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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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An integrated Low Barrier Shelter and Homeless Hub that helps those with high needs find permanent housing are being recommended for North Bay.

This after a review of the homelessness system in Nipissing District.  

Two reports were commissioned by the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB).  

One included a review of the current system to identify gaps, cultural equity, barriers, and opportunities.  

It looked at best practices in other communities to develop a 24/7 business model for district-wide homelessness services, including a “Homeless Hub”.  

“This model aligns with the district’s goal of ending chronic homelessness and provides an analysis of pathways to services including emergency shelters, warming sites, food security and outreach services district-wide,” states a release.  

The other study analyzed the district’s demographic characteristics and input on housing needs from residents.  

“These studies provide us with a great deal of insight into the current state and future needs of the district,” says Mark King DNSSAB Chair. “DNSSAB is excited to closely examine the recommendations and develop strategies to implement them.”  

Staff will be reviewing both studies and creating an action plan to address the recommendations.  

The studies will also be used when developing the next 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan for the district.

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Canada’s unions are calling on decision-makers to take immediate and concrete action to make work safe.  

They’re marking the National Day of Mourning on Sunday with that message.  

Officials say an alarming number of workers are still getting injured, falling ill, or dying from unsafe work.  

“Workers need proper protection and adequate information to keep them safe,” states a release from the North Bay and District Labour Council. “Decision-makers have a responsibility to strongly enforce the Westray law to ensure that employers aren’t cutting corners at the expense of workers’ health and safety.”  

The local Day of Mourning ceremony is being held at 6 pm on Sunday outside North Bay City Hall.  

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More rain is on the way as a Flood Warning continues for the Lake Nipissing shoreline in North Bay, Callander and the Parks Creek watershed.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) also says a Flood Watch has been issued for the La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Drive and the Wasi River subwatershed.  

“Water levels on Lake Nipissing are above the maximum non-damage threshold,” says Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Shoreline areas are vulnerable to strong westerly winds that amplify local water level and wave action.”  

Officials say a significant multi-day rain event forecast to begin on Saturday and the ground already has limited capacity to store additional water, resulting in increased levels and flows on local lakes and rivers. 

The conservation authority continues to operate the Parks Creek Backflood Control structure, located at Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area off Lakeshore Drive in North Bay.  

“Four extra pumps are being placed at the dam to help increase capacity and be prepared the best that we can for the upcoming storm that starts this Saturday,” says Chitra Gowda, NBMCA CAO and Flood Warning Coordinator. 

A Flood Outlook continues for the other areas of the North Bay-Mattawa watershed. 

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The YMCA of Northeastern Ontario has won two awards from the North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO).  

The group involves both YMCA Canada and the YMCA of the USA.  

The Philanthropic Communications Award celebrated the success of the YMCA Fill the Bus campaign, which ran in North Bay and Sudbury last fall and raised nearly $200,000.  

The campaign helps local kids experience the magic of camp with funds raised covering the cost of registration, supplies, camp equipment and more.  

106.3 Jet FM and Country 90.5 FM proudly partnered with the Rotary Club of North Bay and Northern Ontario Film Studios for the North Bay campaign.  

"Vista Radio prides itself on being an integral part of the communities we live in, and every year we get to help worthy organizations achieve their goals through various fund-raising initiatives,” says Peter Hobbs, Regional General Manager for Vista Radio Ontario North. “In 2023, we were honoured to partner with the YMCA in North Bay for what is probably the most wholesome yet wackiest promotion we've ever done.” 

During the fundraising event, morning hosts Mike Monaghan and Kevin Oschefski boarded a bus and visited major sponsors to compete in summer camp-related events.  

“We can't wait to do it again with the 'Y' in 2024,” says Hobbs. 

The Excellence in Strategic Collaborations Award celebrated a collaboration between several YMCA’s including the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, BC, Quebec and others on a direct mail campaign raising funds for YMCA programs.  

"We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be recognized for these two awards,” says Lorrie Turnbull, President and CEO for the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. “There were so many people who helped these campaigns be successful, including our staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and our northern communities.” 

Turnbull adds children and families across Northeastern Ontario who need YMCA programs and services will be able to access them without financial barriers.  

