Ellieanna Victoria Mamakwa.  Baby Nevaeh was born at 11:56 a.m. on January 1st at the Health Sciences Centre.  Nevaeh will be made an honourary member of the First Marks Club which means her name and birth date will be inscribed in a baby-sized footprint and permanently added to the hospital's Celebration of Life Wall.

Rickford Wants Compromise

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is hoping for a compromise in the new year regarding the First Nations Education Act.  Several aboriginal groups are upset with the direction the government is going and have pledged to develop their own strategy.  Rickford says they want to work with everyone in order to come up with a strong plan. Rickford believes First Nations education begins with having the proper infrastructure in place.

Shipping Season Still Going

As the shipping season winds down in the Port of Thunder Bay, Harbour Master Guy Jarvis says they couldn't have made it through a cold December without the help of the tug operators in the city. Jarvis says the season should wrap up by January the 8th with arrival of another 7 or 8 ships.

Crimestoppers Hockey Game Tonight

The 25th annual Crimestoppers charity hockey game is taking place at the Fort William Gardens tonight. Crimestopper Coordinator Jason Disher says it is a free event but donations are welcomed and go towards supporting the program. Opening ceremonies begin at 6:30, puck drop at 7:15.