ISSUE #96

Good morning,

Mid-week. I hope everyone is having a good one. The weather kind of stinks, but, that’s May/June in Thunder Bay for you!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Work Here campaign launched 📍

• Daily Poll - Do we need more workers?

• Thunder Bay counselling expands

• Call volume through the roof 👮‍♂️

• Heart centre construction has started ❤️

• Military assists in evacuation 🪖

• Matawa willing to work with province on Bill 5

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Raised bungalow on 5 acres 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Business

Thunder Bay Launches "Work Here" Campaign to Attract New Residents and Talent

The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) has unveiled a new multi-platform marketing campaign titled "Work Here," aimed at attracting new residents and addressing labour shortages in the city.

The initiative, launched on June 9, 2025, showcases Thunder Bay's unique quality of life, blending urban amenities with easy access to nature. The campaign will run through the summer and will target major metropolitan areas across Canada, utilizing digital advertising and out-of-home placements, such as in Toronto's public transit system.

Through compelling visuals and storytelling, "Work Here" aims to shift the narrative about Thunder Bay, presenting it as a vibrant and affordable place to build a career and a life. The campaign directs interested individuals to a dedicated website with resources on job opportunities, housing, and lifestyle. Jamie Taylor, CEO of the Thunder Bay CEDC, emphasized that the campaign is a key part of the strategy to grow the city's workforce and support local businesses by attracting skilled individuals seeking a better work-life balance.

The initiative represents a significant investment in promoting the city as a desirable destination for both personal and professional fulfillment.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Friday’s Results:

You can download the full results (including comments) here in an Excel file (email addresses have been removed for anonymity).

Services

Thunder Bay Counselling Expands Services with Second Location

To better meet the growing demand for mental health and support services in the community, Thunder Bay Counselling has opened a second location. The new facility, named "Insight on Roland," was officially announced on June 9, 2025.

This expansion comes in response to a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking counselling and support, a trend that has been escalating since the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization's primary location on Winnipeg Avenue had reached its capacity, necessitating the expansion to ensure timely and effective service delivery.

The new Roland Street office will provide additional space for confidential counselling sessions and program delivery, allowing the organization to serve more clients and reduce wait times. Leadership at Thunder Bay Counselling stated that the expansion is a direct response to identified gaps in community services.

The move is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the capacity of mental health support systems in the city, ensuring that residents have access to the care they need. The addition of the second location underscores the organization's commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of the Thunder Bay community.

Police

Thunder Bay Police Service Reports High Volume of Priority Calls

The Thunder Bay Police Service has released statistics for the first week of June, revealing a significant number of calls for service and a high volume of high-priority incidents.

Between June 2 and June 8, 2025, the service responded to 977 calls, with 213 of those being classified as "Priority 1," which are incidents that pose an immediate threat to life or safety.

The data highlights the ongoing challenges faced by frontline officers and the complex public safety landscape in the city. The report provides a snapshot of the daily demands on the police force, with calls ranging from domestic disputes and assaults to property crimes and traffic incidents.

The consistent high volume of emergency calls underscores the need for continued resources and strategic deployment to effectively address community safety concerns. The police service uses this data to identify trends and allocate resources accordingly, aiming to improve response times and public safety outcomes.

The report serves as a reminder of the daily pressures on emergency services in Thunder Bay and the importance of community vigilance and support for crime prevention initiatives.

Health Care

Construction Commences on New Cardiovascular Surgery Program at Thunder Bay Hospital

A major milestone in healthcare for northwestern Ontario was marked on June 10, 2025, with the official start of construction on the new cardiovascular surgery program at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together hospital officials, politicians, and community partners to celebrate the long-awaited project. The new program will provide comprehensive cardiac surgery services, eliminating the need for many patients in the region to travel to southern Ontario for life-saving procedures. This is expected to significantly reduce the stress and financial burden on patients and their families.

The facility will include a state-of-the-art surgical suite, a dedicated in-patient unit, and expanded clinic space. The project is supported by both provincial funding and local fundraising efforts through the "Our Hearts at Home" campaign. The development of a local cardiovascular surgery program has been a long-term goal for the Thunder Bay medical community and is seen as a critical step in advancing healthcare accessibility and quality for the entire northwestern Ontario region.

The program is anticipated to attract specialized medical professionals to the city and enhance the hospital's role as a leading healthcare provider in the North.

Environment

Military Airlifts Hundreds from Sandy Lake First Nation as Wildfire Threatens Community

More than 700 residents of Sandy Lake First Nation in northwestern Ontario have been evacuated by the Canadian military as a large, out-of-control wildfire burns dangerously close to the community.

The fire, designated as Red Lake 12, has rapidly grown, prompting an emergency evacuation of the remote First Nation. Military aircraft, including CC-130 Hercules, have been transporting community members to southern Ontario cities, including Cornwall, which is preparing to host approximately 377 evacuees at the Dev Hotel and Conference Centre.

