Minister Gravelle

THUNDER BAY – Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle is convinced that the Ring of Fire is going to happen. “It might be slightly longer, but it will be going forward,” stated the Minister. “We are going to get it right,” continued Gravelle. The announcement last week that Cliffs Natural Resources has suspended their environmental assessment has echoed through the region. 

“This is a huge, multi-faceted project, and the confidence is there, we are moving ahead”.

The Minister has been speaking with local business owners, as well as getting together with several local companies who are expanding operations, or moving to Thunder Bay to open new offices.

The Minister commented on the recent opening of Abitbi Geophysics who opened in the city recently. The Minister was on hand to celebrate the opening.

The Minister is also enjoying the work with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year.

Yesterday in Thunder Bay the Minister announced grants and support to a number of companies who are set to expand their operations.

Sharing in an interview with NetNewsLedger, Gravelle said that a common thread in the region and mining is a combined desire to get things right. “First Nations, for every correct reason want to get it right. The development in the Ring of Fire is happening where in most cases there has been no development before.”

The team celebrates the grand opening with a ribbon cutting – Photo by Kevin Palmer

The Minister expressed, “We are on the cusp of very exciting times, and with the entire project estimated at $3.3 billion including a processing plant that getting the value for the region is important”.

“A common thread with First Nations leadership,” Gravelle says, “Is a need to secure value for the people.”

With Cliffs Natural Resources the Minister states, “There are lots of positives, and building solid relationships is important”. Minister Gravelle is confident that Cliffs still consider the project a priority.

“All of the pieces have to come together, and the Ministry is staying in close touch with Cliffs,” adds Gravelle. 

The Minister noted how Bob Rae has been appointed as a negotiator for Mattawa First Nations, and says that the MNDM is looking to add a provincial negotiator. 

Minister Gravelle will be speaking at a Mining Forum on Thursday in the city at the Valhalla Inn.

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• UPDATE 3-Cliffs suspends Canada chromite project, hopes dim for Ring of Fire
• Cliffs Natural Resources Suspends Ring of Fire Assessment

The Article Getting The Ring of Fire Right Key – Minister Gravelle by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

Thunder Bay Police laid Sexual Assault Charges

Jeff Paxton has been charged with:
· four counts of Gross Indecency
· four counts of Sexual Assault
· two counts of Invitation to Sexual Touching

The charges stem from incidents that occurred between 1983 and 2004 while Paxton was:
· a bible councilor at Round Lake Bible Camp
· involved in local churches
· a local business owner of the Great Northwest Coffee Company
· a person in authority as a babysitter

There are a number of male victims in these allegations who were between the ages of 7 and 14 years of age at the time of the incidents. The investigation is still on going as more victims and witnesses are coming forward.

Paxton made a court appearance today and has been remanded to the district jail with a future court date of June 21st, 2013.

Anyone with information about these or similar incidents involving Jeff Paxton, is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police at 684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 623-8477.

Crime Stats June 18 2013

Over the past 24 hours Thunder Bay Police responded to 27 calls. There were were eight quality of life calls, that included eight liquor related calls. There were also five break and enters in the time period.

Crime Report June 18 2013

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The Article Thunder Bay Police Lay Sexual Assault Charges by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

John Rafferty MP

OTTAWA – Politics - This past week I tabled a bill in parliament that I hope will offer some more protection for transit operators while they are on the job and serving the public.  Bill C-531: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (public transit operators), if debated and passed, would require the court, at sentencing, to consider as an aggravating circumstance the fact that the victim of an assault is a public transit operator.  

The idea for this bill came from some recent local news stories on a pair of assaults that have occurred on Thunder Bay Transit buses since the start of the year, and after discussions with representatives from Local 966 of the Amalgamated Transit Union.   The two incidents in question were attacks on drivers who were in a vulnerable position by the very nature of their job and put the health and well-being of the drivers, the passengers, and the nearby public at risk.   This point was underlined to me in a meeting that I had with ATU local 966 President Sheila Kivisto and Union Steward Andrew Parr in early March.

For more information on this bill I would like to share remarks that I made at a press conference that I convened in Ottawa on Wednesday June 12th to promote the bill.   

Thank you for joining me here today.  Recently in Thunder Bay we have had some violent incidents where two transit drivers from Local 966 of the Amalgamated Transit Union have become victims of assault while carrying out their duties on our behalf.  

Harassment and assault against those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the public is completely unacceptable to the people of Thunder Bay – Rainy River and to Canadians from coast to coast.  New Democrats believe that we must both respect and protect those who devote themselves to public service. 

Transit drivers face danger on the job

Transit drivers, due to the nature of their work and their inherent inability to defend themselves against aggressive acts while carrying out their primary duties, face a number of unusual and unpredictable threats in their workplace that most Canadians do not. Transit passengers and members of the general public also want to know that their safety is protected at all times, and the best way to do that on our transit systems is to protect our operators.

