ISSUE #85

Good morning,

I hope you had a great weekend!

We’re doing something a bit different with the events section. I’m not putting the whole week. Feedback has been it’s too long and often cuts off the email, requiring you to open it in a web browser. I’m also trying to find a bit more variety (but let me tell you, it’s a challenge!).

So let me know your thoughts on the new approach. I’m trying to meet the readers needs/wants.

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Measles are here  🦠

• Daily Poll - Double vaccinated? 💉 

• Forest fires have started 🔥 

• Collision leaves one dead on Hwy 102 👮‍♂️

• Border Cats have Canadian content ⚾️

• Golf courses opening later than expected ⛳️

• $5 billion class action law suit

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Custom home in the Norwester’s 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Health

1st Measles Case in 30 Years

Well it finally happened.

The measles outbreak has been going on elsewhere, but up until Friday we seemed to be dodging it.

But the Health Unit has announced that the first case of measles in almost 30 years is in Thunder Bay.

The case, however, didn’t originate from southern Ontario. It’s been determined to be from international travel.

Anyone who was on Air Canada flight AC1195 from Toronto Thunder Bay on May 4th between 9:40pm and 11pm, or at the Thunder Bay airport between 11pm and 1:30am, could have been exposed to the virus.

The person in question is recovering at home.

The health unit is advising anyone who may have been exposed on the flight to monitor for symptoms until May 25.

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).

Forest Fires

Wild Fires Have Started

This weekend saw the area under a special air quality advisory due to smoke from nearby wildfires.

Of particular concern is the fire known as Kenora 14, which is near Caribou Falls Dam and 12km north of Wabaseemoong Independent Nations. It started at 0.5 hectares on Thursday night and jumped to 245 hectares by Friday.

Chapple, Emo, LaValle, and Neebing have all declared total fire bans.

The lack of meaningful rainfall in the last little while is a contributing factor.

Police

Collision Leaves 1 Dead

OPP are investigating a collision involving a pickup truck and a tractor trailer.

The collision occurred just before midnight on Saturday on Highway 102 in Kaministiquia.

The driver of the pick-up truck was killed. A passenger in the vehicle was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Sports

Border Cats Have Canadian Content

The Thunder Bay Border Cats of the Northwoods League are starting their season on May 28th and this years roster features 18 Canadians!

It wasn’t designed that way, it just happened to be the talent pool skewed towards Canada.

It’s exciting for the team as they are the only Canadian club in the 24-team league.

The Border Cats have also made some improvements to the stadium this year (which is 74 years old!) to enhance the fans experience.

Recreation

Golf Courses Opening Later Than Wanted

The Thunder Bay golf community is going to have to wait a little bit longer than normal to tee off.

Chappels and Strathcona, city courses, are delaying opening until after the May long weekend. Privately held Whitewater is doing the same.

The reason for the delay is to give the greens more time to come alive.

After a December with freezing rain and limited snow in January, the greens look rougher than normal after the tarps were removed.

This is the 100th anniversary of Strathcona.

But for those who don’t want to wait for the city courses or Whitewater, Dragon Hills, Centennial, Emerald Greens, and Northern Lights are already open.

Indigenous News

Class Action Lawsuit Heard

A $5 billion class action lawsuit against the Canadian government was heard last week.

The suit centres around inadequate housing.

The lawsuit, which was filed in 2023, against Canada by more than 100 First Nations alleges Canada has breached its obligation by failing to ensure that First Nations communities had access to adequate housing.

Housing issues include infrastructure issues, mould, and infestation from animals and pests. The suit claims Canada has breached its fiduciary duties, its duty of car and the Charter of Rights and Freedom.

For its part, the government says it does not build or maintain houses on reserves, and further argues it does not owe any legal obligations or duties to build or maintain houses on-reserve.

A decision has not yet been made on the case.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

May 12

Art In Motion Presents: ELEV8
Dance instruction in a variety of disciplines
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium - 1 Paul Shaffer Dr
5:30pm
$24-$34

Thunder Bay Swing Dancing Society
Free swing dancing lessons
CD Howe Public School - 30 Wishart Crescent
7pm
$ FREE

Full Moon Bike Ride Thunder Bay
Join local cyclists every full moon for a bike ride through the city
Superstore Parking Lot - 971 Carrick St
6pm
$ FREE

Discovery Club
Drop in for self-guided family exploration of STEAM concepts
Mary JL Black - 901 Edward St S
9:30am - 7:30pm
$ FREE

Preschool Storytime
A school readiness program for kids aged 3-4. Parents required for craft and play portions of the program
Waverley - 285 Red River Rd
10:30am - 11:30am
$ FREE (pre-registration required via TBPL)

May 13

Astronomy Club Meeting
Discover the wonders of the night sky
Fort William Historical Park - 1350 King Rd
7pm-10pm
$ FREE

Thuner Bay Talks
Drop in, say hi, and let’s talk about our city
West Thunder Community Centre - 915 Edward St S
6pm-8pm
$ FREE

Discovery Club
Drop in for self-guided family exploration of STEAM concepts
Mary JL Black - 901 Edward St S
9:30am - 7:30pm
$ FREE

iPhone for Beginners
New to the iPhone? Master the basics in this 5 week course
Mary JL Black - 901 Edward St S
1pm - 3pm
$ FREE (registration required via TBPL)

Home of the Day

1659 Mountain Rd

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

3 bedrooms
4 bathroom
1,935 sqft

$899,000

Custom built home in the Norwester Mountains.