City police report a 28-year-old Southern Ontario man wanted for multiple firearms offences in the Brantford area has been arrested in North Bay.  

The North Bay Police Service says officers stopped a vehicle on Lakeshore Drive, near Fodor Street, around 2:45 am Tuesday.  

They say during the investigation it was learned a passenger was wanted by Brantford Police for several firearms offences, including a shooting in December 2023. 

The accused has been taken back to Brantford, where he was held in custody for a bail hearing.  

Could Artificial Intelligence (AI) be coming to the city’s website?  

The idea was brought up during Tuesday’s special council committee meeting on KPMG’s organizational review of the city.  

One of the top 10 opportunities involves customer service.  

Councillor Sara Inch asked KPMG partner Bruce Peever if there is a role for AI to play in easing the burden on staff.  

“It’s going to change how services are delivered,” says Peever, pointing to the use of so-called ‘bots’. 

“When you go on the city’s website you would be greeted with a bot and you would ask your question,” he says. “AI is now powerful enough that if you have the database there, it would be able to provide the answer.”  

Peever says some examples could include garbage pick-up times or even complex issues related to taxes.  

He says that would free up staff to answer more difficult questions.  

Council kept the organizational review on the committee file with the CAO to report back with an implementation plan.  

The Near North District School Board (NNDSB) says it supports initiatives that enhance student achievement and well-being. 

This after the province announced new controls on cell phone usage in schools earlier this week. 

Starting in September, children in kindergarten to Grade 6 will be required to keep phones on silent and out of sight for the entire school day, unless given permission by a staff member. 

For students in grades 7 to 12, cell phones will have to be put on silent and put away during class time. 

“The board will be reviewing the information received and working with administrators and educators to create consistent expectations and processes in line with the Ministry’s direction and expectations,” reads a statement from NNDSB.  

The new rules will also see vaping banned in all schools. 

**With files from Andrew Mendler and Norman Jack 

An organizational review done for the city remains on council’s committee file.   

KPMG provided ten opportunities for the city to consider with the CAO to come back with an implementation plan.   

Council went through each of the opportunities at Tuesday night’s meeting. There was a lot of discussion on the recommendation to clarify the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. 

“It does involve elected officials at the municipal level whether they are mandated or not to deliver social services. The question is how do you do it,” says Bruce Peever, KPMG partner. “It is a community, so the city has a role but it has to be mindful of the defined legislated mandate of your provider, which is [the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board].”  

KPMG senior manager Sana Malik also says one area of concern related to the plan is the downtown parking garage and security challenges around homelessness.     

“We understand the city is taking steps to address the security piece,” says Malik. “However, the department can consider if divesting the parking garage is a viable option. The city should perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine the long-term plan for this parking garage as well.”   

Here is the full list of the top 10 opportunities:
1. Adopt a Corporate Performance Management Framework
2. Develop Departmental Master Plans and Business Plans
3. Clarify the Community Safety and Well-being Plan
4. Implement a Corporate-wide Customer Service Strategy
5. Develop a Workforce Plan
6. Centralize Back-office Roles
7. Clarify Service Agreements with ABCs/Service Partners
8. Conduct Comprehensive User Fee Studies
9. Prepare a Climate Change Impact Assessment
10. Collaborate with Local Post-secondary Institutions

The Executive Report of the KPMG study is available on the city’s website.  

A communications review was also discussed at Tuesday night’s meeting.  

Developing a corporate communications plan and strengthening the city’s brand and social media presence are a few opportunities.   

Emergency preparedness was the focus of a safe schools conference recently in North Bay.

Principals from all four local school boards took part in the April 24-25 event, along with Ontario Provincial Police and the North Bay Police Service.  

Board officials say school leaders were given current information on protocols to train staff for various emergencies, including bomb threats and lockdown procedures.  

Threat and behaviour analysis and violence threat assessments were also covered.  