Given these recent events in Thunder Bay, but also in other municipalities across Canada from Montreal to Sudbury to Vancouver, it is clear that our transit drivers deserve greater physical protection on the job and legal protection in the courts from such threats to their well-being.   As a federal Member of Parliament I will be tabling a bill today to address the legal protections of transit drivers.

My bill titled; An Act to amend the Criminal Code (public transit operators), will require the court, at sentencing, to consider as an aggravating circumstance the fact that the victim of an assault is a public transit operator. 

I hope this bill will act as a deterrent to such violent incidents upon transit drivers in our communities, and complement what I hope will be more vigorous efforts by provincial and local governments to offer greater physical protections to our transit operators while they are on the job and serving the public.

This bill has been drafted in consultation with my New Democrat colleagues from across Canada and I would like to thank them for sharing their thoughts and support for putting this bill forward.  

I would also like to thank the newly Independent Member of Parliament for Edmonton St. Albert, Mr. Rathgeber, who tabled a similar bill in the last parliament and consulted with me on the drafting of this bill.

 In closing, I would like to assure members of the Amalgamated Transit Union and other transit operators across Canada who devote themselves to providing a very high level of public service that New Democrats and Canadians stand with you and are committed to making your workplace as safe as possible.

Thank you.

John Rafferty MP

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The Article Transit Drivers Face Danger by John Rafferty MP first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

Marie Avgeropoulos Photo Credit: Sami Vaskola Photography

THUNDER BAY – Entertainment - Marie Avgeropoulos from Thunder Bay has will star in Twilight Saga. The star was born and raised  in Thunder Bay. Maria has signed on to entice Taylor Lautner into the dangerous world of parkour in the 2014 action thriller from Twilight Saga producers.

Avgeropoulos, who also stars on The CW‘s midseason series The 100, will play Nikki, a skater girl who runs with a gang of street criminals.

She meets Lautner’s bike messenger Cam and pulls him into her world – and, naturally, into a love triangle with a member of her crew. Filming is set for NYC with Spanish helmer Daniel Benmayor (Bruc, The Manhunt) directing.

Marie grew up fishing, hunting and camping alongside the fire, where she spent more of her free time outdoors. It was there, in the shadow of ‘The Sleeping Giant’, a world famous natural monument, that she would learn the survival skills needed for fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming an action heroine

The Article Marie Avgeropoulos Will Play Skater Girl by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

Graphite Cores – Zenyatta Ventures.

THUNDER BAY – Mining - Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:ZEN)(OTCQX:ZENYF) have announced that the company has retained RPA Inc. (‘RPA’) to complete a National Instrument (‘NI’) 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate on its 100% owned Albany graphite deposit in northern Ontario, Canada.

Zenyatta is developing a very rare hydrothermal or ‘vein-type’ graphite deposit it discovered in 2011 in northeastern Ontario, Canada. It is the largest and only known graphite deposit of this type under development in the world. Globally, the only graphite mines of this type are located in Sri Lanka, which have been in production since 1847. The current high grade, underground mining operations produce only 5,500 tonnes annually from narrow (5-10cm) veins. Despite the lack of volume, Sri Lankan ‘vein-type’ graphite has enjoyed great demand due to its unusually high purity and unique physical properties. Graphite veins are quite rare and in many industrial applications offer superior performance due to higher thermal and electrical conductivity.

Zenyatta Vein Graphite Deposit

The technical report on the graphite deposit will fully conform to the CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves – Definitions and Guidelines as referred to in NI 43-101 and from 43-101F1 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects in effect.

Aubrey Eveleigh, President and CEO states, “We are delighted to be working with an established and internationally recognized consulting firm with extensive experience in the estimation of NI 43-101 compliant resources. RPA will evaluate the data from the drill program until the end of August and then independently estimate a resource thereafter.” Eveleigh further commented, “The drill campaign is presently on schedule to be completed by the end of August. Drill hole 25 is currently in progress and all holes continue to intersect wide zones of graphite mineralization where expected on the East Pipe. The drill will be moving to the West Pipe soon. To date, a total of 3900 samples have been sent to ALS Minerals for graphitic carbon by LECO analyses with results expected soon. The lab is experiencing delays in delivering assay results to Zenyatta related to shipping the large number of samples to Brisbane, Australia for analyses while the Vancouver lab was upgraded. All future samples will now be processed in Vancouver with results released once received. An update on the drilling program will be released next week.”

RPA (formerly Roscoe Postle and Associates Inc.) is a group of technical professionals who have provided advice to the mining industry for 30 years. During this time, RPA has grown into a highly respected organization regarded as the specialty firm of choice for resource and reserve work. RPA provides services to the mining industry at all stages of project development from exploration and resource evaluation through economic assessment. Their portfolio of clients includes exploration/mining companies, banks, governments, law firms, institutional investors, individual investors, and private equity ventures.

