ISSUE #99

Good morning,

I hope everyone is having a good week so far.

In today’s issue, we cover:

• More possible property taxes for you and me 💸

• Daily Poll - Do you want to pay more?

• Gold mine stumbles ⛏

• Weapons charges laid 👮‍♂️

• Waterfront redesign a hit 🌊

• Home sales show rebound 🏠

• Cat Lake drug bust  

• Things to do this week 🗓️

• House of the day - Lakefront propertys 🏡

- Marcus Luft

City Hall

City Council Split on Residential Tax Burden

A June 16 Committee of the Whole meeting at City Council resulted in a tie vote over adjusting tax ratios for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The proposal aimed to shift more residential burden to commercial/industrial sectors to encourage business growth, but with a 6–6 deadlock, the decision was deferred to the next meeting on June 23.

Proponents argued rebalancing tax ratios could incent new businesses and stabilize long-term finances. Opponents, including Councillors Trevor Giertuga and Andrew Foulds, claimed the plan would unfairly raise residential taxes and emphasize business owners already benefit from lower rates.

City’s revenue director cautioned that maintaining the current ratio wouldn’t meet provincial norms and cut revenue growth. With the vote split, the matter remains unresolved.

This debate reflects tension between economic development goals and protecting homeowners, with implications for municipal finances and growth strategy.

Daily Poll

Today’s question is:

Monday’s Results:

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

Mining

Stumbling Start for Greenstone Gold Mine

Northern Ontario Business reported on June 16 that Equinox Gold’s Greenstone mine, south of Geraldton, has underperformed in its first year of commercial production. With forecasts cut from 300,000–350,000 ounces to 220,000–260,000 ounces, the operation is ramping up slower than expected.

This update raises concerns among investors and analysts about the mine’s longer-term performance. Capital expenditures and operational tweaks are underway to align production with revised targets.

The mine remains a major regional economic driver—supporting trades, logistics, and infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario. Equinox’s detailed plan aims to close the gap in the second half of 2025.

The story highlights the challenges of scaling large-scale mining projects in remote areas, from labour acquisition to permitting delays. For stakeholders, the facility’s performance remains critical to regional employment and local investments.

Police

Weapons Charge Laid After Amelia Street Incident

Late June 16, Thunder Bay Police responded to reports from the 200 block of Amelia Street West. Primary Response officers arrived around 11:40 p.m. after receiving word that individuals in a nearby residence were armed.

The Emergency Task Unit (ETU) was deployed, and by 6:15 a.m. the incident concluded with multiple people taken into custody. No injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed there is no ongoing public safety threat.

One individual, Teddy-Lyn Maddock, 34, was charged with Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. Others detained were released without charges.

Police emphasized the successful containment of a potentially volatile situation and urged residents to report suspicious behaviour, especially overnight. Continued updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.

Outdoors

North-Side Businesses Cheer Waterfront Redesign at Prince Arthur’s Landing

On June 16, local business owners on Thunder Bay’s north side celebrated the city’s unveiling of upcoming enhancements to Prince Arthur’s Landing, part of an ongoing waterfront revitalization project. At an International Trails Day event, officials showcased plans for new gathering spaces, upgraded trails, and improved infrastructure designed to attract more tourists.

Kara Pratt, Executive Director of the Waterfront District BIA, said, “It’s fantastic to see the city investing in the area,” emphasizing how these upgrades will complement Marina Park and support cruise ship traffic. In addition to public space improvements, construction is also underway near Pool 6, where cruise ships now dock, and the new Thunder Bay Art Gallery is slated to open in 2027. Also announced: Science North will build a science centre along the waterfront.

The revitalization aims to boost economic activity and position the waterfront as a destination for locals and visitors alike. Businesses anticipate increased foot traffic, particularly during summer events, as the area transforms into a vibrant hub combining culture, nature, and recreation.

Economics

Canadian Home Sales Show First Signs of Rebound

On June 16, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reported a national 3.6% rise in home sales from April to May—the first increase in over six months.

While major cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa led the uptick, smaller markets such as Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario also began showing signs of stabilization.

CREA’s Shaun Cathcart noted that while one month doesn’t define a trend, “prices have stopped falling, and sales picked up.” Meanwhile, new listings rose 3.1%, pushing active inventory toward a balanced state—about 4.9 months of supply.

