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- GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 13-8-25
GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 13-8-25
Estimated read time: 13 minutes
Thunder Bay Digest
August 13, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
ISSUE #114
Good morning,
I hope everyone had a great long weekend! Sorry about the events section - got home late last night and haven’t had a chance (they take a long time to put together).
In today’s issue, we cover:
- Marcus Luft
News
City Bypasses Open Call to Negotiate Turf Facility Naming Rights
Thunder Bay council approved an exception to its sponsorship and naming policy so staff can negotiate directly with one potential sponsor for the new multi-use indoor turf facility.
Recreation & Culture director Leah Prentice told council the proposal is “significant,” exceeds the minimum valuation, and outpaces several benchmark examples—hence the request to skip a full public advertising process.
The city says the naming revenue will help offset operating costs starting in 2026 and aligns with long-term financial goals. The sponsor’s identity and proposed name aren’t public yet; once negotiations are done, the preferred name will still come back to council for approval.
Earlier this year, the city flagged it would seek naming partners for various facilities—this is the first one moving ahead under that plan.
Daily Poll
Today’s question is:
What would you name the new sports complex? |
Wednesday’s Results:
You can download the full results (including comments) here in an Excel file (email addresses have been removed for anonymity).
Business
Enbridge Applies to Raise Natural Gas Rates in 2026
Heads-up for natural gas users: Enbridge Gas has asked the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) for approval to adjust distribution rates on Jan. 1, 2026.
In its filing, Enbridge says a typical residential customer would see an annual bill impact of $45.11, while an average commercial customer would see about $44.91. The company points to an OEB-approved formula that factors in inflation and other parameters.
The OEB generally rules on these applications after a public comment window; for this case, people can review and submit feedback on application EB-2025-0163 through the OEB’s site until Aug. 25, 2025.
Nothing to do yet—this is a request, not a done deal—but if you’ve got thoughts on energy pricing, the board is taking comments right now.
Civic
Victoriaville Demolition Is Underway
After years of debate and prep, crews have started tearing down Victoriaville. Work began at the Victoria Avenue entrance and will run extended hours (roughly 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) under the city’s noise bylaw.
The sequence goes like this: remove the front access, clear out interior kiosks, then take down the roof and steel beams. City capital construction manager Kelvin Jankowski says the contractor (Finn Way General Contractor) expects the demolition phase to take about two months.
It’s the first visible step toward reopening Victoria Avenue to traffic and re-stitching the south core street grid after decades of the mall acting as a barrier.
If you’re in the area, expect noise, dust, and detours while the heavy equipment does its thing.
Charity
Current River Food Cupboard Scrambles for a New Home
The Current River Churches Food Cupboard says it must relocate by the end of August and is urgently searching for space to keep serving clients.
Coordinator June Gaw (who also leads the Regional Food Distribution Association) told local media the group can’t simply shut down—demand is high, and the cupboard serves 90–110 people every second Saturday, including families from Pass Lake and across the city’s north end.
The current host site (Refreshing Waters Community Church on Hodder Ave.) is moving due to rising costs, which forces the food bank to move too.
The call is out for an accessible, affordable spot big enough for food hampers (fresh and non-perishable items) and basic household support. If you’ve got a lead on space, they want to hear from you
City Hall
Council Sets 2026 Budget Direction: 2.6% Levy Target
City council signed off on the 2026 budget direction and calendar, aiming for a 2.6% municipal tax-levy increase (before growth) for services under the city’s control.
The motion passed without opposition. Finance presented a move to a two-year capital plan (2026–27), with the 2027 levy capped at 2.1% for capital. Council also endorsed a tweak to the Tbaytel dividend policy so a portion of the annual dividend goes directly to capital projects—an approach staff say should lift capital investment by around 5% annually.
City manager John Collin cautioned that 2.6% will be “a challenge,” noting council’s options include tapping reserves to hold the line or pushing the rate higher to avoid doing so. The direction now sets timelines and targets for departments—and signals to boards and agencies to align their 2026 requests with the cap.