RPA is based in Toronto with offices located in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. It provides objective and independent advice on mining projects globally. Clients return to RPA repeatedly because of the accurate, credible technical reports that are accepted and relied on time and again, among financial institutions and major regulatory bodies worldwide.

Zenyatta’s Albany graphite deposit is located 30km north of the Trans Canada Highway, power line and natural gas pipeline near the communities of Constance Lake First Nation and Hearst. A rail line is located 70km away and an all-weather road approximately 4-5km from the graphite deposit. The deposit is near surface, underneath glacial till overburden and a thin veneer of Paleozoic sedimentary cover rocks.

Graphite is a natural form of carbon with the chemical formula C, which it shares with diamond and coal. The outlook for the global graphite market is very promising with demand growing rapidly from new applications. It is now considered one of the more strategic elements by many leading industrial nations, particularly for its growing importance in high technology manufacturing and in the emerging “green” industries such as electric vehicle components. The application for graphitic material is constantly evolving due to its unique chemical, electrical and thermal properties. It maintains its stability and strength under temperatures in excess of 3,500 degrees C and is very resistant to chemical corrosion. It is also one of the lightest of all reinforcing elements and has high natural lubricating abilities. Some of these key physical and chemical properties make it critical to modern industry.

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The Article Zenyatta Vein Graphite Deposit Update by NNL Staff first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

ORNGE AIR Candlelight Vigil in Moosonee – Image by Chris Kat

TORONTO – A memorial service will be held in Toronto today to honour the fallen ORGNE Air crew who were killed with their helicopter went down during a flight to Attawapiskat. 

 To honour our four fallen colleagues, Ornge will hold a memorial service for Captain Don Filliter, First Officer Jacques Dupuy, Flight Paramedic Dustin Dagenais and Flight Paramedic Chris Snowball. 

Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 

Time: 2 p.m. (expected to run 90 minutes) 

Location: Toronto Police College (TPC) 

70 Birmingham St. 

Toronto, Ontario 

Ornge is grateful for the assistance provided by the Toronto Police Service in hosting this event, and to Rogers TV for providing host broadcast services. 

The memorial service will be broadcast live on Rogers TV, TVCogeco and Shaw TV throughout Ontario and streamed live at www.rogerstv.com/Ornge.

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The Article ORNGE to Honour Fallen Air Crew by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

Real estate brokerage Redfin (www.redfin.com) has released its Real-Time Home Price Tracker, posting gains in both prices and sales volume across 19 major U.S. markets in May.

Real Estate Inventory Down

While inventory was down year over year in May, it increased from the previous month. The easing of the inventory crunch likely contributed to home sales volume, which hit the highest level since 2010.

Home prices:

• May home prices increased 17% year over year, and rose 4% since April.

Sales volume:

• Home sales were up 14% from 2012, and 16% from April.
• More than 79,000 homes sales closed in the 19 markets covered in this report in May, the largest amount since January 2010.

Inventory:

• While down 22% from last year, inventory showed a monthly increase of 4.3%.

This report is the earliest monthly analysis of home prices, sales and inventory across 19 U.S. markets, published weeks before any other index, based on the local databases used directly by Realtors to list properties and record sales.

Click the following link to read the complete Redfin Real-Time Home Price Tracker.

Market-Specific Highlights and Lowlights:

Home prices:

• For the second consecutive month, all of the 19 cities measured saw home prices rise year over year.
• Austin was the only market to post a decrease in home prices month over month, dropping by 0.4%.
• Sacramento led the price gains with a 39% year-over-year increase.
• Baltimore saw the smallest gain in prices, with a 3.2% increase year over year.

Sales volume:

• New York’s Long Island posted the largest yearly sales volume increase, with home sales up 74.7% from May 2012.
• Boston had the largest monthly increase in sales volume, up 38% from April.
• San Francisco’s sales volumes saw the most drastic decline, with a 7.7% drop from a year earlier.
• San Francisco and Las Vegas had the smallest monthly gains, both up 4.2% from April.

Inventory:

• Chicago and Phoenix were the only markets that had an increase in inventory from May 2012, withPhoenix up 14.1% and Chicago up 0.4%.
• Cities with the largest monthly gains in inventory included Chicago (16.8%), Denver (10%), San Jose (8.4%), Washington (6.3%), and Seattle (5%). 
• Six of the 19 markets saw monthly inventory shrink in May and five of those were in California, including Inland Empire (-7.3%), Las Vegas (-1.4%), Los Angeles (-1.3%), Ventura (-1.0%), andSan Francisco (-0.5%).
• The only market outside of California to post a decrease in inventory was Boston, showing a monthly decline of 1% from April.

