Thursday, April 24, 2014

Police Give Out Tickets

Watch For Pedestrians

City police are embarking on their spring pedestrian safety initiative. They recently gave 40 motorists reminders about some of their bad driving habits. They gave out tickets for speeding, stop sign violations, and talking on a cell phone while driving.

ROF Framework Signed

A major hurdle is now cleared in the Ring of Fire process.    A framework agreement has been signed between the provincial government and the nine Matawa First Nations.    Speaking in Thunder Bay Premier Kathleen Wynne said she doesn't believe this step will add any red tape to getting the giant mining project off the ground. She says the framework is needed to allow the conversation to move forward.   The First Nations say the agreement now allows them to have a say about mining development on their lands. 

Commisso Hopeful For MPAC


The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation says its working to do better.  Officials with MPAC outlined to area councils at the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference in Fort Frances areas they are addressing.  Thunder Bay's City Manager  Tim Commisso says is hopeful.  Commisso is among delegates calling on MPAC to better consult with municipalities on their assessment work.

Feds Provide 200K For NAN


The Federal Government is providing 200-thousand dollars over the next two years to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.  The money will be used to promote economic development and skills training for First Nation women.   Minister of Labour and Status of Women Kellie Leitch was in Thunder Bay today to announce the cash.  NAN Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is hoping they can continue the training program after the funding runs out.

Police Warn Drivers

Our anticipated winter storm is causing Thunder Bay Police to advise drivers to take notice of potentially hazardous road conditions. Another blast of snow is expected to hit Thunder Bay sometime this evening. It is expected to continue in the night and into tomorrow. Police are asking that drivers reduce speed and adjust following distance as wind and reduced visibility could pose problems for motorists.




NOMA Meeting Underway

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference is underway in Fort Frances.   NOMA's board  held its meeting yesterday with the rest of the 180 plus regional municipal reps gathering today and tomorrow. President and Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield says they also get a visit from the Premier today More than 180 municipal reps from across the northwest are expected.

Robbery Pics Released

Click on picture to enlarge
City police are releasing surveillance photos of Tuesday's robbery at the Shell gas station on West Arthur Street.   It's a sequence of pictures showing the suspects entering the store and then behind the counter rifling through what appears to be the safe looking for money. You can also see what appears to be a store clerk curled up in a corner

Vehicle Fire

City fire crews battled a vehicle fire this morning at Balsam Pit on the north side.  Firefighters were called to the baseball diamond just after 6 o'clock this morning.  A pumper unit was dispatched a second time after the vehicle caught fire again just before 8 o'clock.  Police are looking into the incident.

Nipigon Investigation Concludes

Provincial Police are reporting that a house furnace was the cause of Monday's carbon monoxide poisoning that claimed two lives in Nipigon. The investigation was conducted by the OPP, Union Gas and safety inspectors.  60-year old Yvan Gaujean and his wife 45-year old Claire Gaujean were found dead in their First Street home.  The couple's 8-year old son survived and was treated at hospital and released.  The province is currently proposing that carbon monoxide detectors be mandatory for all homes in Ontario.

LRCA Flood Outlook

The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is issuing a flood outlook statement for Thunder Bay and surrounding area.  Warm temperatures and more rain in the forecast could cause a rapid rise in area water levels.  Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge, Shuniah, O'Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion are also included in this flood statement.

Consolidated Courthouse Is Open


Thunder Bay's consolidated court house is officially open.  The Attorney General christened the building Wednesday. Attorney General Madeleine Meilleur says she's proud her government made the new building happen.  Members of the City, police and First Nations took part in an official ceremony yesterday.