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- GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 16-7-25
GOOD MORNING - Thunder Bay Digest: 16-7-25
Estimated read time: 10 minutes
Thunder Bay Digest
July 16, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
Education
College Program Cuts: University and Union Disagree on Job Losses
Thunder Bay’s Confederation College announced last week that 11 programs were suspended and enrolment paused in three more, prompting concern over job losses.
The college insists no full-time faculty positions were cut—but said a hiring freeze, elimination of vacant roles, and voluntary retirements led to 41 position reductions. In contrast, OPSEU Local 732 claims the truth is harsher: about 100 part-time and sessional faculty lost their roles, plus 11 full-time positions were eliminated—with five more at risk.
The union has filed 10 grievances so far, fearing continuing cuts. The conflict stems from dropping domestic and international enrolment, though Confederation notes full-time staffing levels haven’t changed in 15 years.
OPSEU warns this is part of the province-wide crisis, with nearly 10,000 staff affected across Ontario's colleges . As negotiations proceed, professors and contract faculty alike are watching closely—and hoping the college will “meet us in the middle.”
Daily Poll
Today’s question is:
Are you concerned about the future of Confederation College |
Monday’s Results:
You can download the full results (including comments) here in an Excel file (email addresses have been removed for anonymity).
News
Stopped Just in Time: Driver Escapes Car Fire After Good Samaritan Warning
On July 15, a quick-thinking motorist alerted a Thunder Bay driver to smoke billowing from their engine, allowing them to pull over moments before flames erupted.
The incident began when other motorists spotted the smoke and used their hazard lights and honks to warn the driver. The driver stopped on a nearby road, jumped out, and the car was engulfed within seconds.
Fire crews from the Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue were dispatched but the vehicle was already fully ablaze. Fortunately, nobody was injured. Police are thanking the alert passersby whose actions prevented potential injuries or worse.
Investigators are examining the cause, with mechanical failure suspected. The blaze closed the road briefly but didn’t result in traffic injuries or wider fire spread.
Police
Youthful Driver Nabbed Going Nearly 70 km/h Over the Limit
Ontario Provincial Police clocked a 19-year-old driver speeding at a jaw-dropping 158km/h in a 90km/h zone along Highway 11/17 in the Municipality of Shuniah. The incident occurred on July 14, and the driver was quickly charged under Ontario’s stunt driving laws.
As a result, the young motorist’s license was immediately suspended for 30 days, and the vehicle impounded for 14 days. OPP officials reminded the public that stunt driving—defined as going 40+ km/h over the limit in zones under 80 km/h, or 50+ over in higher-speed areas—is not only dangerous but also comes with steep fines and possible jail time.
With summer road travel in full swing, police are stepping up patrols on highways in Northwestern Ontario. The message is clear: slow down or face serious consequences.
Outdoors
Ontario’s Moose Tag Allocation System to Change in 2027
Big changes are coming to Ontario’s moose hunting rules in 2027. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry plans to overhaul its tag allocation system, shifting back to a points-based process rather than the current lottery.
The system used from 1992 to 2019 awarded tags based on preference points—giving long-time applicants better odds. But since 2020, the lottery system has caused frustrations among hunters, especially those who’ve waited years without success.
Stakeholder consultations revealed a strong desire to return to a more predictable, equitable process. Officials say the points-based system will offer better transparency and reward loyalty, though details about point accrual and eligibility are still being finalized.
For now, the current system stays in place through the 2026 hunting season. Hunters should expect full guidelines by late 2026 to prepare for the switch.
Forest Fire
Manitoba Fire Spreads into Northwestern Ontario
A major wildfire that began in eastern Manitoba has now crossed into Northwestern Ontario, prompting increased monitoring by provincial fire crews.
As of July 14, the blaze is burning near the Ontario border, and officials warn it could impact communities depending on weather and wind patterns. Although the fire is not yet threatening homes or highways directly, smoke has already worsened air quality in the region.
Ontario’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services is coordinating closely with Manitoba counterparts, deploying crews and aircraft as needed. The fire adds pressure to an already busy season, with dozens of active fires burning across the Northwest.
Residents are urged to stay alert for local fire restrictions and air quality advisories. Officials say cooperation between provinces will be key in controlling the cross-border spread, especially as dry conditions persist.
Indigenous News
NAPS Faces “Unique” Recruiting Challenges in Northern Communities
The Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service (NAPS), which serves 35 remote First Nations across northern Ontario, says its recruitment issues are more complicated than most police services face.
In a July 14 update, NAPS Chief Roland Morrison said the service is struggling to attract and retain officers due to isolation, limited housing, and fewer support services in many communities.
Unlike urban services, NAPS officers often work without backup or nearby healthcare—leading to faster burnout. While new government funding has improved training and gear, Morrison emphasized that recruitment remains a “human issue,” not just financial.
He added that NAPS must often grow its own officers from within Indigenous communities. The organization is developing programs to recruit young people locally and offer long-term career paths in public safety.
But with demand for officers rising, the need to build solutions that respect geography and culture is more urgent than ever.
Things to do This Week
Events In and Around the City
July 16
PIEROGI DAYS
Weekly Polish pierogi festival—homemade fillings and more
Polish Combatants’ Association – 209 N Cumberland Street
9:00 am–4:30 pm
$ FREE
The Muskeg Express at Centennial Park
Miniature scenic train rides through Centennial Park
Centennial Park – Centennial Park Road
11:00 am–4:00 pm (last ride ~3:50 pm)
$ FREE entry; rides ticketed separately
Chippewa Park Amusement Rides & Concessions
Amusement rides, beach, carousel & concessions
Chippewa Park – 1735 City Road
1:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE entry; rides individually priced
Rock Painting at Toy Sense!
