News

City Budget Approved

The $448.8 million 2025 city budget has been approved by a unanimous decision.

$219 million of the budget will be raised through this year’s taxes (yay).

Council made very few changes to the proposed budget, with the one notable exception being an increase in the operating budget of the Thunder Bay Police Services.

The TBPS budget was increased by $193,000 to allow for the creation of five new positions.

The TBPS total budget for 2025 will be $59,386,100, of which, 91% is for staffing.

The budget still needs to be ratified, which is scheduled for February 10th, but there’s no indication that won’t occur.

Daily Poll

Police budget concerns?

These tariffs really brought out the patriotism across Canada. And Thunder Bay is no exception. 96% of you said you would not buy American and/or cancel travel plans there.

Today’s question:

Municipal

Fires Prompt Call for Better Housing Options

Thunder Bay firefighters have responded to two fires in homeless encampments in the city within the last week.

One incident occurred at the Freedom Park encampment at the Thunder Bay Marina around 5 a.m. on Monday. The lone occupant of the tent was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries.

On Wednesday of last week, fire crews responded to a fire at the Kam River Park encampment which resulted in one death and two injuries.

Encampment fires are started by people trying to heat their tents. Often they use things like candles or propane for heat, which can quickly spread to the highly flammable tent materials.

With homelessness expected to more than quadruple in northern Ontario over the next decade, a renewed discussion is picking up regarding finding better, affordable, housing.

Police

Another Drug Bust

Thunder Bay police figuratively (and maybe literally) kicked in another door and performed another drug bust.

Last week officers executed a warranty on a Picton Avenue residence.

Two suspects were taken into custody.

Found inside the house was suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl (don’t tell Trump - or maybe do!), methamphetamine, oxycodone,$5,000 cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

The estimated street value exceeds $25,000.

Transportation

Train Goes off the Tracks

A CN train went for a bit of a joy ride off the tracks at Emo, West of Fort Frances.

No injuries were reported.

The OPP reported that 14 cars derailed in the incident. All of the derailed units were transporting potash.

So thankfully no dangerous goods were involved.

The cause of the incident is unknown but under investigation.

CN has said that crews are on-site performing the necessary repairs to get the line back up and running, but there currently is no timeline for completion.

Kids

School Bus Safety to Improve

Transport Canada has announced it will mandate the installation of perimeter visibility systems on school buses.

By November 1, 2027, all school buses in Canada will be required to have the technology installed.

The system is a series of cameras mounted on the outside of the bus that allows the driver to make sure no one is around the vehicle before they put it in gear and start driving.

This mandate follows a 2020 report on school bus safety that recommended enhanced protection for children outside of buses.

I think we can all agree this is a good idea (mind you if I did a poll someone would vote no, someone always votes no 🤣)

Indigenous News

First Nations Housing Conference Happening Now

The 2025 First Nations Housing Conference is happening now at the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre.

The event features field experts and housing professionals, community members and leaders, government representatives, builders, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

The conference aims to increase communication and share ideas and expertise on how to provide better housing in Indigenous communities.

The three-day conference includes presentations and workshops on:

• electrical & carpentry apprenticeship training

• construction contracts & strategic planning

• building codes

• fire safety

The conference is in its 22nd year and this year will see over 300 delegates from multiple provinces and one territory.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

Name That Tune
Music trivia & beer!
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
Feb 5 @ 7pm-9pm
$ FREE

Young Frankenstein
Live theatre
Paramount Theatre
Feb 5-8 @ 7:30pm
$28

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar
Live music
Shooter’s Tavern
Feb 5 @ 8pm
$ FREE

The Colourless Chronicles
Children’s theatre event
Magnus Theatre
Feb 6-8 @ 1:30pm; 2pm; 7pm (check with theatre)
$15

Sports Trivia Night
Trivia contest with prizes
The Outpost
Feb 6 @ 6pm
$5

Karaoke
Live music
Feb 6

• Royal Canadian Legion - Branch 5

• Howl at the Moon (Sober Karaoke)

• Norteños Cantina

• Polis Combatant’s Association - Branch 1

• The Waterhouse

• The Alley

Poetry Night featuring Musicians
Live poetry readings and music
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.
Feb 7 @ 6:30pm
$ FREE

Follies: Time After Time
Musical theatre
Confederation College
Feb 7-8 @ 7:30pm
$10-$20

Live@Loch Featuring Cole Myronuk
Live music and skiing
Loch Lomond Ski Area
Feb 7 @ 8pm-10pm
$ FREE

Karaoke
Live music
Feb 7

• The Hodder

• The Social

• The Bar

• The Waterhouse

Black and Gold Party
Dance lessons and dancing
Norteños Taqueria
Feb 7 @ 10pm
$10-$15

TBSO Family - Saint-George’s Sword and Bow
Live musical performance
St. Patrick High School
Feb 8 @ 2pm
$13-$25

Karaoke
Live music
Feb 8

• Westfort Prosvita

• Howl at the Moon (sober karaoke)

• The Hodder

• Norteños Taqueria

• The Social

• The Bar

Paint Party Fundraiser
Painting fundraiser for Mario’s Bowl Masters & Youth Bowling Leagues
Moose Hall
Feb 10 @ 6pm-9pm
$40 (register here)

Home of the Day

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2 bedrooms
4 bathrooms
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Lake Superior property along lakeshore drive with gorgeous water views.