“Ensuring safe schools isn’t merely a goal. It’s a fundamental promise to every student, parent, and educator,” says Éric Foisy, Superintendent of Education at Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord. “ Our conference aimed to unite voices and strategies, establishing a comprehensive framework for fostering safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environments where every child can thrive.”  

The conference also included mental health training.  

The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound is getting an extra $50,000 in provincial funding.  

Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced the funding is on top of their base allocation of $159,500 for this year. 

“This additional funding will allow our local business centre to expand services such as business consultations, seminars, workshops, mentorship and training, as well as micro-grants through the Summer Company and Starter Company Plus programs,” says Fedeli.  

Jennifer Nickerson, manager of the business centre says they will be able to accept more entrepreneurs into their programs and enhance the training and mentorship the centre provides.  

“These programs have proven to provide valuable training, resources, connections, and mentorship to participants and help to ensure the small business owners are set up for success,” Nickerson says. “Participants represent a wide variety of industries, but all have a common desire to launch or grow a viable business that contributes to our local communities.” 

Applications are still open for the Summer Company 2024 program.  

For more information visit tbcnps.ca. 

275 people will soon be without a job after Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced as of July 2, they’re suspending operations at its Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose (HPC) plant for an indefinite amount of time.

Officials announced the news late yesterday afternoon.

De Lyle Bloomquist, president and chief executive officer, said persistent market weakness, uncertain availability of affordable wood fiber, and high capital and fixed costs have posed significant challenges for the Temiscaming HPC plant. He says it’s not a decision they take lightly, and are mindful of the impact it will have on the employees.

Officials say the decision doesn’t affect Rayonier’s paperboard and high-yield pulp plants located adjacent to the Temiscaming HPC plant. Those two plants, which are part of an ongoing sales process announced last October, remain competitive and will continue to operate at full capacity.

A series of recommendations are coming to council for discussion after a recent organizational review.  

The KPMG report is on the agenda for a special committee meeting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

One of the 10 top opportunities is to develop a corporate-wide customer service strategy.  

“Most members of Council expressed an interest in improving corporate-wide customer service and public communication/transparency of city affairs,” states the KPMG report. “While Council acknowledged progress has been made in recent years, many residents continue to express frustration with municipal services and staff.”  

Developing a workforce plan is another recommendation.  

The report says nearly three-quarters of survey respondents (74%) said their department does not have sufficient staff levels to meet service standards and service demands. 

Here is the full list of the top 10 opportunities:  

1. Adopt a Corporate Performance Management Framework
2. Develop Departmental Master Plans and Business Plans
3. Clarify the Community Safety and Well-being Plan
4. Implement a Corporate-wide Customer Service Strategy
5. Develop a Workforce Plan
6. Centralize Back-office Roles
7. Clarify Service Agreements with ABCs/Service Partners
8. Conduct Comprehensive User Fee Studies
9. Prepare a Climate Change Impact Assessment
10. Collaborate with Local Post-secondary Institutions

The Executive Report of the KPMG study is available on the city’s website.  

The Nipissing Roller Derby league says it’s bringing big hits, fast feet, and a dose of healthy competition to the area.   

Another season begins later this week with skaters taking on teams from across Ontario this summer.   

The league’s season opener (1:30 pm on May 4) is a double-header at the Armour Ryerson & Burk’s Falls arena.   

Other double header events are taking place June 22 and Sept. 14 at the Bill Barber Complex in Callander.   

Tanya Goudreau, whose derby name is Little Miss Trouble, does social media and marketing for the team.  

On top of the local events, she says they also visit other teams. 

“We are going out to Owen Sound and further down by Durham, but we also have scrimmages,” she says. “It’s a mixture of all teams around and you just play for the love of derby.”  

For those interested in getting involved, the league has a 12-week Intro to Derby program starting September 25.   

Plans are also in the works for the return of a junior league.  

Goudreau says they started a bit before the pandemic, but COVID put that on hold.  

