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GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 16-5-25

GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 16-5-25

Estimated read time: 7 minutes

Thunder Bay Digest
May 16, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

ISSUE #87

Good morning,

We made it to the long weekend! I hope everyone has a fun, safe, time.

In today’s issue, we cover:

Fire restrictions pick up 🔥
Daily Poll - Camp fire this weekend??
Navy shipyard contract ⚓️
Sexual assault arrest 👮‍♂️
Staffing agencies booming 👩‍💻
Maple kitchen opens 🍁
Matawa First Nation mental health help
Things to do this week 🗓️
House of the day - Turn of the century home 🏡

- Marcus Luft

Fires

Fires, Fires, Everywhere: Restricted Fire Zone West of TBay

If you were thinking of roasting marshmallows under the stars this weekend, better put that stick down.

Starting May 16, a Restricted Fire Zone is in effect west of Thunder Bay, thanks to a surging forest fire risk. That means no open-air burning, no backyard bonfires, and definitely no fire permits—everything’s on hold until Mother Nature chills out.

There are currently 15 active wildfires in Northwestern Ontario, and nine of them are straight-up out of control.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is hoping this proactive step can help prevent things from getting worse. So for now, it’s battery-powered lanterns and s’mores in the microwave, folks.

On the bright side? You now have a totally legit excuse to cancel that awkward cottage weekend with your in-laws. Win-win?

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Were you planning a fire this weekend?

Wednesday’s Results:

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

Industry

All Aboard? Thunder Bay Shipyard Sets Sights on Navy Contracts

There’s hope on the horizon for Thunder Bay’s shipyard—and it’s shaped like a battleship.

The shipyard’s owner is very keen on landing federal contracts to build new naval vessels. And who can blame them? That kind of deal could breathe new life into local manufacturing and keep skilled tradespeople working for years.

They’re looking to line up with Ottawa’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, which has billions in funding and a shopping list of military and coast guard ships. If Thunder Bay plays its cards right, this could mean more than just welding and steel—it could mean full-on economic lift-off.

Here’s to hoping they get the green light and we see Thunder Bay’s waterfront buzzing with the sounds of hammering, riveting, and patriotic shipbuilding energy.

Police

Thunder Bay Driver Charged with Assault

Thunder Bay Police have charged a 25-year-old taxi driver with sexual assault and assault after an incident early Wednesday morning on Cumberland Street South.

According to police, the driver was taken into custody quickly and has since been remanded until his next court appearance. Authorities haven’t released the name to protect those involved, but they’re asking anyone with further information to step forward.

It’s a reminder that even in a small city like Thunder Bay, safety in rideshares and cabs is something we all need to stay aware of. Kudos to the police for acting fast—and let’s hope the justice system handles this one with the seriousness it deserves.

Economy

Staffing Agencies Are Booming—But Not Everyone’s Cheering

So here’s a plot twist in the Northern Ontario job scene: staffing agencies are booming.

According to a new report, the region—including Thunder Bay—is relying more and more on temp and contract labour. Sounds flexible, right? But for workers, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

Critics are raising eyebrows at what they call “casualized labour”—jobs that come without benefits, long-term stability, or union protections. It’s convenient for employers, sure, but for workers trying to pay Thunder Bay rent and groceries, the gig economy doesn’t always cut it.

This one’s likely to spark some debate—especially among those grinding away at jobs that change every few weeks. Let’s hope the conversation leads to better options for everyone.

Food

A Taste of Home: Maple Kitchen Opens in Thunder Bay

Get your appetites ready, TBay—Maple Kitchen just opened its doors, and the menu is sounding delicious.

This new local spot officially launched on May 15 and is already creating some foodie buzz. From hearty Canadian comfort food to lighter bites with local flair, it’s aiming to hit the sweet spot between cozy and contemporary.

Early visitors are raving about the welcoming vibes, stylish decor, and—no surprise here—the maple-glazed everything. (Pro tip: Try the smoked maple chicken sandwich. Game-changer.)

It’s always great to see fresh local businesses pop up, especially ones that give Thunder Bay residents a reason to skip the chains and eat close to home. So if you’re in the area, drop in, show some love, and bring your appetite.

Let’s hope Maple Kitchen sticks around longer than a northern Ontario summer.

Indigenous News

Mino-Ayaawin Maamawi: A New Path to Wellness for Matawa Communities

Big news for Indigenous health and wellness in Northwestern Ontario! On May 14, Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS) announced the launch of Mino-Ayaawin Maamawi, a two-year initiative aimed at enhancing mental health and addiction support across nine Matawa First Nation communities.

Thanks to a generous $392,800 grant from TD Bank’s Ready Commitment, this project is all about blending traditional Indigenous healing practices with modern clinical care. The goal? To create a culturally grounded, community-led wellness model that addresses urgent mental health, trauma, and addiction-related needs.

The program will offer workshops, one-on-one support services, community-based research, and culturally appropriate healing activities. It’s designed to be trauma-informed and rooted in Indigenous knowledge and traditions, promoting healing, resilience, and long-term community wellness.

David Neegan, Executive Director of KKETS, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This funding from TD is more than just financial support—it is a partnership in our vision to build strong, healthy, and resilient Indigenous communities.”

This initiative is a promising step forward in addressing the unique wellness needs of Indigenous individuals living in Northwestern Ontario.