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The Article US Real Estate Prices Climb by NNL Staff first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

President of Afghanistan and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

KABUL – International – Local control is coming to Afghanistan. The move in the war torn country came in a ceremony in the capital. The ceremony was marred by a suicide bomb attack that killed three workers of the Afghanistan Independent Human Right Commission. There were also twenty others wounded in the attack in western Kabul.

However the move forward for the country continues. 

President Hamid Karzai states, “For the people of Afghanistan this is a great day”

Afghanistan Transition

Meanwhile, sources close to Taliban representatives are suggesting they will likely open an office in the Qatari capital Doha. That move will likely come as quickly as today. Media reports state that the Taliban is seeing the opening of a political office as an important step in creating a political face for the Taliban.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

“I welcome President Karzai’s announcement of the fifth and final group of Afghan provinces, cities and districts to undergo transition in the coming months. This decision marks an important milestone, when Afghan soldiers and police will take the lead for security across the country”.

“This is a day of pride for all Afghans and the 50 nations which contribute to ISAF.  At the Lisbon Summit in 2010, we set out an ambitious roadmap with the Afghan Government to gradually hand over responsibility for security to the Afghan forces by the end of 2014.  And today is an important marker for the success of that strategy,” added the NATO leader.

“As Afghan forces step forward, ISAF’s role will shift from combat to support.  We will no longer plan, execute or lead combat operations. By the end of 2014 our combat mission will be completed, and a new mission will begin.  Together with our partners, we are planning to continue to train, advise and assist the Afghan forces. And NATO will also play its part in the broader international efforts to ensure the long-term sustainment of the Afghan security forces. NATO and Afghanistan, along with our partners, will continue this journey together, based on a new relationship that will remain strong for the years to come”.

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The Article Afghanistan Transitions to Local Control by NNL Staff first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

City Council Chambers June 17 2013 – Planning issues

THUNDER BAY – City Council got down to business at 16:30EDT. The topic of discussion started on planning issues. 

With Mayor Hobbs in the chair, the meeting discussed a home cabinet making operation and the application for approval of the business.

Mark Smith on the ‘hot seat’ at Council

Mr. Mark Smith address Council explaining how the property owner had completed many steps to make the business acceptable for the location. That included environmental issues. Mr. Sousa the property owner had True Grit Consulting do a noise assessment as needed.

Zoning By-law Amendment 660 Community Hall Road

Editor’s Note: The Thunder Bay General Hospital is currently undergoing a similar noise assessment as ordered. That was not done, as likely should have been done when the hospital was built. The requirement was made under order from the OMB.

To consider an application to amend the home occupation regulations of the Zoning By-law to permit cabinet making as a home occupation within the detached garage at 660 Community Hall Road. The amendment, if approved, will permit the Applicant, Luiz Sousa, to continue his cabinet making business at his residence. Administration recommends that the application be supported as it is in keeping with the Official Plan’s home occupation policies.

The property owner has planted trees, and put in a greenhouse that help to buffer noise from his power tools.

Councillor Ruberto asked, “In the application, home businesses may include a cabinet making business?” 

Councillor Giertuga

Councillor Giertuga asked if there were other home-based cabinet making businesses in the city. 

The application was endorsed by the neighbour across the street. Another neighbour expressed serious concern, stating that he had spend countless hours and hundreds of hours on his home, and that business at the facility has impaired his enjoyment of the property.

The neighbour offering opposition complained that if the application is approved he is worried that his neighbourhood would become a industrial park. The size of the greenhouse, and the cabinet making business the Council was told was installed without permits.

“This is an industrial business being asked to be in a residential neighbourhood”.

Councillor Hebert asked for clarification on the location of the neighbour who was in opposition. 

Councillor Bentz asked for information on the process of planning with the city. He was told that the city was helpful at first, but suggested that the neighbours contact the applicant and tell him to contact the city, and gain more information on the bylaws.

“Its been just one thing after another,” complained the neighbour speaking in opposition.

Councillor Ruberto, asked, “To be clear is there something that the individual could do that could solve this? A berm?”

Ruberto was seeking a compromise, however it did not appear the neighbours were interested in that idea. 

The applicant was asked to come forward, Councillor Giertuga, asked if the applicant would like to address the concerns raised by the objecting neighbour. The noise study reported that at the property line there was an acceptable level of noise. Council was told the dust suppression unit was quieter than the chirping of birds.

Councillor Ruberto asked if the property owner had first addressed the question of having a shop and home built. The applicant said that from all the information he had, he was in his legal rights to do what he was doing. It was changes to the zoning bylaw in 2011 but the shop had been built in 201o.

Mr. Sousa said that the permit he had been issued was under the old bylaw.

Westfort Councillor Joe Virdiramo

Councillor Virdiramo asked if the original building permit had been issued for a garage or a shop. He was told that the total area of the house and the shop made it too big to comply with the original bylaw.