“Now that we’re settled out in Callander and we have a lot of interest for the adults, now juniors are starting to pour in,” she says. “We do have a couple of juniors that help out with reffing and other things on the team.” 

Game one of this weekend’s double-header is the Nipissing Bombshell Bobbers taking on a team from Guelph.   

The second game is an open scrimmage.   

Doors open at 1:30 pm with the game starting at 2 pm.  

Admission is $10 for adults while kids 12 and under are free. 

58 tickets were issued after a one-day traffic blitz last week involving city and provincial police in North Bay.  

Along with one vehicle being seized for stunt driving, two commercial vehicles were towed and taken out of service because of equipment issues. Police say the focus was on speeding but tickets were also issued for distracted driving, failing to stop for emergency vehicles and more.  

“The results of this one-day traffic initiative are disappointing,” says North Bay Police Service Inspector of Operations, Jeff Warner. “Working with our policing partners in the OPP, we charged a number of people in our ongoing efforts to improve road safety.”  

He adds with the warmer weather approaching e-bikes, scooters and kids on bicycles will increasingly be on our roads.  

“I encourage everyone to slow down, drive appropriately, eliminate your distractions and arrive at your destination safely,” Warner says. 

Six summonses were issued for suspended drivers while criminal charges filed include impaired by drug and drug-possession.  

The traffic campaign took place on April 25 throughout North Bay.

Wildfire season is underway and city fire officials say homeowners can help reduce the risk of wildfire around their house.  

The idea is to build and maintain up to 30 metres of wildfire resiliency.  

“There are many factors that may impact your property’s risk to wildfire so visiting www.FireSmartCanada.ca is your first step to protecting your home,” states a release. “Many resources are available to the homeowner such as ‘FireSmart Begins at Home Guide’ or the FireSmart 101 online course.” 

Officials say the free one-hour course will walk residents through the three “Home Ignition Zones” teaching them how to reduce the risks on their property, working outwards from the home.  

Also available is the FireSmart Begins at Home app.  

St. Victor Catholic Elementary School in Mattawa is closed today (Monday, April 29).

The Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board says an issue in the school’s mechanical room was identified on Sunday.

Although the issue was resolved by 3 pm an odour lingered in the school.

Officials say despite the ventilation system operating at maximum capacity and portable air purifiers put in place, the odour remains. 

That resulted in the decision being made to close the school Monday, out of an abundance of caution, for the health and safety of students and staff.  

The city says sandbag filling stations at Sunset and Champlain Parks will no longer be staffed starting on Monday, April 29.  

It’s because of lower demand.  

Officials do say pre-filled sandbags will still be available on a self-serve basis.  

Late Friday afternoon the city said about 6,000 sandbags had been distributed to date.  

All this as a flood warning continues for Lake Nipissing.  

The city says sandbags are intended for reinforcing breakwalls and keeping water away from buildings. 

There were no injuries after city fire crews extinguished a fire in a house on the 800 block of Peninsula Road Friday morning.  

The call came in just before 6:30 am.  

Chief Jason Whiteley says the chimney fire had extended to the outside of the house, but crews were able to quickly get it under control.  

“The homeowner was trying to control it with his own garden hose,” he says. “Firefighters quickly continued to douse the outside. It had gone into the roof area and we quickly got the fire under control in the roof.”  

Whiteley says it was a little more stubborn in the floor area around the chimney. 

“We had to cut a few floorboards as the fire was starting to progress back into the house but we quickly got it under control as well,” he says.  

Whiteley says the fire started in the chimney system of a wood-burning stove.  

Nipissing First Nation voters will be casting ballots for chief and council this summer. 

A nomination meeting is taking place on May 17 (7-9 pm) at the Nipissing First Nation community center in Garden Village.  

Candidates can also be nominated by email or regular mail.  

The necessary forms can be found at nfn.ca. 

They must be received on or before the close of the May 17 meeting. 

Election Day is July 5, subject to acclamations.  

