ISSUE #130

Good morning,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

This issue features our first reader-sponsored house listing, make sure you check it out!

In today’s issue we cover:

• Snakes for pets

• Daily Poll - Should the city allow pythons? 

• Art gallery needing more money  

• Moose hunters get hefty fines

• Amelia St drug bust

• Dew Drop Inn sets record

• Rural libraries get a digital upgrade

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - 5 bedroom home at an incredible value! 🏡

- Marcus Luft

City Hall

The Serpent Who Wants to Be a Roommate

A Thunder Bay resident is petitioning the city to make an exception to its exotic animal bylaw for ball pythons.

The resident argues that these snakes are harmless, non-venomous, and smaller than the average housecat, making them ideal pets. They can't survive the Canadian winter, so there's no risk of them becoming an invasive species. The city, however, is not so sure.

Officials are concerned about the logistics of enforcing such an exemption, noting that they don't have the infrastructure to handle seized snakes. They also raised concerns about potential bites, which can still cause infections, and the welfare of the animals themselves.

The city is also wary of encouraging the exotic pet trade. The matter is currently before the city's finance and administration committee.

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).

Do you love Thunder Bay Digest so much you want to donate to it to help keep it running?

Or are you interested in:

• Creating your own poll for the readers to respond to? ($2)

• Having an event highlighted? ($5)

• Showcasing your house ($10)

• A full ad ($25)

Then click the coffee cup below to find out how and get in as soon as the next issue!

A HUGE shoutout to Ashley A, for buying a Featured Home listing in today’s Thunder Bay Digest! We appreciate you! ❤️

Culture

The Gallery of Unfunded Dreams

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is seeking an additional $2.5 million from the city to help with the phased opening of its new waterfront facility.

This is on top of the $5 million the city has already committed, but not yet paid out. The city administration is supportive of the request, but with conditions.

The new funding would be tied to the gallery securing funds from other sources to ensure the building can at least partially open. The previously committed $5 million is also being held up by the lack of a signed funding and lease agreement.

The total project cost is estimated at $74.5 million, with the gallery having raised about $52 million so far. The city's additional contribution would be split between the municipal accommodation tax and the Renew Thunder Bay reserve fund.

Outdoors

Moose-taken Identity

A tourist outfitting business and two hunters have been fined a total of nearly $14,000 for their roles in the illegal hunting of a cow and calf moose.

The incident took place in October 2022, north of Kenora. The hunters shot the moose during the closed season after being issued a tag by the outfitter. One of the hunters also faced charges for filing a false report and fishing without a license.

The other hunter was charged with hunting without a license and illegally exporting wildlife. The outfitting business was fined for its role in the illegal hunt and possession of unlawfully obtained wildlife.

Both hunters received one-year hunting bans in addition to their fines.

Police

Amelia Street Blues

Five people are facing charges after a drug bust on Amelia Street West in Thunder Bay.

The raid, which took place on October 2, resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with over $15,000 in cash.

Three of the accused are from the Greater Toronto Area, while two are from Thunder Bay. All five are charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.

Two of the individuals from the GTA are also facing charges for breaching probation or release conditions (not at all shocking in today’s bail climate).

Charity

A Record-Setting Thanksgiving, With a Side of Inflation

The Dew Drop Inn served a record 816 Thanksgiving dinners this year, a bittersweet milestone for the north-end soup kitchen.

The record number of meals served highlights the increasing food insecurity in the community, with the organization's own food costs having doubled this year.

The soup kitchen had budgeted $80,000 for food but now expects to spend $160,000. Despite the financial strain, the organization continues to serve two meals a day, thanks to the support of over 400 volunteers and generous community donations.

The executive director noted a steady increase in the number of people using their services, with a significant portion being seniors and people with disabilities on fixed incomes.

Indigenous

Rural Libraries Get a Digital Upgrade

The Ontario government is providing $660,000 to help First Nation and rural libraries offer free internet access to their patrons.

The funding, which includes a $78,000 increase from previous years, will allow an additional 30 rural libraries to provide the service. The province highlighted the importance of libraries as essential access points for high-speed internet, especially in communities where home service is limited or unaffordable.

According to a survey, one in three northerners without home internet access rely on their local library to stay connected. This funding is part of a larger investment of over $4.3 million in library internet services since 2018.

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

October 15

9th Annual Terror In The Bay Film Festival 
One of Ontario's top-rated horror film festivals returns for another year of scares. Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Paramount Theatre, 24 S. Court St

Aanikoobijiganag: Thunder Bay Beading Symposium 2025 - Keynote Address
A vibrant 4-day gathering of beadwork experts and enthusiasts, kicking off with a keynote address by Joe Big Mountain. 
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: The Chanterelle Ballroom

Danny Johnson's Piano Bar at Shooters Tavern 
Enjoy a night of live music with Danny Johnson on the piano. 
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Shooters Tavern, 377 Memorial Avenue

Mayor's Taskforce on Building More Homes Advisory Committee Meeting 
A meeting of the advisory committee focused on strategies for increasing housing in Thunder Bay. 
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: 3rd Floor, City Hall, 500 Donald St. E.

Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting 
A meeting of the Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee. 
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Details to be announced.

PIEROGI DAYS!!! 
A weekly event offering delicious pierogies. 
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 209 N. Cumberland Street

October 16

9th Annual Terror In The Bay Film Festival 
The horror film festival continues with a new selection of chilling films. 
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Paramount Theatre, 24 S. Court St

Aanikoobijiganag: Thunder Bay Beading Symposium 2025 
The second day of the symposium, featuring a beading market and workshops with guest artists. 
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: The Chanterelle Ballroom

Committee of Adjustment Meeting 
A public meeting held by the City of Thunder Bay's Committee of Adjustment. Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, 500 Donald St. E.

Crafternoon at the Library 
Join us for a relaxing afternoon of crafting. Supplies are provided for this week's featured project. 
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Waverley Resource Library, 285 Red River Road

Drag Queen Paint Night 
A fun and creative evening combining painting with entertainment from talented drag queens. 
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Chanterelle on Park

Open Mic Night at The Foundry 
Showcase your talent or enjoy the local music scene at this popular weekly open mic night. 
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Foundry, 242 Red River Road

October 17

9th Annual Terror In The Bay Film Festival 
The third day of the film festival, showcasing feature-length and short horror films from around the world. 
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Details to be announced.

Aanikoobijiganag: Thunder Bay Beading Symposium 2025 
Day three of the symposium features advanced workshops, a vendor market, and a community round dance. 
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: The Chanterelle Ballroom

Murder at the Juice Joint 
A roaring 20s M**der Mystery Dinner presented by the Cambrian Players. 
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: The Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, 1 Valhalla Inn Road

Thunder Bay Kings AAA Hockey vs. Soo Jr. Greyhounds 
Cheer on the local U18 AAA hockey team as they take on a rival from Sault Ste. Marie. 
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Fort William First Nation Arena, 200 Mission Road

Friday Night Magic at The GameShelf 
A weekly gathering for Magic: The Gathering players of all skill levels, typically featuring the Commander format. 
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: The GameShelf, 401 Syndicate Avenue South

The Honest Heart Collective - Live at Black Pirates Pub 
Thunder Bay's own indie rock band performs a hometown show with special guests. 
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: Black Pirates Pub, 215 Red River Road

October 18

9th Annual Terror In The Bay Film Festival 
The festival continues with a full day of horror screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and industry panels. 
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: Screenings from 12:00 PM onwards
Location: Paramount Theatre, 24 S. Court St

Aanikoobijiganag: Thunder Bay Beading Symposium 2025 
The final day of the symposium, concluding with a public art exhibition, a community feast, and closing ceremonies. 
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: The Chanterelle Ballroom

Thunder Bay Country Market 
A vibrant market featuring over 100 local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, crafts, and prepared foods. 
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Grounds (CLE), Dove Building

Murder at the Juice Joint 
A roaring 20s M**der Mystery Dinner presented by the Cambrian Players. The second night of this interactive event. 
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM
Location: The Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, 1 Valhalla Inn Road

Family Story Time at the Library 
A fun, drop-in story time for children and their caregivers, featuring books, songs, and rhymes. 
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Mary J.L. Black Library, 901 S. Edward Street

Thunder Bay Kings AAA Hockey vs. Soo Jr. Greyhounds 
The second game of the weekend series between the local U18 AAA hockey team and the Soo Jr. Greyhounds. 
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Fort William First Nation Arena, 200 Mission Road

3rd Annual Climate Gathering - Building Resilience in an Uncertain World
Full-day event designed to unite climate-focused organizations, community leaders, passionate individuals, and those wanting to support a cause.
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Lakehead University Faculty Lounge

October 19

9th Annual Terror In The Bay Film Festival - Final Day & Awards 
The festival concludes with the final block of film screenings followed by the official awards ceremony. 
Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Details to be announced.

An Evening with Bruce Cockburn 
A performance by the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, presented by the Thunder Bay Blues Society. 
Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive

Sunday Jazz Brunch at The Chanterelle 
Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet accompanied by the soothing sounds of a live jazz trio. 
Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: The Chanterelle, 201 North Court Street

Home of the Day
Sponsored Listing

359 Syndicate Ave North

This is a rare find in Thunder Bay! A beautifully done, 3-storey home, at a very affordable price!

Featuring ample room with 5-bedroom and 2-bathroom layout, this home has 3 large bedrooms on the second floor with a 4-piece bathroom featuring a claw-foot tub. The top floor is home to two more bedrooms, or a versatile play space if you want some separation between yourself and the kids (and let’s be honest, that’s a pretty sweet feature…).

The yard is fully enclosed with a new fence, and you can enjoy your privacy on a two-tiered deck. Recent updates include:

✅ New shingles on back porch (2025)
✅ New deck (2024)
✅ New backyard fence (2024)
✅ High-efficiency furnace and AC (2021)
✅ Fresh paint throughout

5 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
1,775 sqft

$279,900

To contact the seller directly, please call 1 (807) 474-3390