Creative rock painting for kids (adult supervision required)
Toy Sense – 447 May Street North
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
$ FREE
Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering produce, baked goods & crafts
Dove Building, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 Memorial Avenue
3:30 pm–6:30 pm
$ FREE
Live on the Waterfront Concert Series
Weekly live music at Marina Park—bring blankets and chairs
Marina Park – Water Street
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE
Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar at Shooters Tavern
Live piano-bar entertainment every Wednesday
Shooters Tavern – 377 Memorial Avenue
8:00 pm
$ FREE
Motorhead Tribute at Black Pirates Pub
Motörhead tribute with local rock support acts
Black Pirates Pub – 215 Red River Road
Doors 8:00 pm / Show 8:30 pm–11:30 pm
$15 advance / $20 door
Discovery Club
STEAM drop-in activities for kids (age 4+)
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
All day
$ FREE
Family Storytime
Early literacy story session with songs & rhymes
County Park Library – 1010 Dawson Road (Unit 108)
10:00 am–11:00 am
$ FREE
Baby and Me Storytime
Interactive storytime for infants (0–12 mo)
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
1:30 pm–2:30 pm
$ FREE
Family Movie: Kung Fu Panda 4
Free family-friendly film screening with popcorn
Waverley Library – 285 Red River Road
2:30 pm–4:00 pm
$ FREE
July 17
Summer In The Parking Lot – The Lazys
All-ages live music outdoors as part of the Superior Inn series
Superior Inn Hotel – 555 West Arthur Street
6:00 pm
$7–$20 (ticket varies)
Thursday Night Group Run
Community 5 km run/walk in Boulevard Lake area
Meet at Rita Street parking lot, Lyon Boulevard W.
6:00 pm–7:00 pm
$ FREE
Piping in the Park – Macgillivray Pipe Band
Live pipe band performance in the park setting
Hillcrest Park – High Street North
7:30 pm–8:30 pm
$ FREE
Discovery Club
STEAM drop-in fun for kids aged 4+, featuring robots, coding and building challenges
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
All day
$ FREE
Family Storytime
Early literacy session with stories, songs & rhymes for children and caregivers
Waverley Library – 285 Red River Road
10:00 am–11:00 am
$ FREE
Play Day @ County Park
Drop-in open play with sensory toys and interactive books
County Park Library – 1010 Dawson Road (Unit 108)
1:00 pm–7:30 pm
$ FREE
Crafty Kids
Fine-motor crafts session for ages 3–5 (and all ages welcome)
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
2:30 pm–3:30 pm
$ FREE
Blissful Beading
After-school beading crafts for age 4+, with relaxed social crafting environment
County Park Library – 1010 Dawson Road (Unit 108)
3:00 pm–7:30 pm (ends 30 min before closing)
$ FREE
Rec Room (Teen Program)
Art/anime-themed teen hangout with rotating activities at Mary J.L. Black Library
Mary J.L. Black Library – 901 Edward Street South
5:00 pm–7:30 pm
$ FREE
July 18
Toonie Swim at Canada Games Complex
Budget-friendly family swim time with pool access
Canada Games Complex – 420 Winnipeg Avenue
6:00 pm–8:00 pm
$2 per person
Jazz & Old-Fashioned Fridays ft. Mood Indigo
Smooth live jazz with classic cocktail atmosphere
Anchor & Ore – 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway
6:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE
DJ Ducktail at Woodside Bar
DJ night with dance and chill vibes (19+)
Woodside Bar – Red River Road
6:00 pm
$ FREE
Paranormal Cirque IV
A mysterious circus under the big top featuring acrobats and illusionists (13+ with adult)
Intercity Shopping Centre Parking Lot – 1000 Fort William Road
9:30 pm (also runs through July 21)
$ TBD (ticketed)
The Selfies at The Foundry
High-energy classic/pop cover band performance
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm
$ FREE
July 19
Thunder Bay Country Market
Local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods & crafts
Dove Building, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition – 126 E Memorial Ave
8:00 am–1:00 pm
$ FREE
Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE
Crossroad Music Summer Series
Live outdoor concert featuring local musicians
Crossroad Music – 632 City Road
2:00 pm–4:00 pm
$ FREE
Vinyl Saturdays at Red Lion Smokehouse
Music, food & vinyl DJ vibes
Red Lion Smokehouse – 16 Cumberland St S
3:00 pm–9:00 pm
$ FREE
Festival of India
Colourful cultural celebration with music, performances & food
Marina Park – Water Street
3:00 pm onwards
$ FREE
DJ Rogue at The Foundry
Energetic DJ dance night (19+)
The Foundry – 242 Red River Road
10:00 pm
$5
July 20
Female Border Collective Skate
Inclusive community skate session for all skill levels
Cinema 5 Skatepark – 115 Cumberland Street North
10:00 am–12:00 pm
$ FREE
Goods & Co Market
Artisan pop-up market with workshops
251 Red River Road
10:00 am–4:00 pm
$ FREE
Festival of Colours
Celebrate community with a vibrant colour-throwing event, music, and fun
Marina Park – Water Street
3:00 pm–8:00 pm
$ FREE
Paranormal Cirque IV
Mystery circus under the “Striped Big Top”—13+ with adult admission
Intercity Shopping Centre Parking Lot – 1000 Fort William Road
8:30 pm
$ TBD (ticketed)
Home of the Day
1860 Heathcliff Dr
(Realtors if you want your home featured - send us an email: [email protected])
3 bedrooms
2 bathroom
1,800 sqft
$820,000
Comes with a view of the NorWesters.
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