The awards were recently handed out at NAYDO’s 43rd annual conference in Denver, Colorado. 

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A section of sidewalk near Lee Park is being replaced.  

The city says the existing interlocking brick sidewalk, located between Judge Avenue and the Kate Pace Way, and on Judge Avenue between Memorial Drive and the Lakeshore Drive Overpass, has reached the end of its lifecycle.  

“It will be replaced with concrete sidewalk and asphalt boulevard,” states a release. “Concrete work is expected to take approximately two weeks to complete. Asphalt restoration is scheduled for May 9 and 10.” 

The city adds drivers may experience minor interruptions while passing through the construction site.  

Pedestrians are being encouraged to take Judge, Leask, and James avenues. 

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Council has extended the term of the Community Safety and Well-Being Ad Hoc Committee for another year.  

Councillor Gary Gardiner says they have a plan that isn’t perfect, but it does recognize the difficult road ahead when it comes to addiction, homelessness and mental health.  

“The challenges faced by individuals suffering from these problems are visible, heart-wrenching and deserve council’s attention,” he says. “We need to find solutions and as a community we’re not quite there yet.” 

Councillor Tanya Vrebosch would like to see the committee branch out and come up with more actionable items too.  

“We keep looking at the health crisis, but there are other things that we can do to support our citizens with the well-being side of things as well,” she says.  

One example she provided was doctor recruitment and retention.  

The committee’s one-year term was set to expire next month.  

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A 45-year-old physician is facing charges after city police were called about an incident at the hospital last Thursday.  

The North Bay Police Service says a patient was assaulted and another person was threatened.  

The male doctor is charged with assault with a weapon and uttering threats.  

Police say the accused turned himself in at police headquarters on Monday and was released on an undertaking with a future court date.  

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There’s still work to do after a last year's online regional conference focused on several topics, including anti-racism, settling immigrants, retaining existing populations and more.

The Northern Policy Institute says while progress has been made, Indigenous populations continue to face worse economic outcomes than non-Indigenous populations and there is still work to be done around awareness of BIPOC peoples.  

Officials say another persistent theme continues to be noticeable gaps in critical services in the north, including health services, public transportation, broadband and more. 

“Actors in Northern Ontario have been working hard to develop welcoming communities and close existing gaps to allow for sustainable population growth,” states Charles Cirtwill, NPI’s President & CEO. “The Magnetic North Conference allowed us to highlight best practices and identify collective actions necessary to ensuring the responsible and continuous growth of our regions.” 

Approximately 130 individuals representing 70 different organizations took part in the 2023 Magnetic North Conference last June.   

The full report can be found online at: https://www.northernpolicy.ca/magnetic-north-report-2023 

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Wildland fire season is already in full swing in British Columbia and Alberta, but so far, so good in Northeastern Ontario.

Natural Resources and Forestry Ministry fire information officer Evan Lizotte says there have been ten fires this season, but they’re all out.

“The hazard is currently low in the Northeast Region,” he adds, “with a small patch of moderate hazard in the Sudbury area.”

Precipitation during the week is expected to keep the fire hazard low to moderate.

“There will be some sunny but cool days later this week, which will be flowed by rain over the weekend,” Lizotte says, “so the hazard will most likely not bounce back this week.”

He reminds us that outdoor burning is only allowed between two hours before sunset and two hours after sunrise, and never in windy conditions.

**Written by Bob McIntyre

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Local students working towards a career in architecture can apply for one of two scholarships.  

The North Bay Society of Architects (NBSA) has $2,500 in scholarships available for post-secondary architecture students in the area.  

The program started in 2019. 

“Our goal is to promote the development of the next generation of Northern Ontario architectural professionals, and we are pleased to offer financial support,” says Noémie Lavigne, NBSA Executive Member.  

The first scholarship is valued at $1,500 and is designated for one student pursuing a university degree in architecture.  

The second scholarship is worth $1,000 and will be given to a student pursuing a college diploma in an architectural field, such as architectural technology or interior design.  

The deadline to apply is Friday, June 7 (12 pm).  

