Grade 10 students across North Bay and West Nipissing will have a chance to shape their future.

It's all part of Planet Youth Nipissing, which the Nipissing Parry Sound District Health Unit says will issue voluntary surveys that will provide data to help communities better understand the lives of young people, what's impacting their health and their well being.

The project is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, an evidence-based, community-led approach that successfully reduced teen substance use in Iceland over a 20-year period.

Last year, the health unit says 68 community organizations, like police, school boards, HANDS, OUTLoud and more, heard from Planet Youth, and due to widespread interest, a coalition of members serving both communities was formed.

The goal is to reduce teen substance abuse in our communities by fostering a community that promotes their well-being.

“Our children are our future. We are so excited to work in partnership with the coalition members in building a community that engages and encourages the growth and development of youth in West Nipissing,” said Mayor of West Nipissing, Kathleen Thorne Rochon.

Officials say the key element to Planet Youth’s success is its proactive and preventative strategy. By identifying risk factors and positive influences that impact the development of risky behaviors, it becomes possible to intervene early and make changes to the environment, where needed, for youth to thrive.

“I want to thank all the community partners who have come together to spearhead this project,” said Mayor of North Bay, Peter Chirico. “Our young people are our future, and providing support early on through this kind of initiative will help to empower them to overcome challenges and realize their full potential.”

For more information on Planet Youth Nipissing visit www.planetyouthnipissing.ca.

Member organizations include the Canadian Mental Health Association North Bay and District, Children's Aid Society Nipissing & Parry Sound, City of North Bay, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l'Ontario, District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca, Municipality of West Nipissing, Near North District School Board, Nick's Place For Us, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board, Nipissing University, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, North Bay Police Service, North Bay Regional Health Centre, OUTLoud North Bay, West Nipissing Community Health Centre, and YMCA of Northeastern Ontario.

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The Near North District School Board staff are making 'heroic efforts' to ensure the quality of care and engagement in learning is at a level students deserve, despite burnout and an increase in emerging student behaviours.

That's according to a statement from director of education Craig Myles, raising concerns about dire staffing shortages occurring across the entire education sector.

Earlier this week, board trustees approved a motion to send a letter to the Minister of Education and the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association to support staff and advocate for relief measures to alleviate critical staffing shortages.

School board officials say although staff are attempting to mitigate the impact, as occasional teachers run out of the number of days they are allowed to work, the situation will become critical.

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A rainfall warning is in effect for our area and along with it, the MNRF is reminding residents to keep a close watch on local rivers and streams.

Environment Canada says today and well into tomorrow, 30 to 60 mm of rain is possible. They add the frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb all the rainfall and flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

The MNRF says the rain will turn to light snow throughout the district overnight on Friday and into Saturday.. and to keep an eye on high flows. Their Water Safety Bulletin is currently in place until next Friday.

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Lavigne will be without a voice in the council chambers.

Jérôme Courchesne has left his Ward 8 seat, submitting a resignation letter on Friday, April 5, saying a job at the Au Château disqualifies him under provincial legislation from holding a seat as councillor with the municipality because Au Château is considered a local board.

In his letter, Courchesne shares he's not stepping down due to the workload or for any negative reasons.

"As a result of my new employment, and in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, I must withdraw from my seat on Council," reads the letter.

He adds he enjoyed serving the community and working with council since the beginning of the term.

The Municipal Clerk will declare the seat vacant, officially, at next week's council meeting.

Council will then need to fill the seat through a Process of Appointment.

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A 39-year-old North Bay man is facing charges after police surrounded and evacuated a Cassells Street building on Wednesday.

The North Bay Police Service says shortly before 3:30 p.m. on April 10, officers were called to the 1100 block of Cassells Street after a report saying a man had pointed a gun at a victim and demanded information.

Officials say the victim then fled the scene and called police, and the accused entered a nearby apartment building.

Officers then surrounded the building, evacuated residents and identified the accused.

A negotiator was brought on scene, and at approximately 5:30 p.m., police say the accused surrendered.

No injuries were sustained during the incident. Police say a handgun was recovered, and it was determined that it was a pellet gun.

The 39-year-old is facing one count of robbery, pointing a firearm, two counts of failing to comply with probation and more.

He's being held pending a bail hearing.

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If you're interested in volunteering, you'll soon have the perfect opportunity to find out how.

The new community-based Volunteer Collective in North Bay and the area is hosting its first Community Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, April 10 from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm at 140 Elmwood Ave.

The collective consists of 17 local not-for-profit organizations and includes the Children's Aid Society of Nipissing and Parry Sound, Big Brothers Big Sisters North Bay, Outloud, One Kids Place and more.

Jesse Reid with One Kids Place, says everyone's had to rebuild their volunteer base following COVID.

"This is a great opportunity to put lots of organizations in one room where people can check out a variety of opportunities ranging from working with children, animals seniors and all kinds of different things," she says.

Reid's inviting everyone to come out, ask questions, and see what is of interest to you.

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Over $222,000 is coming to the North Bay Regional Health Centre to support prenatal and specialized services.

That's according to MPP Vic Fedeli, who says the one-time funding from the province will support timely care for families, children and youth by expanding bed and patient flow-related surgical initiatives.

Health Centre President and CEO Paul Heinrich says it will allow them to relocate the outpatient pediatric clinic to accommodate more patients, all while adding a new cardiac monitor.

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Just in time for National Pet Day, the North Bay and District Humane Society is hitting the road.

With a new name and a new look, the North Bay Animal Rescue and Relief Transport is going to be transferring 35 cats and 28 dogs from across the province.

“It’s very fitting our refreshed transport is back on the road in time for National Pet Day as it has transformed our ability to reach and help pets in need,” says Liam Cullin, Executive Director, North Bay and District Humane Society. “In the past five years, the unit has supported 154 rescue and relief operations, safely and comfortably transferring homeless pets from remote northern communities to more populated centres in the south where they can receive veterinary care and find forever homes. After so many years on the road, a refresh was much needed. The new name and look better reflects the services the transport provides.”

Officials share the unit has travelled 177,000 km and aided more than 3,200 pets since it launched in 2018.

Although it primarily travels to Thunder Bay, it also transports pets to cities across southern Ontario including Guelph, Burlington, London, Kingston and Cobourg. It has undertaken some lengthy, complex trips, including a 2,800 km round trip to Dryden.

Officials add it's all possible because of two sponsorships from Pet Valu including $100,000 in 2018 and $31,000 this year.

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