Also raised was the size of the non-commercial greenhouse. Councillor Virdiramo was told that the greenhouse was 6×9 and that is metres but Council assumed it was feet.

Councillor Bentz stated that 25% of the total square footage can be for the home business. The amount of space the shop could be is 200 square feet over the allowed size.

Administration has recommended approval. Mr. Mark Smith was questioned by Council over the allowed size of the operation on the property.

There are conditions that Council was told are in the application that the home business owner would need to do to keep the rules on the operations of the business. 

Councillor Virdiramo questioned if the property could have application made for temporary use bylaw for properties. Councillor Pugh then sought clarification on the recommendation that the bylaws process in the city need to follow the official plan.

“It was the understanding of the planning division that the applicant had changed how he was doing his operation to overcome objections,” stated Mr. Smith.

Councillor Bentz wanted to know how the application could fit the new bylaws enacted by Council.

Councillor Ruberto wanted to know “From the new information presented tonight, it sounds like you want a chance to revisit this application. Is there a way as a Council that a berm or something could be done?”

Mr. Smith responded “It would depend on what form, if any of mitigation could be applied.” 

Zoning By-Law Amendment – 25 Melon Street – M. Vecchio

location of proposed apartment complex

To consider an application to amend the General Regulations of the Zoning By-Law and the provisions of the “MU2″ – Mixed Use Zone Two to allow the development of additional dwelling units in the form of apartment or townhouse dwellings at 25 Melon Street. Administration is recommending support for the proposed amendment.

Mr. Vecchio

The Applicant’s planning consultant presented the plan to Council that had been presented at a public meeting. The applicant stated that planning and the community had gained support for the proposal.

The applicant is looking to add 12 new residential properties, either townhouses or apartments. 

“The planning report offers how the project supports the official plan. It meets the goals and objectives of three specific parts of the plan”.

There is a shortage of housing in Thunder Bay, and the applicant seeks to address that shortage with this project.

“The form of the building is consistent with the neighbourhood,” stated the consultant. The property has been vacant for thirty-five years.

Debate over the proposed development continued. Councillors sought greater input on aspects of the plan.

There was one resident came forward to offer support. The resident commented that he appreciated the degree of engagement,  from the applicant. “The city needs to support people who listen to the neighbourhood, and we need to support those who come forward with their capital.”

In objection, residents who live behind the proposed property came forward. The residents of the Melon Stardust Street residents state they represent the neighbourhood.

There was a great deal of information provided on an 1976 proposed development on the property that had been rejected. The issue seemed to continue on both sides on the thirty-seven year old proposal. 

The objection was based on the size and height of the proposed building, and the blocked sunlight would impact gardening. 

Councillor Aldo Ruberto

Concerns were raised over the number of apartments in the area already, a reported 435 apartments.

There were concerns over drainage and storm sewers. Concerns over the very low vacancy rate were stated to be not something that this complex would address. 

Councillor Boshcoff asked since the proposed development would be only twelve units, what objections were there. Council was told there were severe restrictions put in place no more than 20 unites, and no higher than 25′. That was in 1976.

Councillor Ruberto asked about the impact of the 11 storey Red River Towers. The objection was that the apartment would be far closer and more intrusive.

A second deputation was raised offering solutions for Council and the developer were brought forward. The goal was fewer apartments, and less height to the property. 

Councillors were informed that the property which has been vacant for a long time and has become part of the neighbourhood where there are lots of trees, and wildlife.

Councillors were told that the residents are concerned over draining. 

The residents are seeking that Council defer the application until a final plan is prepared and presented to the residents and council.

Councillor Giertuga questioned why the objections were not presented to the developer in one of the open house sessions. He was told that there was no time that could have been done. A concern on what the process was for coming forward to Council was raised.

Councillor Boshcoff asked about the shadowing from the proposed building. There will be light on one side of the property and sunlight will be lost around 15:00EDT.

Mayor Hobbs called the applicants back to try to seek some solutions. Hobbs asked if the matter could be deferred and is there room for negotiations. 

Hobbs and Council were told that if the number of units were decreased, the project might not be feasible. The issue of shadowing was addressed as the building being proposed was not much different than many of the houses in the city.

Councillor Ruberto offers some solutions in terms of trying to get the project moving forward. Mayor Hobbs told the At Large Councillor his task isn’t to try to broker a deal. 

Councillor Foulds stated, “Thanks for coming forward and making the presentation. The height issue is a concern of the objectors. Are you making an effort to mitigate the height concern”.

The Council was told that is being done, and the site will be looked at to see if more of the main floor can be put into the ground. 

Administration was then questioned by Council. 

The Mayor asked if a better means of making a presentation in terms of a Powerpoint presentation or better graphics could be used. 

Mr. Smith put on the ‘hot seat’ again talked about sight line control, and how lots are sloped and graded. It allows us to put a ‘finer point on the process than the bylaw could do”, shared Smith.