The City of Thunder Bay is acting as a crucial transportation hub, facilitating the movement of evacuees to host municipalities. The fire was reported to be only a few kilometers from Sandy Lake, creating heavy smoke and poor visibility, making the evacuation efforts urgent. The situation has been described as "surreal" by evacuees, who were forced to leave their homes with little notice.

The evacuation highlights the increasing threat of wildfires to remote Indigenous communities in the region and the coordinated response required from various levels of government and organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces, Emergency Management Ontario, and municipal bodies.

The focus remains on the safe relocation of all residents as the wildfire continues to pose a significant threat.

Indigenous News

Matawa Chiefs to Pursue "Diplomatic" Approach with Province on Controversial Bill 5

The Matawa Chiefs Council has announced its intention to engage in "political and diplomatic channels" with the Ontario government regarding the controversial Bill 5, which aims to expedite development in the Ring of Fire region. In a statement released on June 9, 2025, the council, which represents nine First Nations in the region, expressed its willingness to work with the province despite the bill's passage.

While acknowledging that the legislation was fast-tracked without adequate consultation, the chiefs view its passing as a "short-term setback" and believe their long-term objectives can still be met through partnership and dialogue. The council has requested an urgent meeting with Premier Doug Ford's office to begin discussions.

This approach appears to diverge from some other Indigenous groups who have called for the complete repeal of the bill. The Matawa Chiefs' statement emphasizes their commitment to asserting their rights and ensuring that any development in their traditional territories is done in a way that respects their role as stewards of the land.

Their focus on diplomacy suggests a strategic effort to influence the implementation of the new law from within the process.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

June 11

The Lion King Kids
Live theatrical adaption of the Disney classic
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$12

Le Cabaret Noir
Burlesque inspired show that is bold, unapologetic celebration of self-love, power, and pure baddie energy
Cambrian Players - 818 Spring St
8pm
$35

Pierogi Days
Pick up traditional polish food
Polish Combatant’s Association Branch 1 - 209 N Cumberland St
9am-4:30pm

Full Moon Bike Ride
Join local cyclists every full moon for a bike rid through the city
Superstore Parking Lot (by A&W) - Carrick St
6pm
$ FREE

Baby and Me Storytime
Drop-in for babies from birth through 12 months
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
1:30pm-2:30pm
$ FREE

Adulting 101 - Auto Maintenance
Interaction session on at the basics of automotive maintenance
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
6pm-7:30pm
$ FREE

Name That Tune - Father’s Day Edition
Live musical trivia
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co - 712 Macdonell St
7pm-9pm
$ FREE

June 12

The Lion King Kids
Live theatrical adaption of the Disney classic
Paramount Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$12

Improv with Cambrian Players at The Foundry
Live improv with the Cambrian Players - possibility of mature language and suggestive content
The Foundry - 242 Red River Rd
7pm & 8pm
$10

Thursday Night Group Run
All fitness levels and speeds are welcome for a 5km run
Fresh Air Experience - 710 Balmoral St
6pm-7pm
$ FREE

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs St. Cloud Rox
Live baseball
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
6:35pm
$15

Seniors’ Coffee Chat
Socialize, relax, meet new people for those 50+
Mary JL Black Library - 901 Edward St S
10am-12pm
$ FREE

June 13

Mary Poppins Jr.
A musical based on the stories of P.L Travers & the Walt Disney film
Redwood Park Church - 2609 Redwood Ave E
7pm
$25

Le Cabaret Noir
Burlesque inspired show that is bold, unapologetic celebration of self-love, power, and pure baddie energy
Cambrian Players - 818 Spring St
8pm
$35

3rd Annual Cooking for Good
Charity BBQ in support of Evergreen United
Dominion Motors - 882 Copper Crescent
11am-3pm

Bar Polonia - Friday’s Live Music
Live music at the Polish Combatant’s Association
Polish Combatant’s Association - 209 Cumberland St N
8pm-10pm
$10 (at the door)

June 14

Motorcycle Ride for Dad
Bike ride & poker run to support local cancer care
The Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre - 555 Arthur St W
7:15am-3pm

4Paws Vendor Market
Puppy fundraiser
CLE - 425 Norther Ave
8am-1:30pm
$ FREE ADMISSION

Crossroad Music Summer Series 2025
Live music by local acts and musicians
632 City Road, Fort William Indian Reserve No. 52
2pm-8pm
$ FREE

June 15

Ethnic Food Picnic - Tapestry International Women’s Network & Roots Community Food Centre
Purchase food for an array of international vendors
Moose Hall - 434 Fort William Rd
12pm-4pm
$5 (Kids under 12 eat free)

Home of the Day

4650 25th Side Rd

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

2+2 bedrooms
3 bathroom
1,601 sqft

$599,900

Raised bungalow on 5 acres of land