News

2024 Warmest Year In Modern Era

2024 was a warm one in Thunder Bay.

10 of the 12 months were warmer than their normal average.

The airport is used as the measuring stick location, and in 2024 the average temperature there was 5.4C, well above the long-term average of 2.6C. December itself was an average of -6.89C, which is three degrees warmer than normal.

Although the historical data is a bit disputed because of the location of the measuring station and the type of equipment used, the only year that was warmer, due a particularly amazon-esque summer, was 1931 at 5.8C.

Although these numbers all sound small, they add up top big changes.

According to Environment Canada the average end to winter has been happening two-to-three weeks earlier in the Great Lakes Region since 1995.

Daily Poll

Climate change

78% of you think Trudeau has to go according to Wednesday’s poll!

Today’s question is:

News

Economic Bright Spots in 2024

Despite rising costs on everything these days, a local economist says there are definitely some bright spots to highlight in the Thunder Bay economy for 2024.

Livio Di Matteo, an economics professor at LU, highlighted that 2024 saw positives in terms of population grown, construction growth, and the port firing on all cylinders.

The engine creating the majority of the growth in construction right now is the provincial mega jail being built.

That project is seeing workers and money pass through the city in a way that hasn’t been experienced in a while.

The issues on the horizon are when that project finishes up in 2026-2027 and what happens with President Trump takes office and the unknowns around his tariff threats.

Thunder Bay has a really strong entrepreneurial spirit, so let’s keep supporting our local guys and gals that are providing jobs, products and services right here at home!

Police

Police Chief Now Also President

I have to be honest, it’s nice and refreshing to see our police chief be in the new for something positive!

Thunder Bay Police’s own police chief, Darcy Fleury, has been chosen by the Ontario Association of Police (OACP) as President of Zone 1.

Zone 1 includes the communities of Atikokan, Dryden, Fort Frances, Lac Seul, Marathon, Red Rock, Terrace Bay, Thunder Bay, as well as Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police – Northwest region, and the RCMP.

The role of the OACP is to represent the leaders of police services across Ontario and to help provide guidance and advocacy for policy and police development.

Fleury will serve in the role of President for Zone 1 for 2025.

Congratulations!

News

New Indoor Climbing Gym to Open

City resident, Mike Hyer, plans on opening a new indoor climbing facility later this year (see what I said up above about local entrepreneurs).

It’s going to be called The Rock Room (I like it.)

The location hasn’t been disclosed yet, but the goal is to be up and running before the end of the year.

The focus, which is VERY clearly stated, is on safety (our previous climbing gym you may remember somewhat recently shut down to a safety-related accident).

Hyer plans on having three pillars of safety:

1. Physical safety (beginners will be closely monitored)

2. Emotional safety (everyone feels safe and secure)

3. Cultural safety (everyone of all backgrounds is welcome)

Climbing is a pretty popular sport so it’s great to see this coming back online in the near future for the city.

Athletics

LU Unites Against Cancer

The Lakehead University Women’s Basketball and Volleyball teams are uniting this January to help fight cancer.

The basketball team is hosting its Shoot for the Cure Night on January 18 and the volleyball team is hosting its Spike for the Cure night on January 25.

Both events are part of the Thing Pink Initiative that has been around since 2009 and has raised over $90,000 in its time.

Tickets are only $10 for adults and $6 for kids. There are also other fundraising activities during both nights you can take part in.

All proceeds go to the Northern Cancer Fund.

Indigenous News

Anti-Trafficking Checkpoint

Grassy Narrows First Nation, located about 150km west of Dryden near the Ontario/Dryden border has set-up a checkpoint to help prevent human trafficking.

The checkpoint is in response to recent attempted abductions of their band members.

In 2023 there were 570 human trafficking incidents reported to the police in Canada.

Indigenous females are estimated to make up half of all human trafficking victims in Canada.

If you are, or know someone who might be, a victim of human trafficking, please click the button below. It will provide more information on programs and services and provide a link to even further resources.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

Applauze Productions Presents: Annie Jr.
Musical
Trinity Hall Theatre
Jan 9-12 @ 7pm
$15-$20

Jazz & Old Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Live music
Anchor & Ore (Delta)
Jan 10 @ 6pm
$ Free

Karaoke
Live music
Jan 10

• The Social

• The Bar

• The Waterhouse

Malanka 2025
Ukrainian New Year’s Eve
Royal Canadian Slovak Legion
Jan. 11 @ 6pm
$85

CWE Live: Rage in the Cage Tour
Live wrestling
Moose Hall
Jan 11 @ 6pm
$25-$30

Karaoke
Live music
Jan 11

• Westfort Prosvita

• Howl at the Moon

• The Hodder

• Norteños Taqueria

• The Social

• The Bar

Home of the Day

208 Hill Street S.

(Realtors if you want your home featured - send us an email: [email protected])

2 bedrooms
1 bathrooms
651 sq ft

$343,000

Nice and cozy starter home!