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GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 11-7-25

GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 11-7-25

Estimated read time: 10 minutes

Thunder Bay Digest
July 11, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes

ISSUE #105

Good morning,

Welcome to Friday! I wish everyone a happy, fun, safe weekend.

In today’s issue, we cover:

Guess what - temporary shelter village stuff! 🤦‍♂️
Daily Poll - Are you ok with where it’s going?
Free after-storm yard waste disposals
Fake weapon leads to charge 👮
Fort France 50/50
Rossport marina reno delayed
Indigenous nursing symposium
Things to do this week 🗓️
House of the day - Custom north-side home! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Housing

Miles Street Site ‘Most Viable’ for Temporary Shelter Village

Thunder Bay city staff have identified 114 Miles Street East as the most suitable location for a proposed temporary shelter village, after reassessing multiple potential sites.

The lot, currently vacant and located in a light industrial area, could host modular housing for up to 80 individuals experiencing homelessness. While the site was originally recommended back in January, political hesitation and community feedback sent city staff back to the drawing board.

After what they’re calling an “exhaustive” re-evaluation process, the city is now doubling down on its original suggestion, noting that issues like transportation and access to services can be mitigated.

The matter will return to city council on July 14 for further discussion and, potentially, a final decision. The move has sparked both support and opposition, with advocates emphasizing the urgency of getting people off the streets, while nearby businesses express concern about the shelter’s long-term impact.

Either way, the city seems poised to act — and Miles Street is once again at the center of the housing conversation.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Do you think Miles St is a good spot for the temporary shelter village?

Monday’s Results:

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

Weather

City Offers Free Yard Waste Disposal After July Storm

In response to the damage caused by a strong July 1 storm, Thunder Bay is offering one-time vouchers for free yard waste disposal to help residents clean up.

The program, managed by Solid Waste & Recycling Services, allows homeowners to drop off tree limbs, branches, and other storm-related green waste at the Mapleward Road landfill.

Vouchers can be requested by mail or picked up at the landfill office and are valid until August 31. Drop-off is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The City notes that if residents bring mixed loads (yard waste plus regular garbage), they’ll still be charged standard tipping fees for the non-yard waste portion.

With many residents dealing with fallen trees, scattered branches, and other storm debris, the voucher program offers welcome relief.

City officials encourage homeowners to act quickly and take advantage of the offer before the August deadline. Full eligibility details are available on the City of Thunder Bay website.

Crime

Cumming Street Weapons Call Leads to Assault Charges

A violent altercation in Thunder Bay's north core on July 9 led to serious charges for a 25-year-old man.

According to police, officers were dispatched to a weapons-related incident on the 200 block of Cumming Street after a woman was reportedly struck with what looked like a handgun. Upon arrival, officers determined the weapon was a replica — but that didn’t stop them from arresting the suspect.

He now faces charges including assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Authorities also confirmed the individual had an outstanding warrant at the time of arrest.

The victim sustained injuries but was not transported to hospital. The replica firearm was recovered at the scene.

Thunder Bay Police are reminding residents that even imitation weapons are treated seriously in threatening situations. The accused remains in custody pending a bail hearing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Healthcare

50/50 Raffle Launches to Fund MRI and Diagnostics in Fort Frances

Riverside Health Care is going full steam ahead with a major fundraiser aimed at enhancing diagnostic services across Northwestern Ontario.

Their “Lights, Camera, Diagnosis” campaign seeks to raise $1.6 million to install a brand-new MRI suite at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances and improve diagnostic services in Rainy River.

To kick things off, the organization launched a monthly 50/50 draw starting on Canada Day. The raffle gives participants a shot at winning cash prizes while also contributing to much-needed healthcare improvements.

“The 50/50 model gives us recurring revenue and continuous community engagement,” said Holly Kaemingh, director of fundraising.

She emphasized that reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for MRI scans is a top priority. The first draw was met with strong interest, and organizers hope this momentum continues throughout the summer.

It’s not just about the money—it’s about access, equity, and keeping healthcare close to home.

The Outdoors

Refurbishment Delays Hit Rossport Marina, But Facility Stays Open

Boaters heading to Rossport Marina this summer can still dock, despite a planned refurbishment being unexpectedly postponed.

Rossport Harbour Non-Profit Marina Inc. had scheduled a series of upgrades starting July 2, including dock stabilization, a new boat launch, and safety improvements. But when bids for the project came in nearly double the expected budget, organizers decided to hit pause.