Indigenous News
Anishinaabe Keeshigun Returns to Fort William Historical Park
Anishinaabe Keeshigun—the free, family-friendly celebration of culture at Fort William Historical Park—runs Aug. 16–17, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Expect demonstrations, language and technology displays, and lots of hands-on activities rooted in Anishinaabe traditions. Organizers and local leaders describe it as a chance for the broader community to learn, connect, and take in dancing, drumming, and cultural teachings in a welcoming space.
The event has deep roots at FWHP and draws visitors from across the region each year. If you’ve never been, it’s an easy, low-cost way to spend a day outside and experience living culture along the Kaministiquia. Parking fills quickly—arrive early if you can.
Things to do This Week
Events In and Around the City
August 14
Library Events & Family Activities
Discovery Club
STEAM drop-in play with robots, coding, and building challenges—kids 4+
Mary J. L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
All day
$ FREE
Seniors’ Coffee Chat
Relax with crafts and conversation—50+ welcome
Mary J. L. Black Library
10:00 am–12:00 pm
$ FREE
Family Storytime
Stories, songs & rhymes followed by sensory play
Waverley Library – 285 Red River Road
10:00 am–11:00 am
$ FREE
Play Day
Free drop-in play with interactive toys and books
County Park Library – 1010 Dawson Road, Unit 108
1:00 pm–7:30 pm
$ FREE
Western Starry Night Paint-Along
Create a Van Gogh–inspired western mural—registration required
Mary J. L. Black Library
2:00 pm–3:00 pm
$ FREE
Crafty Kids
Fine motor crafts session—ages 3–5 (all ages welcome)
Mary J. L. Black Library
2:30 pm–3:30 pm
$ FREE
Blissful Beading
Relaxing beading session—ages 4+, drop-in fun
County Park Library
3:00 pm–7:30 pm
$ FREE
Markets & Outdoor Attractions
Station Market
Artisan crafts in a heritage railway building
2212 Sleeping Giant Parkway
10:00 am–5:00 pm | $ FREE
Goods & Co Market
Badass local makers and creative workshops
251 Red River Road
11:00 am–6:00 pm | $ FREE
Marina Park Splash Pad
Waterfront splash fun—perfect for all-weather
Water Street
11:00 am–8:30 pm | $ FREE
Muskeg Express Train
Historic miniature train rides—fun for kids!
Centennial Park
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last: ~3:50) | $ FREE entry; ticketed rides
Chippewa Park Rides
Carousel, beach access, and concessions galore
1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm | $ FREE entry; individual ride pricing
Evening Entertainment
Summer in the Parking Lot – Back Forty
Live, family-friendly outdoor music
Superior Inn – 555 West Arthur Street
6:00 pm | $ $7–$20
Thursday Night Group Run
Casual 5 km social run/walk around Boulevard Lake
6:00 pm | FREE
Ripcordz – All Ages Show
Energetic punk-rock at Black Pirates Pub
215 Red River Road
8:00 pm | $ TBD
Movie Option (For Older Kids/Teens or Evening Family Time)
“Coolie” Tamil Movie – One-night screening
Paramount Mapletops / Northern Cineworld, 24 Court St S
9:30 pm | $ $18.99
August 15
Library Events & Family Activities
Play Day @ Waverley Library
Independent play with toys and interactive books for all ages
Waverley Library – 285 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE
Outdoor & Market Experiences
Station Market
Charming artisan market in a historic railway station—candles, pottery, jewelry & more
2212 Sleeping Giant Parkway
10:00 am–5:00 pm
$ FREE
Goods & Co Market
Urban pop-up showcasing local vendors and creative workshops
251 Red River Road
11:00 am–6:00 pm
$ FREE
Marina Park Splash Pad
Waterfront splash pad fun—great for cooling off!