“We always take into account the concerns of the public,” stated Smith.

Councillor Boshcoff commented that in tonight’s presentation there were both metric and English measurement used. It caused concern stated Boshcoff.

“The zoning bylaw sets out the minimum requirements,” stated Smith. “The zoning bylaw puts in place a restriction from a paragraph put in place in 1977,” added Smith. “It is not a good way to judge the merit of the application”.

Councillor Bentz asked, “So the planning department is in favour of the proposal”. Mr. Smith stated there was no requirement for a shadowing report, but the city did some work on that, but “we are not experts at this,” answered Smith. “There are many examples of properties like this,” commented Smith. “The kind of environment is fair to say is just like many we see across the city”.

“For the last thirty-seven years, a cap on the number of apartments on this property has existed”, commented Smith.

Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment – 2109 Mahogany Way – 2201947 Ontario Inc.

To consider an application to amend the policies of the Official Plan and the regulations of the Zoning By-law to permit the creation of one new suburban residential lot and retained lot each for a single detached dwelling with a reduced lot area.

 Mr. Smith commented that it is not often that planning supports a proposal of this type, but in this case the department is supporting the proposal.

Councillor Angus asked, “How did this lot come to be created at this size?” Council was told this was a piece of property that was likely planned for future development.

Councillor Rydholm said, “I noticed that one neighbouring property has listed some concerns. Will you promise that once this is done, I won’t have people complaining. I hear a lot of concerns over drainage”.

Rydholm was assured that the drainage would be done. 

There were no further supporters or objectors to the proposal.

30 Syndicate Avenue South – Willhac Inc.

730 Syndicate Ave

To consider an application to amend the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law to permit “office” as a permitted use in the existing building.

The applicant is seeking to recognize the historical use of the property for offices. The inclusion of offices uses as a permitted uses would provide serve to aid in the financial viability of a purpose built office building and would aid in providing a buffer area between the intrusive heavy industrial uses to the east from the residential uses to the west.

Administration is recommending the proposal.

Councillor Ruberto asked about the greenspace around the building. The property has green space all around it, and an area with picnic tables on the north side.

There was one objection to the plan. From the objection the concern was heavy industrial in the area. The people objecting were concerned moving the building from light industrial might come forward.

Councillor Virdiramo asked if the area were rezoned could a strip mall be put in place. He was told that was unlikely. It has been operating as legal non conforming use and grandfathered for that use. Mark Smith said that the owners want to put the legal non conforming status into legal and conforming.

The Public Meeting was adjourned.

Results:

660 Community Road was Carried

25 Melon Street was the subject for a number of questions. Councillor Johnson proposed the proposal be deferred. Councillor Ruberto asked if there were deadlines on that. It would take months according to Mr. Smith.

The developer agreed to lower the building height, and increase the side distance to 6 metres.

The deferral was defeated.

  The proposal was approved.

2109 Mahogany Way Approved

730 Syndicate Ave South Approved

Mr. Smith was working hard tonight to help the Council move through the agenda.

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The Article Council Debated Planning and Bylaws by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

Business owners celebrate with Minister Gravelle

THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay businesses were front and centre at madeFresh on Red River Road today as Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle was on hand to share in the festivities. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund announcement supporting a number of local businesses was cause for the celebration.

Minister Gravelle enthused to share good news with local business owners

“This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the NOHFC. I am delighted that, through this fund, our government remains committed to fostering new and sustainable economic development opportunities in northern communities, helping to create more jobs and a stronger economy for all northerners.” stated Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC.

Three projects are being supported through the Young Entrepreneur Program:

• Juice Monkeys is receiving $10,200 to open a juice kiosk
• World Dance Centre is getting $12,954 to open a dance studio
• Ranta Contracting will use $25,000 to provide home construction, remodelling and roofing services

Seven entrepreneurs are proceeding with their projects with support from the Northern Ontario Entrepreneur Program:

• Sweet Escape Cake and Bakery is receiving $26,500 to establish a café/bakery
• madeFRESH is getting $94,055 to open a restaurant, which will include a catering component
• Superior Hearing Centre will use $32,025 to establish a hearing health practice
• Gratitude Gem Oils is getting $2,170 to open a home-based business that will produce and sell gem oils that are infused with mineral crystals designed to promote well-being
• Thunder Bay Naturopathic Clinic will receive $36,402 to establish a multidisciplinary health care practice
• Little Giants Indoor Play Centre is getting $12,500 to open an indoor play/activity centre and community meeting place for children ages newborn to 10, and their parents and/or caregivers
• Michelle’s Dental Hygiene is receiving $20,457 to establish a dental hygiene service that will include a mobile service, home-based practice and a satellite office at Lakehead University

One company is proceeding with its project with support from the Emerging Technology Program:

· Aerovate Inc. is receiving $62,500 to develop and manufacture propulsion systems and airframes for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)

QUICK FACTS

· The NOHFC is supporting these projects through its Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur, Northern Ontario Entrepreneur, andEmerging Technology programs.

