By: Martha Dillman

The NDP are continuing to try and make changes the pension system in Canada. Bill C-501 is moving on to the third and final reading – if passed it will protect pensions of companies facing bankruptcy.

By: Jessica Horne

If you can’t find any air conditioners or fans at the local stores, there is one place you can get some relief. The City has named the Timmins Public Library a cool zone. Judy Hines from the library says everyone is welcome to drop by and cool off.

By: Martha Dillman

The countdown to get an iPad is almost over – it launches in Canada, including Timmins tomorrow. Even though the 3-G network isn’t available in Timmins, the iPad will have Wi-Fi capability making it extremely portable in the north.

By: Amanda Young

If you need help with heating costs assistance is still available via the Winter Warmth Program. Low-income families can receive a grant of up to $450. For more information contact Credit Counselling Services at 267-5817.

By: Martha Dillman

Reps from Detour Gold are pleased with a recent feasibility study done on a project about 200 kilometres north east of Cochrane. President Gerald Panneton says pending permit approvals, construction will start later this year and gold production will start in 2013. Panneton adds 500 jobs will be created in the process.

By: Martha Dillman

MP Charlie Angus is calling on the Conservative government to explain cuts to Employment Insurance services. The Tories are proposing closing 15 E-I centres across Ontario, including the Timmins office.

By: Amanda Young

Mother Nature is making up for last summer. On Tuesday we hit 35.3 degrees and were the warmest city in the country while, Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada, Dave Phillips points out that last year we didn’t even get this warm in August. He says although there may be rain in the forecast things aren’t likely to cool down to normal temperatures until next week.

By: Martha Dillman

If you want to fill your pool, wash the car or water your lawn – think again. The city of Timmins is issuing a total outside watering ban for the whole city. The Hollinger Water Park is open for the time being to provide residents relief from the heat wave.

By: Jessica Horne

Bears are out eating grass and fish thanks to the warm weather, and it’s best if we keep it this way. Barbara Burkhart with the MNR says that the number of calls over last year is higher, but adds that because of the warmer spring, the bears were out of hibernation a month earlier. Burkhart says the best steps to take to deter bears are keeping garbage in secure containers, and removing bird feeders.

By: Jessica Horne

Live music, water sports, BBQs – what else could anyone want in summer fun? The city is getting ready for another season full of entertainment. Tracey Hautanen at the Shania Twain Center says they will be holding Canada Day celebrations again, and the Rotary Club’s Rib fest is being held from July 1 – 3rd. There’s also a kayaking challenge in August, and starting June 30th the city will be hosting weekly outdoor concerts at Hollinger Park.