Marina Park (beside Water Garden Pavilion)
11:00 am–8:30 pm
$ FREE
Muskeg Express Train at Centennial Park
Miniature scenic train ride through a historic logging camp re-creation
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
Carousel, beach access, and fun treats in a lakeside park
1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides individually priced
Events & Entertainment
Festival of Sail – Daily Sails
Beautiful sails on the bay—set sail at 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, & 7 pm
Thunder Bay waterfront
Multiple sail times
$ Ticketed (pricing varies)
Dork Brothers ‘Battle of the Paddles’ Race
Exciting canoe/surf ski race with rooftop viewing, and awards/champagne after
Thunder Bay Riverfront
Post-sail race—Awards & Reception 7:00 pm–8:30 pm
$ FREE (drinks for purchase)
Live on the Waterfront Concert Series
Friday evening live music by the harbour
Marina Park
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE
The Castagnes and Friends (Music Show)
Live music at a local pub—laid-back and welcoming
Black Pirates Pub – 215 Red River Road
9:00 pm
$ FREE
August 16
Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods & crafts
Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 E Memorial Ave (Dove Building)
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE
Westfort Street FairAnnual street fair with food stalls, crafts, and community fun
Westfort Neighbourhood (West Thunder Bay)
9:00 am–5:00 pm
$ FREE
Station Market
Charming artisan vendors in a historic railway station—candles, pottery, jewelry & more
Station Market – 2212 Sleeping Giant Parkway
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE
Marina Park Splash Pad
Family-friendly splash pad fun by the waterfront
Marina Park – Water Street (adj. Water Garden Pavilion)
11:00 am–8:30 pm
$ FREE
Muskeg Express Train at Centennial Park
Miniature train ride through a historic logging-camp recreation—great for kids!
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last ride ~3:50)
$ FREE entry; rides ticketed separately
Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Carousel rides, beach access, games & snacks—classic summer park fun
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; ride fees vary
Daniel Moroz Memorial Classic Car Show
Showcase of classic and vintage cars—great for gearheads of all ages
632 City Road (Fort William Reserve)
1:00 pm–10:00 pm
$ FREE
Live Music: Jordan Humeniuk & Friends @ Black Pirates Pub
Acoustic/folk-style local music in a casual, welcoming pub setting
Black Pirates Pub – 215 Red River Road
9:00 pm
$ TBD (likely cover)
Lady Mullet and the Mayhem @ Wayland Bar & Grill
High-energy rock-country band for a late-night crowd (19+)
Wayland Bar & Grill – 1019 Gore Street West
10:00 pm
$5
August 17
Library & Artistic Activities
Summer Studio: Pastel Blooms
Create blooming floral art using soft pastels—great for all ages!
Thunder Bay Art Gallery – 1080 Keewatin Street
1:00 pm–4:00 pm
$ FREE
Morning Markets & Local Flavors
Thunder Bay Country Market
Fresh produce, baked goods & local crafts
CLE Grounds – 126 E Memorial Avenue (Dove Building)
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE
Station Market
Artisan market in a heritage train station—pottery, candles, jewelry & more
2212 Sleeping Giant Parkway
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE
Waterfront Fun & Park Attractions
Festival of Sail
Historic tall ships offering 90-minute sails—family-friendly!
Thunder Bay waterfront
At multiple times throughout the day
$ $55 per person (ticketed)
URL:
Marina Park Splash Pad
Waterfront splash zone perfect for cooling off
Water Street (adjacent to Water Garden Pavilion)
11:00 am–8:30 pm | $ FREE
URL:
Muskeg Express Train at Centennial Park
Miniature train through a historic logging camp re-creation
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last ride ~3:50 pm)
$ FREE entry; short ride ticketed
URL:
Chippewa Park Amusement Rides
Carousel, beach access, and concessions—classic summer fun
1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm | $ FREE entry; individual rides priced
URL:
Community & Motorsport Highlights
Daniel Moroz Memorial Classic Car Show
Parade of classic and vintage cars—engaging for car lovers of all ages
632 City Road (Fort William Reserve)
1:00 pm–10:00 pm | $ FREE
Evening Events
Live Music: Jordan Humeniuk & Friends @ Black Pirates Pub
Acoustic/folk music in a casual pub setting
215 Red River Road
9:00 pm | $ Likely FREE cover
URL:
Lady Mullet & the Mayhem @ Wayland Bar & Grill
Rock‑country band for late-night energy (19+)
1019 Gore Street West
10:00 pm | $ $5
Home of the Day
114 Richmond St
(Realtors if you want your home featured - send us an email: [email protected])
5 bedrooms
6 bathrooms
4,492 sqft
$999,900
Manor with separate inlaw suite, 2 garages, and minutes from hospital.
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