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• Oliver Paipoonge Expands Business Park
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• Minister Gravelle “It is all about the right balance”
• Emilio F. Rigato Appointed to Port Authority

The Article Local Businesses Celebrate with Minister Gravelle by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

Needles in the streets in downtown south core

THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – Thunder Bay Police have been busy. Over the past twenty four hour period, police officers responded to 43 calls for service. Issues with alcohol, addiction and the related disturbances topped the list of incidents that police had to respond to.

There were five weapons offences, twenty-three quality of life calls, and eleven assaults recorded on the police record.

Thunder Bay Police Busy

Enhanced police patrols have made the downtown south core safer.

In the downtown north core, there was a sexual assault reported at 04:47EDT on June 16th, in the 200 Block of Park Avenue. At River and College Streets, there was an indecent act at 12:22EDT on June 17th. 

Enhanced patrols in the downtown southcore have resulted in fewer incidents of crime over recent days. Informed sources report that patrols both during the day, and into the early morning hours are having a significant impact on crime in the area.

In the south core, there are still issues with alcohol, and with needles being left in the streets.

800,000 Needles Handed Out in Thunder Bay

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit hands out 800,000 needles annually.

There certainly are not 800,000 needles littering the streets of the downtown south core. However quite often large numbers of needles are found all over the streets and sidewalks.

Superior Points can be reached at:

• Rick 625-8831
• Lori 625-7996
• Stuart 625-8830

The team is fast to show up and collect the needles.

The Superior Points Crew showed up in under ten minutes to pick up the unwanted needles.

However it certainly appears that the increased efforts at crime prevention from Thunder Bay Police are impacting the core area in a positive manner.

While Council has supported increased expenditures on the Eye in the Sky program, the reality is for many front line officers, the cameras are far less effective. The camera quality is not HD, and it can take up to two or three days for officers to be able to access the video.

Today in the south core, tbaytel crews were out doing cleaning and repair to one of the cameras at the corner of May and Victoria.

Eye in the Sky – Effective?

tbaytel crew working on Eye in the Sky camera at May and Victoria corner

Perhaps in addition to a written report to Council, it would be a positive step for Council to be shown a selection of the video tapes to ensure the quality of images on the video cameras. 

Thunder Bay Crime Report

Crime Report June 17 2013

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The Article Thunder Bay Crime Report June 17 2013 by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

Canadian real estate residential prices climb higher

In the spring Canadians begin to go out more and search for new places to live because its much easier to move during the warmer spring and summer months. 

Canadian real estate forecast rising housing market

Canadian real estate has risen nationally to normal levels just before the harsh new mortgage rules came into force last August, recording the first significant increase in the past nine months.

Residential home sales rose in over 60% of all local markets in May.  Increases were recorded in both small and all large urban centers including Greater Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Greater Toronto, Hamilton-Burlington, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax-Dartmouth and Thunder Bay.

“While sales improved in sync among the vast majority of local markets in May, the fact remains that all real estate is local,” said CREA President Laura Leyser. “Your REALTOR® is your best resource for understanding how the housing market is shaping up where you live or might like to.  ” Until recently, mixed sales trends across the country taken together had resulted consistently in a stable national trend. The difference in May was that sales improved in so many markets at the same time.” Increases in Canada’s resale real estate adds one more to a string of promising economic indicators that surpassed forecast  by many real estate professionals. One month of data is not that significant however when taken in unison with other economic indicators the Canadian resale housing market results provide more proof of a stable trend for the Canadian economy.

Residential real estate markets also rise

Residential home sales registered 2.6% below May 2012, with number of transactions down slightly in about 60% of local markets. Volume of newly listed homes rose 1.9%  month-over-month in May. New residential listings were up in 67% of all local markets, led by a rebound in Quebec, as well as by gains in the British Columbia’s Fraser Valley, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and also in Greater Toronto which is considered one of the strongest real estate markets in Canada.

Canadian sales-to-new listings ratio grew to 51.4% in May compared to 50.6% in April. According to figures such as sales-to-new listings ratio of between 40% to 60%, two-thirds of all local real estate markets were in stable market territory in May.

Across Canada  there were 6.4 months of excess residential real estate inventory at the end of May 2013. This verifies  the Canadian housing market firmed slightly compared to levels of 6.6 months at the end of April. The most active real estate provinces where the number of months of residential inventory declined include British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Aggregate Composite MLL Listings

The actual, not seasonally adjusted, Canadian average home price sold in April 2013 was $388,910, an increase of 3.7% from April of  last year.

Since 2011 declining sales volume in Greater Vancouver has exerted a downward push on the overall Canadian average sale price. May 2013 marks one of the first solid turn around from that downward trend, with increasing activity in Greater Vancouver having boosted the national average price for the first time since August 2011.