Application details and forms can be found online at www.nbsa.ca. 

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Two sandbagging locations are now in operation in North Bay.   

It’s for residents concerned about potential shoreline damage along Lake Nipissing with a flood warning issued by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.   

After opening a sandbag filling station at Sunset Park on Sunday, a second filling station has opened at Champlain Park.   

Both will operate from 8 am to 8 pm daily until further notice, providing sand and sandbags to city residents at no cost.   

Officials say sandbags are intended for reinforcing breakwalls and serving as barriers to prevent water from reaching structures. Prefilled sandbags are available, and staff will be on hand to help with lifting and loading.  

The Conservation Authority’s flood warning includes the City of North Bay, Municipality of Callander and the Parks Creek watershed.

In Callander, sand and bags are available on a self-serve basis at 100 Nipissing Street.  

[caption id="attachment_98759" align="aligncenter" width="696"] (Photo by MyNorthBayNow.com staff)[/caption]

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Nipissing University and Canadore College are receiving over $1.8 million from the province.  

Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced the money is to help with STEM programming costs, due to higher enrollments.  

“With this new provincial investment, Canadore College and Nipissing University will be able to continue their success in training students to obtain jobs in the labour market of today and tomorrow,” he says.  

The breakdown of STEM funding is as follows: 
- $1,184,294 for Nipissing University
- $652,765 for Canadore College

Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University says offers undergraduate and graduate level programming in areas such as computer science, biology, mathematics, psychology, and more.  

“Students in these programs are learning from some of the best and brightest STEM researchers in the country,” he says. “This funding will enable these programs to continue to thrive and prepare students to become leaders in their chosen field.”  

George Burton, President & CEO of Canadore says the college offers STEM Programs in the Schools of Environmental Studies and Biotechnology, Information Technology, Trades and Technology, and Aviation and Aerospace Technology. 

“Programs at Canadore College are flexible enough to respond to the rapidly changing workforce demands in the STEM industries,” he says. “Our students graduate job ready, and many are hired even before graduation.” 

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A series of events aimed at empowering residents and businesses from the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts to thrive in the ever-evolving workplace is taking place this week.  

The Labour Market Group is hosting Workforce Week 2024. 

A range of activities designed to foster skill development, networking opportunities, and collaboration run April 22-26.  

Highlights include:  

Get Job Ready: Learn essential skills training to prepare you for joining or advancing in the workforce. Tuesday, April 23 (10am-1:30pm) at the Grande Event Centre.  

Connect: A professional development opportunity for agency staff with a guest speaker addressing compassion fatigue, navigating stress, and burnout. Wednesday, April 24 (11am-2pm) at the Grande Event Centre.  

Job Fair: Jobseekers can connect with employers offering a wide-range of employment opportunities. Thursday, April 25 (10am-3pm) at the Grande Event Centre.  

A session involving skilled trades is taking place on Thursday (6pm-8pm) at the West Ferris Arena.  

"We are excited to host Workforce Week 2024 and provide a platform for individuals to explore new career opportunities, enhance their skills, and connect with industry leaders," says Stacie Fiddler, Executive Director at the Labour Market Group.  

The week’s schedule of events can be found in the graphic below. 

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A local group is once again putting together backpacks of donated essential items to hand out to those in need in the community.  

The Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay created the Backpacks of Love campaign in 2021.  

Donated items will be accepted at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption, 480 McIntyre St. W. (at the garage location across the street from the church) from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, May 4. 

New items needed include:  
Sturdy backpacks/duffle bag
6 pk of socks - light & heavy
Silver emergency blanket (not regular blankets)
Sun hats/ball caps
Reusable water bottles
Deodorant
Sunscreen (cream only)
Small hairbrushes (not combs)
Travel size shampoo/conditioner in one
Tarp
Feminine hygiene products
Toilet paper
Insect repellent (cream only)
Towelettes/wipes
Rain poncho
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Lip balm
Travel size body wash
Hair elastics for ladies

Monetary donations are being accepted and can be e-transferred by emailing CompassionNorthBay@gmail.com 

66 backpacks were created last spring and were distributed by several frontline organizations to those in need.  

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