Here are the stories that were making headlines in November:
1. The Thunder Bay and District Humane Society announced on Nov. 4 that they would have to close their doors by the end of the year if they couldn’t cover a $180,000 deficit.
The animal shelter received an outpouring of support from the community through direct donations and third-party fundraisers. That support allowed the organization to remain operating into the New Year.
2. Thunder Bay’s two MPs Bruce Hyer (NDP, Thunder Bay-Superior North) and John Rafferty (NDP, Thunder Bay – Rainy River) were punished after voting in favour of the Conservative government’s Bill C-19 to end the long-gun registry.
Both MPs were booted from their committee and critic roles, were not allowed to make statements or ask questions in the House and had their travel privileges with the exception of riding business revoked.
Hyer and Rafferty had both promised in their election campaigns to vote against the registry as per their constituents wishes and under the former NDP leader, the late Jack Layton, the bill was to be a free vote.
3. Global Sticks CEO Reggie Nukovic announced on Nov. 28 that the company needed a $2-million bailout to stay afloat, nearly two weeks after temporarily shutting down the 84-employee operation when the money ran out.
Nukovic took the blame for the plant’s problems, stating they didn’t secure a consistent supply of birch wood. Employees were told of the shutdown on Nov. 15.
4. A resident was bounced from council chambers during a debate about deer on Nov. 21.
City council, in a 10-3 decision, passed a recommendation that will see a by-law come before them allowing deer to be hunted by bow in certain areas of the city. It will also ban the feeding of deer.
Henry Wojak was making the only deputation opposed to the plan when meeting chair Coun. Trevor Giertuga told him he was out of time. Wojak continued to speak until his microphone was cut off. As he walked away from the table, Wojak allegedly directed a profanity toward council.
He was escorted out of council chambers by security and was later banned from speaking at council for six months.
5. A Yorkshire Terrier puppy was allegedly mauled to death by a neighbour’s larger dog on Nov. 24.
The larger dog allegedly squeezed under a fence separating the two properties and grabbed the puppy in its teeth, killing it.
6. City police were involved in an armed standoff on Nov. 23 on Northern Avenue. Police, who later arrested the suspect in the Victoriaville area, were hunting for a man they alleged had robbed a May Street Mac’s Convenience Store.
Twenty-two-year-old Ryan Deluney was charged with robbery with a firearm, disguise with intent, possession of a firearm contrary to an order and breach of probation.
7. After a few complaints by nearby residents, city council unanimously voted to approve Evergreen a United Neighbourhood’s plan to convert the former Hells Angels clubhouse on Heron Street into a community space.
8. City council approved a recommendation by Superior North EMS on Nov. 14 to expand coverage in Thunder Bay and consult with district municipalities before any changes can happen to service in the district.
9. Loch Lomond Ski Area was fined $70,000 on Nov. 18 following the electrocution of an 18-year-old man there in 2009.
The ski hill was convicted on a count of failure to ensure safety measures and procedures were in place, under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
10. The Centre of Change, housed in the former Hillcrest High School, officially opened on Nov. 20.
The Centre took ownership of the former high school in July and underwent some renovations. The building houses about 30 businesses and non-profit organizations.