Ottawa joins the HPI index which now includes data from 8 real estate boards (Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Greater Toronto, Greater Montreal and now Ottawa), representing approximately 50% of all Canadian resale housing activity.

The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board was not included in the HPI Index due to the community’s relative isolation and the relative small size of the market.

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The Article Canadian Residential Real Estate Sales Climb Higher by NNL Staff first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

The Ontario Provincial Police state that the Sport Utility Vehicle crashed into a river. The group  of travellers were, according to the OPP, headed to Slate Falls from Sioux Lookout. Their vehicle reportedly left Slate Falls Road and crashed into the Brokenmouth River.

Five victims in tragedy

The accident happened about 15 kilometres south of Slate Falls.

Police were notified of the accident about 7 p.m. on Saturday.

On Sunday, the OPP recovered the vehicle from the river, and located the five victims of the car accident inside the vehicle.

Slate Falls First Nation community is located approximately 122 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout and is accessible by float plane(summer), ski plane(winter) and wheeled aircraft as there is an airstrip. Slate Falls is also accessible by one all weather road.

The Article Tragedy Hits Slate Falls First Nation by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

THUNDER BAY – Fishing – Old Town, Maine Old Town Canoes & Kayaks, one of the most storied brands in the paddlesports industry, today launched the new Predator kayak. Developed in combination with Old Town’s renowned designers and pro staff members throughout the country, the Predator is completely engineered, below and above the waterline, to deliver the perfect platform for fishing. 

The Predator brings anglers closer to the water and the action with nearly unlimited options to customize the kayak around their specific equipment and unique needs. Featuring six strategically-placed, removable mounting plates, the Predator enables consumers to install rod holders, GPS units, fish finders, cameras and more virtually anywhere around the boat without drilling into the hull so they can tailor the craft for their personal style.

The Predator boasts standout features including the three-stage Element™ seating system that can be lowered for paddling, raised for fishing or even flipped out of the way in stand-up mode for poling, sighting and casting. The proprietary, slip resistant Exo-Ridge™ deck is designed for sure footing and superior drainage, while the Tri-hull construction provides both incredible durability and stability.

A package unique in the marketplace, the Old Town Predator ensures anglers can paddle in comfort, arrange equipment to their exact specifications and even stand to fish. 

“In designing and building the Predator, we set out to turn convention upside down and deliver a totally new fishing experience,” said David Hadden, Old Town Brand Director. “The Predator still delivers the stability and comfort kayak anglers demand, but the ability to customize this kayak to your specific needs, and adjust it on the fly as your needs change, helps set it miles ahead of the competition.”

The Predator possesses a large capacity center console for maximum storage and additional mounting options, while dual rod tip holders at the bow help store valuable fishing rods safely and securely. Other key features include a large bow hatch with Old Town’s patented Click Seal cover, scupper holes for quick drainage, large rear tank well with Exo-Ridge design to keep gear accessible and dry, paddle keepers, adjustable foot braces and side-mounted rod retainers that allow for convenient grab and cast. 

The Predator is tailor made to accept aftermarket options like Scotty™ outriggers, Steady Stand-Up Bar and a Minn Kota™ trolling motor mount. Available in two new models, Old Town Predator kayaks land at authorized dealers in Summer 2013. Key specs include:

Predator 13 Predator MX

Length: 13′ 2″ Length: 12″
Width: 33.5″ Width: 34″
Seat Height: 15″ Seat Height: 15″
Leg Length: 48″ Leg Length: 48″
Weight: 72 lbs. Weight: 68 lbs.
Max Capacity: 400-425 lbs. Max Capacity: 375-400 lbs.
MSRP: $1,299 US MSRP: $ $1,199 US.

The Article Old Town Predator Kayak by NNL Sports first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©

The Ontario PCs assert “Nothing has changed”

“Nothing has changed with Kathleen Wynne as Premier. In fact, she co-chaired Dalton McGuinty’s campaign, overseeing staff who called the shots on the gas plant cancellation”. 

The Liberal Budget was supported by the New Democrats. That move kept the Wynne minority government afloat in Queens Park.

The Liberals are countering with business as usual, selling the budget is not ongoing. The Premier was at the opening of the new healthcare planning launch in Toronto.

Liberals on with the business of Ontario

There are 107 seats in Queens Park, the Liberals currently hold 50, the Progressive Conservatives 36, and the New Democrats hold 18 seats. There are currently three vacancies. The resignation of Dalton McGuinty who stepped down after the legislative session likely takes some of the sting out of the efforts of the PCs to link Wynne and McGuinty.

It also means with the three looming by-elections that campaigning over the summer will continue.

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The Article Ontario PCs Launch Campaign by James Murray first appeared on NetNewsledger.com - News at the Speed of the Internet ©