There will be e-voting, mail-in and in-person ballots.   

Currently, there are 2,749 voters, but that changes with member registration.

Smile Cookies are back at Tim Hortons starting on Monday and the North Bay and District Humane Society is benefiting.  

Funds raised in North Bay will help injured, abandoned, and vulnerable companion animals in-care at the humane society.  

“The number of animals that we’ve been housing here at the humane society has only grown over the last few years so every dollar raised from the Smile Cookie campaign will help the animals here,” says Liam Cullin, Executive Director for the humane society. 

Proceeds from the sale of Smile Cookies will help pay for housing, veterinary care, food, medicine, vaccines and more for the nearly one thousand pets who call the shelter home annually. 

“We opened our new adoption centre last year which has doubled the number of animals so [the campaign] really goes a long way to make sure we’re helping vulnerable pets in need,” Cullin says. 

He adds they’re still taking pre-orders online at www.nbdhs.ca/smilecookies.    

“We’re taking pre-orders on orders we’re going to be delivering up until next Friday (May 3),” says Cullin.  

The cookies will be available in-store from April 29-May 5.

The literacy team at the Near North District School Board has won a Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award.  

Officials say the award celebrates exceptional dedication within school communities in supporting students with dyslexia.  

“It is an honour to receive this acknowledgement from Dyslexia Canada,” says K-12 Student Achievement and Well-Being Principal, Stephen Krause. “I am so very proud of the members of our literacy team and the collaboration they engage in alongside educators across our system every day. However, this award is also a recognition of our district and all who work in it, especially our K-12 educators as they dive deeper into their learning and work in school teams to make continual shifts in the literacy programming and delivery of instruction to meet the needs of all students most effectively.” 

The team includes Krause, Lorianne Haslehurst, Amy Bartlett Gibson, Genive Di Bernardo, Lisa Rogers, Michael Watson and Rebekah Felsman.  

They will be presented with the award at the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Ontario Literacy and Learning Conference in Toronto on Saturday. 

Meantime, the Terry Fox Foundation is recognizing the 2023 Terry Fox Run at Chippewa Secondary School.  

The event raised $14,718 which was the 11th highest among all high schools in Ontario.  

“We are so proud and impressed with how Chippewa’s staff and students accomplished this feat through fundraising, fun school challenges, spirit assemblies and a barbecue this past fall,” says Chris Cassidy, coordinator. “Cancer affects us all, and we know these efforts are helping achieve Terry’s vision of ending the scourge of cancer.” 

In a letter, the Foundation says the Chippewa school community has shown extraordinary effort and come together to carry on Terry’s legacy.  

The Powassan Maple Syrup Festival is back on Saturday.  

The free event runs from 9 am to 4 pm, with over 140 vendors along Main Street and inside 250 Clark.  

“We’ve got a lot of different activities,” says Leo Patey, chair of the event. “We have lumberjack shows, Science North, the fur harvesters, lots of food vendors and lots of artisans coming.  

The opening ceremony and pancake flipping contest are lined up for 10 am on Main Street. 

Along with three pancake breakfasts at the curling club, St. Mary’s Church and the Legion, there’s a baked bean lunch at the United Church and more food at the Masonic Lodge.  

Offsite Parking is at Evan Hughes Excavating.  

“He’s got great space that he lets us use every year,” Patey says. “It’s on [Highway] 534 just past the school. There’s a free shuttle that will take folks to 250 Clark. But it also takes them up to Matthew’s Maple Syrup for a tour of the sugar bush.”  

Other festival events include a petting zoo, bouncy castles and more. 

A 17-year-old from Magnetawan is facing a theft over $5000 charge after the OPP says he stole thousands of dollars in lottery tickets.  

Back in February of this year, Almaguin Highlands OPP says officers responded to a theft of lottery tickets from a Magnetawan business. With the help from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, it was determined about $84,000 worth of tickets were taken from the business over a period of months.  

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear in court in June.