News

$9.3 Million For Cancer Care

The province is stepping up in a big way and investing $9.3 million to support the expansion of cancer care services in Thunder Bay.

3,100 square feet of space has been renovated to make room for a new PET-CT Scanner, which is used for diagnostics.

Also included in the expansion is linear accelerator (LINAC) services from two to three units.

LINAC delivers a type of radiation treatment that targets tumours and destroys cancer cells. Despite radiation being an ‘old’ form of cancer treatment, it is still quite effective against certain cancers.

The men and women of the cancer centre keep fighting the good fight. Hopefully this will help them deliver even more care.

Daily Poll

Best Christmas Movie?

Looks like Porter has a hit on it’s hands! 85% of you voted on Friday that you love the idea of having another carrier flying to Pearson!

This one is sure to create some fights, so get your gloves on, pull no punches, and let loose in the comments (because I LOVE the things you guys write me!)

What’s the best-ever Christmas movie?

Gardening

City Updates Boulevard Garden Rules

In what I truthfully had no clue was a thing, the city has updated the by-laws surrounding how you can grow plants on city boulevards.

You’re now allowed to plant gardens to a height of 1 metre. Plants up to 60cm are allowed in setback areas and garden boxes are allowed on most boulevards.

And the thing made me actually laugh: if you’ve planted edible plants, you are no longer required to include an “eat at your own risk” sign.

Apparently this is something you all wanted!

Feedback was sought out earlier in the Fall and around 500 of you civic-minded folks gave your feedback.

Well, congratulations if you were one of them! Start growing your mega plants now with impunity!

Education

Bursary Expanded

Confededration College and Ornge have jointly announced expanded eligibility for the Ornge Northern Air Ambulance Award.

The bursary now also covers advanced care paramedic and nursing programs which supports those looking to study and work in Northern Ontario.

The annual award gives out up to 15 entrance grants, with each having a value of at least $1,000, and up to 15 in-program awards of $1,500 each for students who are Indigenous or live in Northern Ontario.

Since 2019, more than 65 students have benefited from the award.

Applications are now open. Click below to access the application site.

Santa

Wasaya Airways Subbed in for Rudolph

Wasaya Airways has finished its Wasaya Airways 2024 Santa Run.

The first stop on the round trip, was Fort Severn First Nation. It’s the closest community in the province to the North Pole.

The tour saw Wasaya fly around Northwestern Ontario making 12 stop over four days at each of the First Nations that co-owns the airline.

They flew 6,416 kilometres, and visited:

• Pikangikum

• Sandy Lake

• Keewawin

• Fort Severn

• Bearskin Lake

• Muskrat Dam

• Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninwug

• Wapekeka

• Kasabonica

• Nibinmaik

• Wunnimin Lake

• Kingfisher Lake

At each stop kids got to meet Santa and his Elfs, take their pictures with them, and receive a gift from their bag of goodies.

This has been happening for more than 20 years now, and if this doesn’t put a smile on your face, then you truly are the Grinch!

Police

Beware the Rental Scam

Thunder Bay Police are sounding the alarm about a rental scam making the rounds in the city.

The scam goes something like this:

People respond to online postings for rental units. The supposed ‘landlord’ then reaches out and asks the victim to e-transfer funds for a deposit.

Once the deposit has been received, the landlords stop replying to any messages.

Two incidents have involved a listed address on Franklin Street (so maybe stay away from that area if you’re house hunting…).

Common pressure tactics include indicating there’s a lot of interest and you need to move fast to secure the spot and being unable to visit the unit before making a decision due to one excuse or another.

Some people really suck.

Please let anyone you know that is looking for a new place to live to be mindful of these practices.

First Nations News

$20 Million for Building Retrofit

The Matawa Training and Wellness Centre is receiving a $20 million loan to help it retrofit its Thunder Bay building.

The centre provides training, education, health and social services to more than 10,000 members of nine First Nations in the region.

The funding comes from the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative ($15 million). The remainder is being loaned by RBC ($5 million).

Once the work is completed, the centre is expected to provide more than 20,000 appointments each year for social, health and holistic care.

The renovations are expected to reduce energy consumption by 70%.

Interior renovations are expected to be completed by March, with exterior done by the fall.

Get Your Christmas On 🎄

Get Ready for the Fatman Coming Down the Chimney!

30+ Pop-Up Vendors - Goods & Co. - Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22

Santa Visiting & Photos - Vanderweese - Dec. 14, 15, 21, 22

Pet Pics With Santa - Intercity Shopping Centre - Dec. 7, 14; 4pm-6pm
* proceeds to local rescues

Santa Photos - Intercity Shopping Centre - Nov 16-Dec 24
Monday - Friday in November 3pm-7pm
Monday - Friday in December 11am - 7pm
Saturday - 10am - 6pm
Sunday - 11am - 5pm
Dec. 23 - 10am - 8pm
Dec. 24 - 10am - 2pm (he’s gotta get back to the North Pole!)

Breakfast With Santa - Thunder Bay Country Market - Dec. 14; 8am - 10am

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

Elf: The Musical
Musical stage production
Magnus Theatre
December 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 (show times at 2pm & 7pm - check with Magnus for your preferred date)
$25-$55

A Family Christmas with PAVLO
Musical production
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
December 17 @ 7:30pm
$45

Under the Mistletoe - The Edge Effect
A Cappella Christmas musical performance
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
December 18 @ 7:30pm
$45 - $455

Café Paris Holiday Special - Foundry Social Club Featuring Martin Blanchet Jazz Quintet
Live Jazz performance
The Foundry
December 19 @ 7pm-9pm
$25

Christmas Dinner & Dance
Group & small business dinner networking event
Slovak Legion
December 20, 21 @ 6pm
$55

Ron Kanutski presents Stand Up Comedy Night
Stand up comedy event - 19+
Royal Canadian Legion
December 21 @ 6pm
$25-$30

TBSO Pops - Home for the Holidays
Symphony live performance
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
December 21 @ 7pm
$25-$50

Home of the Day

467 Whitewater Place

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

3+3 bedrooms
4+1 bathrooms
2,442 sq ft

$849,800

Whitewater home with a big open concept, wine cellar and more.