With home prices only 0.2% lower than April and 3.5% off from last May, the market appears steady. In regions like Northwestern Ontario, traditionally trailing larger urban centres, this recovery may open opportunities for first-time buyers and those looking to upsize—just as seasonal activity heats up.

Indigenous News

Four Arrested in Cat Lake First Nation Drug Bust

On June 17, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) together with the Emergency Response Team and Cat Lake First Nation officers executed a drug trafficking bust in Cat Lake First Nation.

Four individuals were arrested without incident, and officers seized suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, trafficking paraphernalia, and nearly $25,000 in cash.

Arrestees include Zach Dean Roderick Einarson, Nikita Chickekoo, Rory Brent Keesickquayash, and Sabrina Marissa Keesickquayash, all charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.

Einarson was remanded; the others were released with conditions and will face court dates. NAPS continues targeting illicit drug operations in First Nations communities and urges residents to report suspicious activity to protect community safety..

Things to do This Week

Events In and Around the City

June 18

The Little Mermaid JR
Theatrical performance adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and motion picture
Paramout Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$15

Name That Tune - Movie Musicals
Live music trivia
Sleeping Giant Brewing Co - 712 Macdonell St
7pm-9pm
$ FREE

Sip & Salsa With Sharon - Mocktails, Music, and Movement
Ladies-only evening to shake off the stress, sip something sweet and dance through the hump day slump
Dame Más Dance Studio - Arthur St W and Mapleward Rd
7pm-9pm
$30

Pierogi Days
Pre-order or pickup homemade pierogi’s, cabbage rolls, baked chicken, vegan beet soup and more
Polish Combatants’ Association Branch No. 1 - 209 N Cumberland St
9am-4:30pm

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs La Crosse Loggers
Baseball game
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
6:35pm
$38.51

Drag Bingo - 18+ Event
Hosted by Mz Molly Poppinz - featuring laughs, competition and a few performances
Norteños Cantina - 235 Red River Rd
8pm-10:30pm
$ FREE

June 19

Summer In The Parking Lot 2025 Concert Series
Summer live music series featuring this week: Norwesterview Night of Knights, Lakeside District, V3NOM
Superior Inn Parking Lot - 555 W. Arther St
Gates 5:30pm; Show 6pm
$7 at gate

The Little Mermaid JR
Theatrical performance adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and motion picture
Paramout Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$15

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs Waterloo Bucks
Baseball game
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
6:35pm
$38.51

Thursday Group Run
Friendly group of runners doing a 5km with the Metre Eaters - all levels welcome!
Fresh Air - 710 Balmoral St
6:30pm-7:30pm
$ FREE

Indigenous Author Series: David A Robertson
An evening with the award winning best-selling author
Waverley Library - 285 Red River Rd
6pm-8pm
Registration Required

June 20

The Little Mermaid JR
Theatrical performance adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and motion picture
Paramout Theatre - 24 Court St S
7pm
$15

Faery Midnight Mystic Market
Evening filled with captivating fairy drag, psychic insights, enchanting siren treasures, burlesque performers, mesmerizing fire breathers & unique artisans
Goods & Co - 251 Red River Rd
8pm
$5

Thunder Bay Border Cats vs Waterloo Bucks
Baseball game
Port Arthur Stadium - 420 Lisgar St
6:35pm
$38.51

June 21

Crossroad Music Summer Series 2025
Live local musicians and acts
Crossroad Music - 632 City Rd
2pm-8pm
$ FREE

Cambrian Players 75th Anniversary Gala
Dinner, presentation and dancing celebrating Cambrian Players
Slovak Legion - 801 Atlantic Ave
6pm-11:30pm
$65-$75

Duck and Run Thunder Bay 2025
Fundraising race in support of Ducks Unlimited Canada
Kamview Nordic Centre - 851 20th Side Road
10am
Register Here

National Indigenous People Day Pow Wow
Pow wow, food vendors, crafters and feast
Fort William First Nation Area (for bus service to Pow Wow) - 200 Mission Rd
12pm-7:30pm
$ FREE

Home of the Day

1849 MacKenzie Beach Ave

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

2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
1,248 sqft

$679,900

Lakefront property overlooking Amethyst Bay & Caribou Island