News

Alstom Plant Picks Up Huge Contract

The 200-250 workers at our local Alstom plant can breathe a sign of relief for at least five more years.

The company has said they have signed a nearly $500 million contract with the Ontario government to upgrade over 180 GO Transit rail cars.

The previous contract, signed in 2021, and which saw the upgrading of 94 rail cars, was about to run out at the end of 2025. This new contract will start in 2026 and keep the plant operational until at least 2030.

The upgrades being installed include new seats, USB charging ports, new doors, ceiling, floors, and updated washrooms.

This is a much welcome, belated, Christmas gift!

Daily Poll

Gun Offender Tracking System

You guys are an opinionated bunch! I love it!

48% of you were happy about the new boulevard plants. However, 29% of you thought WTF this is silly; and 13% of you simply said NO you won’t be planting anything.

Today’s question:

Outdoors

City Opens Camping Spots

The city is now allowing people to reserve their camping spots for 2025 at both Trowbridge Falls and Chippewa Park.

Space is limited, however, with only nine spots available at Trowbridge any given time, and seven at Chippewa Park.

Chippewa Park offers cabins, RV sites, and tent spots. There are also washroom and shower facilities.

Trowbridge Falls campground has both RV and tent sites, washroom, and shower facilities.

If you want to try your hand at roughing it 10 minutes from your home, click the button below.

Police

Firearm Tracker

The provincial government has launched a new tracking tool that allows offenders out on bail for firearms-relate offences to be tracked.

The stated goal is to ensure better compliance on release by providing near real-time tracking information to officers.

The OPP will manage the tool, however, all municipal and First Nations police services will have the chance to opt-in.

Currently there is no comment from the Thunder Bay Police Service on if they intend to use this new service.

In 2022 there were 40 police-reported gun-related incidents in our city. And in the 10 year period of 2012-2022, Thunder Bay saw a 287% increase in police-reported firearms violence.

Education

Skilled Trades Getting a Boost

If you’ve tried to get a skilled trade for something these days, you will be happy at this piece of news.

The skilled trades courses at Confederation College are getting a financial boost.

The federal government is investing $411,709 in the college’s Red Seal Trades Apprenticeship Enhancement Strategy.

The college plans to use the funds to purchase new equipment for several programs. Items on the wish list include an electric vehicle, a remote welder, a diesel engine, and more.

The equipment will be coming to the Thunder Bay campus but the college is looking into ways that regional campuses could use them as well.

Municipal

Paipoonge Tax Hike

If you live in Oliver Paipoonge, sorry… but your taxes are going up.

The municipality is looking to raise property taxes by around 3% this year.

The proposed budget will be going to a vote on January 29. The municipality aims to pass its budgets during January so managers know what they can expect for the upcoming year for their respective departments.

It’s not an unfamiliar situation for residents, however.

In 2024 taxes also went up by 3%.

I’m sure that’s still not going to make anyone feel better about the situation.

Indigenous News

$900K For Ogoki Forest

The federal government is proving its love of trees by committing $900,000 in funding for reforestation of the Ogoki Forest.

The forest, located about 400km northeast of Thunder Bay, was ravaged by fire in 2023.

The investment will see the planting of 800,000 trees covering an area of 450 hectares.

The project is being led by Integrity Reforestation and is being done in partnership with First Nations-led Agoke Development Corporation.

The reforestation will see 40 tree planting jobs created, and the total scope of the reforestation initiative will see over 3 million trees planted in the next couple of years.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

Beetle Juice Jr.
Theatre
Paramount Theatre
Jan 14 - 18
$20

Daniel Tirado Comedy Tour (2 Nights)
Live comedy
The Foundry
Jan 16, 18 @ 8pm
$25 - $30

30+ Friday Nights
Dance club
Armani’s Night Club
Jan 17 @ 9pm
$ TBA

Country Night ft Throwback!
Dance club & live music
The Outpost
Jan 17 @ 9pm
$5

Karaoke
Live music
Jan 17

• The Social

• The Bar

• The Waterhouse

Story Time with Tbay Drag Queens + Crafting with Queens
Live event
Mary J.L. Black Community Hub
Jan 18 @ 2:30pm - 4pm
$ Free

TBSO Specials - Live Concert Recording
Live musical performance
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
Jan 18 @ 7:30pm
$25 - $50

Karaoke
Live music
Jan 18

• Howl at the Moon (sober karaoke)

• The Hodder

• Norteños Taqueria

• The Social

• The Bar

• The Westfort Prosvita

Home of the Day

1418 Forest St.

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

2+2 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
1,050 sq ft

$439,900

Centrally located bi-level with updated kitchen, 200 amp panel and detached garage.