We don’t have to look back very far -- here are the stories that kept us reading in December.
10. Free-falling oil prices
Falling global oil prices dropped gas to the lowest rate in years. In Thunder Bay most prices hovered just below $1.10 per litre though many Fort William First Nation gas bars were selling below $1 per litre. The city prices were still above provincial average.
9. Online voting?
The next municipal election could see ballots cast online. Coun. Iain Angus introduced a motion before city council to allow electronic ballots for the first time in Thunder Bay after a lengthy delay for results in the October election caused widespread frustration. Council is expected to make a decision on the matter in 2015.
8. Christmas campaigns
The city stepped up for local charities during their annual Christmas campaigns. The Salvation Army raised a record-setting $187,000, surpassing their goal by more than $10,000. By mid-December The United Way had raised more than $2 million of their $2.6 million goal.
With their contracts expiring on Dec. 31, local OPSEU members staged various protests across the city, aimed at elected provincial representatives. They overwhelmingly voted in favour of job action in strike mandate votes, saying they were sick of wage freezes.
6. OPG apologizes to Gull Bay
Residents of the Gull Bay First Nation received an apology that was more than 80 years in the making. OPG made a formal apology for damning and diversion projects on the Nipigon and Ogoki Rivers that flooded the community and destroyed historical grounds. The apology, which was accepted, was part of a $12.5 million settlement.
5. Warmer winter
For much of the month city residents were able to enjoy unseasonably warm weather. There were 14 days in the month with a high daily temperature above 0C, compared to no such days just a year ago. The city also received below average amounts of snow.
4. SOS gets a boost
The Shelter House received a boost after city council voted to contribute $50,000 to ensure their Street Outreach Services program continued to run. Some councillors applauded the program while others wanted to see specifics on how it was benefitting the budgets of emergency services.
3. MPAC ‘disgusts’ mayor
Mayor Keith Hobbs said MPAC was “out of control” and “disgusting” after the city council came to the rescue of Our Kids Count community kitchen. Council voted to grant them their unpaid property taxes after MPAC revoked the organization’s charitable status.
2. Fatal auto-pedestrian crash
Darlene Kooistra, 75, was killed in an auto-pedestrian collision at the intersection of Arthur and Edward Streets when her motorized scooter came into contact with a pickup truck. There has been no word on if any charges will be laid.
1. Violent year continues
A violent year continued to set city records with the 11th murder of 2014. The body of 62-year-old Richard Spence was found inside a Secord Street residence on Dec. 21. His cousin, 45-year-old Monica Spence, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