While the repairs are on hold, the marina remains open to the public for the 2025 boating season. Officials are working to secure additional funding and hope to relaunch the project later this year. Despite the hiccup, summer visitors won’t be turned away, and boaters can continue to enjoy one of Lake Superior’s most scenic marinas — just with a few extra wobbles underfoot.

Indigenous News

“A Place to Hear Our Voices”: Indigenous Nursing Symposium Bridges Worlds

Hot off the press from July 9–10, Thunder Bay hosted the second BPSO Indigenous-Focused Symposium at the Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre, where nurses, Elders, health leaders, and community members came together to explore Indigenous-informed healthcare. Running July 8–10, this symposium — organized by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario — centered on the theme “Bridging Indigenous and Western Perspectives in Health Care” .

The event was rich in discussion, ceremony, and connection. Attendees heard from Indigenous Elders like Theresa Redsky Fiddler, Margie Bannon, and Aaron Therriault, who shared teachings and emphasized how languages, ceremonies, and cultures must be integrated into care. Maxine Lesage explained the aim: to give Indigenous nurses a space to “hear our voices” and embed Indigenous worldviews into best-practice nursing.

One standout session featured panels from Northern community health teams who highlighted real-world challenges and successes of the “Two-Eyed Seeing” approach—bringing together Western evidence with Indigenous knowledge to serve patients better.

By mixing traditional knowledge and modern practices, the symposium helped pave a path for healthcare that respects culture and improves outcomes for communities across the region. This wasn’t just talk — it was a step toward actionable, culturally grounded care in Northern Ontario.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

July 11

Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park
Historical reenactment celebrating the height of the fur trade era
Fort William Historical Park – 1350 King Road
10:00 am–5:00 pm
 $8.85–$10.62

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Scenic miniature train rides in the historic Centennial Park
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last ride ~3:50 pm)
$ FREE entry; ride ticketed separately

Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, beach access, carousel, and food concessions
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides priced individually

Jazz & Old‑Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Relaxed live jazz paired with classic cocktail atmosphere
Anchor & Ore – 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE?

Darrin Rose: Comedy @ The Foundry
Stand‑up comedy with award-winning comedian Darrin Rose
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
Doors 6:00 pm; Show 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
 $30 advance / $40 at door

Bar Polonia – Fridays Live Music
Live music at the Polish Combatants’ Association—cover charge applies
Bar Polonia – 209 N Cumberland Street
8:00 pm–11:00 pm
 $10 cover

13th Anniversary Birthday Shakedown at The Foundry
The Foundry’s birthday celebration with DJ sets, drinks & giveaways
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm onward (19+ event)
$ FREE entry

July 12

Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering fresh produce, baking, crafts & more
Dove Building, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 E Memorial Ave
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE

The Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park
Historical festival celebrating fur-trade era with reenactments & crafts
Fort William Historical Park – 1350 King Road
10:00 am–5:00 pm
 $8.85–$10.62

Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Scenic miniature train rides through Centennial Park
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE entry; ride ticketed separately

Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, carousel, beach access & food concessions
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides individually priced

Toonie Swim at Canada Games Complex
Budget-friendly family swim time at the city pool
Canada Games Complex – 100 Kelly Street
6:00 pm
 $2 swim

Thunder Bay Border Cats Game
Summer baseball game at Port Arthur Stadium
Port Arthur Stadium – 420 Lisgar St
6:35 pm
$ Ticketed

Darrin Rose: Comedy @ The Foundry
Stand-up comedy featuring Darrin Rose
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
Doors 6:00 pm; Show 7:00 pm–9:00 pm
 $30 advance / $40 door

Two Asians One Cup – Stand‑Up Comedy Tour
Comedy show from the “Two Asians One Cup” tour
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
8:00 pm–10:00 pm
$ TBD

Afro Vibe Fest 2025
Cultural festival featuring music, food, vendors & entertainment
Marina Park – Water Street
12:00 pm–12:00 am
$ Ticketed

July 13

Female Border Collective Skate
Inclusive community skate session for all skill levels
Cinema 5 Skatepark – 115 Cumberland Street North
10:00 am–12:00 pm
$ FREE

Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE

The Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park
Final day of the fur-trade era reenactment festival with crafts and performances
Fort William Historical Park – 1350 King Road
10:00 am–5:00 pm
 $8.85–$10.62

The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Scenic miniature train rides through the historic park
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE entry; ride ticketed separately