ISSUE #97

Good morning,

Congrats on making it through another week! Enjoy your weekend, and thank you as always for reading!

In today’s issue, we cover:

• Firm staying quiet on windfarms 💨

• Daily Poll - You ok with windmills?

• LU opens dorms to evacuees 🛏️

• Don’t try to steal a police car 👮‍♂️

• Library appoints indigenous relations advisor 📚

• Atikokan newspaper archives 📰

• Friendship centre launches food program 

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Custom built home in Dawson Heights 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Business

Firm Staying Quiet on Proposed Wind-Farm Near Thunder Bay

On June 12, The Turtle Island News reported that Capstone Infrastructure is exploring the development of a wind-farm approximately 40 km west of Thunder Bay and 20 km from Kakabeka Falls.

Early project plans surfaced on social media, but Capstone confirmed it remains “firm mum” pending internal decisions. The company emphasized its commitment to best-practice public consultations and future engagement with local communities, including Indigenous groups.

While the exploration phase is underway, no formal proposals have been submitted. With the region's environmental and cultural sensitivity, Capstone signaled its intent to proceed carefully and collaboratively. Community members are advised to watch for public notices once official planning begins.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Wednesday’s Results:

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

Fires

Lakehead University Opens Dorms to Wildfire Evacuees

On June 12, Lakehead University opened its dorms to support 530 evacuees fleeing a massive 150,000-hectare wildfire near Sandy Lake First Nation. As hotels filled, Thunder Bay served as a regional processing hub, and the university provided rooms complete with beds, fridges, and desks.

Athletics facilities were also opened so evacuees could exercise and destress. Indigenous mentorship teams organized cultural, educational, and recreational activities, helping evacuees feel supported and connected.

Vice‑Provost Denise Baxter confirmed that the accommodations would remain temporary and expressed appreciation for university staff’s efforts. The initiative highlights Thunder Bay’s role as a compassionate host during emergencies and emphasizes community solidarity in crises.

Police

Man Arrested After Attempting to Steal Police Cruiser on Tupper Street

On June 11, Thunder Bay Police officers were surprised when a 32-year-old man, Jared Gesic, tried to enter and drive away in a marked police cruiser parked on Tupper Street. Fortunately, the officer in the vehicle noticed Gesic attempting to start the ignition and quickly intervened. A second officer arrived, and both safely detained him on the spot.

Gesic now faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code, including theft of a motor vehicle, assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, and breach of probation. He appeared in bail court on June 12, where a judge remanded him into custody pending further proceedings.

Police have emphasized the seriousness of such incidents—highlighting that tampering with law enforcement vehicles not only disrupts police operations but also poses a public safety risk.

The unusual nature of the case—trying to steal a police vehicle—has drawn attention, reminding residents that even seemingly offbeat crimes carry real legal consequences.

Local

Thunder Bay Public Library Welcomes New Indigenous Relations Advisor

On June 11, the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) announced the appointment of Stephanie MacLaurin (Fort William First Nation) as its new Senior Advisor of Indigenous Relations.

MacLaurin, who began on May 20, brings experience in mental-health crisis response, Indigenous governance, and community engagement. In this role, they will lead strategic planning, policy analysis, and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities.

MacLaurin aims to deepen Indigenous programming, enhance collections, and ensure TBPL supports reconciliation and cultural understanding. This appointment is a meaningful step toward decolonizing public spaces and amplifying Indigenous voices through library services.

Knowledge

Atikokan Newspaper Archive Goes Online Through Museum Project

On June 12, the Museum of Atikokan announced the complete digitization of the Atikokan Progress newspaper archives from 1950 to 2006, now accessible online.

Co‑publisher Michael McKinnon described the collection as a “treasure trove” for historians and local families. The digitized archive preserves snapshots of community life—from 79¢‑a‑pound T‑bone steaks to high school sports triumphs and arts events.

The project not only safeguards decades of local memory but also supports researchers, students, and residents discovering their heritage. The museum hopes the archive sparks renewed community interest and use in local history and educational projects.

Indigenous News

Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre Launches Land-Based Food Program

On June 12, the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, partnering with Roots Community Food Centre, held a land-based teaching event with Westgate CVI students.

First Nations chef Zach Keeshig led sessions in traditional outdoor cooking: baking buns in earth ovens, grilling moose and bison burgers over open flame, and crafting fresh salads from foraged ingredients.

Students responded enthusiastically—JJ Echum said it was “really fun learning how to make buns” and “the best burgers I ever had.” The program centered cultural teachings led by Elders, focusing on reconnecting youth with land and food traditions.

Cultural Resource Coordinator Genevieve Desmoulin emphasized how such land-based learning fosters identity, resilience, and pride in Indigenous heritage.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

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

Art & Yard Sale with BBQ
Yard sale with a bbq and live music!
Unitarian Place - 1502 Mountdale Ave
10am-4pm
$ FREE (Call (807) 344-5980 to book your table

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

119 Market St

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

2+2 bedrooms
3 bathroom
1,471 sqft

$449,900

Custom built home in Dawson Heights